At Déjà Brew Cornwall, we love helping people savour every moment with unique blends inspired by one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.
We believe using tea to help connect to the present moment, and that philosophy starts with the leaves in your cup. Nestled in the heart of Truro’s Pannier Market, our independent tea shop is built on three principles: inspiration from the natural world of Cornwall, a passion for wellness, and tea leaves sourced with care.
One of the most common questions we hear: “Why loose leaf tea?” This is understandable: most of us rely on tea bags, which are easy to dunk and brew in a matter of minutes. However, did you know, there’s a world of difference between a supermarket teabags and a full-bodied brew of loose leaf tea? Once people taste the difference, many never go back.
Let’s examine the difference between loose leaf vs. tea bags, and why at Déjà Brew, we’re proudly living the ‘loose life’.
What’s Actually in Your Tea Bag?
Most supermarket tea bags are made with lower-grade leaves (often referred to as ‘dust’ or ‘fannings’). These are tiny fragments left after higher-quality leaves are processed. They might brew quickly, yes; but they usually produce a bitter, one-dimensional flavour that lacks complexity and nuance.
Not only that, many common tea bags are bleached, manufactured with plastic-based fibres, and sealed with glues or staples. These can leach into your brew: not exactly what you want if you’re after a pure, refreshing tea!
Why Loose Leaf Triumphs
1. Brimming with Complex Flavours
Loose leaf tea uses whole or large cut leaves, which means more essential oils, a more complex flavour, and a cleaner, fuller taste. Whether it’s the citrusy kick of our Cornish Earl Grey or the grounding calm of our Tranquil Tides, you’ll taste every note, every layer.
We hand-blend our teas in small batches, which keeps the flavours vibrant and fresh: the way tea is meant to be experienced.
2. Better for Your Health
By eliminating artificial additives, colourings or sweeteners, organic loose leaf teas are better for supporting your body and mind. By describing the benefits on your menu, you can make your wellness cafe, spa or restaurant even more magical.
Many of our blends are crafted specifically with wellness in mind: to energise, soothe, cleanse or restore. They can help make tea a part of maintaining your health, not just a habit.
Because loose leaf tea is usually steeped for longer, the leaves have more time to release antioxidants, polyphenols and nutrients. Although it’s a small change, it makes a big difference.
3. Better for the Planet
Then there’s the packaging. Tea bags generate billions of bits of microplastic every year. Loose leaf tea is not only better for you, it’s much kinder to the environment.
At Déjà Brew, we use compostable, plastic-free packaging, making it easier for businesses to practise what they preach. We also offer refills at our Truro tea shop to help you reduce single-use packaging further.
A Soothing Ritual
Did you know, the act of making tea can be as comforting as the actual drink?
Loose leaf tea encourages you to truly be present. You measure out your leaves, wait a few extra minutes. Breathe in the aroma before that first sip. It’s a small but powerful ritual, and one that turns a daily routine into something that makes life more special.
Tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a moment to reconnect, with yourself, with nature, with the power of the present moment. That’s why every blend in our collection is inspired by Cornwall’s stunning natural world, including its gardens and coastlines.
The Déjà Brew Loose Leaf Collection
Whether you’re after a unique start to your morning or a gentle wind-down in the evening, you’ll find a blend to suit every mood. Our most-loved loose leaf teas include:
-
Blue Earl Grey. A citrusy twist on the classic, with blue cornflowers and bergamot
-
Sleepy Tea. Calming lavender, chamomile, and mint for bedtime bliss
-
Raspberry Lemon Sencha. A hand-blended tea that delivers the perfect balance of tart and sweet with the clean finish of premium Japanese sencha green tea.
-
Lemon and Ginger. Bright and zesty with lemongrass and ginger
Each one is hand-blended in small batches, made to be savoured, not rushed.
Sounds Great But Isn’t Loose Leaf Inconvenient?
This is a common misconception! With a simple infuser, strainer or reusable tea bag, you can enjoy loose leaf tea anywhere. We’re happy to guide you at the shop if you’re just starting out. Once you taste the difference, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
And with refillable jars and scooping according to weight, loose leaf actually works out more cost-effective over time.
Why We Choose the Loose Life
At Déjà Brew Cornwall, we believe tea is more than just a beverage. It’s a ritual of care, a connection to the land, and a daily chance to breathe deeper. Loose leaf tea captures that spirit in every scoop.
So next time you pop by the shop in Truro’s Pannier Market and discover our blended loose leaf tea.