Tea: The World's Most-Loved Drink, Made in Australia

What exactly is tea?

True tea comes from the leaves of a single plant, Camellia sinensis, which is processed in different ways to create green, black, white, oolong and yellow teas. The way the leaves are withered, rolled and oxidised is what gives each style its own flavour and colour.

Herbal "teas" are a little different. Blends made from flowers, roots, fruit and herbs like peppermint or chamomile are technically infusions, and they're naturally caffeine-free. At OzTea we make both: proper loose-leaf tea and caffeine-free herbal wellness blends.

Why loose-leaf makes such a difference

Loose-leaf tea uses whole or large pieces of leaf, so there's room in the cup for the leaves to unfurl and release their full flavour. Many bagged teas use small broken bits called fannings, which brew quickly but can taste flat or bitter.

With loose-leaf you also get to see and smell exactly what you're drinking. It's a small ritual that turns a rushed brew into a genuine moment of calm, and it's kinder to the planet when packed in recyclable kraft rather than plastic-lined bags.

Finding a tea you'll love

If you're new to loose-leaf, start with a style that matches your mood. Bright and grassy points you toward green tea, malty and robust toward black, and floral and delicate toward white or jasmine.

Because every palate is different, our blends come as 10g samples as well as 50g packs, so you can taste before you commit to a favourite. It's an easy, low-cost way to explore and discover what suits your kettle and your day.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between tea and herbal tea?

True tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and includes green, black, white, oolong and yellow tea. Herbal teas are infusions of herbs, flowers or fruit and are naturally caffeine-free.

Is loose-leaf tea better than tea bags?

Loose-leaf tea generally uses larger, higher-quality leaf that unfurls fully in the water, giving a richer, smoother flavour than the broken fannings often found in bags.

Does all tea contain caffeine?

Teas from the Camellia sinensis plant contain caffeine in varying amounts, while herbal blends made from plants like peppermint or chamomile are caffeine-free.

How should I store loose-leaf tea?

Keep it in an airtight container away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells. Stored well, loose-leaf tea stays fresh and flavourful for many months.