Frequently Asked Questions

About Loose Leaf Tea

What is loose leaf tea, and how is it different from tea bags?

Loose leaf tea contains whole or partially broken tea leaves, while many standard tea bags contain much smaller leaf particles. The larger leaves have more room to expand during brewing, producing a fuller flavour, richer aroma and more satisfying cup.

Learn more about the differences on our Loose Leaf vs Tea Bags page:
Loose Leaf vs Tea Bags

Is loose leaf tea better for you?

Loose leaf tea is often made from larger, higher-quality leaves than standard tea bags. Black and green teas naturally contain antioxidants, while green tea is particularly rich in catechins. Many tea lovers choose loose leaf tea for its superior flavour, freshness and overall quality.

Why should I choose loose leaf tea over tea bags?

Loose leaf tea allows the leaves to fully expand during brewing, creating richer, more complex flavours. You also have complete control over the strength of every cup by adjusting the amount of tea used.

What are the disadvantages of loose leaf tea?

The only real drawback is that you'll need a tea infuser, strainer or teapot with a built-in filter. Most tea drinkers find the improved flavour and brewing experience are well worth this extra step.

Does loose leaf tea expire?

Loose leaf tea doesn't usually become unsafe to drink, but it gradually loses its flavour and aroma over time. Proper storage helps keep it tasting its best.

Is loose leaf tea more economical?

Yes. Although the initial cost may be slightly higher than standard tea bags, loose tea often makes many more cups and offers excellent value because you can control the amount used.

Can I reuse loose tea leaves?

Some teas, particularly whole-leaf green teas, can be brewed more than once. Traditional Irish breakfast blends are generally best enjoyed from a single infusion.

Can I compost used loose tea leaves?

Yes. Used loose tea leaves are completely compostable and can also be added directly to your garden compost.

Is loose leaf tea vegan and gluten-free?

Our teas naturally contain only tea leaves or herbs and are suitable for vegans. They are also naturally gluten-free. If you have severe allergies, please check individual product information before purchasing.

Storing Your Tea

How do I store loose tea properly?

Store your tea in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, sunlight and strong odours. This helps preserve freshness, flavour and aroma.

What is the shelf life of loose tea?

When stored correctly, loose leaf tea generally stays fresh for 1–2 years. For the best flavour, we recommend enjoying it within 6–12 months of opening.

Our Tea Collection

What types of tea do you offer?

We offer a carefully selected range including:

Irish Breakfast Blend
Gold Blend (Irish Afternoon Tea)
Master Blend
Manx Breakfast Tea
Sencha Green Tea
Pure Mint
Mint & Nettle

Browse our full range:
Shop All Tea

Do you sell loose leaf tea, tea bags or both?

Yes. We offer both premium loose leaf teas and biodegradable tea bags, allowing you to choose whichever brewing style suits you best.

Which tea is best for everyday drinking?

Our Irish Breakfast Blend is our most popular everyday tea, offering a rich, smooth flavour that's perfect from morning to evening. Many customers also enjoy Gold Blend for its slightly lighter, balanced taste.

Which tea has the strongest flavour?

Our Irish Breakfast Blend and Master Blend are our strongest traditional Irish teas, delivering a rich, full-bodied cup that pairs perfectly with milk.

Which tea is best for relaxing?

Our caffeine-free Pure Mint and Mint & Nettle infusions are popular choices for a relaxing evening drink. If you prefer black tea, Gold Blend offers a smooth, mellow flavour.

Do your teas contain caffeine?

All traditional black and green teas naturally contain caffeine. Our herbal infusions are naturally caffeine-free.

Are your teas ethically sourced?

Yes. We work with trusted suppliers who share our commitment to responsible sourcing, quality and consistency.

Brewing & Preparation

How do I prepare loose leaf tea?

Use one teaspoon of loose tea per person and one extra for the teapot. Pour over freshly boiled water and brew for 3–5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.

What's the best way to brew loose leaf tea?

Use fresh water and allow the tea leaves enough space to fully expand. Adjust the amount of tea or brewing time until you find your perfect cup.

What water temperature should I use?

Black Teas
95–100°C

Green Tea & Herbal Infusions
70–85°C

Lower temperatures help prevent bitterness in green teas.

Do you provide brewing instructions?

Yes. Brewing instructions are included on every pack and on each product page.

What accessories do I need?

A tea infuser, tea strainer or teapot with an integrated filter is all you need.

Browse our teaware:
Tea Accessories & Teaware

Can I make iced tea with loose tea?

Absolutely. Brew the tea slightly stronger than usual, allow it to cool, then pour over ice and serve with fruit or fresh mint if desired.

Can I create my own tea blends?

Yes. Many customers enjoy blending our teas with herbs, spices or dried fruit to create their own unique infusions.

How many cups does loose tea make?

As a general guide, use one teaspoon per person and one extra for the teapot. A 250g pouch typically makes approximately 100–125 cups, depending on how strong you brew your tea.

Buying & Delivery

Where can I buy McEntee's Tea?

You can purchase directly from our online shop or from selected stockists across Ireland.

Find your nearest stockist:
Stockists

Can I buy tea in bulk?

Yes. We supply larger quantities for homes, offices, cafés, restaurants and retailers.

Please contact us for trade pricing.

Do you offer tea subscriptions?

Yes. Our tea subscription service lets you receive your favourite teas automatically every 4–8 weeks.

Learn more:
Tea Subscriptions

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We deliver throughout Ireland, the UK and many European countries. Orders are dispatched as quickly as possible, and available delivery options are shown during checkout.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. Free shipping is available on qualifying orders. The minimum order value depends on your destination and will be displayed automatically during checkout.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery times depend on your location and the shipping method selected. Estimated delivery dates are provided during checkout.

Quality & Sustainability

Is McEntee's Tea HACCP compliant?

Yes. We operate under a documented HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) food safety system to help ensure our teas are packed and supplied safely while maintaining consistently high standards.

Are your teas packed to food safety standards?

Yes. We follow documented food safety and quality procedures that help maintain hygiene, traceability and product consistency.

How do you ensure freshness?

We source quality teas from trusted suppliers and package them carefully to help preserve freshness, flavour and aroma.

Is your packaging recyclable?

Wherever possible, we use recyclable packaging materials and continually review more sustainable packaging options.

What is your returns policy?

Unopened products may be returned in accordance with our Returns & Refunds Policy.

Learn more:
Returns & Refunds

Gifts, Hospitality & Wholesale

Are your teas suitable as gifts?

Yes. Our teas make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, corporate gifting and Irish gift hampers.

Do cafés, hotels and restaurants use McEntee's Tea?

Yes. We proudly supply cafés, hotels, restaurants, offices and hospitality businesses looking for premium Irish tea.

Do you offer wholesale supply?

Yes. We welcome enquiries from retailers, cafés, restaurants, hotels, offices and food service providers.

Find out more:
Wholesale Enquiries

Can businesses contact you directly?

Absolutely. We'd be delighted to discuss retail, hospitality and wholesale opportunities.

Please get in touch through our Contact page.

Customer Service

How can I contact McEntee's Tea?

Our friendly team is happy to help with product advice, orders and trade enquiries.

Or email us at hello@mcenteestea.com.

How does a 5% discount sound?