Loose Leaf Iced Tea Guide - ALL Teas Can Be Iced

FULL LEAF TEA COMPANY

ALL Teas Can Be Iced

We know we know, we're stating the obvious.

But for a lot of folks, loose leaf tea isn't even considered when they think about iced tea.

This page is here to introduce you to the wonderful world of iced and cold brew loose leaf tea!

Let's Start With...

Cold Brew

Cold brewing is a gentle extraction method that uses time instead of temperature. You steep tea leaves in cold or room temperature water for 4-8 hours (or overnight), allowing the flavors to slowly infuse without releasing the tannins that can make tea taste bitter.

The result is a naturally sweet, smooth tea with a lighter body and more subtle flavor profile. This method works particularly well with green teas, white teas, and fruity herbals, as it preserves their delicate notes that hot water might overpower.

To get started: Use about 1.5 times the amount of tea you'd normally use for hot brewing. Place the leaves in cold water, refrigerate, and let time work its magic. The patience pays off with a refreshing, balanced brew that's perfect for warm days.

Cold brew... iced...

What's the difference?

Iced tea is traditionally brewed hot, then cooled down (often by pouring over ice). This method is quick and convenient when you want tea right away. The hot water extracts bold flavors and gives you a more robust, full-bodied taste.

Cold brew takes a different approach entirely. No heat is involved – just time and patience. Cold water extracts different compounds from the tea leaves, creating a smoother, naturally sweeter flavor profile with less astringency.

Both methods work beautifully with loose leaf teas, and each has its place. Hot-brewed iced tea offers immediate satisfaction with bold, traditional tea flavors. Cold brew provides a mellower, more nuanced experience. Many tea lovers enjoy both methods depending on their mood and the time they have available.

Did you know?

Stay Hydrated

Because iced tea is over 99 % water, controlled trials show that drinking it hydrates the body just as effectively as plain H₂O, giving you a refreshing way to hit your daily fluid targets without the monotony of another glass of water.

Rich in Antioxidants

Loose-leaf teas—from green and white to black, oolong, rooibos, and herbals—are naturally packed with polyphenol antioxidants that combat free radicals; brewing an 8-oz cup releases a few hundred milligrams of these flavonoids, delivering heart- and brain-supporting benefits.

Naturally Low/No Calorie

Unsweetened iced tea delivers full flavor for virtually zero calories; large dietary studies place its energy density below 0.01 kcal per gram—roughly 2 kcal in an 8-oz glass—making it a sugar-free swap for sodas and juices that helps trim daily energy intake.

Learn How to Cold Brew!

Read this blog post to learn everything cold brew ⬇️

The Ultimate Guide to Cold Brewing Loose Leaf Tea

Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through the essentials of cold brewing and choosing loose leaf tea.

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