Ancient Tree Black Tea Cake

All Tea Ducks loose-leaf teas come in reusable, double-lidded metal caddies. The opaque tin blocks light, and the inner + outer lid create a tight, low-air space to help keep aroma and flavour at their best.

Our 5 g compressed tea cakes are individually sealed in a premium, high-barrier foil sachet – the same type of structure used for fine coffee and delicate foods – to protect against light, odour and humidity.

At home, simply keep the closed caddy or sealed sachets in a cool, dry cupboard, away from direct sunlight, steam and strong-smelling foods. Keep the tea caddy sealed between uses and let the caddy or sachet do the hard work of protecting your tea.

Our pure teas start with 100% tea leaves only – no added flavourings, sweeteners or colourings – from trusted partners in China’s tea-growing regions.

Every batch is then sent for independent laboratory testing against relevant UK/EU standards. Each tea goes through a comprehensive screen of over 600 individual checks for pesticide residues, heavy metals and other potential contaminants – far beyond the basic panels typically used in the tea market.

We then seal the teas either in our reusable, double-lidded metal caddies or in high-barrier foil sachets. These are food-contact approved, tested packaging specifically chosen to protect the leaves from light, air, odour and moisture, so the flavour and aroma you taste at home stay as close as possible to how they were at origin.

On each tea you’ll see a Caffeine Intensity line in the tasting notes. This is based on a 300 ml first infusion brewed as recommended:

• Gentle – typically around 10–30 mg per 300 ml

• Moderate – typically around 30–50 mg per 300 ml

• Lively – typically around 50–70 mg per 300 ml

Caffeine drops sharply after the first infusion, so your second and third cups from the same leaves are noticeably softer.

For context, a standard mug of brewed coffee (about 240 ml) usually contains around 90–100 mg of caffeine. Tea also naturally contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works with caffeine to give a steadier, more focused kind of energy. Many people therefore find tea a calmer, more even option than coffee.

As a simple guide, Gentle teas are often comfortable even into the evening for many people, Moderate teas suit most daytime moments, and Lively teas are usually best enjoyed earlier in the day or when you want a clearer lift. If you’re very caffeine-sensitive, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s always best to follow personal medical advice on caffeine intake.

Standard UK delivery is usually 3–5 business days with Royal Mail, and 1–2 business days for our express option. We allow a short time to prepare and pack each order with care, and you’ll receive tracking details as soon as your parcel is dispatched.

Your teas are packed into sturdy, high-quality kraft outer packaging designed to protect the caddies and sachets in transit and minimise any risk of damage, while still feeling refined and gift-ready when you open the box.

For full details on delivery options, charges and international shipping, please see our Shipping Policy page.