Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Annual consumption of tea in Poland reaches about 0,9 kg/person. During the brewing process, many compounds are transferred to the brew. Tannins (bioactive components) are highly desirable in drinking tea, whereas nitrates(V) and (III) are unwanted in the brew. The research was limited to teas imported to Poland from China, Malawi, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The content of tannins in tea varied from 0,04 to 3,82 g/100g. The determined content of nitrates(V) ranged from 5,70 to 64,38 mg NaNO₃/kg and of nitrates(III) from 0,00 to 13,50 mg NaNO₂/kg. Teas imported to Poland are used primarily for the preparation of mixed teas. The results of this paper may be of use to firms involved in the preparation and distribution of consumer products, in order to achieve improved smell and taste of their mixes.