How Long Does Tea Last?
Storage method
Tea — bags — pantry, from date of purchase
18 to 36 months in the pantry
- Cool, dry pantry or cupboard
- Applies from date of purchase · bags
Pick a valid date to calculate the recommended use-by window.
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24) · About this data · Report an issue
FoodStorageCheck — official USDA FoodKeeper guidance · foodstoragecheck.com
All official guidance for tea
Every storage entry the USDA FoodKeeper dataset lists for this food, exactly as published (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24). “No official duration listed” means the source does not provide a number for that combination — not that the food lasts forever.
Tea — bags
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | from date of purchase | 18 to 36 months |
| Pantry | after opening | 6 to 12 months |
Tea — instant
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | from date of purchase | 2 to 3 years |
| Pantry | after opening | 6 to 12 months |
Tea — loose
| Where | Condition | Official time | Notes from the source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pantry | from date of purchase | 2 years | — |
| Pantry | after opening | 6 to 12 months | — |
| Freezer | general guideline | No official duration listed | Matcha tea is the only tea that can be frozen after opening. |
Common questions about tea
- How long does tea last in the pantry?
- 18 to 36 months in the pantry, counted from the date of purchase, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Assumes a cool, dry pantry away from light.
- How long does tea last after opening?
- Once opened — pantry: 6 to 12 months, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset.