Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find an answer to your questions, please contact us.



1. How much loose leaf tea should I order?

All of our loose leaf teas have a 2 oz. order minimum.  2 oz. will make over 20 cups of hot tea and over 10 cups of iced tea.   Loose Leaf tea has a variety of uses and can be used in your favorite recipes or add new flavors to your favorite cocktails.  It is important to think about how often you drink tea and/or how many people you will be brewing for. If you have any questions before ordering, please do not hesitate to contact us at

2. Are your teas allergen-free?

All of our teas have ingredients listed, and teas, which contain top allergens such as almonds, chamomile or cinnamon, are clearly marked. None of our teas contain ingredients with gluten, dairy, or soy. However, none of our teas are processed in certified allergen-free environments. If you have a severe or dangerous allergy, please consult your physician before enjoying our teas.

3. How much caffeine is in your teas?

The caffeine content in any specific cup of tea can vary based on many factors – from the temperature of the water to how many of the tea leaves were broken when you steeped them. All of our tea’s are labeled Low, Medium and High so you can easily find the caffeine level that is best for you.

4. Why doesn’t tea give me the same caffeine buzz I get from coffee?

That’s because you’re experiencing the effects of what many nutritionists call “Teaneine (tea-a-neen)” While tea leaves do contain the same caffeine molecule that is found in coffee beans, it also contains two additional stimulants that are not found in coffee. Your body absorbs these stimulants through the same receptors as the caffeine, so the result is a more evenly distributed, gradual absorption than straight-up caffeine. These additional stimulants are also shown to increase mental function and the mind’s ability to focus and learn, which is why tea has always been seen as a drink of scholars.

5. What are the health benefits of tea?

There are many tea benefits, but we are not doctors so If you are considering using tea as part of your health regimen, please consult your physician about the best kinds of teas to accomplish your health goals.

6. How long does my tea last and how do I store loose leaf tea?

Because there aren’t oils or fats in tea leaves, they do not “spoil” like coffee beans. If exposed to excessive amounts of light, air, heat or moisture, tea leaves can go “stale” quickly. But, if kept in a cool, dry, airtight, and opaque container, most teas will stay fresh a very long time (up to 1-2 years).

However, for best tasting teas, and those that contain dried fruits, nuts or other spices (such as Sunny Green or Mountain Gold) we recommend you use your tea within 8 months of purchase. Pure teas (such as Pekoe Assam or Sencha) will keep for more than a year in the proper container and storage. Explore our tea storage options.

7. How do I make loose leaf tea?

When making loose leaf tea you will use 1 teaspoon per cup for hot tea and 2-3 teaspoons per cup for iced tea. Brew times vary between different tea types, but it is important to use more or less tea for preferences in strength. We do NOT recommend steeping for more or less time. Each one of our tea’s contain a Brew TIp and will let you know what the right water temperature and brew time is.

8. Is your tea grown in Boulder, Colorado?

No.  The tea bush (camellia sinensis) needs very specific conditions to thrive, and so far it’s only been found thriving in Southern and Eastern Asia, and parts of Eastern Africa. We are a privately owned business born in Boulder, Colorado in 2003. We have sourced some of the finest teas available by visiting tea plantations all over the world, and we have developed relationships with other families and farmers who live in areas where camellia sinensis can grow.

9. When I brew tea at home, it tastes bitter. Why is that?

There could be many reasons for this, but the general answer is that your tea was not brewed correctly. Use filtered water, the right temperature and follow the recommended Brew Tip. On all of our loose leaf teas we have included a Brew Tip that will tell you the recommended temperature and time for easy reference.

Also, tea and coffee are known for picking up residual flavors in soap from cups, spoons and filters. Plus, tea is 99% water, so filtered water is recommended for best results. Remember – you do not need to wash your tea infusers with soap every time, and when you do use soap you want to rinse them very thoroughly.

10. Does the water temperature/steep time really make a difference?

Yes. Your tea will taste much better if you brew it at the recommended temperature and time that is why we have included Brew Tips on all of our teas.

11. Is there any way I can try your tea before buying it?

If you live in Colorado, we would love to have you visit our Sip Houses. Click here to view our Locations. We are also happy to include a sample with your online order. Just let us know in the notes section of your order what loose leaf teas you would like to explore, and we’ll include a sample just for you.

12. Are your teas Certified Organic?

Many of our teas are certified organic, and these are clearly marked on the website and on our packaging. Click here to view all of our Certified Organic Teas.


1. Is your coffee organic?

Yes, we are proud that all of our coffee is 100% organic and fair trade.

2. What is the best way to store coffee?

Storage is integral to maintaining your coffee’s freshness and flavor. It is important to keep it away from excessive air, moisture, heat, and light. Pekoe Sip House has sourced great options for coffee storage. Explore our Coffee storage options.

3. How long does whole bean coffee stay fresh?

It is wise to purchase coffee in amounts proportionate to how quickly it will be consumed. Coffee begins to lose its freshness almost immediately after roasting so it is far better to purchase it in smaller quantities. Purchase freshly roasted coffee frequently and buy only what you will use in the next 1 or 2 weeks. And because exposure to air is coffee’s worst enemy, it is a good idea to divide your coffee supply into several smaller portions, keeping the larger, unused portion in an air-tight container. Explore our Coffee storage options.

4. How much coffee should I order?

Each of our 12 oz. Organic Whole Bean Coffee bags will make up to 40 cups of coffee. If making cold brew iced coffee, we recommend using our 12 oz. bag per gallon, cold brewed for 24 hours.

5. What kind of grind should I use for whole bean coffee?

For French Press and Pour Over we recommend a course grind. For Espresso you will want a fine grind. Explore our grinders.

6. What is Pour Over coffee?

Pour Over Coffee is a simple manual coffee method where filtered water is poured in a thin, steady slow stream over a filter cone. Using the Pour Over method for brewing at home is easy, explore our Pour Over options.

7. What is French Press?

French Press is a simple manual coffee method where filtered water and coursely ground coffee are placed in a “press pot,” to brew. Brew rich and flavorful coffee with our French Presses.

8. What is Dark, Medium and Gold?

Dark, Medium and Gold are our roast categories for each coffee flavor profile. Dark roasts are robust and bright. Medium roasts are smooth and balanced. Gold roasts are soft and mellow.


1. What is a Pekoe at home subscription?

We offer re-occurring monthly orders for our tea’s and coffee’s. Receive tea and coffee automatically with our Pekoe at Home Subscription.


1. What forms of payment does Pekoe accept?

Pekoe accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.

2. Can I order a gift certificate?

Yes. Currently all gift certificates will only be able to be redeemed where they are purchased. i.e. if purchased online, then they may only be redeemed online.

3. How can I place an order by phone?

Currently we are only accepting orders through our website or by email.

4. How can I cancel an order?

Please contact our Customer Service via email or call us at 720-638-0073 to cancel an order.

5. How can I check my order status?

Upon placing your order you should receive an email confirmation with tracking information. If you have additional questions, please contact our Customer Service team via email or at 720-638-0073.


1. How much does shipping cost?

Shipping costs vary depending on method you indicate for delivery. You receive free shipping for orders over $50.00.

2. Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Additional fees may apply.

3. Do you offer gift wrapping?

Yes. At check out this option will be made available, just click the box labeled Gift Wrap. There is an additional $5.00 charge for this service.

4. How do I track my order?

When your order is being shipped an additional email will be sent to you to track online.

5. How do I get free shipping for my order?

We are constantly offering ways to enjoy free shipping. Sign up for our newsletter, Twitter, Facebook and blog for up to date promotional information.

Returns & Exchanges

1. How do I return a package?

If any of our products do not meet your expectations, we want to know. As such, please contact Customer Service via email or call us at 720-683-0073. Include your order number and a description of the reason for the return. We will gladly exchange or refund your purchase within thirty (30) days of receipt of the returned merchandise. Please note that refunds will only be issued to the same credit card that was used for the original purchase.

2. What do I do if my order is incomplete, incorrect or damaged?

For any issues regarding your order, please contact Customer Service vie email or call us at 720-683-0073.


1. How do I get your tea into my business?

We do offer wholesale and would love to discuss a custom tea and coffee program for your business. Please contact us at and let us know how we can help.

Gift Cards & Loyalty Program

1. Will Gift Cards work in stores and online?


2. How does your loyalty program work?

Our loyalty program has been designed to reward our customers. Earn free drinks and get access to special promotions.

Company Information

1. How can I suggest a location for a new store?

We love hearing from our customers and would love to know where you would like a future Pekoe Sip House. Please send us an email at or share locations with us via facebook.

2. Does Pekoe make charitable donations?

Yes. Community is at the center of our business. Every year we give to local and national communities and causes. It is important to give back, so we do.
