Bigelow Tea Quality Testing and Safety Assurance
Published On February 27, 2026
Bigelow Tea ensures safety and quality through rigorous evaluation across the entire production process. Products undergo more than 25 quality tests before they reach consumers. Consumer safety is our top priority.
Independent and Internal Testing
Bigelow Tea uses a two-tier testing approach:
- Independent third-party laboratories conduct over 450 pesticide tests plus heavy metals testing ensuring each cup is clean
- In-house analytical testing performs 25+ quality checks throughout the entire production process
Partner Verification Requirements
- Decades-long supplier relationships
- Appropriately apply EU and US standards
- Trusted suppliers meeting the strictest standards
Three-Stage Internal Testing Process
Stage 1: Raw Materials Evaluation
Before ingredients are blended, each raw tea and ingredient delivered to our Connecticut facility undergoes:
- Sensory panel taste testing by trained experts who distinguish unique flavor notes for all our ingredients
- All raw ingredients and teas are tested against a control sample to ensure consistent quality
- Thorough testing is done to ensure appropriate ingredient moisture levels and quality cut sizes to meet Bigelow’s stringent specifications
Once all tests have been successfully passed, the ingredients are released to be blended into one of the Bigelow family unique recipes.
Stage 2: Evaluation Of Finished Tea Blends
After blending and before production, the recipes are once again evaluated for:
- Taste
- Moisture
- Density
Stage 3: At The Start Of Every Tea Bag Production Run
The first 10 finished tea bags are:
- Weighed to ensure proper tea amount in each bag
- Samples are evaluated for taste, aroma, and color
- Once lab approves, the first hundred cases produced are released to ship
Comprehensive Quality Testing Throughout Production
Before Critical Ingredients Are Selected
- Samples are evaluated for taste, aroma, and color
Before Ingredients Are Shipped To Bigelow Tea
- Pre-shipment samples are evaluated for taste, aroma, and color
Upon Ingredient Arrival
- All ingredients are evaluated for taste, aroma, and color
- Physical properties are tested for moisture, density, and size for select ingredients
After Recipes Are Blended
- Every recipe is evaluated for taste, aroma, and color
- Every recipe is tested for moisture and density
During Tea Bag Production
- Taste, aroma, color, and weight testing to ensure flavor consistency and quality
Every 15 Minutes: Tea Bag Inspection
Dedicated skilled operators inspect for over 10 different facets of the tea bag and protective pouch to ensure product and tea bag integrity
Every 30 Minutes: Retail Box Inspection
Dedicated skilled operators inspect all elements of the tea bag box to ensure proper functionality and legibility
Every 3 hours: Weight Verification
- Tea bag weight checked to ensure appropriately filled
Sensory Panel Expertise
Our sensory panel consists of scientists trained to detect even subtle differences in taste, color, and aroma. These experts evaluate the aroma, taste, and appearance of teas and ingredients to ensure each cup meets the highest standards consumers demand and expect from Bigelow Tea.