Collection: Decaffeinated Tea

Your Complete Guide to Decaffeinated Tea

Decaffeinated teas are a great option for tea lovers who may need to avoid caffeine for health reasons, or for those who like to drink tea in the evenings but do not want their sleep to be affected.

All tea leaves grown from the tea plant Camellia sinensis naturally contain caffeine, but the level of caffeine may depend on when they were harvested and on how long the leaves have been oxidised during processing. Black teas tend to contain the highest amounts of caffeine, with oolong, green and white teas generally containing less.

Tea leaves actually contain more caffeine than coffee beans, but when brewed, caffeine is more effectively extracted from coffee than from tea, meaning a cup of coffee will usually contain more caffeine than a cup of tea.

Most types of tea can be decaffeinated, but decaf black tea and decaf green tea are the most common. No decaffeination method can eliminate 100% of caffeine, so there will always be trace amounts left in decaf tea. However, for a tea to be called decaffeinated it must contain less than 2.5% of its original caffeine.

The only drinks that are truly caffeine-free are herbal teas, fruit tisanes and rooibos, a naturally caffeine-free tea made from the soft, needle-like leaves of the plant Aspalathus linearis.

Sections

• How is Tea Decaffeinated?
• Our Range of Decaffeinated Teas
• FAQs

How is Tea Decaffeinated?

There are four known methods used to decaffeinate tea.

• The Water Processing Method
• The Carbon Dioxide Method
• The Methylene Chloride Method
• The Ethyl Acetate Method

Of these, the methods considered the most natural and safe are those that use water processing or carbon dioxide.

With the Water Processing Method, caffeine is extracted from tea leaves when they are first soaked in hot water, then the water is filtered through a carbon filter to trap caffeine molecules. The filtered water still contains the tea’s flavours and oils, and this is then returned to the tea leaves to be reabsorbed. Water-processed decaf tea is considered safe and natural, although some flavour may be lost during the process.

The Carbon Dioxide Method is also a natural method of decaffeination. It uses naturally occurring carbon dioxide combined with high pressure and temperature. Tea leaves are moistened with water, then heated and exposed to pressurised streams of carbon dioxide. These conditions cause the carbon dioxide to bond with the smaller caffeine molecules, which are then filtered out. The larger flavour-carrying molecules are retained, along with a good percentage of the tea’s antioxidants.

In the Methylene Chloride Method, tea leaves are immersed in methylene chloride, a colourless liquid also used as a solvent in products such as paint strippers and cleaning agents. The caffeine bonds with the chemical and is then separated from the leaves. Traces may remain on the tea leaves, which can affect flavour. This method is not widely considered ideal, and tea processed in this way is regarded as unsafe or undesirable in some countries.

The Ethyl Acetate Method works in a similar way, but uses ethyl acetate, an organic compound derived from ethanol and acetic acid. Although it occurs naturally in some organisms, including tea leaves, teas decaffeinated this way may still retain a bitter or chemical taste from residues left behind after processing.

Our Range of Decaffeinated Teas

There is a wide range of high-quality decaffeinated teas available, selected for freshness, flavour and quality. These decaf teas are produced safely using naturally occurring carbon dioxide combined with high pressure and temperature, extracting the caffeine without the use of harsh chemicals. Care is taken to preserve the tea’s tannins while reducing caffeine content, helping the leaves retain their subtle flavours and characteristics.

Decaffeinated English Breakfast Tea

A full-bodied luxury black tea made from flowery pekoe leaves. This flavoursome decaf English Breakfast tea reveals light floral flavours and delicious fruity notes. It is a great tea to drink at breakfast or at any time of the day or evening.

“Really enjoying this tea, tasty and enjoyable. This is my second order and will continue to buy in the future.”

“This tea is tasty and is a nice brew any time of day. Love that it’s decaf. Delivered quickly too. I use with make your own tea bags, so convenient.”

Decaffeinated Sencha Green Tea

A delicious decaffeinated sencha green tea sourced from Hunan in China and made from sencha leaves that grow at 3500 feet above sea level. It is a light and delicate tea that offers refreshing green tea flavours and also works well with lemon.

“Wonderful alternative, close to the taste of green tea with caffeine.”

“Excellent to be able to have decaffeinated sencha green tea. Well packed for ease of use.”

Decaffeinated Leaf Tea

A rich and aromatic decaffeinated Ceylon tea that is full of fresh, bold flavours. It can be served with a splash of milk or a slice of lemon for a refreshing decaf brew that can be enjoyed at any time of day or evening.

“This is a very acceptable tea for non-decaf drinkers as well as those who need the caffeine removed. I was very pleasantly surprised by the flavour and would not hesitate to buy again.”

“We really enjoyed your decaf tea. Full of flavour, plus a nice taste. Some decafs just don't taste right. Thank you Tea Direct.”

Decaffeinated Earl Grey Tea

This delicious decaf Earl Grey tea is a blend of luxury Ceylon black tea, pretty cornflower petals and natural bergamot oil. It is perfect for Earl Grey enthusiasts who like to drink tea in the evenings.

Decaffeinated English Breakfast Tea Pyramid Tea Bags

A full-bodied luxury black tea made from flowery pekoe leaves, delivering light floral flavours and fruity notes, and supplied in biodegradable silky pyramid tea bags. It offers a convenient decaf option for everyday use.

Decaffeinated Fannings Tea

These fine and fragrant Ceylon tea fannings produce an attractive dark amber brew when steeped. This decaf Ceylon tea offers all the flavour of Kenya PF Tea but without the caffeine, so it can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Decaffeinated Courtlodge Ceylon Tea

A naturally decaffeinated black Ceylon tea made from flowery pekoe leaves, revealing delicious piquant flavours and an attractive liquor when infused.

“Nice taste and flavour.”

Decaffeinated Irish Breakfast Tea

This luxury black tea is made from pekoe fannings that are decaffeinated at the green leaf stage. It is a refreshing beverage with delicious malty overtones and rosy notes, making it a great tea to start the day.

“Great product thanks!”

FAQs

Why do people buy decaffeinated tea?

Although the energising effects of caffeine can be useful for boosting metabolism and helping focus and concentration, it is a stimulant that some people prefer to avoid. The most common reasons include the following.

• Sensitivity to caffeine
• Pregnancy
• Allergy to caffeine
• Sleep disturbance

Sensitivity and tolerance to caffeine vary between individuals. Some people can consume a lot without side effects, while others may be particularly susceptible. Those with low tolerance may experience anxiety, nausea, headaches, stomach upsets, acid reflux and palpitations.

Pregnant women are often advised to cut down their caffeine consumption, or avoid it completely during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. One reason is that studies have suggested a possible link between caffeine consumption and low birth weight. It is also thought that excessive caffeine may affect milk supply and contribute to irritability and wakefulness in babies. Since caffeine is also present in coffee, cola, chocolate, energy drinks and certain medications, replacing caffeinated beverages with herbal teas, decaf loose leaf teas or decaf tea bags can be a sensible option.

People who have an actual allergy to caffeine may suffer symptoms such as hives, itchiness, wheezing, swollen lips or tongue, and in rare cases anaphylaxis. Fortunately, this type of allergy is uncommon.

Probably the most common reason for avoiding caffeine is its effect on sleep. As well as making it harder to fall asleep, caffeine can affect both the quality and the length of sleep. Those who are sensitive to these effects are often wise to avoid caffeinated drinks later in the afternoon and evening.

What is the best method of decaffeinating tea?

The best methods of tea decaffeination are those that are natural and safe, while retaining as much of the tea’s flavour and health benefits as possible. The Carbon Dioxide Method and the Water Processing Method are generally regarded as the best choices. Other methods involving harsher chemicals may be cheaper, but they are less desirable and may raise safety concerns. Water processing and carbon dioxide methods are also considered better for the environment.

What’s the difference between decaffeinated tea and caffeine-free tea?

Decaffeinated tea is tea that has been through a process to remove most of its caffeine. There will always be trace amounts left after decaffeination. Caffeine-free drinks, by contrast, are those that never contained caffeine in the first place. Herbal teas, fruit tisanes and rooibos are all examples of naturally caffeine-free alternatives.

What are the best alternatives to caffeinated tea?

If you are looking for the best decaf tea to drink instead of your usual brew, there are many popular loose leaf teas available in decaffeinated form, offering similar flavour profiles without the caffeine hit. There is also a wide variety of caffeine-free herbal teas, fruit tisanes and rooibos teas that can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night.