Tea caddies exist to protect what matters most in fine tea: aroma, freshness, and the investment you’ve made in quality leaf. Traditionally, many were sized to hold roughly 600 grams—about one catty—because that was a practical working volume in the historical tea trade and household use. It allowed tea to be stored in a stable quantity large enough to reduce repeated exposure to air, yet small enough to be opened, used, and replenished regularly without compromising flavor.
Today’s caddies follow the same logic, even when scaled down. Tight-fitting lids, double seals, and materials like tin, wood, or cherry bark help buffer light, air, and humidity—three factors that degrade tea over time. The result is storage that is both functional and intentional. These vessels preserve delicate aromatics while bringing a sense of order and beauty to the ritual of making tea, whether kept on a counter, a tray, or a dedicated tea shelf.
Infinity Jars | Travel Size (3-Pack)
These airtight, scent-proof, ultraviolet glass jars make excellent tea caddies. The glass blocks all harmful visible light and only allows beneficial rays to enter. The convenient size packs easily. Preserve the freshness of plant-based goods for over 6 months! Laboratory tested to deliver shockingly powerful and superior protection over other glassware. H: 2.5 cm/ Diameter: 3.5 cm/Opening: 2.2 cm | Black
$35 (3-pack 5ml) | $19 (50ml) | infinityjars.com| Amazon
Mariage Frères| Lacquered Tea Jar
Mariage Frères created a new collection of four tea jars emblazoned with an intensely colored lacquer. The ample and generous form and the double lid of this tea jar promise beautiful preservation and delightful tea time. | 11cm x 11cm
45.00€ | www.mariagefreres.com
Camellia Sinensis | Washi Caddy
A Japanese Washi box of pure elegance. And our most popular capacity. The word Washi refers to the traditional Japanese decorative paper that wraps this stainless steel box. Thanks to its tightness and double plastic lid, this tea box will keep your tea fresh. A true testament to Japanese rigor and attention to detail, the pattern continues seamlessly under the lid’s seal. | Diameter 6.5cm | Height 10cm | Product code: CSAC-1140 | How to properly store tea.
$13 (CAD) | 250ml | Japan | www.camellia-sinensis.com
www.camelliasinensis.com
Soleil d’Hermès | Tea Box
Soleil d’Hermès transports us into the warmth of summer under a Mediterranean sun; its intense blazing light transforms the outlines of architecture and objects. The spontaneous nature of the design elevates yellow in subtle shades that give the color strength and depth. Hand-painted lacquered wood by Arielle de Brichambaut. Tin interior. Made in Vietnam. | D 10 x h 13 cm
$1,325 (CAD) | www.hermes.com
Mariage Frères | Cherry Bark Tea Canister
Mariage Frères | Cherry Bark Tea Canister
Empty box made of cherry wood, presenting a double lid inside to preserve the freshness of your teas: a legendary example of Mariage’s masculine, refined elegance.| Holds 100g of tea
€55.20 | www.mariagefreres.com
Kyoto Handicraft Center | Lacquered Tea Caddy
Kyoto Handicraft | Lacquerware Caddy
Lacquer has supported Japanese life and culture by being widely used for its robustness, durability, and ease of decoration. Its shape resembles a jujube tree fruit, so it is named “natsume,” which means jujube in Japanese. This caddy is decorated with symbols of the four seasons. It is one of the tea utensils used as a container for powdered green tea. | Aesculus turbinata Lacquer | 6.5 x H7 cm | 40g | Made in Japan
¥15,840 JPY | kyotohandicraftcenter.com
Preserving the Life of the Leaves
By Nicole Wilson
Airtight, opaque containers are the best storage option. Stainless steel tins are the most common, but ceramic and other materials are well-regarded. A well-made container should protect the tea from moisture in the air, heat, odors, and light, all of which threaten freshness. Caddies can be easily found in almost every shape, size, color, and design. Smaller three- or 4-oz tins usually cost $3 or more, depending on construction and whether they are handmade. It is best to match the size of the tin with the quantity of tea you have on hand to leave as little open space as possible. If choosing a container not explicitly made for tea, ensure the material is labeled as food-safe.
Tea Buyer’s Guide
Also: Centuries-old historic tea leaf storage jar
When purchasing tea in larger quantities, keeping a smaller tin that can be refilled from a larger second container as needed can be helpful. This avoids repeatedly exposing the entire stock to unnecessary air when just a small amount is required for serving. If possible, keep the tea inside the protective foil pouch it was likely purchased in (or buy some food-safe or mylar-type pouches online), then keep that pouch inside a container of your choice. This enables you to squeeze out the remaining air from the packet. Keeping loose tea in a container traps air, causing it to stale.
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