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Top 10 Best Decaf Black Teas in 2021 (Harney & Sons, Twinings, and More)

Top 10 Best Decaf Black Teas in 2021 (Harney & Sons, Twinings, and More)

Stressed? A cup of hot tea is perfect for relaxing your body and mind. Whether you’re caffeine-sensitive, pregnant, or just want a nice hot drink in the evening, you’d probably appreciate a good cup of decaffeinated tea.

So, you want to cut down on caffeine intake but worry that decaf teas don’t taste the same as their caffeinated counterparts? Don’t worry; you don’t need to compromise on taste. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best decaf black teas that actually taste like "real tea" including our favorite, Choice Organic Decaffeinated Earl Grey Black Tea. Enjoy your teatime!

Last updated: 02-25-2021
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Table of Contents

Decaf vs. Caffeine-Free: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever wondered if there’s any difference between “decaffeinated” tea and “caffeine-free” tea? They aren’t the same, and it’s important to understand the difference, especially if you need to avoid caffeine consumption.

Decaffeinated teas, or decaf teas, have gone through a process that removes most of the caffeine. By law, in the US, you’ve got to have less than 2.5% of the original caffeine level in order for the tea to be labeled as "decaffeinated." So, decaffeinated tea is not completely free of caffeine.

Caffeine-free teas, on the other hand, are produced from plants–herbs, spices, and fruits–that naturally don’t contain any caffeine.

Compare the Best Decaf Black Teas

Image	1 Choice Organic Teas	2 Harney & Sons	3 Stash	4 The Republic of Tea	5 Harney & Sons	6 Taylors of Harrogate	7 Twinings	8 The Republic of Tea	9 Stash	10 Bigelow
Name	Decaffeinated Earl Grey Black Tea	Decaffeinated Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea	Decaf Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea	Decaf Ginger Peach Black Tea	Decaffeinated Ceylon Black Tea	Decaffeinated Breakfast Tea	Decaf Earl Grey Black Tea	Mango Ceylon Black Decaf Full-Leaf Loose Tea	Decaf Vanilla Chai Tea	Decaffeinated Assorted Teas
Features	Organic Decaf Tea With Rich, Robust Flavor	High Quality Leaves in Convenient Teabags	Brew a Perfect Amber Cup With Amazing Fragrance	Exceptionally Refreshing When Served Over Ice	Lose Yourself in the Rich Taste and Fragrant Aroma	Unwind With High Quality Decaf Tea	Classic Black Tea to Start Your Day	Sweet, Refreshing Aroma With a Fruity Mango Flavor	Great Dessert Tea for the Evening	Great Assortment for Any Occasion
Price	$8.02	$15.64	$8.21	$13.25	$9.42	$6.85	$30.77	$14.00	$14.99	$15.83
Amount	16 tea bags	50 tea bags	3.5 oz.	50 tea bags	20 tea bags	50 tea bags	20 tea bags per box	3.5 oz.	18 tea bags	18 tea bags
Decaf method	Carbon dioxide	Carbon dioxide	Natural European decaffeination process	Carbon dioxide	Carbon dioxide	Carbon dioxide	Carbon dioxide	Carbon dioxide	Natural European decaffeination process	Ethyl acetate
Link	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon

Top 10 Best Decaf Black Teas

For our overworked, red-eyed readers, here are the 10 best decaf black teas that’ll help you unwind. They taste just as good as (and make you less jittery than) their caffeinated counterparts.

※These rankings were decided based on user reviews and popular rank lists from Amazon gathered on July 3rd.

amazon.com

Choice Organic TeasDecaffeinated Earl Grey Black Tea

$8.02

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Organic Decaf Tea With Rich, Robust Flavor

Features:

certified organic, Fair Trade, and non-GMO
biodegradable and recyclable
deep citrus notes

Recommended for:

A rich, robust cup of Earl Grey

Choice Organic Decaffeinated Earl Grey is a black tea blended with Italian bergamot oil, which, again, has been decaffeinated with carbon dioxide. The rich, robust flavor remains intact; the jitters are banished.

The tea is clean and smooth with deep citrus notes, which is very relaxing and comforting. The tea is perfect for any time of the day: make a nice hot cup to soothe you in the morning and another to help you cozy up in the evening.

Amount	16 tea bags
Decaf method	Carbon dioxide

amazon.com

Harney & SonsDecaffeinated Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea

$15.64

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High Quality Leaves in Convenient Teabags

Features:

uses high-quality Sri Lanka Ceylon tea
pyramid tea bags
light flavor a spicy zest

Recommended for:

loose-leaf tea quality in a tea bag

Harney & Sons’ much-beloved Hot Cinnamon Spice is also available in decaf. There’s real zest and lightness to this tea, with its orange peels, cloves, and ground cinnamon. It’s also been treated with carbon dioxide.

This time around, Harney (or his sons) has packed high-grade leaves into pyramid tea bags, which means you’ve got both the body and nutrition of loose leaf tea and the convenience of bagged tea. This’ll definitely warm you up on a winter evening. If you love the bite of spices, then make a cup and lose yourself in the divine smell.

Amount	50 tea bags
Decaf method	Carbon dioxide

StashDecaf Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea

$8.21

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Brew a Perfect Amber Cup With Amazing Fragrance

Features:

only 6mg of caffeine
infused with pure bergamot oil
bold flavor

Recommended for:

black tea experience with as little caffeine as possible

Stash Tea Decaf Earl Grey is a smooth and aromatic black tea infused with 100% pure bergamot oil. The 3.5-ounce pouch can make 50 flavorful, delicious cups of tea. It’s naturally decaffeinated, but it doesn’t lack body. It’s rather heady, actually.

It’s a versatile tea–perfect in the afternoon or after dinner. It can be had on its own, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you’ll love it with milk and sugar.

Amount	3.5 oz.
Decaf method	Natural European decaffeination process

amazon.com

The Republic of TeaDecaf Ginger Peach Black Tea

$13.25

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Exceptionally Refreshing When Served Over Ice

Features:

natural, unbleached tea bags
sweet and spicy
tastes great hot or iced

Recommended for:

a sweet and versatile flavored black tea

Ginger peach has long been a darling among fans of The Republic of Tea, and now it’s available in decaf. You’ve got the delicate sweetness of peach and the tingling spiciness of ginger. Drink it hot, and it’ll warm you up in the middle of winter; or you can ice it, drizzle in some honey, and sip it on a hot summer afternoon.

This tea tastes like it was plucked straight from the tea–none of that synthesized stuff you get from other brands. But it’s sweet, a real darling, and charms even self-proclaimed tea haters.

Amount	50 tea bags
Decaf method	Carbon dioxide

amazon.com

Harney & SonsDecaffeinated Ceylon Black Tea

$9.42

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Lose Yourself in the Rich Taste and Fragrant Aroma

Features:

light citrus taste
tastes great straight-up or with milk and sugar
decaf Ceylon tea

Recommended for:

a lightly flavored tea to pair with food

Harney & Sons Decaffeinated Ceylon is another black tea that’s been treated with carbon dioxide. This smooth and subtle tea will perk you up at any time of the day, and the lemony note goes well with food.

Reviewers really enjoy this tea, especially since it can be difficult to find a decent, decaffeinated Ceylon tea. Some say it's the only decaf tea they'll buy!

Amount	20 tea bags
Decaf method	Carbon dioxide

amazon.com

Taylors of HarrogateDecaffeinated Breakfast Tea

$6.85

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Unwind With High Quality Decaf Tea

Features:

Rainforest Alliance certified
non-GMO verified
bright and refreshing flavor

Recommended for:

an everyday, anytime cup of decaf black tea

Taylors Decaffeinated Breakfast Tea is a blend of leaves plucked straight from Africa. It’s high in antioxidants and has just a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for all seasons and for any time of the day.

It’s been treated with carbon dioxide, which sounds bad out of context–but remember, it’s the safest decaffeination method. It’s rich and smooth and leaves no bitter aftertaste. It pairs well with milk or lemon if that’s how you like your tea.

Amount	50 tea bags
Decaf method	Carbon dioxide

amazon.com

TwiningsDecaf Earl Grey Black Tea

6 pack

$30.77

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Classic Black Tea to Start Your Day

Features:

company is part of an ethical sourcing program called Sourcing with Care
pairs well with milk and sugar
relaxing bergamot aroma

Recommended for:

a refreshing cup of decaf Earl Grey to start the day

Twinings Decaf Earl Grey has got your daily infusion of bergamot, but it’s also great as a cozy evening tea, as the aroma helps to relax and soothe the body. The tea pairs exceptionally well with milk and sugar.

This tea is naturally decaffeinated with carbon dioxide. Although it’s not as deep as the caffeinated version, it doesn’t lack in strength, flavor, or smoothness. The individually-wrapped tea bags also offer a nice level of convenience.

Amount	20 tea bags per box
Decaf method	Carbon dioxide

amazon.com

The Republic of TeaMango Ceylon Black Decaf Full-Leaf Loose Tea

$14.00

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Sweet, Refreshing Aroma With a Fruity Mango Flavor

Features:

high-quality loose leaf
tastes great hot or iced
can last a long time

Recommended for:

a daily cup of decaf black tea with a tropical twist

The Republic of Tea Mango Ceylon Decaf is a loose leaf tea that serves 50 to 60 cups. It’s strewn with mango pieces and sunflower petals. It’s light and refreshing, but the body’s full. It blends surprisingly well with milk, as well.

The mango infuses the tea with sweetness, and it’s great both hot and iced. The fresh fragrance transports you straight into a sunny orchard and uplifts your mood. If the days have been nothing but bleak, do yourself a favor and brew a cup.

Amount	3.5 oz.
Decaf method	Carbon dioxide
Highlights	-

StashDecaf Vanilla Chai Tea

6 pack

$14.99

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Great Dessert Tea for the Evening

Features:

non-GMO verified
blended and packed in USA
blend of spices

Recommended for:

a sweet cup of decaf chai

Stash Decaf Vanilla Chai is made with all-natural ingredients. It’s naturally decaffeinated too, and its aroma is drawn from vanilla, cinnamon, ginger root, allspice, and clove. The vanilla adds a rich and creamy flavor to the lightly spiced tea.

The tea is rich, full-bodied, and well-balanced. On cold, grey evenings, brew yourself a cup and throw in some milk and sugar for a chai latte. If you love losing yourself in aromas and the taste of spices, then give this a try.

Amount	18 tea bags
Decaf method	Natural European decaffeination process

amazon.com

BigelowDecaffeinated Assorted Teas

6 pack

$15.83

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Great Assortment for Any Occasion

Features:

6 different flavors of decaf tea
sweet taste
individually-wrapped tea bags

Recommended for:

a sampling of different types of decaf tea

This assortment is a grand introduction to the world of Bigelow decaffeinated teas. There are three bags for each of the six flavors: you’ve got your traditional Green Tea and Earl Grey; then there’s the zesty Constant Comment (contains orange rinds), the smooth and sweet French Vanilla, the bright and citrusy Lemon Lift, and the rich black English Teatime.

The tea bags are individually wrapped in foil pouches so they stay fresh. They’re not sweetened, but there’s a sugary whiff to them; enjoy them alone or with creamers and honey.

Amount	18 tea bags
Decaf method	Ethyl acetate

How to Choose a Decaf Black Tea – Buying Guide

Here, we'll be introducing the following three important points to check when you choose a decaf black tea.

Points to Consider:

Choose a Safe Decaffeination Method That Preserves the Tea’s Natural Flavor
Loose Leaf Teas or Tea Bags? Look at Your Priorities
Select According to the Tea's Aroma and Its Effects

1. Choose a Safe Decaffeination Method That Preserves the Tea’s Natural Flavor

Today, there are three main decaffeination methods used in the United States. Although the most dangerous methods–which involved toxic chemicals–have been banned, not all the methods currently used are completely safe. Some processes are safer than others, and they’ll also influence the flavor of your tea.

The best is the carbon dioxide method, also known as the natural method. It’s considered to be the safest, and hardly touches the flavor of the tea. The ethyl acetate method, also referred to as the "naturally decaffeinated" method, is considered safe, but it’s also likely to drain the flavor from the tea.

There’s another method in which tea leaves are soaked in methylene chloride to remove caffeine. Because this process leaves small traces of chemicals on the leaves, it’s not the healthiest. But it’ll preserve flavor the best.

2. Loose Leaf Teas or Tea Bags? Look at Your Priorities

Loose-leaf teas are better than tea bags in many ways; they pack more flavor, aroma, health benefits, and that most elusive of concepts, pleasure. Loose-leaf teas are made up of high-grade whole leaves, whereas tea bags are often filled with low-grade "dust and fannings" from crushed leaves.

Although loose leaf teas taste better, not everyone has time to brew them, especially if you’re hustling in the morning or bustling at work. In these situations, tea bags come in handy. They are easy and convenient. Loose-leaf teas are more suitable for a relaxing evening out on the porch or slow weekends.

Some tea bags get a bad rap due to the possibility of them leaking microplastics into your tea, so if that's a concern for you, it's worth looking into plastic-free tea bags.

3. Select According to the Tea's Aroma and Its Effects

When you're super busy, stressed, and tired, a cup of aromatic black tea can make you feel relaxed and calm. A cup of hot Ceylon tea, which is fragrant with notes of citrus, is known for being soothing and rejuvenating. The aroma of bergamot in earl grey tea, as well as the fruitiness of peach and muscat in flavored tea, lifts your mood.

Flavored teas get their zest in different ways. They might contain blossoms, pieces of dried fruit, or spices. They might be drizzled over with essential oils, which are extracted from blossoms, fruits, leaves, or roots. Or, they might be infused with flavoring agents that are chemically synthesized–not extracted from plants.

Most flavored teas on the market are laced with flavoring agents. Flavored teas that are completely natural tend to cost more, but it’s worth it.

Looking for Something More to Sip On?

Decaf black teas are great, but what about all of the other great beverages out there? Here are some of our favorites!

Top 10 Best Healthy Energy Drinks in 2021

Top 10 Best Healthy Meal Replacement Shakes in 2021

Top 10 Best Loose Leaf Teas in 2021

Summary

Decaf teas are invaluable to the caffeine-sensitive, pregnant, or jittery. The decaf teas we recommended have real body to them, so even tea snobs needn’t turn up their noses.

Try to get a few different flavors, and brew when the mood takes you. Spicy for dreary evenings, mild and cool for stifling days. You deserve to treat yourself!

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Consider an Expert-Recommended, Natural Sweetener for Your Cup

If you're trying to avoid a sugar high as well as the caffeine jitters, consider a natural sweetener like stevia or monkfruit! That's exactly what Maria recommended to us in her list of keto baking and cooking essentials.

Specialist's
mybest

LakantoMonkfruit Sweetener

28.2 oz.

$13.84

View product on Amazon

Keep Your Recipes Sweet With This Keto-Friendly Option

This is a great sweetener replacement that is made from natural sources. The best thing about it is that is doesn't have any glycemic effect (where consumption causes a spike in blood sugar levels or where carbohydrates convert to glucose), calories, or weird aftertaste compared to other sugar replacements.

Lakanto's Monkfruit Sweetener can be used in sweet baked or no-bake recipes, to make low-sugar sauces for meats, and to add sweetness to drinks or snacks such as chia puddings. I suggest always buying bigger bags of the sweetener since you'll definitely get hooked on using this.

Maria's Top 10 Keto Baking and Cooking Essentials