What’s Really in Your Tea Bag? Why I Switched to Loose-Leaf
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I don’t drink tea from tea bags. I don’t make it that way either. And it’s not about being fancy.
It’s a choice I made years ago — one that came from both learning what’s in most commercial tea bags and realizing how much better loose-leaf tea makes me feel.
Don’t get me wrong — if tea bags helped you fall in love with tea, that’s a good thing. But for me, they didn’t sit right. Literally.
🫁 The Health Side: What’s In (and On) a Tea Bag?
Many store-bought tea bags are made with plastic-based fibers, often sealed with synthetic glues or heat-sealing agents that can leach microplastics when steeped in hot water. Some are even bleached. That means every cup could come with residue and particles that aren’t listed on the label — especially in cheaper, mass-produced brands.
I’ve dealt with gut inflammation for decades from autoimmune disease, and I started noticing something weird: my stomach always felt a little worse after drinking bagged tea. Bloating, fatigue, sometimes nausea.
When I switched to clean, organic loose-leaf blends, all of that faded away. I could enjoy tea again — not just for comfort, but for true inflammatory support and healing.
🍃 The Quality Difference: Whole Leaf vs. Dust
Tea bags often contain what the industry calls “fannings” or “dust” — tiny broken fragments left over after whole tea leaves are processed. These particles lose their oils, aroma, and flavor quickly, and what you’re left with is a dull, flat brew with a quick expiration date.
Loose-leaf tea, on the other hand, uses larger, mostly whole leaves. This preserves the natural flavor, aroma, and benefits of the plant. You get richer taste, better extraction, and far more nutrients in every steep.
If you've ever had loose-leaf after years of bagged tea, you know — the difference is immediate.
🌱 The Environmental Impact: More Than Just a Cup
Even “compostable” tea bags are often lined with polymers or are only industrially compostable (translation: not in your backyard bin). Multiply that by billions of cups per year, and you’re looking at a serious waste problem.
Loose-leaf tea, especially when paired with compostable packaging (like we use at EMTeas), creates far less waste and more control over your steep. Nothing extra. Just herbs, tea, and intention.
💡 Making Loose-Leaf Easy (It’s Not Complicated)
You don’t need a fancy setup. All you need is:
A simple infuser or reusable tea bag
A mug, kettle, and a few minutes
That’s it.
Loose-leaf might take one extra step, but what you get in return — flavor, freshness, and clean, body-friendly ingredients — is absolutely worth it.
So no, I don’t use tea bags. And if you’re ready to try loose-leaf, I’d be honored to help you make the switch.
If you're just starting out with loose-leaf and looking for something that's gentle, calming, and easy on the nervous system, I highly recommend Mellow Moments. It’s the kind of blend that makes you breathe deeper and feel more grounded — and it’s a great way to experience everything I love about loose-leaf tea.