Frequently Asked Questions
Is Creative Nest loose leaf tea?
Yes — every blend in the Creative Nest collection is whole-leaf loose leaf tea. You'll find no tea bags here. Loose leaf gives you the full flavor of the leaf, a cleaner cup, and the satisfaction of brewing something that actually feels made.
How much tea should I use per cup?
A good starting point is 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of water. Some teas, like bold black blends, can go a bit less; herbals and rooibos can go a bit more. Each product page includes a steeping guide tailored to that specific blend.
Do I need a special infuser?
No special equipment required. A simple fine-mesh basket infuser works perfectly — the kind you can find at most kitchen stores for a few dollars. You want the mesh fine enough that leaves don't escape into the cup. Avoid flat tea balls with larger-leaf blends; they restrict expansion and you'll lose flavor.
What is the caffeine content of Creative Nest teas?
Caffeine varies by tea type: black tea is highest, followed by green tea, then herbal, rooibos, and hibiscus tisanes — which are naturally caffeine-free. Yerba mate is surprisingly high, comparable to green tea. Each product page notes the caffeine level so you can pick the right blend for the right time of day.
How long does loose leaf tea stay fresh?
Kept in an airtight container, away from light and heat, most loose leaf teas stay at their best for 12 to 18 months. The enemies are air, moisture, and strong odors — a tin or sealed glass jar works well. Rooibos and herbal tisanes tend to hold up longer than green tea.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship within the United States only. International shipping is something we're actively exploring — check back, or join our email list to hear when it becomes available.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns on unopened teas within 30 days of delivery. If you received a damaged order or there's a quality issue with an opened tea, reach out and we'll make it right. Contact us through our contact page.
How do I brew the perfect cup?
Temperature and timing matter more than most people expect. Over-brewed green tea goes bitter; under-brewed black tea tastes thin. We've put together a full steeping guide — covering all the tea types we carry with specific temperatures and times — on our Steeping Ritual page.
What is FIRSTSIP?
FIRSTSIP is our welcome discount — 10% off your first order. Enter it at checkout. It applies to any tea in the shop.
Do you offer subscriptions?
Not yet — but it's something we're building toward. Join our email list and you'll be the first to know when subscribe-and-save goes live.