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Home » Posts » How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Tea?

May 24, 2022 by Courtney | Updated: March 11, 2024 |

How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Tea?

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Welcome to your ultimate guide to making a large batch of tea! Whether you are brewing tea for a crowd or just for yourself, knowing how many tea bags for a gallon of tea is essential! Here we will break it down so you can make the perfect cup of tea every time!

pitcher of tea and tea bags

Tea is a sure crowd-pleaser. It can be made with black tea, green tea, oolong, or herbal tea, just to name a few. Tea is the perfect make-ahead drink and can be served hot or over ice. Some love it just as it is, while others prefer a bit of sugar or milk.  Iced tea is the quintessential summer drink, and it looks beautiful on its own or with garnishes such as mint, lemon, or rosemary. I have previously shared my popular recipes for raspberry iced tea and blueberry iced tea. Both are winners for large crowds! The big question is, how many tea bags to use for making such a large quantity of tea? 

Table of Contents

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  • How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Tea
  • How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Iced Tea
  • How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Sun Tea
  • How Many Family-Size Tea Bags for a Gallon of Tea?
  • How Much Tea for a Gallon of Herbal Tea
  • How to Brew a Gallon of Iced Tea
  • How to Cold Brew a Gallon of Iced Tea
  • Recipe Tips for Brewing Tea
  • How Many Serving are in a Gallon of Tea?
  • Measurement Glossary
  • More Recipes You Will Love!
  • How to Make a Gallon of Tea

How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Tea

In general, 1 tea bag per 8 ounces of water is the rule. I apply this when making large quantities as well. Most tea bags contain a little less than 1 teaspoon but more than 3/4 teaspoon of tea. Keep this in mind if you are using family-size tea bags as you won’t need as many tea bags when using those.

So, how many tea bags for a gallon of tea? Use 16 regular-sized tea bags or 4 family-sized tea bags per 1 gallon of water.

Of course, you can use more or less depending on how you like your tea to taste!

How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Iced Tea

For iced tea, the trick is to brew tea strong enough so it won’t water down when poured over ice. I’ve found that for black tea 16 tea bags are the perfect ratio. Be sure to allow the tea time to cool before serving over ice. You can also use tea ice cubes to keep your tea from becoming watered down.

two glasses of iced tea with lemon and mint

How Many Tea Bags for a Gallon of Sun Tea

The same amount of tea bags used for traditional tea making can be applied to sun tea as well. See here for more tips and cautions on making sun tea!

How Many Family-Size Tea Bags for a Gallon of Tea?

Family-sized tea bags are larger bags that contain more tea leaves than regular size tea bags. In general, one family-sized tea bag makes 1 quart of tea. Use 4 family-size tea bags for 1 gallon of tea. 

How Much Tea for a Gallon of Herbal Tea

The same rules apply for herbal tea although you can generally steep herbal tea longer in hot water and it is often recommended. You can also cold brew herbal tea with beautiful results. Check out my tips for iced chamomile tea and iced roselle tea! Use 10-16 tea bags per 1 gallon of water to make herbal tea. To make a gallon of herbal tea using loose tea, use 1/3-1/2 cup of tea for 1 gallon of water.

cold brew tea

How to Brew a Gallon of Iced Tea

  1. Add 1 gallon (16 cups) of water to a large pot. 
  2. If you are making sweet tea, now is a good time to add your sugar. 
  3. Bring water to a boil.
  4. Turn off the heat and add in tea bags. Be sure to fully submerge the tea bags in the water. (If your tea bags have paper tags on the end of the strings either remove the paper or hang them over the edge of the pot carefully to avoid any flame.)
  5. Steep covered for 5 full minutes.
  6. Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool down.
  7. Transfer and store in the refrigerator until serving.

How to Cold Brew a Gallon of Iced Tea

  1. Add tea bags to one gallon of water. (Or divide between 4, 1-quart containers)
  2. Secure lid and refrigerate for 4-12 hours.
  3. Remove tea bags. Your tea is ready to serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
tea in cups with ice and lemon

Recipe Tips for Brewing Tea

  • Lipton Tea is a favorite for iced tea! It is smooth, bright, and full of flavor.
  • Do not be tempted to over-steep tea. For true teas such as black and oolong only steep for 5 minutes in hot water. For green tea 3 minutes in hot water should be perfect. Herbal teas may steep up to 10 minutes. 
  • To make stronger tea, simply add more tea and avoid over steeping.
  • Allow the tea to fully cool before serving over ice.
  • Experiment with times between 4-12 hours for your favorite cold brew tea!
  • Use fresh herbs such as rosemary, mint, or lavender to garnish and add subtle flavor.
  • Add more flavor and bright color with slices of lemon or lime.

How Many Serving are in a Gallon of Tea?

There are 16, 8oz servings in a gallon of tea!

Measurement Glossary

  • 16 Cups = 1 Gallon
  • 4 Quarts = 1 Gallon
  • 8 Pints = 1 Gallon

More Recipes You Will Love!

  • Iced London Fog
  • Peach Iced Tea
  • Blackberry Iced Tea
  • How to Cold Brew Tea

I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let’s connect! If you try this recipe, please come back and leave a review!

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tea in pitcher with tea bags and tall glass of iced tea
tea in pitcher with tea bags and tall glass of iced tea

How to Make a Gallon of Tea

Courtney
Make a gallon of iced tea perfectly every time!
5 from 10 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 minute min
Cook Time 7 minutes mins
Additional Time 1 minute min
Total Time 1 minute min
Course Black Tea
Cuisine American
Servings 15 Servings
Calories 1 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10-16 Tea Bags
  • 1 Gallon Water
  • Lemon Slices optional
  • Mint Slices optional

Instructions
 

How to Brew a Gallon of Tea

  • Add 1 gallon (16 cups) of water to a large pot. 
  • If you are making sweet tea, now is a good time to add your sugar. 
  • Bring water to a boil.
  • Turn off the heat and add in tea bags. Be sure to fully submerge the tea bags in the water. (If your tea bags have paper tags on the end of the strings either remove the paper or hang them over the edge of the pot carefully to avoid any flame.)
  • Steep covered for 5 full minutes.
  • Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool down.
  • Transfer and store in the refrigerator until serving.

How to Cold Brew a Gallon of Tea

  • Add tea bags to one gallon of water. (Or divide between 4, 1-quart containers)
  • Secure lid and refrigerate for 4-12 hours.
  • Remove tea bags. Your tea is ready to serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • Lipton Tea is a favorite for iced tea! It is smooth, bright, and full of flavor.
  • Do not be tempted to over steep tea. For true teas such as black and oolong only steep for 5 minutes in hot water. For green tea 3 minutes in hot water should be perfect. Herbal teas may steep up to 10 minutes. 
  • To make stronger tea, simply add more tea and avoid over steeping.
  • Allow the tea to fully cool before serving over ice.
  • Experiment with times between 4-12 hours for your favorite cold brew tea!
  • Use fresh herbs such as rosemary, mint, or lavender to garnish and add subtle flavor.
  • Add more flavor and bright color with slices of lemon or lime.
  • This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.

    Keyword how many tea bags for a gallon

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ruth says

      August 4, 2022 at 6:58 am

      Excellent information and just what I needed this morning. I buy gallons of tea at the supermarket but decided I’d prefer to make my own.

      Reply
      • Courtney says

        August 4, 2022 at 8:04 am

        Thanks for sharing, Ruth! I hope you enjoy making your own tea!

        Reply
    2. Laura says

      October 16, 2022 at 2:12 pm

      How much sugar would you add to the water if you want sweet brewed tea, 1 gallon?

      Reply
      • Courtney says

        October 17, 2022 at 8:20 am

        Hi Laura, I start with 1- 1 1/2 cups of sugar. If you like your tea sweeter you can always add more!

        Reply
    3. Cathy L Guillen says

      January 23, 2024 at 2:03 pm

      This is my first time, making 100% natural organic green tea instead of doing hot tea. This time I’m making a whole gallon of iced tea I just love it it goes way that to my grandmother she is the one who introduced me to ice tea. Thank you grandma Nellyand thank you guys for the suggestions on the iced tea

      Reply
      • Courtney says

        January 23, 2024 at 3:19 pm

        You’re welcome! I hope it becomes your new favorite.

        Reply

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    MEET THE AUTHOR, COURTNEY

    Tea has been part of the fabric of humankind since time immemorial and with each variation of tea, there is a memory and experience to enjoy with every sip. For me, it was my grandmother who first taught me to love tea: this blog is dedicated to her. She was and always will be my inspiration! Read More…

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