Generally, whether it's bottled green Tea beverage or canned solid Green Tea leaves, you should not Drink them if they have passed their expiry date, even if unopened. There is a possibility of spoilage, and continuing to consume them may affect your health.
Can I Drink Green Tea That's 2 Years Past Its Expiry Date If It's Unopened?
Green tea, being an unfermented tea, typically has a Shelf life of around 12 to 18 months at room temperature, depending on the specific date indicated on the Packaging. If the green tea is two years past its expiry date, it should not be consumed, even if it remains unopened. By this point, the tea might have already deteriorated in quality and flavor, which could negatively impact your health upon consumption.
It is recommended to finish opened green tea within 2 to 4 weeks; otherwise, its taste and quality will be affected. This is because green tea is prone to oxidation when not stored in a sealed container, causing changes in both its color and character. Oxidized green tea will have a yellowish hue, diminished aroma, and a lighter taste.
To preserve green tea, it should be kept sealed and refrigerated, ideally in the freezer. However, it must be properly sealed to prevent moisture from affecting it, as regular refrigerators contain a lot of humidity. Poor sealing can lead to dampness and the absorption of other odors, causing the green tea to spoil and lose its taste, making it unsuitable for consumption.
Properly Stored Green Tea Within Its Expiry Period Yields Optimal Results
If raw tea is stored in a suitable warehouse environment, it undergoes a series of complex reactions such as oxidation, polymerization, dispersion, and degradation, which can generate beneficial microorganisms. For example, compounds like theaflavins in black tea can make the tea richer in flavor and improve its taste.