Why tea storage matters
Tea contains only 3 to 6% natural moisture, which makes it surprisingly absorbent. Left exposed to air, it soaks up humidity and surrounding odours, dulling the flavour and flattening the aroma. Light accelerates this, where even a brief period of direct exposure can break down delicate aromatics into flat, unpleasant notes.
T2 storage tins are designed with a black interior to shield tea from light, and a close-fitting lid to limit air exposure. The Glass Storage Jar goes a step further with an airtight silicone seal — lift the stopper to release the air before opening, press it back in to close. While airtight storage isn't strictly essential, keeping tea cool, dry, and away from light is. Both options do exactly that.
These tins come empty, ready to fill with your favourite loose leaf or tea bags. If you're looking for tins that arrive with tea already inside, the T2 tins collection has the full range and once empty, simply refill it with our refill range.
The storage tin range
T2 storage tins come in two distinct formats. The first has a thin, close-fitting lid, the everyday workhorse that's easy to stack and store. The second has a wide lid that covers half the tin, giving you more room to scoop directly from the container without tipping it over. Both protect your tea in the same way. The choice comes down to how you like to use them.
A brief history of tea storage
Tea has always been treated as something worth protecting. In ancient China, it was pressed into bricks and cakes for storage and trade, sometimes used as currency. In Japan, ground tea was kept in ceramic jars called cha-ire, carefully sealed with paper and lacquer — treasures so valued they were passed down as heirlooms.
By the 17th century, as tea began its journey to Europe, it travelled in heavy wooden crates lined with lead or tin to guard against moisture, air, and light. In European households, tea was rare and expensive enough that ornate tea caddies with locks were crafted from mahogany, porcelain, and silver, ensuring not a single leaf went missing.
As tea became a daily ritual rather than a rare luxury, tins emerged as the practical choice. By the 19th century, tinplate containers were common in homes across the world. Today, T2 tins carry on that tradition: simple, colourful, and considerably less likely to need a lock. But still here to do what tea containers have always done: protect your leaves, and look good doing it.
FAQ
Does tea need to be stored in an airtight container?
Airtight storage helps, but it isn't strictly essential. Tea stays fresh as long as it's kept dry, away from light, and away from strong odours. T2 storage tins are designed with a black interior to block light and a close-fitting lid to limit air exposure. The Glass Storage Jar offers a fully airtight seal for maximum protection.
How long does loose leaf tea stay fresh?
Stored correctly in a cool, dry place away from light, most loose leaf teas stay fresh for 12 to 24 months. Green and white teas are more delicate and are best consumed within 12 months. Black teas and oolongs have a longer shelf life. Always check the best before date on your T2 packaging.
Can I reuse a T2 tin that came with tea for storage?
Absolutely, T2 tins that come with tea are designed to be kept and refilled. Once your tea is finished, rinse the tin, let it dry completely, and it's ready to use for storage. Browse the refills collection to restock it with the same tea.
What is the difference between the storage tin and the glass jar?
The Square Tin Tall Black is a classic tin storage format with a close-fitting lid, suited to everyday loose leaf storage. The Glass Storage Jar is hand-blown borosilicate glass with a fully airtight silicone seal, offering a more display-worthy option for anyone who wants to see their tea as well as store it.
How much tea does a T2 storage tin hold?
The Square Tin Tall Black holds up to 100g of loose leaf or approximately 30 tea bags.
