Tea drinkers tend to fall into one of two camps: those who reach for the convenience of a tea bag and those who swear by the ritual of loose-leaf tea. But what actually makes these two forms of tea different? And more importantly, does it affect the flavor, quality, or overall tea-drinking experience? Let’s break it down.

The Basics: What Sets Them Apart

Loose Leaf Tea

Loose leaf tea consists of whole or partially broken tea leaves that are steeped directly in hot water, usually using an infuser or strainer. These leaves have space to expand, fully releasing their flavors and essential oils.

Bagged Tea

There are two categories of bagged tea: one contains small, broken tea leaves known as "dust" or "fannings," which steep quickly but can become bitter if oversteeped. The other contains loose leaf tea, but the tea bag restricts the leaves from fully unfurling, limiting flavor extraction and complexity.

Flavor and Quality: Why It Matters

Loose Leaf: A Fuller, More Nuanced Flavor

Since loose leaf tea uses whole leaves or larger pieces, it preserves the natural oils and flavors better than bagged tea. The result? A more complex, well-rounded cup with depth and character. Plus, loose leaf teas often use higher-quality ingredients, free from artificial additives or unnecessary fillers.

Bagged Tea: Convenient but Often Lacking

Bagged tea, on the other hand, sacrifices quality for convenience. The small leaf particles in tea bags lose their essential oils quickly, leading to a flatter, sometimes bitter taste. While there are premium bagged teas on the market, many mass-produced options don’t hold up to the fresh, layered experience of loose leaf.

Steeping Differences: More Space, Better Brew

Loose Leaf Tea

Loose leaf tea needs room to expand, which is why using an infuser, teapot, or even a simple mesh strainer is ideal. This allows the leaves to release their full range of flavors, resulting in a richer, more aromatic tea.

Bagged Tea

Tea bags are often packed tightly, restricting water flow and limiting infusion. This means you may not get the full depth of flavor, even if you steep the tea for a longer time.

Sustainability: Which One Is Better for the Planet?

Loose Leaf: A Greener Choice

Many tea bags contain plastic or non-biodegradable materials, making them less environmentally friendly. Loose leaf tea, especially when purchased in bulk, cuts down on waste and packaging, making it the more sustainable option.

Bagged Tea: Potential for Waste

While some brands offer compostable tea bags, many still use nylon or plastic-based materials that don’t break down easily. If sustainability is a priority, loose leaf tea is the better bet.

Cost Considerations: Is Loose Leaf More Expensive?

At first glance, loose leaf tea may seem pricier, but when you break it down per serving, it often costs the same (or less) than high-quality bagged tea. Because you can steep loose leaves multiple times, you get more value from each serving compared to a single-use tea bag.

The Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?

If you prioritize convenience and quick brewing, bagged tea might work for you. But if you care about quality, flavor, and sustainability, loose leaf tea is the clear winner. It offers a more immersive tea experience, giving you the freedom to control strength, blend ingredients, and savor every sip.

At Blended by Andie, we believe in crafting small-batch, high-quality loose leaf blends because great tea deserves to be experienced in its full glory. Whether you're new to loose leaf or already a fan, we invite you to explore the difference for yourself. Once you do, you might never go back to bagged tea again.