Caffeine-Free vs. Decaf
Before getting into what the Swiss Water Method actually is, it's first important to know the difference between Caffeine-Free and Decaf teas. In short, caffeine-free teas are usually herbal and have never contained the compound that makes up caffeine. They also do not usually contain leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is used to make most green, black, and white teas. Decaf teas naturally contain caffeine, but it is removed through one of a variety of methods. To be considered decaffeinated, a tea has to have less than 2.5% caffeine content.
Caffeine-Free, Decaf, & Caffeinated Teas
Caffeine-Free Teas:
- Organic Rooibos
- Organic Mullein
- Organic Ginger Root
- Organic Dandelion
- Organic Peppermint
- Organic Chamomile
- Organic Lavender
Decaffeinated Teas:
- Organic Decaf Sencha
- Organic Decaf Anti-Inflammatory
- Organic Decaf English Breakfast
Caffeinated Teas:
- Organic Premium Matcha
- Organic Green Tea
- Organic Black Tea
- Organic Yerba Mate
- Organic Oolong
- Organic Pu-Erh
- Organic White Tea
The Swiss Water Method
The Swiss Water Method is perhaps the simplest and cleanest method of decaffeination due to it using only three things: water, carbon filters, and the tea leaves being decaffeinated.
Four easy steps:
Tea leaves are soaked in hot water
The infused water is moved through carbon filters
The carbon filters grab onto the caffeine molecules and holds onto them
The water is returned to leaves to reabsorb the natural flavors and oils
The History
The Swiss Water Method was first created to remove caffeine from coffee and was developed in Switzerland in 1933.
It initially used green coffee extract mixed with caffeine-extracted water to soak fresh coffee beans in — extracting the caffeine without diminishing the flavor. This process is often repeated several times until flavor and caffeine are completely separated.
The Swiss Water Method is a little different when it comes to tea. There are no extracts needed when separating caffeine from tea due to the oils and natural flavors being re-infused once the water is passed through the carbon filters.
Concerns
While the Swiss Water Method is a sufficient way of removing caffeine from both coffee and tea, no decaffeination method is 100% foolproof. To be considered decaffeinated in the United States, there has to be less than a 2.5% caffeine content in the tea or coffee.
For the truly caffeine-sensitive, this can be a concern, but for the average person that amount of caffeine has little to no affect. Still, some may prefer a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea before bed.
Benefits
The simplicity and lack of chemicals used during the Swiss Water decaffeination process marks it as one of the most organic and clean ways to extract caffeine from tea or coffee. Because of this, organic teas can remain USDA certified organic and decaffeinated, meaning less than 2.5% of the initial caffeine amount remains.
Conclusion
The Swiss Water method is one of the simplest and cleanest methods to ensure a USDA certified decaf tea. In just four steps the caffeine is removed, and the flavor and oils steeped back into the tea. And while some worry that the Swiss Water process removes flavor and benefits, at Full Leaf Tea Co., we have many reviews that prove otherwise. Check out our Decaf and caffeine-free teas below!
Full Leaf Tea Co. Decaf Blends
Decaf Anti inflammatory tea
I’m enjoying the decaf anti inflammatory tea. The taste is pleasant and it’s good hot or cold. I have noticed improvement in my joint pain and am very pleased.
~Cheryl W.
Tea Lover
This [Organic Decaf Sencha] tea is awesome. I was looking for a simple tea to make decaf iced tea without being fruity or flowery. This tea is good weather cold or hot, I love it both ways.
~Tracie K.
Finally!!!
I have been searching for an organic breakfast tea that is decaffeinated and HAS FLAVOR. Finally FINALLY I found one!!! I love this English Breakfast tea so much!! Ordering again!!
~e.t.
Full Leaf Tea Co. Caffeine-Free Blends
Great Taste
I started with the beauty me mix to help with my skin, nail and hair. Definitely see a difference and plan to make this my daily new tea.
~Lori G.
Best tea for digestion!!!!
Im absolutely obsessing with this tea [Organic Liver Cleanse]!! It has a natural sweet after taste and I don’t add any sweeter to my teas I’ve also noticed I don’t feel so bloated after I take it after eating a heavy meal it’s part of my bedtime routine and I love it definitely recommend!
~J. S.
A great tea
I buy this tea for health reasons, after having issues with pneumonia. Mullein has been a game changer for my lungs. I was so thankful to find this tea. A must buy for me, I keep this on hand all year. I drink the tea alone and sometimes add some in my coffee grounds
~Miss B
Sources
Trissten Dawson
Customer Service Representative & Marketing Assistant
