Tea FAQ

Are all the teas available at Loose Leaf Tea Market really loose leaf?

Yes! Every single tea blend we offer is loose leaf. This means you are able to enjoy all of the vitamins, minerals, flavors and aromas from the leaves because water can freely flow through them as they steep versus remaining compact in a teabag. 

Can I brew the tea leaves more than once? 

Yes! In fact, we encourage steeping your tea leaves more than once to explore how our teas change each time you brew them. However, we do recommend adding another minute or two to your total steep time with every new brew.

Can I drink the tea over ice, or does it have to be hot?

You can enjoy our teas either hot or over ice. Both methods provide benefits. However, certain teas may be more effective when consumed hot. For instance, if you’re dealing with a cold or flu, hot tea is more beneficial than iced tea. Similarly, hot tea is better for digestion when consumed before a meal.

Beyond these guidelines, it’s up to your personal preference. Hot teas are comforting and soothing, while iced teas are refreshing and hydrating. Try your tea both ways to experience the benefits of each.

You can transform your hot tea into a cool, refreshing beverage in a few easy steps. Brew your loose leaf tea as you normally would. We recommend one to two teaspoons of loose leaves per every filtered cup of water. Once it steeps, allow it to cool to room temperature then place it in the refrigerator until it reaches your ideal temperature. Learn more.

How long does loose leaf tea stay fresh?

From the date of purchase, your loose leaf tea will be at peak freshness for a year. We are obsessed with freshness and potency, which is why we make each blend in small batches in our facility in Tempe, Arizona.

How do I store my loose leaf tea?

The best way to keep your tea fresh, potent, and flavorful is to store it in an airtight container such as ceramic, glass, or non-reactive stainless steel, away from sources of light, heat, moisture, and odors. You can learn more about how to store your loose leaf tea by clicking here. 

Are your teas organic, and where do you get your ingredients?

With the exception of one or two wild-crafted herbs, we use only certified organic ingredients in all our teas. Our ingredients come from all over the world, sourced from regions where each botanical flourishes best. Our trusted suppliers perform third-party testing for agricultural chemicals, mold, heavy metals, and other contaminants to ensure the highest quality and safety.

Can you drink your tea during pregnancy or when on medication?

Our teas are made from non-toxic botanicals that are generally regarded as safe. However, not all herbal teas are suitable for everyone. If you’re pregnant, on medication, or under a doctor’s care, we recommend speaking to your health practitioner before using the tea.

While there is a wealth of research on the herbs we use, your physician may not be familiar with it and might advise caution. Additionally, your pharmacist can be a helpful resource for checking potential interactions with your prescribed medication.

 

How much tea do you use per cup, and how long do you steep it?

When brewing loose leaf tea, the gold standard is one level-to-rounded teaspoon of tea for every eight ounces of hot water. If you’re unsure what eight ounces looks like, use a measuring cup as a guide. Steeping times vary depending on the tea. For most herbal teas, it takes longer to extract all the beneficial compounds, so we typically suggest brewing your tea for five minutes or longer. Learn more.

How long does it take for it to work, and when will I see results?

The time it takes to see results depends on the tea and your purpose for using it. Sedating, sleep-promoting teas typically work quickly, often within an hour. However, for chronic issues like inflammation or fatigue, it can take up to 90 days to notice significant improvements. This doesn’t mean the teas take 90 days to start working; rather, it takes time for the changes to become noticeable. Learn more.

Can you combine the different teas rather than drinking them separately?

While blending teas for convenience makes sense, each tea is a complete and unique blend on its own. We suggest trying them individually first to understand how your body responds and to familiarize yourself with their flavors. Once you're comfortable, you can experiment with blends. Similar flavors tend to go well together, such as minty teas or fruity teas. Here are some pairings to try:

What if I don’t like the taste of the tea?

If you're new to loose leaf herbal teas, the flavors might be unfamiliar at first. Give your palate time to adjust. If the taste is still challenging, try these tips:

  • Drink the tea quickly, like a shot, and follow with a chaser such as water or juice.
  • Turn it into a tea latte with creamy coconut or oat milk.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for natural sweetness and extra health benefits.
  • Add mint for a refreshing flavor that can mask other tastes.
  • Brew the tea with muddled fresh fruit for added sweetness and fruity flavor.

If you still don't enjoy the taste, keep experimenting with different teas. There are many options available, and you're sure to find one you love.

Here are 6 ways to make your tea taste better without adding sweetener.

My loose leaf tea doesn’t look like the picture on your website. Why is that?

As with all products from agricultural produce, there may be slight variations between batches. We do our best to create consistency in flavor and leaf cut; however, there may be minimal differences depending on the time of harvest or other factors. 

How can I sign up to have my tea automatically delivered each month?

Subscribe to auto ship your favorite teas every month and save 10%, plus get free shipping on those orders. Never run out of your favorite tea again. Visit our Autoship Page for details and more FAQs.

Shipping & Returns FAQ

What are your shipping policies?

Orders typically ship within 72 hours, and often faster than that.

We ship both domestically and internationally. For our customers here in the United States, you may choose either USPS or UPS and your shipping cost is automatically calculated when you check out based on your particular location.

We do not set the shipping rates; those are set by the carrier, and none of the shipping cost comes to us.

We process and fulfill all international orders with USPS. International customers are responsible for all duties and tariffs depending on their country of origin. For more information, check with your local Customs Office. 

What is Route Package Protection?

We have partnered with Route Package Protection to provide protection for your package against loss, damage, and theft. Because weather happens, porch pirates exist, and carriers lose packages, we want to make sure that you're covered!

Route Package Protection can't be added after you've placed your order, so be sure to include it for extra protection against any potential issues once your package leaves our hands and is under the care of shipping carriers.

If you want to decline Route Package Protection, and are willing to risk potential loss, damage, carrier mishandling, or theft of your order, and you would rather deal with the shipping carrier yourself in the event of a problem, just unclick the box in the cart.

What should I do if tracking says my order was delivered but I haven't received it yet?

If your order is marked as delivered but you have not received it, please allow 24-48 hours for the courier to deliver the items. Additionally, please check with the address provided and with your neighbors to see if they received your items. Lastly, if you have not received your delivered order within 24-48 hours, please email info@looseleafmarket.com re-confirming your address and order number, and we are happy to assist you further.

Can I return or exchange my item?

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we will resolve the problem as quickly as possible with your assistance.

Some items are not eligible for return, or are only eligible for a partial refund. Please contact us about your specific item and reason.

You may choose from a replacement or refund within 30 days of purchase for eligible items.

We do our best to respond within 24 hours Monday-Friday, or next business day if your request is made during a weekend.

Because we care deeply about your experience with us, we always appreciate a short description of the reason for your return. Your feedback helps us better understand the needs of our valued customers. 

Can I return my custom blend or special order?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or credits for custom blends or special orders.

How can I get in touch with you if I have another question?

We would love to hear from you! Call us at 602-283-1210 any time Monday–Friday between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm Arizona Time, or email us at info@looseleafmarket.com.

Other inquiries? Let's chat.

Please give us a call at 602-283-1210 or email us at info@looseleafmarket.com