Tea Blog

To dunk or not to dunk? To squeeze or not to squeeze?

For many people who use tea bags, it’s common practice to dunk the bag repeatedly and give it a squeeze at the end. There are even specialized tea bag squeezer tongs designed to remove excess liquid. But is this the best way to handle your tea bag?

Our editor explored this issue in this discussion about whether squeezing a tea bag affects flavor, ultimately suggesting moderation or avoidance. Curious about the science behind it, I looked into whether any research exists on the topic.

It turns out there has been some investigation into dunking. According to this analysis of tea bag dunking and extraction efficiency, a tea chemist found no significant difference between dunking and simply letting the bag steep under controlled conditions—meaning you can dunk or not, based on personal preference. For a more detailed explanation, including underlying principles, see this extended explanation of how tea bag movement affects infusion.

As for squeezing, while there appears to be less formal research, established tea brands have weighed in. According to guidance from Twinings tea and their official tea tasting recommendations, squeezing a tea bag too much may release additional tannins, which can cause bitterness.

Similarly, advice associated with Taylors of Harrogate tea producers and Yorkshire Tea brewing guidance suggests a balanced approach: remove the tea bag and give it a single, gentle squeeze rather than excessive pressure.

In the end, like many aspects of tea preparation, the choice comes down to personal preference. Whether you dunk, squeeze, or simply let your tea steep undisturbed, the goal remains the same—a satisfying cup of tea.

See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea-related writing by the author.

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