Green tea is prized for its fresh flavor, antioxidants, and health benefits but many people still ask the same question: how long does green tea last?
Whether you’re storing loose leaf tea, tea bags, matcha powder, or brewed green tea, the shelf life depends heavily on form, storage conditions, and exposure to air, light, and moisture.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how long green tea lasts, how to store it properly, and how to tell when green tea has gone bad.
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How to Store Matcha: The Ultimate Guide to Keep Your Matcha Fresh
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Matcha vs Green Tea: Ultimate Guide to Benefits, Differences, and FAQs
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How Many Times Can a Tea Bag Be Used?
How Long Does Green Tea Last Overall?
In general:
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Unopened dry green tea lasts 12–24 months
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Opened dry green tea lasts 6–12 months
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Brewed green tea lasts 3–5 days in the fridge
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Green tea at room temperature lasts 8–12 hours
Green tea doesn’t always “expire” suddenly but it loses freshness, flavor, caffeine, and antioxidants over time.
How Long Does Green Tea Last by Type
How Long Does Loose Leaf Green Tea Last?
Loose leaf green tea has a shorter shelf life than black tea due to minimal oxidation.
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Unopened loose leaf green tea: 12–24 months
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Opened loose leaf green tea: 6–12 months
Loose leaf tea is highly sensitive to:
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Air exposure
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Heat
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Light
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Humidity
Once opened, it begins losing aroma and flavor almost immediately.
How Long Do Green Tea Bags Last?
Green tea bags last slightly longer because they’re often sealed.
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Unopened green tea bags: 18–24 months
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Opened green tea bags: 6–12 months
Individually wrapped tea bags last longer than boxed tea bags stored loosely.
How Long Does Matcha Green Tea Last?
Matcha has the shortest shelf life of all green teas.
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Unopened matcha: 6–12 months
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Opened matcha: 1–2 months
Matcha oxidizes quickly because it’s finely ground and exposed to more air.
How Long Does Bottled Green Tea Last?
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Unopened bottled green tea: Check expiration date (usually 6–12 months)
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Opened bottled green tea: 2–3 days in the fridge
Preservatives extend shelf life, but once opened, spoilage accelerates.
How Long Does Brewed Green Tea Last?
How Long Does Green Tea Last at Room Temperature?
Brewed green tea left out is safe for only a short time.
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Room temperature: 8–12 hours max
After that, bacteria growth increases and flavor deteriorates.
How Long Does Green Tea Last in the Fridge?
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Refrigerated brewed green tea: 3–5 days
Store in an airtight glass container to preserve freshness.
How Long Does Iced Green Tea Last?
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Unsweetened iced green tea: 3–5 days refrigerated
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Sweetened iced green tea: 2–3 days
Sugar speeds up spoilage.
How to Tell If Green Tea Has Gone Bad
Signs Dry Green Tea Has Gone Bad
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Faded or dull color
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Weak or stale aroma
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Flat or bitter taste
Old green tea won’t usually make you sick but it won’t taste good.
Signs Brewed Green Tea Has Gone Bad
Throw away brewed green tea if you notice:
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Sour smell
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Cloudy appearance
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Slimy texture
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Mold
Does Green Tea Expire or Just Lose Quality?
Green tea usually has a best-by date, not a true expiration date.
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Safe past the date if stored properly
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Loses antioxidants, caffeine, and flavor over time
Factors That Affect How Long Green Tea Lasts
Storage Conditions
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Air exposure
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Light exposure
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Heat
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Moisture
Packaging Type
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Foil-sealed packaging lasts longest
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Paper boxes allow oxidation
Tea Quality
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Fresh harvest lasts longer
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Matcha spoils fastest
How to Store Green Tea Properly to Make It Last Longer
How to Store Dry Green Tea
Best practices:
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Airtight container
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Cool, dark place
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Away from moisture
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Avoid refrigeration unless vacuum-sealed
How to Store Brewed Green Tea
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Store in glass containers
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Refrigerate immediately
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Consume within 3–5 days
Can You Drink Expired Green Tea?
Yes, if it smells and tastes normal.
Discard green tea if:
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It smells sour
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Mold is present
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Taste is unpleasant
Green Tea Shelf Life Compared to Other Teas
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Green tea: 6–12 months opened
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Black tea: 2–3 years
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Herbal tea: 1–3 years
Green tea has the shortest shelf life due to low oxidation.
Does Green Tea Lose Health Benefits Over Time?
Yes. Over time, green tea loses:
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Antioxidants
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Catechins
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Caffeine
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Aroma
Fresh green tea offers the most health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does green tea last after opening?
6–12 months for dry tea, 3–5 days brewed.
Can green tea go bad if unopened?
Yes, but very slowly if stored properly.
How long does green tea last in the fridge?
Brewed green tea lasts 3–5 days refrigerated.
Can you drink green tea left out overnight?
Not recommended discard after 12 hours.
How long does matcha green tea last?
1–2 months after opening.
Does green tea lose caffeine over time?
Yes, caffeine content decreases as tea ages.
Conclusion
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Dry green tea: 6–24 months depending on storage
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Brewed green tea: 3–5 days refrigerated
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Matcha expires fastest
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Proper storage dramatically extends shelf life
Fresh green tea delivers better taste, aroma, and health benefits, so consume it as early as possible.
