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Best Loose Leaf Tea Containers and Tins in 2023 Reviewed

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How you store your loose leaf is as important to your brew’s flavor as the quality of the tea. Why settle for stale when the best loose leaf tea containers can double the shelf life of your favorite blend?

These seven picks are as stylish as they are practical. And you can use them for so much more than just storing tea.

They will also keep your coffee, herbs, spices, and other food items fresh longer.

Our recommendations for Best Loose Leaf Tea Containers and Tins:

Best Loose Leaf Tea Containers and Tins

Read the reviews below and choose the kind of tea container or a set that best suits your needs. Whether you are looking for a ceramic, steel, plastic, or glass container, you will find the best options here.

And remember that also tea bags can expire. So unless they are individually wrapped, I recommend keeping them in one of these recommended containers.

Best Ceramic Tea Container: Jamie Oliver Ceramic Food Storage Jar with Wooden Lid

Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver doesn’t put his name on just anything. He knows quality kitchenware when he sees it, starting with this smart ceramic jar.

Jamie Oliver Ceramic Food Storage Jar with Wooden Lid

Specifications:

  • Volume: 40 oz approx. (also bigger sizes available)
  • Dimensions: 4.33″ x 4.33″ x 4.88″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 1.34 lbs
  • Materials: Ceramic and acacia wood

This container features a neutral gray and eggshell finish that complements vintage to modern kitchens. Acacia wood lids are naturally beautiful and have a flexible silicone seal for an airtight fit that keeps your tea fresh and flavorful.

Wide-mouth jars are exquisitely glazed, easy to clean, and they stack to save space — buy one for each of your treasured blends. With a 25-year guarantee, it’s an investment you can feel good about.

There are also larger sizes available in case the capacity of about 40 fluid ounces is not enough.

Pros

  • Made with beautiful and durable materials
  • Stackable design
  • Airtight lid
  • Wide mouth for easy access and cleaning
  • The surface is properly glazed to prevent absorption of odors
  • Comes with the Jamie Oliver 25 year guarantee

Cons

  • The jar surface is so smooth it is bit slippery

Best Stainless Steel Tea Tin: Airscape Airtight Brushed Steel Coffee and Food Storage Canister

Air and humidity are tea’s worst enemy, robbing it of subtle flavors. That’s why Airscape’s gourmet storage canisters have a patented plunger and two-way release valve that remove the extra air, locking in flavor for the perfect cup every time.

Airscape Airtight Brushed Steel Coffee and Food Storage Canister

Specifications:

  • Volume: 64 oz (also 32 oz available)
  • Dimensions: 5.12″ x 5.12″ x 6.89″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 1 lb
  • Materials: Stainless steel and plastic

Available in black or natural stainless steel finishes, these stackable food-grade canisters resist odors and staining — you’ll never have to scrub or taste hints of oolong in your Earl Grey. And because they’re opaque, they protect delicate leaves from the effects of UV light. Airscape lids are BPA-free, so no unsafe plastics touch your tea.

Airspace canisters cost a little more than generic brands, but their quality makes them worth the extra pennies. A half-pound of premium organic tea can set you back more than $30, so if it prevents waste, it’s a bargain.

If you feel like the 64oz container is too large, you can choose the smaller 32oz version.

Pros

  • Patented plunger and valve technology to remove extra air
  • Made with durable high-quality materials
  • Keeps the content fresh for longer
  • Stackable
  • Stain-resistant and easy to clean

Cons

  • Not the cheapest option

Best Glass Tea Container: Leaves and Trees Glass Tea Canister with Airtight Acacia Lid

Tea is as delightful to look at as it is to drink, so why hide it? Store your loose leaf teas and herbal blends in these classic glass storage jars from Leaves and Trees.

Leaves and Trees Glass Tea Canister with Airtight Acacia Lid

Specifications:

  • Volume: 25 oz (also 8.5 oz available)
  • Dimensions: 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 6.1″ (L x W x H)
  • Weight: 0.85 lbs
  • Materials: Borosilicate glass and acacia wood

Thicker than most at 3mm, they’re made of food-safe, shatter-resistant borosilicate and come with an airtight silicone seal that keeps food fresh. The wooden lid is a perfect contrast and makes these canisters 100-percent plastic-free — each is recessed, so containers stack safely.

Available in two sizes, the larger holds up to a pound of your favorite tea. Lids should be hand-washed, but the jar is dishwasher-safe for your convenience. They’re affordable enough to mix and match for versatile storage options.

Pros

  • Made with thick and durable borosilicate glass
  • Can be stacked
  • Beautiful wooden lid
  • Seals tight

Cons

  • Does not offer UV protection

Best Stainless Steel Container Set: 3-Piece Airtight Glass and Steel Tea Container Set by SevenUp

Make a bold statement with this glass and steel canister set by SevenUp. It’s practical, functional, and guaranteed to add a touch of elegance to any modern kitchen.

3-Piece Airtight Glass and Steel Tea Container Set by SevenUp

Specifications:

  • Number of Containers: 3
  • Volume: 20 oz (small) + 33 oz (medium) + 45 oz (large)
  • Dimensions: 3.8″ x 3.8″ x 6.1″ 20oz (small) + 3.8″ x 3.8″ x 7.3″ (medium) + 3.8″ x 3.8″ x 9.3″ (large) (L x W x H)
  • Materials: Stainless steel and glass

The modular design saves space. Small, medium and large canisters hold 0.6, 1, and 1.4 quarts respectively — they’re perfectly sized for a range of foods or different varieties of loose leaf. The top part of each canister is brushed stainless steel; the bottom is glass, so you can see what’s in each container and when you’re running low.

Push-button lids create an airtight seal, and each features a month indicator — set it to remind yourself when the tea was purchased. Made of food-safe materials throughout, SevenUp canisters are built to last and carry a total satisfaction guarantee.

Pros

  • Elegant looks
  • Practical modular design
  • Convenient push-button lid
  • Extremely airtight
  • The glass part in the bottom allows you to see the content
  • Stackable
  • Each container has a month indicator

Cons

  • Not completely plastic free

Best Glass Container Set: KKC Airtight Borosilicate Glass Storage Jars with Wooden Lids

If you love the look of glass canisters but worry they’re fragile, this set of four 18-ounce storage jars solves your problem. Nearly twice as thick as the competition’s, the 3.25 mm walls are as tough as they are pleasing.

Specifications:

  • Number of Containers: 4
  • Volume (each): 18 oz
  • Dimensions (each): 3.74″ x 3.74″ x 3.77″ (L x W x H)
  • Materials: Borosilicate and wood

The natural wood lids on this set feature silicone rings for an air-resistant seal to keep dry goods fresh. Each has a slightly different shade and grain pattern, but that only adds to their rustic appeal.

The set is expandable and stacks neatly to save space. Add other sizes large and small to fit your changing storage needs. Enjoy the enduring look of glass with added dimensions of safety and versatility. It’s a complete organizational solution.

Pros

  • Overall extremely high quality
  • Beautiful design
  • Wooden airtight lids
  • Sets available in different sizes

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • No UV protection

Best Plastic Container Set: Shazo Airtight 6 Pc Mini Container Set Plus Spoons, Labels & Marker

We shy away from plastic food storage for health reasons, but these well-appointed canisters by Shazo are BPA-free, 100-percent food-safe, and will take your kitchen from messy to efficient in minutes.

Shazo Airtight 6 Pc Mini Container Set Plus Spoons, Labels & Marker

Specifications:

  • Number of Containers: 6
  • Volume (each): 17 oz
  • Dimensions (each): 3.75″ x 3.75″ x 3.25″ (L x W x H)
  • Materials: Plastic (food-safe)

Each clear half-liter container is ideal for coffee, tea, spices, and more and comes with its own spoon. Lids feature silicone gaskets that make containers completely airtight when you push the handle down — it’s one of the best freshness systems on the market.

These canisters are stackable and look as good as glass, but they’re less likely to break if you have kids in the house. Stain- and odor-resistant, they clean like a dream and won’t transfer unwanted flavors.

Sets come with 18 vinyl chalkboard labels and a smudge-proof marker, so you’ll never have to guess if you’re grabbing cumin or cinnamon. It’s top-quality, multi-purpose storage at a budget-friendly price.

Pros

  • Affordable set with 6 containers
  • Made with food-safe plastic
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Well-designed airtight lids
  • Includes labels and a marker

Cons

  • Plastic surface can get scratches over time

Stylish Mini Container Set: Han Sheng 6-piece Mini Tea Storage Containers

Han Sheng’s mini tea tins are a practical choice for holding small quantities of tea. Buy up to six varieties of loose leaf, and they’ll all stay fresh. Each 2.8-inch tin holds ¾ of an ounce and boasts a charming floral pattern reminiscent of the finest china tea services.

Han Sheng 6-piece Mini Tea Storage Containers

Specifications:

  • Number of Containers: 6
  • Volume: 7 oz (approximately)
  • Dimensions: 2.8″ x 2.8″ x 2.8″ (L x W x H)
  • Materials: Tinplate

Made of tinplate, containers are lightweight, food-safe, and rust-resistant. Spill-proof lids make them perfect for travelers — just toss them your bag and go. They’re small enough for a carry-on or a desk drawer, so you can treat yourself to a relaxing cup at work or on the road.

Buy a set for yourself and one for a friend who needs a pick-me-up — you both deserve them!

Pros

  • Beautiful and artistic design
  • Spill-proof double lids
  • Great for taking along on a trip

Cons

  • Tinplate dents easily

Loose Leaf Tea Container Buying Guide

The main purpose of your container is to keep the tea fresh and look great doing it. Consider how each of these essential features adds to the function and appeal of the tea storage container before you buy one.

Materials

Loose leaf containers come in a wide range of materials for every lifestyle. Each has its pros and cons.

Glass

Glass is popular because it’s attractive and inexpensive. Better canisters are made with thick, shatter-resistant borosilicate, but they’ll still break if dropped, so they’re not ideal for countertops with kids in the house.

Transparent, glass containers match any décor and let you enjoy the natural color and texture of your loose leaf. But they also allow UV rays to penetrate and weaken tea’s flavor over time. Keep them behind closed doors or in a shady spot.

Plastic

Plastic containers are lightweight, portable, and kid-safe. But lesser brands may not be food-safe — flexible plastic may contain bisphenol-A (BPA), an additive thought to cause cancer. Buy BPA-free brands only.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel containers are durable, lightweight, and odor-resistant. They are also opaque and protect the fragile teas from UV damage. Brushed finishes look sleek in modern kitchens and are better at resisting fingerprints.

Ceramic

Ceramic is timeless. It blocks light like steel, but it’s breakable and can absorb off-odors if improperly glazed. Choose containers with smooth, food-grade finishes.

Lids and Seals

Wood and metal lids are hand-wash only — plastic caps are typically dishwasher-safe. Lids with soft silicone gaskets that form tight seals keep air and moisture out, preserving tea’s freshness. Hand-tightened tops are air-resistant and ideal for daily use. Containers with pressure sealed caps are closest to airtight and keep leaves fresh longer.

Sizes

Loose leaf containers should be ample enough to hold the desired quantity of tea but not so large that they retain air or waste space. Consider if you are going to be storing a large quantity of one type of tea or smaller amounts of several varieties.

Canister sets can keep several varieties of loose leaf fresh to match your mood. Modular, stackable designs are an excellent choice for small spaces.

Look for containers with openings large enough to accommodate a soft sponge for cleaning and whatever size spoon or scoop you use for tea.

PS. If you need more tips on storing different varieties of tea and how long they will retain their freshness, check out this guide about how to store tea.

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