Remember that episode of Friends where everyone’s hanging out at Central Perk, sipping coffee like it’s liquid gold? Now, imagine replacing that giant mug of espresso with a hot cup of chai. Very desi, very us.
But here’s the twist: what if that chai didn’t have caffeine?
Chandler would probably say something like, “Could this BE any less energising?” But don’t be too quick to judge! In a country like India, where chai is practically a love language, the idea of decaffeinated tea might sound like you’re committing treason. But trust us, it’s not what it sounds like.
Whether you’re someone who gulps down 5 cups a day during back-to-back Zoom calls or someone who just wants a calming cup at 10 PM without staying up all night scrolling, decaf tea might just be your new best friend (pun very much intended).
Tea has varying levels of caffeine. However, similar to coffee, decaffeinated tea is also available. Decaf tea is a nice alternative for those who love tea but may be sensitive to caffeine. It is also a great option when you’re craving the taste of a black tea but don’t want to consume that much caffeine later in the day. But how does the caffeine from tea get removed? Let’s find out!
What Exactly Is Decaffeinated Tea?
Let’s clear the confusion first: decaffeinated tea is real tea, but most of its caffeine is removed.
This means it’s made from the same leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant (the one that gives us black, green, oolong, and white tea), but the caffeine has been taken out after the leaves are processed.
So if someone tells you, “Decaf tea is fake tea,” you can confidently respond with, “Nahi boss, it’s the same chai, just a little calmer.”
How Is Tea Decaffeinated?
Decaffeinating tea can be done in a few different ways. Each method will have its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Water Processing (Swiss Water) Method
The Swiss Water Process is a method of decaffeinating tea that uses only water to remove caffeine from the tea leaves.
The tea leaves are soaked in hot water, which extracts the caffeine along with other compounds. It is then passed through a carbon filter to remove the caffeine from the water. The tea leaves are then soaked in the caffeine-free water, which allows them to reabsorb the flavours that were lost during the initial extraction.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Method
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is a naturally occurring gas. This method is considered to be the safest method for removing caffeine from tea. It is also the best at retaining the original flavour of a tea, which is a huge plus.
With this method, the tea leaves are placed in a container with carbon dioxide at an extremely high pressure. This environment helps carbon dioxide to act as a solvent and remove the caffeine molecules from the leaves without compromising the flavour, quality or other beneficial compounds.
- Solvent-Based Methods
Solvent-based methods are another option for decaffeinating tea. These methods use solvents such as ethyl acetate or methylene chloride to remove caffeine. The downside is that they may leave behind a chemical aftertaste.
To extract the caffeine, the tea leaves are soaked in the solvent (ie, ethyl acetate). The resulting mixture is then passed through a filter, which removes the caffeine from the solvent. The tea leaves are then soaked in the caffeine-free solvent to reabsorb the flavours and oils.
Is Decaffeinated The Same As Caffeine-Free?
Nope! They sound similar but are not the same.
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Decaffeinated tea: Originally had caffeine, but most of it has been removed.
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Caffeine-free tea: Naturally doesn’t have caffeine (like herbal teas, chamomile, tulsi, etc.)
So if you’re switching from regular chai to something lighter, decaf black or green tea is a good transition. But if you want zero caffeine from the start, go for tulsi or chamomile.
Types of Decaffeinated Tea
Decaf tea is available in loose leaf or tea bag form. Various types of teas can be decaffeinated, however, it’s most common to find the following tea types on the shelves.
- Black Tea
Black tea is most often consumed in the morning because of its caffeine content and bold flavours. It’s common to find decaffeinated black teas like Ceylon, Assam and other blends.
- Green Tea
Green tea is known for its light and refreshing flavour. It is generally already low in caffeine when compared to black tea, but it’s also a common tea to decaffeinate and find on shelves. Decaf green tea is available for pure green teas and blends.
Decaffeinated Tea Vs Caffeine-Free Tea
Herbal teas are caffeine-free. However, herbal teas are not decaffeinated tea, and that’s important to note here.
Herbal teas are made from a variety of plants, including chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos. These plants are already naturally caffeine-free, so there is no need to decaffeinate them.
Herbal infusions are known for their calming and soothing properties. They are a popular choice for bedtime tea.
But Why Should Indians Try Decaf Tea?
Let’s be honest. India runs on chai. Cutting down caffeine sounds like sacrilege.
But here’s what’s changing:
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Health-conscious millennials and Gen Z are reading labels.
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Doctors now recommend reduced caffeine for pregnant women, hypertensive patients, or those with anxiety.
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Work-from-home folks are now sipping 6-7 cups a day, and the caffeine overload is real.
For those moments when you want the comfort of tea without the buzz, decaf tea is the hero.
And no, it doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your tea-loving roots. You’re just… diversifying your tea portfolio.
Health Benefits Of Decaffeinated Tea
Here’s where it gets interesting. Decaf tea still retains most of the benefits of regular tea (because it’s made from the same leaves), minus the caffeine punch.
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Better Sleep
Having chai after dinner without worrying about staying up till 2 am? Sign us up.
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Reduced Anxiety & Jitters
If you get shaky after too much caffeine, switching to decaf helps you stay calm and focused.
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Good for digestion
Decaf green tea, especially, still contains antioxidants like catechins that help soothe the gut.
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Heart Health
Regular intake of decaf green or black tea has been shown to support heart health in many studies, without the blood pressure spike that caffeine sometimes causes.
5. Safe for Pregnant Women
Most doctors recommend reducing caffeine during pregnancy, but you can still enjoy tea if it's decaf.
Does Decaffeinated Tea Taste Like Real Tea?
Honestly? Yes, if it’s a good one.
The flavour does take a tiny hit depending on the decaffeination method, but high-quality brands know how to preserve taste. You’ll still get the earthy richness of black tea or the grassy freshness of green tea.
One tip? Brew it properly, don’t oversteep. Decaf teas don’t need as long to infuse, and over-brewing can make it bitter.
How Does Freshleaf Play A Role In Decaf Tea?
At Freshleaf, we believe tea should make you feel good, not weird.
That’s why we’ve been working on a range of decaffeinated and caffeine-light options that cater to your need for flavour, calm, and comfort. Our upcoming Decaf Green Tea with Tulsi & Lemongrass is crafted specifically for those winding-down moments after a long day.
We know India is slowly warming up to these newer versions of tea, and we’re here for it, not just with products, but also with the information you need to make smarter, sippier choices.
What To Look For When Buying
Not all decaf teas are created equal. Before you hit add to cart, check for:
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The decaffeination method (avoid methylene chloride)
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Leaf quality (whole leaves are better than dust)
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Flavour profile (some brands add herbs to enhance taste)
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Packaging date (freshness matters!)
If the label is transparent and the brand is known, you’re in good hands.
Conclusion
Decaf tea isn’t a compromise, it’s a choice.
It’s for the nights when your mind’s running faster than your WiFi, but you still want that warm mug in your hands. It’s for mornings when you want calm alertness instead of jittery energy. It’s for every Indian who loves tea but wants to sip smart.
You don’t have to switch completely. Just start with one cup. You might just surprise yourself, like I did.
Have you tried decaf tea yet? Tell us your experience, or ask us anything in the comments below. Your next cup of chai might just be calmer, better, and still full of desi flavour.