Love green tea but can't do with the caffeine? No problem!
We tried over 22 brands on the market and have picked the 6 best decaf green teas just for you.
We found The Republic of Tea's green tea to be the best option but you can't go wrong with any of these brands. Read on for the full list and more important information to keep in mind when picking decaf green tea.
Contents
Here are the top brands you can select from for a delicious cup of decaf green tea. Each review will come in handy when making your final choice.
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
On average, caffeinated green tea can contain upwards of 24mg of caffeine per 8 ounces. This can vary quite a bit depending on the manufacturer.
These leaves can be processed so that the caffeine is removed. However, there may still be trace amounts remaining in decaf teas - the concentration will never be zero.
Once again, the exact level will depend on the brand.
Thus, if you are sensitive to caffeine, it is important to continue to monitor your green tea intake. Drinking too much may cause side effects.
As you are well aware, there are numerous benefits of green tea.
Studies have shown that the most prominent ones are:
Now, most of the benefits of green tea are a result of catechins such as EGCG – antioxidants that work to prevent cell damage.
Regular green tea is relatively unprocessed. Due to this, you can find a higher amount of catechins per serving.
Decaffeinated green tea, on the other hand, obviously undergoes a decaffeination process.
Due to this, you may be wondering if decaf green tea is as healthy as the regular version.
After all, you have to assume that a lot of other components are removed along with the caffeine during the manufacturing process.
Well, there has been some research done on this topic.
Researchers found that decaf green tea does have a lower level of antioxidants than the regular version.
However, this level isn’t significant and you should be able to enjoy similar health benefits of green tea when drinking the decaf tea as well.
It is true that a lot of people are interested in the healthful properties of this beverage.
However, just as many individuals are interested in adding green tea to their diet plan due to its purported weight loss properties.
It is true that green tea can help you to lose fat and shed a couple of pounds.
Does green decaf tea have the same impact, though?
Let's take a look at the various functions of this tea on weight loss:
Catechins aren't just useful due to their antioxidant action.
More than one study has shown that catechins can help with fat oxidation.
This boosts your body metabolism, making it easier to burn excess weight during and after exercise.
Since green tea decaf has similar amounts of catechins as the regular version, this effect will not be impacted.
At the same time, caffeine also helps with weight loss.
It, too, assists with fat oxidation, allowing you to lower your body mass more quickly.
Needless to say, with decaffeinated tea, the effectiveness is less.
As a result, it may take you longer to drop your desired number of pounds.
There are three main methods in which the caffeine can be removed from tea. These are:
From these methods only the ethyl acetate and carbon dioxide decaffeination process can be considered truly natural.
Now that you are aware of what goes behind the scenes of decaf green tea, here are some tips and tricks for choosing the best brand for you.
The fact is that this product is bound to cost you more.
This is a result of the additional processing step.
Another thing is that premium products, traditionally, will have a greater cost as well.
This means that you will have to pay more for a better experience.
One of the first decisions that you will need to make when buying decaffeinated tea products is whether you should opt for the loose tea leaves or tea bags.
Now, you may be trying to figure out how much the packaging of this product really matters.
Well, as it turns out, the packaging is a significant factor in your decision.
The greatest advantage with this kind of product packaging is the convenience.
Enclosed in an envelopes and attached to strings, this packaging ensures that it takes you just moments to whip up a cup with tea bags.
This way, there is no mess involved either.
On average, though, the loose batches are far superior when it comes to taste.
There is more freshness and benefits with this variety as well.
Still, if you are in a rush every morning, you can opt for tea bags.
Just make sure that you purchase a premium product.
In a manner of speaking, more expensive ones tend to taste a whole lot better as they boast more complex flavors.
As mentioned, the caffeine level can vary from one decaf green type or product to another. As such, you should always check the content of any decaf green teas that you are considering buying.
In addition to being a deciding factor, this level will also act as a good guide for how much green tea you can drink during a period of time without experiencing any side effects.
This becomes particularly important if you suffer from sleep issues.
You should be aware that even the smallest presence could have negative effects on your sleep patterns
This information isn’t always readily available.
In some instances, these details may be present on the product label on the box or packaging.
However, if you want to know whether your green tea underwent a natural decaffeinating process, you can always check with the manufacturer.
Now, there doesn’t appear to be any health issues caused by methylene chloride.
Furthermore, there is no trace of this ingredient in the final product and so there is no impact on the flavors of the tea.
Nevertheless, you may want to check for your peace of mind.
Always look at the ingredients before selecting a particular brand.
Good ones will make sure that decaffeinated green tea is the only component present.
For the most part, you will find these particulars on the product packaging or box. If it isn't available here, you can always head to the organization's website.
Avoid manufacturers that include any preservatives, flavoring, additives, or any other ingredients in the product.
Remember, that these added chemicals can compromise the natural properties of the decaf tea and negate the health benefits.
When buying decaf green tea, it is easy to get caught up in the decaffeinated details of the drink.
Regardless, the grade of the tea is still important, particularly when it comes to the flavors.
Well-grown and processed tea produces a better brew and has more health benefits as well.
Here are some quick tips for choosing the best green teas:
When selecting your product, consider the source. This will help you to determine the purity grade of the tea.
For instance, single origin tea is often a better choice as it offers a more cohesive flavor.
Also, on average, researchers have found that decaf green teas that are grown at a higher altitude have more antioxidants, ensuring that they have greater health benefits as well.
You will often find that this tea has more freshness to it and tastes brighter too.
How much do you know about how green tea is grown?
If the answer is “not much”, you should do some research on these details.
To begin with, you should understand how different growing avenues can impact the plants.
For instance, with some Japanese teas like Gyokura, the parts are grown in shade for a certain period of time.
As a result, these teas have a higher concentration of nutrients such as theanine and catechins.
Sencha, on the other hand, is grown like other blends.
Needless to say, this batch of teas may have more health benefits and be better equipped to boost your immunity.
Now, this may seem like a rather silly point to bring up, but it should be mentioned anyway.
As you can imagine the green tea that you buy should be, in fact, green.
Steer clear of any blends that appear brown or darker in color.
The exact hue will depend on how that batch of tea was processed.
For instance, pan-fried green tea may have a more muted color, while steamed ones like Japanese Sencha will have a brighter hue.
Yes, you should absolutely take a whiff of the fragrance of the decaffeinated green tea that you are buying.
This is because the aroma can tell you a great deal.
The smell of the tea can indicate superiority and freshness.
The aroma should be grassy and light – it should also smell fresh.
Of course, you can’t really pin down the flavor of a particular green tea company until you have brewed it.
Once you do this, make it a point to take a careful sip.
Make note of the flavor.
Green teas have different tastes depending on the variety.
Nevertheless, the drink should be bright, smooth, and refreshing.
If it is bitter or feels as though it requires sugar, you should look to another company.
Poor taste may often be indicative of fewer health purposes as well.
Most people wonder if it is necessary to invest in this form of tea.
Well, this can depend on where the tea is sourced.
If it is from within the USA or a country with similarly high standards, then this shouldn’t be a problem.
However, when buying from countries like China, most folks feel more comfortable in purchasing organic decaf green tea.
Many fear traces of metals or other toxic elements.
This gives you peace of mind regarding your daily consumption and ensures your tea is safe, is chock-full of goodness, and has plenty of health benefits.
Even expert tea drinkers require some assistance in making the best possible drink. Here are the details that you should be aware of when starting your tea journey:
For this type, you can either let the decaffeinated green tea leaves steep in a pot or a mug.
For single servings, it is best to use a tea infuser. This creates less of a mess.
About one teaspoon per 6 to 8 ounces of water is a good balance.
Avoid using boiling water for the best taste.
Instead, take the kettle or pot off the heat well before it begins to bubble.
This way, you can avoid a bitter taste.
Using a tea bag? Always follow the product instructions.
Since each decaf green tea product is different, the manufacturer will often be your best instruction manual.
Once again, though, you should avoid using boiling water at all costs as this creates problems with the taste.
Stick to hot water instead.
Yes, you can absolutely make iced tea with decaffeinated green tea.
The trick here, though, is to use cold water instead of hot.
Add the tea packet or loose tea to an airtight container, add water, close it up , and refrigerate.
In about half an hour, the result will be a delicious, decaffeinated iced tea.
Decaf green teas, like even the best green tea, may not be your favorite drink.
This is quite alright, it can be an acquired taste for many people.
As a result, many people like to include various add-ons to improve the flavor.
The thing is, these can have an impact on the health functions of decaf green teas.
On this note, here is how to safely make your decaffeinated green drink taste better:
The most obvious way to improve the taste of your drink is to sweeten it.
However, you do need to be careful as to how you do this.
Now, your most natural reaction is to reach for the packets of sugar.
The thing is, sugar is high in calories and is bad for your health and body - reducing impact of the antioxidants.
You would be far better off using honey, which has more complex flavors and actual benefits for your health.
Honey dissolves in warm water a great deal better as well.
In fact, most people would agree that honey is a great deal sweeter too.
If you are truly concerned for your health, though, you may want to consider a zero calorie sweetener.
Stevia or extract of monk fruit is always a good choice.
The good news for you is that you can enhance the taste of your cuppa without impacting the health aspects.
The two best ideas would be ginger or lemon.
For one thing, they contain no calories.
For another, they come equipped with their own health advantages.
Thus, you will be able to add flavors without taking anything away from the tea.
There are a few different ways that you can include these additions.
With lemon, a few squeezes should be enough for flavor. You can also allow a slice of lemon to steep in the mixture for a while.
As for the ginger, you have a couple of avenues.
You can steep slices of ginger in the liquid or add ginger powder or a ginger tea bag to the infusion.
It all depends on the strength of the flavors that you are looking for.
This is the conclusion to our search for the best decaf green tea. There are plenty of wonderful options available and you now know which type will suit you best.
As you can see, the presence of a decaf label on the box isn’t good enough. You have to analyze every element of your green tea before making a purchase.
Hopefully, this post helps to remove any doubt from your search and final purchases.
Keeping in line with all the posts on our site, we have taken great care to identify the decaf green tea best for your specific diet, health requirements, tastes, and money limits.
All that is left for you to do is to mark the products that are right for you and enjoy a good cuppa.
