Paper tube
Folding carton · Paperboard
Custom tea boxes
Custom tea boxes are printed paperboard cartons for bagged tea, or for loose leaf in an inner bag. We make them from 50 units per design, with board and inks specified for food.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Style
- Tuck carton or tube
- Board
- White or kraft paperboard
- Best for
- Tea bags, loose leaf
- Minimum order
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Paper-first materials
- 100% recyclable
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What makes a good tea box?
Tell us whether the tea touches the box. Bagged tea and loose leaf in an inner pouch don't; loose leaf poured straight in does, and that changes what board we specify.
A tea box keeps tea dry, holds the count you sell, and stacks on a shelf. Most are tuck-end cartons; premium loose leaf often goes in a paper tube.
Paper and board that touch food fall under FDA rules such as 21 CFR 176.180 for dry food. If the tea sits directly against the board, your specialist specifies food-contact board and inks.
- Carton. Tuck end, sized to the bag count.
- Inner bag (optional). Keeps loose leaf fresh and off the board.
- Dispenser (optional). A perforated tear-out for pulling bags one at a time.
- Copy panels. Brewing directions, ingredients, origin.
Specifications
Custom tea boxes: specifications
Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Reverse tuck end, dispenser carton, or tube |
| Board | White or kraft paperboard. Food-contact board when tea touches it |
| Food-appropriate inks, one color to full color | |
| Add-ons | Perforated dispenser, hang tab, die-cut window |
| Size | Drawn to the bag count or inner pouch |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable paperboard |
| Minimum order | 50 units per design |
| Structural design | $0. We draw the dieline around your product |
| Proof | Digital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes |
| Production | 10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top |
| Default finish | Aqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box |
| Point of contact | One packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery |
Board and build
Bags, loose leaf or sampler?
The format decides the box.
| Format | Box | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tea bags | Tuck carton or dispenser | Size to the count |
| Loose leaf in pouch | Tuck carton | Pouch keeps tea off the board |
| Loose leaf direct | Food-contact carton or tube | Tell us so we specify the board |
| Sampler sets | Divider carton or rigid box | Several flavors in one box |
For a premium range, a custom rigid box or tube lifts the presentation.
Compare
Tea box or paper tube?
Both are common for tea. They suit different ranges.
| Carton | Paper tube | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangular, stacks tightly | Round, stands out |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Ships to you | Flat | Assembled |
| Best for | Bagged tea, large ranges | Premium loose leaf |
See custom paper tubes for the round option.
Sizing
Size to the count
For bagged tea, send the bag size and how many go in a box. For loose leaf, send the filled inner pouch's size.
We add clearance on the dieline. How to measure a box covers the order of the numbers.
Who orders tea boxes
- Tea brands. Cartons for 15, 20 or 25 bags.
- Cafes and roasters. Small runs of house blends.
- Hotels and gifting. Sampler boxes.
- Wellness brands. Herbal blends next to supplement boxes.
Finishes
Finishes for tea.
Aqueous coating goes on every box by default. One finish on the name is plenty.
Foil stamping
The blend name.
Debossing
Quiet on kraft.
Aqueous coating
Default on every box.
Quote
Get a quote for custom tea boxes
One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.
How it works
Four steps, one person.
The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.
Step 01
Tell us what you're packing
Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.
Step 02
We draw the structure
Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.
Step 03
You approve the proof
Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.
Step 04
We make and ship
Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.
FAQ
Custom tea boxes: questions.
What is the minimum order for custom tea boxes?
50 units per design.
Are tea boxes food safe?
When the tea touches the board, we specify food-contact board and inks. Tell us if your tea goes in without an inner bag.
Can you make a dispenser tea box?
Yes, with a perforated tear-out on the front so bags pull out one at a time.
Do tea boxes keep tea fresh?
The box protects from light and knocks. For freshness, use an inner pouch.
How long do custom tea boxes take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
You sell tea by weight over the counter
If you scoop tea into bags in-store, a printed paper bag or pouch with a label costs less than a box.
You need fewer than 50 boxes
Our minimum is 50 units. For 10 or 20, a stock box with a printed sticker will cost you less.
You need boxes next week
Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.
You want plain brown boxes
If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.
How many bags per box?
Send the bag size and count, or your pouch size, and how many boxes you need.
Start a projectPopular boxes
Related boxes.
Paper pouch
Gable box
Folding carton
Kraft boxes
Unbleached kraft cartons with one- or two-color print. Reads as natural without saying so.
Kraft