At Good Life Tea, we hear all kinds of tea-curious questions every day — from “Does green tea have caffeine?” to “Why does my tea taste bitter?” (spoiler: it’s not your fault, it’s your water temperature!).
So today, we’re pouring out some knowledge with a dash of wit and a swirl of love — because understanding your tea means enjoying it even more. With over 130 teas in our collection, we’re here to make you a bona fide steeping expert.
Grab your favorite mug, settle into something cozy, and let’s spill the tea on the internet’s most frequently asked questions about everyone’s favorite beverage. 🍵
1. ☕ Does Green Tea Have Caffeine? Let’s Leaf Through the Facts
Yes — but not as much as coffee! Green tea contains caffeine, though typically just a third to half of what you’d find in a cup of joe. Think of it as the gentle wake-up call your body actually appreciates.
At Good Life Tea, we adore how green tea’s caffeine works differently — it’s slow, steady, and blissfully jitter-free. That’s thanks to L-theanine, a natural amino acid that smooths out the buzz and keeps your focus sharp.
If you’re new to green teas, we recommend starting with our refreshing and citrusy Citron Green. It’s bright, aromatic, and sunshine in a cup — with just enough caffeine to make you feel alive, not over-caffeinated.
Steep tip: brew your green tea around 175°F for 2–3 minutes to avoid bitterness. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
2. 💚 Is Green Tea Good for You? Spoiler: It’s Practically a Superhero
Absolutely — green tea is the antioxidant powerhouse of the tea world. It’s loaded with catechins (especially EGCG), which are known for boosting metabolism, supporting heart health, and helping you glow from the inside out.
We’re not saying it’ll make you immortal, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. 😉
If you’re chasing wellness with a floral twist, our Kyoto Cherry Rose green tea is a dreamy blend that tastes like spring in Kyoto. It’s delicate, elegant, and naturally uplifting — like a yoga class for your soul.
A few cups a day and you’ll start to understand why green tea lovers are some of the calmest (and happiest) folks around.
3. 🍋 What’s the Best Tea for Weight Loss? Sip Smart, Not Sad
Here’s the honest truth: no tea is a magic bullet. But tea can be your best friend on your wellness journey. Why? It’s hydrating, comforting, and curbs snack cravings by giving your mouth something warm and flavorful to enjoy.
If your goal is to add a light, naturally energizing tea to your day, try our Dragonwell Long Jing. It’s a famous Chinese green tea known for its chestnut aroma and smooth taste — pure, elegant, and revitalizing.
It’s the kind of tea that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself, not restricting yourself. And when paired with good habits (like choosing tea over soda), the results are steeped in success.
4. 🌙 What Tea Is Good for Sleep? Dreamy Sips Ahead
Ah, the age-old question asked by night owls everywhere. The secret? Go caffeine-free. Herbal teas and rooibos blends are your bedtime besties.
Our go-to nighttime ritual is a mug of Sleep Better — a cozy blend of chamomile, valerian root, and lemon balm that’s basically a lullaby in liquid form.
Brew it about 10 minutes before bed, wrap your hands around your mug, and inhale deeply. The stress of the day melts faster than marshmallows in hot cocoa.
You’ll be counting tea leaves instead of sheep in no time.
5. 🫖 How Long Is Tea Good For — and How Should You Store It?
Ah, the “expiration date” conundrum! Tea doesn’t technically go bad, but it can lose flavor and aroma over time. Generally, loose-leaf teas stay fresh for 12–24 months if stored properly.
Here’s the rule of (green) thumb: keep your tea away from air, light, and moisture. That means no storing it above your steamy stove or near a window that catches afternoon sun.
For teas that age gracefully, like black teas, we love showing off our Cream of Earl Grey. Its creamy vanilla-citrus notes mellow beautifully over time — a true lesson in patience and pleasure. (Available in a Decaf, as well!)
Seal your teas tight in airtight tins, store them in a cool, dark cupboard, and they’ll stay as fresh as the day you brought them home.
6. 🫶 Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags — What’s the Real Diffi-TEA?
It’s not snobbery; it’s science. Loose-leaf tea simply gives you more flavor, more aroma, and more love per leaf. Why? Because the leaves are whole, not crushed into dust like many bagged teas. When full leaves unfurl, they release their natural oils and complexity.
Think of it like the difference between fresh herbs and powdered ones. Both technically do the job, but one makes your taste buds dance.
Our Hot Cinnamon Spice is the perfect example — bold, sweet, and bursting with cinnamon flavor. In loose-leaf form, it’s an aromatic experience that bagged teas simply can’t compete with. (Decaf or Herbal Caffeine-free rooibos options, as well!)
Once you go loose, you’ll never go back. Promise.
7. 🥄 How Do You Make Loose Leaf Tea? It’s Easier Than You Think
No degree in “steepology” required. Making loose-leaf tea is as easy as 1-2-3:
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Measure: Use about 1 teaspoon of tea per cup (adjust to taste).
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Heat: Bring water to the right temp — not all teas like it boiling hot!
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Steep: Let the leaves relax for 2–5 minutes, then strain and sip.
Pro tip: Don’t oversteep unless you enjoy bitterness that bites back.
If you want a fruity, forgiving tea that’s nearly impossible to mess up, try our Angel Falls Mist. It’s a caffeine-free tropical delight that brews beautifully hot or iced — the kind of tea that makes you feel like a steeping superstar.
8. 🍑 What Tea Is Good for a Sore Throat (or a Pick-Me-Up)?
When you’re under the weather (or just need some TLC), skip the cough syrup and grab your kettle. Herbal and fruit teas soothe, hydrate, and comfort — without the sugar crash.
Our Cranberry Apple is our go-to comfort cup — tart, sweet, and naturally caffeine-free. The warm steam helps soothe the throat while the fruit infusion gives you a gentle vitamin boost.
We’ve had customers call it “hug-in-a-mug therapy.” We’ll take that diagnosis.
9. 🧡 What’s the Difference Between Chai Tea and Regular Tea?
Let’s clear the (spiced) air: “Chai” literally means “tea” in many languages. So technically, “chai tea” means “tea tea.” What most people mean is Masala Chai — a black tea blend infused with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and clove.
It’s bold, fragrant, and downright addictive.
Our Spice Bomb Chai Decaf Black Tea brings all the traditional flavors you crave — and it’s divine with milk and honey. We like to think of it as sweater weather in a cup.
So next time someone asks if you’d like “chai tea,” just smile knowingly — and pour them a cup that speaks for itself.
10. 😬 Why Does My Tea Taste Bitter? Steep Happens
If your tea’s gone from “mmm” to “meh,” chances are it’s been oversteeped or steeped too hot. Each tea type has its sweet spot — green teas prefer lower temps, black teas like it hotter, and delicate whites need gentle warmth.
Oversteeping extracts tannins (the compounds that give tea its structure), and too many tannins make it taste bitter.
When in doubt, set a timer. Tea is patient but not that patient.
For a foolproof crowd-pleaser, we recommend Last Mango in Paris. This tropical fruit tisane can steep all day without turning bitter — just fruity, juicy perfection.
Bitter? We don’t know her.
🍃 Final Thoughts: Welcome to the Good Life
Whether you came here wondering about caffeine, storage, or the art of steeping, we hope this blog leaves you feeling like a bona fide tea connoisseur.
At Good Life Tea, we’re passionate about sharing the beauty and variety of loose-leaf teas — from the energizing to the calming, the fruity to the floral. With over 130 teas to explore, you’ll never run out of new favorites to sip, savor, and share.
Remember: the best tea is the one that brings you joy. 💛
So, kettle on, feet up, and welcome to the good life. Happy sipping! :) - Kaytea