What’s The Difference Between Tea Sachets & Tea Bags-17 Considerable Aspects

Tea sachets versus tea bags. Tea lovers swear by these two methods to brew tea on an everyday basis. Now, I too use them when travelling and have often thought about their variables; at the same time how similar the two are. Thus, I came up with 17 amalgamated points that will help you make a wise decision. 

I am an Indian tea blogger who runs her own tea cafe in Kolkata city. I plan to open my own tea label one day and apart from blogging that’s what keeps me occupied. 

Tea Sachets V/s Tea Bags-17 Contrasting Characteristics Build To Make You Contemplate

I run a tea cafe in an upcoming north Kolkata locality & rely on tea sachets and tea pouches along with loose tea leaves. Just like me you too must have used them at some point or the other but, have you ever wondered what sets them apart or points where they are similar? If you haven’t, read my blog and find out 17 aspects worth knowing from the table below.

MATERIALS USED
Tea Sachet Paper, nylon, etc.	Tea Bag Nylon, plastic, etc.
FASTER BREWING OPTION
Tea Sachet Yes	Tea Bag Likely
SHAPE
Tea Sachet Pyramid	Tea Bag Varies
PRICE RANGE
Tea Sachet Rs. 50-Rs. 250 approximately	Tea Bag Varies
CONSISTENCY & TEXTURE
Tea Sachet Rich and flavorful	Tea Bag Lacks taste and color
GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Tea Sachet Yes	Tea Bag No
IDEAL BREWING TIME
Tea Sachet Varies	Tea Bag Varies
CAFFEINE LEVEL
Tea Sachet 30 mg-50 mg	Tea Bag Varies on the flavor
POPULARITY REASONS
Tea Sachet Better infusion, better quality, etc.	Tea Bag Quick way to brew tea, offers anytime and anywhere tea, etc.
VEGAN-FRIENDLY
Tea Sachet Yes	Tea Bag No
SHELF-LIFE
Tea Sachet 18-24 months	Tea Bag 18-24 months
CAN BE USED TO BREW DAILY?
Tea Sachet Yes	Tea Bag Yes
GLUTEN-FREE
Tea Sachet Yes	Tea Bag Yes
QUALITY OF LEAVES
Tea Sachet Good quality – High grade	Tea Bag Low to inferior quality
MORE SUITED FOR A COLD BREW
Tea Sachet Highly recommended	Tea Bag Not suggested
CAN BE RE-USED?
Tea Sachet Yes	Tea Bag Yes
Using METHOD
Tea Sachet Dip for 1-4 minutes approximately	Tea Bag Dipped till the desired consistency

Let us now take each characteristic individually and compare them to get some amazing insights.

1. A Comparison of The Materials That’s Used To Make Tea Sachets and Tea Bags Respectively

Tea sachets and tea bags are made from different materials and let us compare them based on this factor.

Tea sachets are made from nylon so when they are dipped in the tea one gets a refined taste. The leaves so encased get better room to expand and infuse their aroma completely. Paper sachets are available too. Just tear a pack open and empty the contents into your cup or mug. Your tea brewed like loose tea leaves is ready.

On the other hand, tea bags are made from plastics, nylon, silk, etc. Also, some tea companies lay a strong claim that their bags are completely chemical-free. Studies suggest otherwise. Paper bags have to be bleached to get the white color and also to get rid of the smell of paper.

2. Tea Sachets Versus Tea Bags: The One That Gives Faster Brewing Option

Teabags are known for their quick method to brew tea. However, the question lies in whether tea sachets or teabags are more suitable for a quick brew. So, let us examine this fact.

Tea sachets for their pyramid shape are known to brew tea rather quickly as compared to teabags. My shop uses a combination of saucepans, kettles, teapots, teabags, tea sachets, or any device that can help me to serve tea quickly. The customers want their tea brewed with sachets or at times they just ask for a pack and add it to hot water. This gives them the satisfaction of making tea their way and the satisfactory smile on their faces is my prize.

Teabags, on the other hand, require 1-2 dips or at times you may have to keep them dipped in water for a longer period of time or till the desired color is attained. This is so not practical when you are having your tea on the go as the hot water will spill and might burn the affected part. So, it is safe to say that when a quick brew is what you want tea sachets are the ones you should rely on. 

3. The Shape Of The Sachets & Teabags Are A Different Ball-Game Altogether

The shape that a sachet or teabags are available is a very interesting factor to retrospect and I will tell you about them.

A typical tea sachet is usually shaped like a pyramid for the reasons mentioned above. However, square, rectangle, round, or the latest DIY range offers some rather out of the normal shapes too. I was gifted a tea care box that enclosed a mix of 10 packets and each broke the traditional way these sachets are shaped. Needless to say, the cute shapes(heart, fish, etc) were quite irresistible.

Teabags too aren’t far behind for they have indeed come a long way than their orthodox packing and are giving the sachets a hard time indeed. The old usual shapes of oblong, square, round, and diamond have given way to flower shapes, butterfly shapes, etc. Origami-shaped bags deserves a special mention. Did you know that tea bags make for great gifting purposes too? Read my blog about Is tea a good Christmas gift and through 27 innovative ideas make the season special for someone. 

4. Comparing Sachets & The Tea Bags Based On Their Price Range

Affordability plays a huge role in shaping the reason for preference though nothing can come close to loose tea leaves. However, we are here to compare sachets with tea bags and let us see which fares better in this aspect.

A typical box of tea sachets would normally cost you anywhere from Rs. 50- Rs. 250 though this would depend on factors like dealer’s discount, quantity, type of tea, country, etc. Now, if you are looking for some unusual sachets then these would definitely fetch a higher price.

Tea bags are usually quite affordable you can expect them to range from Rs.99- Rs. 300 approximately depending upon the factors as mentioned above. However, if you are still looking for a cheaper yet better infusion, my blog loose leaf tea v/s tea bag cost willguide you through 19 segregating points. 

5. Tea Sachets & Tea Bags Offer Different Texture & Consistency

The most important factor that differentiates tea made by using sachets or bags is based on the texture and consistency. Let us then get to know what we can expect.

When you are making tea using a sachet, you might be thinking that the brewed beverage will give you a rich texture with a smooth consistency and you are not wrong in thinking so. The reason is as simple as the tea itself. Sachets are often termed best of both the worlds as they give you the convenience of teabags and a taste that is comparable to a drink prepared from loose tea leaves.

Teabag on the other hand is known to have a rather pale-looking texture with a watery consistency and is a reason why tea experts advise against their usage. This is because tea bags are often packed with tea leaves dust and broken leaves. Further, they are packed in a compact manner leaving little scope for the leaves to expand.

6. Sachet Or Tea Bags? The Better Option That Is Environment-Friendly

When we think about sustainable modes to brew tea, sachets and tea bags cannot be missed out. So, let us give them the due credit in this point.

Tea sachets are made from a number of materials like paper, nylon, muslin cloth, etc. These when compared to plastics are good for the planet and if you want to know more about the safety of nylon tea bags, read my blog “Are Nylon Teabags Safe which will help you to break the myth through 12 eye-opening facts. 

Teabags on the other hand are definitely not environment-friendly as the main ingredient is plastic which isn’t bio-degradable and lingers as a pollutant. Did you know that when you are using tea bags, you are actually releasing 11.6 billion microplastic in your cup along with other serious threats like cancer, birth defect, etc?

7. Comparing Sachets & Tea Bags Based On Their Brewing Time

The brewing time is an important aspect that brings the desired color and consistency to a drink. Therefore, we must compare the steeping time each method takes.

I use the sachets quite often in my shop and thus, I will vouch that it does give me the liberty to make tea the way I want. I can either empty the contents in hot water or just dip it in hot water till the liquid has reached the desired texture. Now, I would suggest a steep time of 1-4 minutes for a great-tasting beverage. 

As a kid, I loved teabags as they gave me the liberty of making my own beverage. However, as an adult, I personally do not recommend the pouches and my dislike goes beyond the texture or the consistency. My blog Should teabags be squeezed provides 11 logical reasonings that should be read, especially if you squeeze the bags in lieu of a better brew. 

8. Tea Sachets & Tea Bags Contribute Differently To The Caffeine Level

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that is found in tea and coffee. Did you know that caffeine in tea has a different name? It is called Theine. Now, let us compare sachets and tea based on the Theine or caffeine level.

The caffeine level in tea when brewed using sachets can range from 30 milligrams-50 milligrams. This however will depend on the tea leaves as the level differs from one tea to another. It might also fascinate you that black tea has the highest level as it is the most oxidized tea and that is why it is preferred without milk or sugar. 

When we compare the Theine level in tea bags, let me tell you that like sachets it too depends on the kind of tea leaves used. Thus, when we compare the two it is difficult to choose the one with a higher caffeine level and we can say that this is an aspect where they are more or less similar.

9. Comparing What Makes These Two Methods To Make Tea Popular

Tea is known to display more wide characteristics as compared to any other food or beverage and this is what draws them apart. Having said this, have you ever wondered what makes sachets and tea bags popular?

The fact that tea sachets have whole leaves is what has made it immensely popular. The other path-breaking reasons are better infusion, rich aroma with a refined taste, a better quality of the leaves, a fusion of tea bags and pouches, the wide range of variety, no need of measuring the leaves, etc are some amazing reasons. 

Now, tea bags will not let sachets enjoy the glory and it is ready with its reasons. A quick brew, anywhere or anytime tea, snug built that can fit anywhere, etc are some reasons that have made tea bags popular. 

10. Comparing The Vegan-Friendly Nature Of Sachets & TeaBags

The changing times have seen a rise to drinks that are Vegan Friendly. This has taken the food and beverage industry too by storm. So, then how can sachets and teabags be behind? Let us get familiar with this aspect.

Tea sachets are ready to be called vegan-friendly as most of them are usually plastic and at times chemical-free too. In fact, this is why they are so high on customization level too.

On the other hand, tea bags contain a high amount of plastic, chemicals, and bleach. It might take you by surprise that plastic is deemed unfit for vegans. Yes, they are made from animal fats to give them their shape and easy to withhold stuff. So, we can say for sure that tea sachets are an ideal choice for vegans.

11.  Contrasting Sachets & TeaBags Based On Their Shelf- Lives

Let us now compare them based on their shelf lives.

Tea sachets are known to last from 18 to 24 months. Now, if you are thinking of re-using a pack, I reckon you store them in an air-tight container. This way they will last longer and retain their freshness.

Teabags too are known to last for 18 to 24 months and though some prefer using a bag more than twice, I suggest otherwise as after 2 dips they will make the tea quite pale that will only increase with each dip.

12. Comparing The Daily Usage Of Sachets & TeaBags To Make Tea

They say that anything when used in excess is bad. So, let us compare the two most populous methods to make tea on the basis of their being fit to be used in our day-to-day lives.

I am a fan of tea sachets as they come close to tea made by infusing loose tea leaves and water. The infusion is so much better and the taste is robust too. Hence I strongly suggest using sachets as a great alternative to loose tea leaves provided you make a conscious effort not to use plastic sachets.

Teabags are used in most tea-drinking countries to brew tea on a daily basis. Let me tell you that tea connoisseurs will advise against this practice and you should always take their expert advice. Thus, when we compare the two, teabags fall behind.

13. Knowing The Gluten-Free Nature Of Sachets & Teabags

Let us now lay emphasis on the gluten-free nature of the sachets and tea bags.

Tea sachets are completely gluten-free and thus, can be used to make tea even if you have zero tolerance for gluten.

Teabags too are gluten-free and thus, everyone can enjoy their tea brewed with the aid of teabags.

14. Taking The Quality Of The Leaves WithHeld In Sachets & Bags Respectively

Let us now focus on the grade or quality of the leaves that each pack of sachets or teabags holds.

The reason why you get a better infusion and an aromatic tea when you use sachets is that they have high-grade loose tea leaves that are broken down to fit snugly. These when infused with the liquid makes it a drink fit for a king.

On the other hand, tea bags are made with powdered tea that is further mixed with the dust and fannings of tea leaves. This is a perfect reason why your tea lacks lustre and tastes bland.

15. Comparing The Option That Is More Suited For A Cold Brew

Who doesn’t like something cold to drink during the scorching summer months? Thus, let us see the better option between sachets and tea bags when a cold brew is on our minds.

My summers are certainly incomplete without iced teas and fruit teas. When at home, I prefer making them from scratch but, I cannot do the same at my shop. Thus, at times when customers demand instant cold tea, sachets help me give them their tea within the blink of an eye. Also, my childhood was incomplete without making iced tea using sachets. Want to know how long should iced tea be steeped? Read my blog about how long to steep iced tea and find out about 17 cooling options that are worth a brew.

Teabags aren’t recommended for a cold brew at all as they are made from the dust and fannings of the tea leaves that calls for a beverage lacking the goodness of tea brewed with a sachet or loose tea leaves.

16. Comparing Sachets & TeaBags Based On Their Re-Usable Ability

Let us now compare sachets and teabags based on the number of times they can be reused without losing their qualities.

Tea sachets are often re-used to brew tea and I suggest re-using them 2 to 4 times at the maximum. Also, one needs to keep an exposed pack away from direct heat or sunlight. 

On the other hand, in the case of tea bags, I wouldn’t recommend using them for more than 1 to 2 dips ie, unless you want a tea that you will have a hard time drinking.

17. Tea Sachets Versus Tea Bags: The Way To Use Them

The last point I would like to compare them for is how they are supposed to be used.

As a tea cafe owner, peak times sees a demand for the sachets, and making tea cannot get more simple than this. Just tear open a packet and add it to the hot or cold liquid. Another way is to just hold it by the string and give it a few dips in water.

Teabags on the other hand are just supposed to be dipped in hot water till the liquid reaches the desired texture.

 

This concludes my blog about tea sachets versus tea bags and I hope I was able to give you a clear idea about them. If you feel you need to ask me something or maybe have a question, do drop them in the comments section below and I will happily answer them. I publish blogs quite often and you just need to visit my website for all the juicy, tea-gossip that’s going around in the tea world. 

Happy Sipping!