You might remember the black tea shortage in early 2024, where the UK and Ireland suffered supply issues of popular brands like Lipton, Tetley and Typhoo teabags. Other brands like Yorkshire Tea, Glengettie and Pure Leaf also struggled with shipping issues, leading to higher prices.
Nobody likes overpaying on tea, right?
The good news is that the problem is stabilizing and the supply chain is recovering as of late 2024… But the bad news is that this can happen again. You see, the shortages were caused by a mix of extreme weather events as well as political instabilities affecting trade routes.
So it can happen again.
And even worse: If major tea suppliers like Lipton & Tetley faced these issues, then who knows what might happen in the future? Thankfully, you can avoid another shortage in 2025 by choosing different suppliers. This way, if one brand faces shortages, you’ll still have access to your favorite teas from others.
Want to avoid another tea shortage?
Then keep reading – you’ll learn the specific steps you can take as an educated consumer to never face a morning without a warm cup of your favorite tea. By the way, if herbal teas are your thing, you’ll love our article about the best herbal teas for stress relief.
Why Is There a Black Tea Shortage?
Your lack of tea was caused by multiple events happening at the same time.
• Climate change affecting crop yields with PG Tips.
Climate change led to unpredictable and extreme weather patterns that affected certain regions in Sri Lanka, India, and Kenya.
• The Red Sea Crisis.
You might not know this, but 10-15% of the world’s entire tea production passes through the Red Sea. The conflict caused by Houthi Rebels led to big disruptions in shipping routes.
• Container shortages.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lack of containers worldwide, meaning there were just not enough containers to bring our tea from East Africa and South Asia.
Which leads us to the next point…
Teabag Shortage
As if things couldn’t get worse, these challenges also led to a shortage of teabags in the UK.
Even though the pandemic is behind us, we’re still seeing ripple effects today. COVID-19 caused a lack of labor in countries that produce tea like Kenya and India.
How Long Will the Tea Shortage Last?
You may be asking how long the chai tea and black tea shortages will go on. Thankfully, the worst has passed and supplies are slowly starting to recover. Unfortunately, it could happen again since climate change continues to affect crop yields and geopolitical tensions can disrupt trade routes.
You can learn more about this with this article on the price increase by The Guardian.
What to do About the Tea Shortage
If you want to make sure you always have a cup of your favorite tea, there’s a couple things you can do today to prepare for the next shortage.
• Stock Up
Just buy in bulk next time you’re at the store. Most supermarkets allow you to buy in bulk. Just make sure to pay close attention to the expiration date on the packaging, since tea can lose its flavor and potency over time (and nobody likes a stale cuppa tea!).
• Grow Your Own
This is definitely a fun & rewarding option. Best part? You don’t even need a huge space for this. A few pots and a balcony is more than enough to get you started on your own tea garden. Plants like mint, chamomile, and lemon balm can grow well in tiny spaces like that.
And if you want to learn how to make your own DIY garden at home, check out our guide.
• Try New Brands of Tea
Massive brands like Lipton, Tetley, and PG Tips took the biggest hit during the shortage. However, small and local brands didn’t feel the impact as much since they have different suppliers. They’re often focused on a more sustainable approach and work with local farmers.
And this might shock you…
But mass-produced teas can contain specific compounds that are harmful for your health. In fact, some of these compounds are linked to all sorts of problems like digestive issues and an increased risk of certain cancers.
• Pesticides
Some farms often rely on certain chemicals to protect against pests. This is especially common in large-scale farms that supply tea leaders. The long-term effects of pesticides include asthma, respiratory problems and even anxiety.
• Fluoride
Plants absorb fluoride from the soil and water they grow in. When you eat (or drink tea from) these plants, you’re essentially consuming part of the fluoride that has accumulated in their leaves. This can lead to hormonal imbalances and kidney damage.
Here’s some other ingredients you should avoid.
• Heavy Metals
It’s a well-known fact that some teas can contain heavy metals like lead. This happens when metals from pollution or factory waste get into the soil or water, and the tea plants absorb them while they are growing. Heavy metals have been proven to impact children’s health and contribute to weakened immune systems.
And since tea is something we drink all the time, it’s important to do our own research to make sure we’re choosing options that are safe for our bodies.
Speaking of which…
What to Look for When Buying Tea
Tea is meant to be enjoyed without worrying about hidden additives or harmful ingredients.
Nowadays, these toxic chemicals are present in everything we see in the market, from snacks to frozen meals. Thankfully, there’s ways you can avoid these questionable ingredients.
• Read Labels
If you see any preservatives like BHT or BHA, pick another brand. They’re linked to hormone disruption.
• Choose Natural
Many popular teas are loaded with excessive sugar, which can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of diabetes over time.
And if you’re looking for a natural way to enhance your health, you should try out this special blend of immunity-boosting tea.
• Research Brands
Ask yourself: Where do they get their tea? If they partner with artisanal local growers, then you’re choosing a healthier option for your cup.
What Makes Us Different
We started as a local supplier to the UK in 2014. For 10+ years, we’ve been a family-owned business focused on bringing you only natural ingredients you can trust.
You’ll find teas & other wellness products from growers we’ve had close ties for years. We only work with sustainable suppliers who share our commitment to healthy ingredients that don’t rely on harmful chemicals.
You can find out more in our About Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the tea shortage in 2024?
There were a number of reasons happening at the same time. From the extreme weather in Sri Lanka to the disruption of shipping routes in the Red Sea.
Will there be another shortage?
Nobody knows. But since it was caused by conflicts and climate change, it’s very likely that we’ll face a similar situation like this in the coming years.
Is the tea shortage still ongoing?
To some extent, yes. Some local stores are still struggling to keep their shelves stocked with popular tea brands.
How long will the tea shortage last?
The worst part is over. However, we recommend stocking up for any future shortages that might occur.
How can I grow my own tea plants?
You can easily grow plants like mint or chamomile by planting the seeds in a pot in an area of your home that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
