Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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 tea bags usually contain smaller pieces or tea dust. Larger leaves create a fuller infusion and more complex flavour than standard tea bags. Learn more about Loose Leaf vs Tea Bags!
Is loose leaf tea better for you?
Loose leaf tea often contains higher-quality leaves and more antioxidants because it’s less processed than many tea bags. This can support digestion, focus, and general wellbeing.
What are the disadvantages of loose leaf tea?
The only real drawback is that you need a strainer or infuser. However, this small step provides a much better flavour and brewing experience.
Why should I choose loose leaf tea over tea bags?
Loose tea provides richer, more nuanced flavours because the leaves can fully expand during brewing. You also control the strength and quantity for every cup.
Storing & Shelf Life
How do I store loose tea properly?
Store loose tea in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, and strong odours. This keeps it fresh and aromatic for longer.
What is the shelf life of loose tea?
Loose tea lasts 1–2 years when stored correctly, though it tastes best within 6–12 months.
Our Teas
What types of loose tea do you offer?
McEntee’s Tea offers Traditional Irish Breakfast, Gold Blend, Irish Afternoon, Manx Breakfast, Master Blend, Sencha Green Tea, and Mint infusions.
Are your teas organic or ethically sourced?
We work with trusted, ethical suppliers who follow sustainable farming practices to ensure high-quality loose leaf tea.
Are there caffeine-free options available?
yes, we offer caffeine-free loose leaf herbal teas.
What is the healthiest loose leaf tea to drink?
It depends on your goals—Irish Breakfast and other black teas support focus and digestion, while green tea leaves (like our Sencha) contain antioxidants known for heart and immune benefits.
Do you sell loose leaf tea, tea bags, or both?
Yes. McEntee’s Tea offers both loose leaf teas and tea bags so customers can choose the style that best suits their preference and brewing method.
Which McEntee’s Tea blend is best for everyday drinking?
Our breakfast and everyday blends are among our most popular choices for daily drinking because of their smooth, full-bodied flavour and consistent quality.
Which tea is strongest in flavour?
Customers looking for a strong traditional Irish-style tea generally prefer our breakfast blends, which are designed to deliver a rich and satisfying cup.
Do your teas contain caffeine?
Most traditional black teas naturally contain caffeine. Herbal and speciality blends may vary depending on ingredients.
Which tea is best for relaxing?
Many customers enjoy herbal and speciality blends when looking for a relaxing tea experience.
Brewing & Preparation
How do I prepare loose leaf tea?
Use 1 teaspoon of loose tea per cup. Steep for 3–5 minutes depending on preference, then remove the leaves.
What’s the best way to brew loose tea for full flavour?
Use freshly boiled or filtered water and steep for the recommended time. Adjust the leaf quantity to match your preferred strength.
What is the proper water temperature for brewing different teas?
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Black teas (Irish Breakfast, Gold Blend): 95°C to 100°C
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Green Tea & Mint: 70–85°C to avoid bitterness
Do you provide brewing instructions for each tea?
Yes—each product includes brewing instructions on the packaging and on our website.
What tools or accessories do I need?
A tea infuser, strainer, or teapot with a built-in filter works perfectly. We also offer teaware on our website.
Can I use loose tea to make iced tea?
Absolutely. Brew a slightly stronger cup, chill it, and serve over ice.
How to properly drink loose leaf tea?
Brew with freshly boiled water, steep for the correct time (3 to 5 minutes), and enjoy without squeezing the leaves, as this can add bitterness.
Can I blend my own teas with your products?
Yes—you can mix our loose teas with herbs or spices to create your own custom blends.
How many cups does loose leaf tea make?
The number of cups depends on the tea and serving size, but loose leaf tea is often more economical because the leaves can provide multiple servings while maintaining flavour.
Buying, Shipping & Stockists
Where can I buy your tea?
Our teas are available online and through selected stockists including Brassils Food Hall Dundalk, Hogans Farm, Kells, SuperValu Ardee, SuperValu Johnstown Navan, McEntee’s Off Licence Kells, Earl’s Kitchen Navan, and Hickey’s Farm Shop Ardee.
Can I purchase your loose tea in bulk?
Yes, bulk orders are available. Contact us for pricing and availability.
Do you offer sampler packs?
Yes—we provide sampler packs so you can explore our most popular blends.
Do you offer subscriptions?
Yes, we offer tea subscriptions for repeat tea deliveries at times to suit you (e.g 4-8 weeks). Visit our Subscriptions page to learn more.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Shipping times and costs vary by location, and we dispatch from multiple fulfilment centres across Europe. See our Shipping Information page for details.
Quality, Safety & Sustainability
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Is McEntee’s Tea HACCP compliant?
Yes. McEntee’s Tea operates under a documented HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) food safety system to help ensure teas are handled, packed, and supplied safely and to high quality standards.
Are your teas packed to food safety standards?
Yes. McEntee’s Tea follows food safety and quality procedures designed to maintain hygiene, traceability, and product consistency.
Are your teas ethically sourced?
We work with trusted suppliers to source quality teas and ingredients while maintaining high standards for consistency and responsible sourcing.
Is your packaging recyclable?
McEntee’s Tea aims to use recyclable packaging materials wherever possible and continually reviews packaging options to help reduce environmental impact.
How do you ensure freshness and quality?
We source from trusted suppliers and package our teas carefully to help preserve freshness, flavour, and aroma.
What is your return or exchange policy?
Unopened products can be returned within 30 days. Visit our Returns & Refunds page for full details.
5. Gifts, Hospitality & Wholesale
Are McEntee’s Tea products suitable as gifts?
Yes. Our tea products are popular for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, corporate gifting, thank-you gifts, and Irish gift hampers.
Do cafés, hotels, and restaurants use McEntee’s Tea?
Yes. McEntee’s Tea supplies hospitality businesses, cafés, restaurants, and retailers looking for quality Irish tea products.
Do you offer wholesale tea supply?
Yes. Wholesale enquiries are welcome from hospitality businesses, retailers, offices, and food service providers.
Can businesses contact McEntee’s Tea directly for trade enquiries?
Yes. Businesses interested in wholesale supply, hospitality partnerships, or retail opportunities are welcome to contact us directly through our website.
6. Ordering, Shipping & Customer Service
Can I buy McEntee’s Tea online directly from your website?
Yes. Customers can order directly through our website for delivery to homes and businesses.
Is McEntee’s Tea available on Shop App?
Yes. McEntee’s Tea products are available through Shop App for convenient online shopping.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery times depend on the destination and shipping method selected. Orders are processed as quickly as possible and shipping information is provided during checkout.
Customer Support
How can I contact you?
Our team is available through the Contact Us page or by email at hello@mcenteestea.com