Two kinds of T2 tin
T2's tins fall into two categories, each designed with a different purpose.
Everyday Tins are built for regular use: light-blocking, airtight, and made to be refilled. For New Zealand households that take sustainability seriously, the tin-and-refill cycle is a straightforward way to reduce packaging without reducing quality. Once you've worked through the tea inside, a refill pouch brings it back without buying new packaging. Over time, the tin pays for itself.
Icon Tins are T2's signature decorative format: bolder in colour, designed to sit on a shelf and look like something. A T2 tin on a kitchen bench has become a recognisable part of how a lot of Kiwis keep and display their tea. They make a considered gift for anyone who takes their brew seriously, and they're just as functional as the Everyday range when it comes to keeping tea fresh.
Why tin?
Tin is one of the best materials for storing tea. It blocks light, limits air exposure, and doesn't interact with the tea's flavour the way some plastics can. For loose-leaf teas, where the whole leaf is more vulnerable to moisture and oxidation — a good tin makes a noticeable difference to how long a blend stays at its best, particularly in New Zealand's variable climate.
FAQ
What’s the difference between Everyday Tins and Icon Tins?
Everyday Tins are T2’s larger format: 250g for loose leaf, 60 bags for tea bags, built to be kept in regular rotation and refilled when you run low. Icon Tins are a smaller, more decorative option (100g loose leaf or 25 tea bags) with bolder, more distinctive designs. They store tea just as well, but they’re made to be noticed too. The Icon range is the one most people reach for when gifting or displaying their tea collection.
Can I refill a T2 tin?
Yes, that’s the intention behind how tins are designed. Rather than buying new packaging each time, you keep the tin and just restock the tea. The refills range stocks the same blends in 250g foil pouches (loose leaf) and 60-packs (tea bags) sized to fit the Everyday range. Buy the tin once; replenish it as many times as you like.
Do T2 tins keep tea fresh?Yes. Tin blocks light, limits air exposure, and doesn’t interact with the tea’s flavour the way some plastics can. Loose-leaf teas in particular, where the whole leaf is more sensitive to moisture and oxidation benefit noticeably from proper tin storage. For best results, keep yours somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and strong-smelling pantry companions.
Are T2 tins a good gift option?
Absolutely. T2 tins make a strong gift, particularly the Icon Tin range. If you’re after something ready to give straight away, T2’s gift packs include smaller curated tins paired with a selection of teas, designed to be kept long after the tea inside is finished.
Do tins come in both loose leaf and tea bag formats?
Most blends in the tins range are available in both loose leaf and tea bag formats. A small number of specialty and single-origin teas are offered in loose leaf only. If a particular blend matters to you, check the product page for format availability.
What sizes do T2 tins come in?
Everyday loose-leaf tins hold 250g; Everyday tea bag tins hold 60 bags. Icon Tins are a smaller format at 100g loose leaf or 25 tea bags. Matcha tins are available in 30g and 50g sizes. The Square Tin Tall Black is an empty tin designed to hold T2 loose-leaf refills, useful if you already have a blend in mind and just need the storage.
