Leaf tea is always the preferable alternative for taste and good health. The tea in teabags is often pulverised, releasing excessive amounts of tannin and caffeine, which overpower the natural tea flavour.

Buy fresh, large leaf tea. Health conscious people should always use quality loose leaf tea. Quality loose leaf tea is usually no more than 3 to 5 months old. Some commercial teas and tea bags can be as much as 7 years old.