Caffeine-Free vs. Decaf
Before getting into what the Carbon Dioxide Decaffeination Method for tea 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. For example, these are teas like chamomile and rooibos. Decaf teas naturally contain caffeine, but it is removed through one of a variety of methods. The method used for Full Leaf Teas is the Carbon Dioxide Method, but there are others like the Swiss Water Method.
Caffeine-Free, Decaf, & Caffeinated Teas
Caffeine-Free Teas:
- Organic Rooibos
- Organic Mullein
- Organic Ginger Root
- Organic Dandelion
- Organic Peppermint
- Organic Chamomile
- Organic Lavender
- Organic Sleeping TranquiliTea
- Organic Relieve Stress
- Organic Hibiscus
- And more!
Decaffeinated Teas:
- Organic Decaf Sencha
- Organic Decaf Anti-Inflammatory
- Organic Decaf Joint Health
- Organic Decaf Testosterone
- Organic Decaf Healthy Vision
- Organic Decaf Vision
- Organic Decaf Brain Health
- Organic Live Fit
Caffeinated Teas:
- Organic Premium Matcha
- Organic Green Tea
- Organic Black Tea
- Organic Yerba Mate
- Organic Oolong
- Organic Pu-Erh
- Organic White Tea
- Organic Anti-Inflammatory
- Organic Green Energy
- Organic Lemon Ginger Mate
- And More!
Decaffeination Method for Tea
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Decaffeination Method
The Camellia sinensis plant, which gives us green, black, oolong, pu-erh and white teas naturally contains caffeine. While there can be many benefits of caffeine from tea, including calm focus, metabolism support and brain health effects, many people prefer decaf teas. Decaf teas are ideal for people who are sensitive to caffeine, are looking to limit the amount of caffeine they are drinking per day or want an alternative to their favorite teas for the evening.
To create these teas, caffeine is able to be extracted from these tea leaves using the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Decaffeination Method. This method is valued for its effectiveness and ability to preserve many of tea’s natural characteristics.
Five Steps for Decaffeination: Carbon Dioxide Method
Tea leaves are moistened to help make caffeine extraction easier.
Carbon dioxide is heated and pressured until it reaches a supercritical state where it becomes partly liquid.
The supercritical CO2 binds to and dissolves the caffeine.
The caffeine rich CO2 is moved to a separate chamber so the caffeine can be removed. The CO2 can then be used again.
Once the caffeine is removed, the tea leaves are dried.
The History
The Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Decaffeination Method was developed in the 1970s by German chemist Kurt Zosel. This process was originally intended for coffee, but in the 1980s the process was refined to handle loose leaf tea.
Concerns
While this method is considered the most effective, the tea leaves will still contain about 1-2mg of caffeine. This does mean, however, that the majority of the caffeine was removed. Roughly 97% or more is removed using this decaffeination method for tea.
If you are looking for something with zero caffeine, we would recommend herbal teas. These are teas that contain no caffeine to begin with.
Benefits
- This method uses high pressure carbon dioxide rather than a chemical solvent.
- This method helps to preserve the tea's natural flavors, aroma and other compounds.
- The CO2 used can be recycled and reused.
Conclusion
The Supercritical Carbon Dioxide method is a gentle, solvent-free method that uses pressurized carbon dioxide to remove the caffeine from the tea while helping preserve the tea's natural flavor and other beneficial compounds.
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.
Full Leaf Tea Co. Caffeine-Free (Herbal) 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
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5876211/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9602332
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This is for educational purposes only.
