Caitlin said

T-Sacs

So I am kind of confused by T-Sacs and other similar products. I recently received some T-Sacs in a contest and I think they are lovely for teas like roobios that always leak through infusers. I also love them for when I am just lazy and don’t feel like washing stuff. I would like to purchase some of my own soon, but I have some questions.

What is the difference between the different sizes? If I am making a standard mug of tea (I think that is about 10oz) what size do I want?

Also how do you close them? I have just been tying mine in a knot and I think you can also iron them shut but are there any brands that seal in an easier manner, but still don’t leak?

Finally what is the difference between T-Sacs and say teavana’s (or other brands) paper filters?

Thanks for the help!

9 Replies
Jaime said

I usually use the smallest size for just one cup/mug of tea. A friend of mine uses the next size up because he says the smallest is too small for him to get filled.

I don’t always close them, just carefully place so that they don’t fall in. Or I use one of the snap-close hair clips to close it (one that I’ve not used on my hair) if I’m going to be traveling with it. If I think about it, I make a bunch up and seal them with my iron.

I’ve never used teavana’s paper filters, but I’ve used the odd coffee filter in a pinch. When I do that, I fold and staple it shut. And steep for a bit longer, since the filter is so thick.

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Personally, I prefer the size 2 for cups because the size 1 are just too small in my opinion… The size 2 allows for plenty of room for expansion should the tea require it.

When I use T-Sacs, I don’t close them, I’ve never had a problem with them leaking. From what I understand, though, you can seal them with a hot iron. I’ve never actually done this, so I can’t speak from experience, but from what I understand, other people have done this and it works pretty well for them.

Up until last month, I hadn’t really thought there was much difference in brands when it comes to paper filters. I think that for the most part, they’re all made by one company with a different label.

HOWEVER… I have found one product that is significantly different and I actually prefer over T-Sacs, and that is Tea Pockets. Here is a link to my review of these nifty little gismos:

http://sororiteasisters.com/2010/11/13/product-review-tea-pockets/

They work a bit like the old-school sandwich bags – remember those with the tuck flap? This kind of works the same way (but it’s not made of plastic, LOL) They offer LOTS of room for expansion, they have a nifty string attached for easy removal. They really are the best as far as loose leaf tea bags, in my opinion.

Oh… by the way, Caitlin, the T-Sacs that you got in that contest are size 2. :)

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Kaitlin S said

I like size 2 as well. I actually thought I had purchased the wrong ones when I saw they weren’t the smallest size, but once I opened them, I realized size 1 would be really teeny.

Size 2 is easy to fill and, like LiberTEAS said, there’s plenty of room for the leaves to expand. For a 10-12 oz mug, I think they are perfect. I actually don’t close mine, I just fold or drape the end over the side of my cup – they are long enough that the tea doesn’t float out the top.

I’ve been using T-sacs a lot lately since both of my infusers broke. I still have a large ball-style infuser that is functional, but it’s slightly less convenient. I also really like that the T-sacs are just unbleached paper so they are compostable (or biodegradable if you throw them in the trash)!

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gmathis said

The ones I use from Teavana have a long flap that can be tucked into the main compartment and if you don’t jiggle your cup much, do just fine without fasteners. Also, while it’s probably not the best approach if you’re fastidious, I’ve been known to staple the top.

Kristin said

I’ve always just hung the long flap over the side of the mug. I didn’t even think about trying to tuck it in.

gmathis said

I’ve tried that too, but the water wicks through the bag and drips on my desk :)

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I think T-Sacs are great for doing up bags for traveling, or when all my Finums are filled with re-steepable tea, and I just need a quick fix of gunpowder or something… – I just staple the top over to keep it closed – I am not much of a germ freak, and it is in the water so short I am not worried about anything leeching out ;)

I use the size 2 bags, but for anything other than broken or small leaf teas, that just does not work – not enough room. I keep a stock of Iced Tea sized T-sacs just in case for large leaf teas – but if it comes to doing a Pai Mu Tan or any tea that needs room to unfurl, T-Sacs are not the best solution.

They are a great convenience when you need them tho, and good quality and price too!

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Brian said

I use size 2 so the tea has room to grow, and mainly use it for blacks. Another idea I’m doing this year is getting teas for a few friends of mine, and filling T-sacs, considering most people are too lazy for loose leaf unless you start yourself :p

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