What Happens If You Drink Moldy Tea? Risks & What to Do
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You might sip your tea and notice a musty smell or strange taste. If you’ve just drunk moldy tea, the main risks are mild stomach upset or allergies, but serious illness is uncommon from a single sip.
Say you accidentally drink a cup of tea with visible mold spots. Most healthy adults will feel fine or have brief nausea, but those with allergies or weakened immunity may need closer attention.
Risks of Drinking Moldy Tea
Drinking moldy tea can cause mild digestive upset or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive people. Most healthy adults experience only brief symptoms, as a one-time sip rarely leads to serious illness.
If you drink tea that has mold, you might feel nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea within a few hours. Some people notice stomach cramps or an unpleasant taste and smell. Those with allergies or asthma could develop respiratory symptoms like coughing or sneezing shortly after exposure.
Mold can grow in tea leaves or the tea cup if the environment is moist and warm. Tea does mold, especially if it’s stored wet or left out too long. Drinking from a moldy tea cup can expose you to spores that may trigger reactions.
Repeated exposure to moldy tea raises the risk of ingesting mycotoxins, harmful substances produced by certain molds. Long-term intake of mycotoxins has been linked with immune suppression and, rarely, more serious health issues. However, occasional accidental drinking usually does not reach harmful toxin levels.
People with weakened immune systems, respiratory illnesses, or mold allergies are more vulnerable to symptoms and complications. They should avoid any mold exposure and see their doctor if they develop unusual or severe reactions after drinking tea.
For most, symptoms from moldy tea clear within a day or two with hydration and rest. If symptoms worsen or last longer, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
How To Recognize Mold in Tea Before Drinking
You know tea is moldy if you see fuzzy spots or unusual colors on the leaves or the tea bag. Mold often appears white, green, black, or bluish and may look powdery or fuzzy. Fungus grows on tea when it’s stored in warm, humid conditions or kept too long. Herbal teas are especially prone to mold because their moisture content and lack of preservatives create a better environment for fungal growth.
Moldy tea usually smells musty or stale, unlike fresh tea’s earthy or floral aroma. A slimy film or clumps on the surface also warn of mold or fungal contamination. These signs mean the tea has started to spoil and shouldn’t be consumed.
Normal tea dust looks dry and powdery, often a fine brown or black powder left behind by broken leaves. This is different from mold, which has texture and color variations and sometimes smells off. If you’re unsure, check the tea’s smell and texture carefully before brewing.
What To Do Immediately If You Drink Moldy Tea
If you accidentally drink moldy tea, stop drinking it immediately and throw away any remaining tea. Mold can cause mild digestive symptoms or allergic reactions, so it’s best to avoid more exposure.
Rinse your mouth well with water and drink plain water to stay hydrated. This helps clear any residual mold particles from your mouth and throat.
Do not try to induce vomiting unless a medical professional advises you to do so. Vomiting can cause more irritation or complications without clear benefit in this situation.
Watch for symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, or allergic reactions such as swelling or difficulty breathing. Most people only experience mild symptoms, but some may need medical care.
Drinking tea with mold is similar in risk to accidentally consuming expired juice, which can cause stomach upset but rarely serious harm if treated properly. However, always follow your healthcare provider’s advice if you have underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system.
If you want to learn more about what happens with expired beverages, see our guide on what happens if you drink expired cranberry juice.
Caffeine & Sugar Drink GuideKnow exactly how much caffeine, sugar and sodium is in 150+ popular drinks, and set daily limits that fit you.Caffeine and sugar in 150+ drinksDaily limits, smart swaps and a cut-back planDaily caffeine and sugar calculator (Excel)How To Prevent Mold Growth in Tea and Store It Safely
Yes, tea can get moldy if stored improperly. Mold grows when moisture meets warmth, especially in tea leaves or bags exposed to air. Brewed tea that smells musty or off has likely started to spoil.
A slimy tea bag left in hot water overnight signals bacterial growth, not just mold. That slime forms from microbes thriving in damp, warm conditions. Avoid drinking tea with slimy bags or unusual odors.
Store dry tea in an airtight container, away from heat and light. Moisture invites mold spores to settle and grow, so keep tea in a cool, dry place like a cupboard, not near a stove or window.
Use sealed tea bags or loose leaf tea from trusted brands to reduce contamination risk. Quality packaging keeps out moisture and mold spores.
Refrigerate brewed tea promptly, ideally within an hour of brewing, and consume it within 3 to 4 days. Leaving brewed tea at room temperature for too long encourages mold or bacteria to grow.
When To Repair, Replace, or Seek Professional Help With Tea Appliances
Mold in tea can sometimes come from faulty appliances like kettles or tea makers that retain moisture and mineral buildup. Regular checks prevent contamination.
Slimy residue in homemade iced tea might indicate biofilm buildup inside the appliance, a mix of mold and bacteria clinging to wet surfaces.
Inspect your kettle and tea maker for scale, rust, or mineral deposits. These spots trap moisture and provide a breeding ground for microbes.
Clean appliances thoroughly and regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid mold growth. Descale kettles with vinegar or a commercial descaler every 1 to 3 months, depending on water hardness.
Unplug appliances before cleaning. Avoid bypassing safety features like lid interlocks. Never put your hands near blades or heating elements while the device is plugged in or operating.