A tape for use in closing a container having opposing ends includes a base layer and a tearable tape strip. The base layer includes a tear resistant backing having a first side and a second side, and an adhesive coated on at least part of the first side of the backing. The tearable tape strip is located on the first side of the backing and has a first side and a second side. The tearable tape strip permits tearing of itself and the tear resistant backing with a given force notwithstanding that the tear resistant backing is otherwise not cleanly tearable. The tearable tape strip tears through the base layer when the tape is removed from the container. The tape can include a tab at one of the ends of the tape. The tab is formed by nicks extending from at least one of the ends of the tape and is located at least partially through the tearable tape strip which facilitate beginning tears. The invention is also a container including the tape and a container having means for adhering its flap to the container to close the container and a tearable tape strip on the flap.