How Much Loose-Leaf Tea Should I Use? Your Highland Tea Box Measuring Guide
A little guidance for making the perfect cup.
There is something special about brewing a cup of loose-leaf tea. The aroma, the colour and the chance to take a little moment for yourself all add to the experience.
But if you're new to loose-leaf tea, or simply want to get the very best from your favourite blend, you might find yourself asking: how much tea should I actually use?
The good news is that it doesn't need to be complicated. With a few simple guidelines, you'll soon find the perfect balance for your favourite Highland Tea Box blends.
The golden rule: How much tea per cup?
As a starting point, we recommend using approximately 2–3 grams of loose-leaf tea per 200ml cup of water.
This is roughly one teaspoon for many black and green teas, although the size and shape of the leaves can make a difference.
Some teas are tightly rolled and quite dense, while others contain larger leaves, flowers, fruit pieces and herbs. These lighter blends may need a slightly more generous spoonful.
If you have kitchen scales, weighing your tea is the most reliable way to achieve a consistent cup every time.
And remember, these are starting measurements. You can always adjust them to suit your own taste.
How much tea should I use for each type?
Different teas benefit from different amounts of tea, water temperatures and brewing times.
Use our guide below as a starting point. Always follow any specific brewing instructions provided on your Highland Tea Box product packaging.
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Black tea 2–3g 95–100°C 3–5 minutes
Earl Grey 2–3g 95–100°C 3–5 minutes
Green tea 2–3g 75–80°C 2–3 minutes
White tea 2–3g 80–85°C 3–5 minutes
Oolong tea 2–3g 85–95°C 3–5 minutes
Herbal infusions 3–4g 95–100°C 5–7 minutes
Fruit infusions 3–4g 95–100°C 5–7 minutes
Rooibos 2–3g 95–100°C 5–7 minutes
Black tea chai 2–3g 95–100°C 3–5 minutes
A little note about chai: Some speciality blends have their own preparation methods. Our Coorie Chai, for example, has specific brewing guidance, so check the individual product instructions.
Why does the amount of tea matter?
Using the right amount of tea helps bring out the flavour and character of your chosen blend.
Too little tea can leave you with a weak or watery cup, while too much can make the flavour overpowering.
The shape and size of the tea leaves also make a difference.
Small, tightly rolled leaves
Teas such as Gunpowder Green have compact leaves, meaning a level teaspoon can contain quite a lot of tea.
Large, open leaves
White teas and some green teas have larger, lighter leaves. You may need a more generous spoonful to achieve the same strength.
Fruit and herbal blends
These often contain larger pieces of dried fruit, flowers and herbs. Because these ingredients are less dense, a heaped teaspoon or two may be needed.
How many cups will I get from my tea pouch?
One of the lovely things about loose-leaf tea is that a little goes a long way.
The number of cups you get will depend on the type of tea and how generous you like your servings.
For an easy estimate, here is a guide using approximately 2.5g per cup.
Tea pouch size Approximate number of cups
25g 10 cups
50g 20 cups
100g 40 cups
125g 50 cups
250g 100 cups
500g 200 cups
Fruit and herbal infusions may use slightly more tea per serving, so the number of cups can be lower.
It's also worth remembering that these are estimates rather than guaranteed serving counts.
How can I make my tea stronger or lighter?
Everyone enjoys their tea a little differently.
Some prefer a delicate, gentle flavour, while others enjoy a stronger, more robust cup.
If your tea tastes too weak, try adding a little more tea next time rather than simply leaving it to brew for longer.
If your tea tastes too strong or bitter, try using slightly less tea or reducing the brewing time.
For green tea in particular, water that is too hot can affect the flavour, so allowing freshly boiled water to cool slightly can make a noticeable difference.
Our advice? Change one thing at a time until you find the balance you enjoy.
Can I make iced tea using loose-leaf tea?
Absolutely!
Many of our fruit, green and herbal blends make delicious iced tea.
For a simple iced tea:
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Add approximately 4–6g of tea per 200ml of water.
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Brew using the recommended temperature for your chosen tea.
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Allow it to infuse for the usual brewing time.
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Remove the leaves and allow the tea to cool.
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Pour over a glass filled with ice.
You can add fresh fruit, lemon slices or mint for an extra refreshing touch.
You can also experiment with cold brewing. Add approximately 15–20g of suitable tea per litre of cold water, cover and leave in the fridge for around 6–12 hours. Strain before serving.
Cold brewing is particularly lovely with fruity and delicate blends.
Five little tips for a better cup of tea
1. Use fresh water
Freshly drawn water is a good starting point for making a lovely cup.
2. Pay attention to the temperature
Not every tea needs boiling water. Green and white teas generally benefit from cooler water.
3. Give your tea room to breathe
Loose leaves need space to expand. Choose an infuser that allows them to move freely.
4. Watch the brewing time
Leaving tea to brew for too long can create a bitter or overly strong flavour.
5. Make it your own
The measurements in this guide are recommendations, not strict rules. Experiment until you discover the cup you enjoy most.
A little taste of the Highlands
Whether you enjoy a traditional breakfast tea, a refreshing green blend, a fruity infusion or a comforting herbal cup, we hope this guide helps you get the very best from every brew.
Loose-leaf tea is all about slowing down, discovering new flavours and enjoying those little moments throughout the day.
So find your favourite cup, choose a blend you love and let the tea do the talking.
Explore the Highland Tea Box collection and discover your next favourite cup.
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Highland Tea Box – A little taste of the Highlands.