Office Tea Service 101: The Ultimate Guide to Tea at Work

What is an office tea service?

The office tea service is usually located right next to the coffee station, as part of the same prep zone. A well-stocked tea area might feature classic black and green teas, caffeine-free herbal blends, compostable cups, honey sticks, and other thoughtful touches that let team members personalize their brew.

Can I write off tea for the office?

In most cases, the tea for your office is a deductible business expense. When tea is provided in a shared space like a breakroom or kitchen for employees to use in the office, it typically qualifies as a de minimis fringe benefit and is 100% deductible under IRS rules. Crafty's spend reports and category breakdowns make it simple to track tea-related purchases separately from other items, so your finance team isn’t digging through spreadsheets to prep for tax season.

What are the essentials for a great office tea service?

A great tea station doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it should be thoughtful. Here’s what you need to cover the bases:

• Hot water source: This can be from your beverage machine, coffee machine, hot water spout, or countertop electric kettle.
• Tea selection: A variety of options, such as black, green, herbal, and caffeine-free options to suit different preferences and times of day.
• Cups and accessories: Compostable cups or reusable mugs, stirrers, and napkins will do the trick.
• Sweeteners and milk: Honey sticks, lemon juice, sugar, plant-based milks, or whatever your team likes to personalize their cup.

What are the popular types of tea and their benefits?

Is it good to drink tea at work?

Yes, and there’s science to back it up. Tea contains natural compounds like L-theanine and caffeine that boost focus without the jitters. Herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint support digestion, reduce stress, and promote relaxation by activating your body’s “rest and digest” mode.

Tea is also ritual and provides a much-needed break within the day. Studies have shown that quick breaks to relax, socialize, or engage were shown to increase mood and concentration while decreasing stress. Tea just happens to be the perfect excuse to take one.

Is tea good for hydration?

Absolutely! Tea is about 99% water, which means it contributes meaningfully to your daily fluid intake. While caffeine does have a mild diuretic effect, research shows that in the moderate amounts found in tea, it doesn’t offset the hydration benefits.

What’s the best tea for hydration?

When it comes to staying hydrated at work, caffeine-free herbal teas are top-tier. Here’s a breakdown of standout options and why they deserve a spot in your office tea station:

• Rooibos
• Peppermint
• Hibiscus
• Chamomile
• Green tea

Does hot or iced tea dehydrate you?

Nope. Whether your tea is steaming hot or poured over ice, it still contributes to your hydration. The main consideration is added sugar in some bottled iced teas. Stick to high-quality, low-sugar options for maximum benefit.

Is tea more hydrating than coffee?

In most cases, yes. Tea usually has less caffeine than coffee, which means your body holds onto more of the fluid instead of losing it. Herbal teas go one step further. Since they’re naturally caffeine-free. That said, research found that drinking caffeinated tea hydrates you just as well as water does. So either way you sip, it's a win! 

What are the top 10 tea products that offices stock at work?

Whether your team is grabbing a can from the fridge or steeping something hot, these are some of the most-loved teas across Crafty-powered offices. Each one brings hydration and function in a format that works for modern workplace routines:

1. ITO EN Oi Ocha – Unsweetened Green Tea
2. ITO EN Jasmine Green Tea
3. Rishi Tea Barista (Everyday) Matcha
4. Teas' Tea Unsweetened Jasmine Green Tea
5. Just Ice Tea Half Tea & Half Lemonade
6. Teas' Tea Unsweetened Green Tea
7. Tejava Unsweetened Black Tea
8. Pure Leaf Unsweetened Black Tea
9. Just Ice Tea Peach Oolong Tea
10. GT’s Kombucha Synergy Gingerberry

How does Crafty make tea service easy?

At Crafty, we make it easy to bring thoughtful, high-quality tea service to your workplace—whether you're managing a single office or scaling across multiple cities. Our tech-enabled programs are built around a simple, proven 3-step approach:

• Step 1: Define Your Experience
  We start by understanding how tea (and the broader pantry program) fits into your team's day-to-day. From reliable basics to elevated and premium setups, your tea program fits the culture and rhythm of your office.
• Step 2: Align Your Expectations
  Whether you want light support and shared responsibilities or full pantry management across multiple offices, we’ve got you covered. Either way, your tea station stays stocked, clean, and cared for.
• Step 3: Outline Your Values
  Your pantry should reflect what your company stands for. That includes sourcing local brands, championing sustainability, and highlighting BIPOC- and women-owned tea vendors. We build in tracking and reporting tools so you can see your impact.
• The Result: A Tailored Office Tea Program That Scales
  Crafty balances experience, service, and technology to deliver something that feels intentional and easy. You get a tailored tea lineup, equipment, and the platform to create a workplace ritual employees value.

Conclusion

Tea may not always be the loudest voice in the breakroom, but it’s one of the most powerful. It hydrates like a champ, sharpens focus without the crash, and invites employees to take a meaningful pause in their day. As more teams reach for wellness-forward, low-sugar, and customizable beverage options, tea is becoming a non-negotiable part of the modern pantry.