Teavana closed its stores, but you can still buy its teas online
Teavana was a specialty tea retailer owned by Starbucks that sold loose-leaf teas, tea infusers, and brewing equipment in physical stores across the United States. The company shut down all of its standalone locations in 2017 and moved its business entirely online. Today, Teavana products are sold through Starbucks.com and select Starbucks locations, though the selection is smaller than it was when Teavana operated independent shops.
If you're looking for the specific teas or products Teavana used to carry, you have a few options: order through the Starbucks website, visit a Starbucks store that stocks Teavana merchandise, or explore other specialty tea retailers that carry similar products at comparable price points.
Key Takeaways
- Teavana stores closed in 2017, but the brand continues to sell tea online through Starbucks.com.
- You can find Teavana loose-leaf teas, infusers, and accessories at some Starbucks locations and through the Starbucks website.
- Teavana's product line included flavored black teas, green teas, white teas, herbal blends, and brewing equipment.
- If you can't find what you want through Starbucks, other specialty tea shops online offer similar loose-leaf varieties and brewing tools.
How Teavana became part of Starbucks
Starbucks purchased Teavana in 2012 for approximately $620 million. At that time, Teavana operated about 300 stores and was known for its high-end loose-leaf teas and personalized brewing information. Starbucks saw the acquisition as a way to expand beyond coffee into the growing specialty tea market.
For several years after the purchase, Teavana stores continued to operate as separate locations. However, Starbucks eventually decided that the standalone store model wasn't profitable enough. In 2017, the company announced it would close all Teavana locations and consolidate the brand into Starbucks stores and online channels. This shift reflected a broader retail trend toward reducing physical footprints and directing customers to e-commerce platforms.
Where to buy Teavana products today
The primary place to order Teavana teas and accessories is Starbucks.com. The website carries a selection of loose-leaf teas in various categories: black teas, green teas, white teas, oolong teas, herbal infusions, and seasonal blends. You can also purchase infusers, brewing vessels, and other tea equipment through the same site.
Some physical Starbucks locations stock Teavana products on their shelves, though availability varies by store. If you want to see what's in stock before visiting, call ahead or check the Starbucks store locator to see if your nearest location carries Teavana merchandise. Prices online and in-store are typically the same.
Shipping times and costs depend on your location and the Starbucks delivery service available in your area. Standard shipping usually takes five to seven business days, though expedited options may be available.
What types of Teavana products are still available
Teavana's core product line centered on loose-leaf tea rather than tea bags. The brand offered flavored and unflavored varieties across multiple tea types. Black teas included blends like Maharaja Oolong and Jade Citrus Mint. Green teas, white teas, and herbal infusions rounded out the selection, with names and flavor profiles that changed seasonally.
Beyond tea itself, Teavana sold brewing equipment designed to steep loose leaves properly. This included metal infusers, glass brewing vessels, electric kettles, and storage containers. Many customers purchased these tools alongside the tea, since loose-leaf brewing requires different equipment than standard tea bags.
The current online inventory is smaller than what Teavana stores carried during their peak years. If you're searching for a specific blend you remember, it may no longer be in production. Starbucks periodically rotates which Teavana products appear on its website, so checking back periodically may reveal items that were previously out of stock.
How Teavana's pricing compares to other specialty tea retailers
Teavana positioned itself as a premium tea brand, and its prices reflect that positioning. A typical loose-leaf tea from Teavana costs between $12 and $20 per ounce when purchased through Starbucks.com, depending on the blend and whether it's a seasonal offering. Larger quantities (usually sold by the ounce or in pre-packaged amounts) offer better per-ounce value.
Other specialty tea retailers online—such as Adagio, Harney & Sons, and The Tao of Tea—offer loose-leaf teas at similar or sometimes lower price points. If you're price-sensitive, comparing a few retailers before purchasing can help you find good value. Keep in mind that shipping costs vary, so factor those in when comparing total price.
Teavana's brewing equipment (infusers, kettles, vessels) is generally priced in line with similar products from other tea retailers, though specialty equipment can be expensive regardless of brand. A basic metal infuser might cost $10 to $15, while a glass brewing vessel could run $25 to $50.
Alternatives if you can't find what you want
If the Teavana selection on Starbucks.com doesn't include the tea or product you're looking for, several other online retailers specialize in loose-leaf tea. Adagio Teas, Harney & Sons, The Tao of Tea, and DavidsTea all carry comparable products and ship nationwide. Each has its own flavor profiles and house blends, so browsing a few options can help you find something you enjoy.
Local tea shops in your area may also stock loose-leaf teas and brewing equipment. Visiting in person lets you smell the tea before buying and ask staff for recommendations based on your taste preferences. Many independent tea retailers offer personalized service similar to what Teavana stores provided.
If you're specifically nostalgic for a Teavana blend that's no longer available, tea forums and communities online sometimes discuss discontinued products and suggest similar alternatives from other brands. Reddit communities like r/tea and dedicated tea forums can be helpful resources for finding comparable options.
Understanding loose-leaf tea brewing if you're new to it
One reason Teavana emphasized equipment is that loose-leaf tea requires a different brewing approach than tea bags. Loose leaves need room to expand and release their flavor into hot water, so they're typically steeped in an infuser (a small metal basket or ball that holds the leaves) or directly in a cup or pot with a strainer.
The basic steps are: heat water to the temperature recommended for your specific tea (usually between 160°F and 212°F), place loose leaves in an infuser, pour the hot water over them, and steep for the recommended time (typically three to five minutes). After steeping, remove the infuser or strain out the leaves. Many people find loose-leaf tea tastes fresher and more flavorful than bagged tea, though it requires a bit more effort.
If you're buying Teavana tea for the first time, the product description on Starbucks.com usually includes brewing instructions and recommended water temperature. Following these guidelines helps you get the best flavor from the tea you purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still visit a Teavana store?
No, all Teavana standalone stores closed in 2017. The brand now operates only through Starbucks.com and select Starbucks locations. If you want to browse Teavana products in person, visit a Starbucks that carries them, though selection will be limited compared to what the old stores offered.
Is Teavana tea still good quality?
Teavana's quality standards haven't changed since Starbucks acquired the brand. The teas are still loose-leaf and sourced from the same suppliers. However, some longtime customers feel the product line has become less diverse since the stores closed. Your experience will depend on which specific blends you try.
How long does Teavana tea stay fresh?
Loose-leaf tea stays fresh for about six months to a year when stored in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Teavana tea comes in sealed packaging that protects it during shipping. Once you open it, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness as long as possible.
Can I return Teavana tea if I don't like it?
Starbucks' return policy for Teavana products purchased online is the same as for other items: you can return unopened products within 30 days for a refund. If you open the tea and decide it's not for you, contact Starbucks customer service to discuss your options, though opened food and beverage items are typically not returnable.
Does Starbucks sell Teavana in coffee shops outside the United States?
Teavana availability outside the U.S. varies by country and region. Starbucks.com ships only within the United States. If you're outside the U.S., check whether your local Starbucks carries Teavana products or explore tea retailers in your country that offer similar loose-leaf options.