jamielynn said

Addicted to Teavana...

There are only two places to buy loose leaf where I live- A locally-owned tea shop, and Teavana.

As much as I love supporting local businesses, the local place just doesn’t match up to Teavana.

I’m not a fan of ordering tea online, because I can’t look at/smell the tea, which is a huge part of the whole experience for me.

I’ve become really addicted to Teavana teas, and every day I think about the next time I will get to go to the mall and shop for tea.

I have a coupon for 20% off a purchase of $100 or more, and I’m so tempted to go and spend that much just on tea.

Financially, I probably shouldn’t do that. But on the other hand, I know I will probably spend that much on tea within the next few months anyway, and this would save me $20!

Someone talk me out of it I am a serious addict!!!!

26 Replies
Tamara Fox said

I think Teavana is great if you have no other local shops, though I feel I should caution you that you can get really high quality tea for less money by buying from good online retailers. Chicago Tea Garden is a good place to shop online. They have only a few teas to choose from, but they’re all good. Silk Road Teas is fantastic and has a huge selection. I’ve ordered teas from as far away as Canada and don’t regret it. I do buy a few teas from Teavana, because I like them. But overall, I think their teas are overpriced and ‘over thought’ – i.e., full of ‘stuff’ that detracts from the tea itself. But, that is just my opinion.

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jamielynn said

I will definitely check out those websites! I agree that Teavana is overpriced, but at the same time I feel I do save money because I can smell every one I buy so I am less likely to spend money on something I won’t like. But also thanks to this site I can look up tons and tons of reviews on teas so I suppose it’s pretty safe to buy online, too. I am just sooo addicted to going in and smelling all the delicious teas! mhmmmmmmmm :)

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Which are your favorite teas from Teavana? Flavored or unflavored?

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jamielynn said

I’ve been getting my flavored teas from Teavana, and my unflavored from our local tea shop. I just love Teavana’s super fruity teas because I don’t have to sweeten them and they help me to not eat as much junk food! haha

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OolongLily said

Teavana is pretty great for super fruity teas. They’re a great way for folks to be initiated to tea because they’re so palatable. Kinda dessert-like. The ability to smell and view the tea is also a plus. You should hit up a couple of the awesome online shops though, just for kicks. I started out as a Teavana lover for my loose leaf needs – flavored and unflavored – until I went online. Verdant Tea has aaaaaaaaaaaaaaawesome straight, unflavored teas. I mean, really. You try it and it’s like you never knew a tea could be that amazing. I think 52 Teas is probably the lead for “OMG AMAZING” flavored teas around here. I haven’t tried them yet because I’m trying to keep my tea budget down, but they always have glowing reviews.

My recommended cure for Teavana addiction is more tea, but from killer online vendors.

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There are also some really cool websites, where you’re able to create your own tea blends and its wayy less expensive. I do this when I’m needing to keep some cash around. Try gojee.com or even just google blends and recipes. You can find all the spices and such at your local grocery store and/or farmers market (which is healthier for you anyways and you can shop around at the farmers market to find the best price). Another place I go for my large tins of loose leaf tea? Big lots. AWESOME and inexpensive. If that helps at all :] or with the fruity teas, make a pot of green tea and squeeze some orange or berry juice in it :]

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Wonks said

Teavana isn’t too bad if 1. You like ‘designer teas’ and 2. If you wear headphones when you go into the store. I find that when they’re giving you their best sales pitch, or upsell speech…. just staring at them and bobbing your head to the music…. it really lets them know that you didn’t come in there to socialize about great values.

Mel said

LOL at wearing headphones. I personally am anti Teavana, I dont mind saying I have never purchased their teas. My friend has sent me samples, but for the price, I don’t think they are worthy. I do drink up their samples…so they technically lose money with me around.

Wonks said

Well their actual leaves seem to be of quality, but I just don’t like drinking potpourri juice. If you saw a David’s Teas in a mall, I’m sure you’d rather go for that lol.

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I agree with OolongLily that Teavana excels at their fruit blends; I’d say this is their strongest suit, at least according to my own personal tastes. And I do think that overall, Teavana sells very high-quality teas.

But often, there are places you can get similar teas for a much better price. To make a huge understatement, Teavana’s prices tend to be on the high side. This is in part because their stores are located in high-rent shopping malls, where they have very high overhead. Their business model is based on a high sales volume, not necessarily providing the best value to cost-conscious shoppers.

I’d encourage you to look around online. Even if you can’t find top-notch tea in a local store, you definitely have good options if you look online. My personal favorite company is Upton Tea Imports (although its focus/strengths are very different from Teavana’s, they are not as good with the fruit blends from my experience). I don’t know a good “Teavana alternative” in terms of a company with similar strengths, but others may have better suggestions.

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The only advice I would give is to match the amount of tea you purchase with your consumption rate. The place you buy tea is your preference:)

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James R said

Jamie, if you’re interested I’m selling a Teavana gift set on Ebay, I’m trying to get rid of it. It’s never been opened, I’m just not a fan of flavored or fruity teas. It retails for $50 at Teavana, I’m selling it way under that. Here is the link if you’re interested: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270881531936

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