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Tea

How to store cranberry tea and how long does it last?

Quick answer

USDA's FoodKeeper lists Tea (bags): after opening, 6 to 12 months in the pantry; 18 to 36 months in the pantry from purchase | Tea (loose): after opening, 6 to 12 months in the pantry; 2 years in the pantry from purchase. FoodKeeper lists tea in general (bags, loose, instant), not this specific tea, so these are the closest official entries.

Pantry, from date of purchase18 to 36 months
Pantry, after opening6 to 12 months
SourceUSDA FoodKeeper v128
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In this article
  1. Contents
  2. What USDA FoodKeeper says
  3. Storage tips
  4. When to throw it out
  5. Conclusion

The short answer: USDA’s FoodKeeper lists Tea (bags): after opening, 6 to 12 months in the pantry; 18 to 36 months in the pantry from purchase | Tea (loose): after opening, 6 to 12 months in the pantry; 2 years in the pantry from purchase. FoodKeeper lists tea in general (bags, loose, instant), not this specific tea, so these are the closest official entries.

Contents

  1. What USDA FoodKeeper says
  2. Storage tips
  3. When to throw it out
  4. Conclusion

What USDA FoodKeeper says

FoodKeeper is the storage guide from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The figures below are read from the data file (version 128, last modified 6 September 2018 in the file’s version table). “From date of purchase” means counted from the day you bought it.

Tea (bags)

Where How long
Pantry, from date of purchase 18 to 36 months
Pantry, after opening 6 to 12 months

Tea (loose)

Where How long
Pantry, from date of purchase 2 years
Pantry, after opening 6 to 12 months
  • Matcha tea is the only tea that can be frozen after opening.

Storage tips

Keep cranberry tea in the place and container the package says. FoodKeeper gives no extra tip for this entry.

When to throw it out

These signs are our general advice, not an agency rule. An off or sour smell, mould, an unusual texture, or a swollen or leaking container means it should go in the bin. Do not taste it to check.

Conclusion

USDA’s FoodKeeper lists Tea (bags): after opening, 6 to 12 months in the pantry; 18 to 36 months in the pantry from purchase | Tea (loose): after opening, 6 to 12 months in the pantry; 2 years in the pantry from purchase. FoodKeeper lists tea in general (bags, loose, instant), not this specific tea, so these are the closest official entries. Check the date on your package and throw it out if in doubt.

General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out. If you are pregnant, elderly, or have a weak immune system, follow the date on the package and ask your doctor.

People also ask

How long does cranberry tea last?

USDA's FoodKeeper lists Tea (bags): after opening, 6 to 12 months in the pantry; 18 to 36 months in the pantry from purchase | Tea (loose): after opening, 6 to 12 months in the pantry; 2 years in the pantry from purchase. FoodKeeper lists tea in general (bags, loose, instant), not this specific tea, so these are the closest official entries.

How should I store cranberry tea?

Follow the package. FoodKeeper gives no extra storage tip for this entry; our general advice is a clean, closed container and the right temperature for the product.

How can I tell if cranberry tea has gone bad?

Our general advice, not an agency rule: an off or sour smell, mould, unusual texture or a swollen or leaking container means throw it out. Do not taste it to check.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data, version 128 (English), as downloaded 1 November 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Jul 15, 2024 · Updated Nov 1, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

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