Is granulated tea "loose leaf"?

[Vibovit]

I know it may be funny, but actually I got a bit upset. I just opened a box of "loose leaf" tea I bought at Tesco's, only to find some dust inside - granulated tea (which is rubbish, I hate it).

And there's even a picture of leaf on the box, so it is double misleading.

There is a distinction in my first language and had the situation taken place in Poland, it would clearly be a con. Here we approach my question then: does the category of "leaf tea" really extend to granulated tea in English?? If so, then the term makes no sense to me, since every kind of tea is "leaf tea" (however processed), there is simply no other source of tea in the world, so why would one stress it. It's just like saying "tree apples", as opposed to some unexistent "bush apples". Are you after loose tree apples, or bagged tree apples sir?

What do you guys think? I'd like to know your opinion before I see the lawyer.

[Anglika]

Before you rush off to your lawyer - the term "loose leaf" is used to indicate it is not being sold in tea-bags.

Certain black teas, chiefly Indian in origin, are not sold in large leaf form, and cheaper teas generally are reduced to make them go further. We do not have a term "granulated tea", but really cheap teas are known as "floor-sweepings".

Take it back to Tesco's and tell them you are not happy with it and want it replaced. And in future look for good brand names or shop in a better store

[Vibovit]

But to indicate that it would be enough to write "loose tea" (just as "loose apples"), the middle word "leaf" is still redundant! Plus anyhow they should warn somewhere on the box that it's granulated, even in very small print (they didn't, I checked that with negative result). This left me with conclusion their business ethics is loose as well... You're right about brands Anglika

[Anglika]

I wouldn't put that imputation on this situation. It is a very old and recognised term in England, and one that is perfectly accepted. As I say, we do not have any such term as "granulated tea".

That is what happens when one buys foodstuffs in a foreign country. One has to learn the local ways!

[Vibovit]

I know, I'm not questioning that ;) my outrage is tongue in cheek

[Anglika]

I had rather gathered that

[susiedqq]

We have "whole leaf" teas and "loose leaf" teas (where the finings are in a bag for brewing).

[Vibovit]

Well, it seems that they use that term in the UK as well!
"At teapigs we make a big thing about using whole leaf tea" (teapigs.co.uk)
good
And by the way, were my posts in this thread correct? I'd be grateful for any corrections.

[Anglika]

They were fine - clear and comprehensible.