How long do tea bags keep?

I’ve used two year old tea. Probably it does lose its flavor, but since I make my tea very weak, I didn’t really notice.

From what I’ve read, 2 years is about the limit. I’d use it if it didn’t have any obvious problems, though.

Brew it, drink it. The worst that can happen is you don’t like the taste.

Probably even longer than 2 years if they’ve been kept in a freezer.

I am still on my kick of using up old stuff before buying new. We have tea from summer of 2001 – 9.5 years old and it’s still fine. It will take us weeks to finish it off but we will.

If you’re worried about loosing flavor, just try to let each infusion brew a little longer. Not to much longer that you overdo it and get bitter tea, an extra 60–70 seconds should do it.

I’m with @worriedguy using up all the old stuff in my cupboards. fun eh?
I have been using old tea lately and I do notice less flavor and it’s also the flavor doesn’t seem as nice, but certainly not bad in any way.

They can get stale, but they certainly don’t spoil in a harmful-to-you way. (Unless they got damp & moldy, in which case I’m sure they would smell bad.)

In that case they are likely not at their peak but you will have to try them to see if you think that they are still drinkable. Unlike other foods tea does not have a set point where it becomes bad. When time goes on the flavor and aroma of tea slowly fad away and they often tend to become more bitter with age. My best guess is if they were sitting out they would likely not be that drinkable now. In the future it is good to know that unless if the teabags are the type that are individually sealed in plastic or foil that it is best to keep them in a Ziploc bag to extend the life of the tea.