Tea Without Caffeine: Discover Your Favourite Blend

In a world that often runs on caffeine, the notion of sipping a caffeine-free cup of tea might seem like a gentle rebellion. Yet, it's a choice that's gaining momentum in the tea world. For a category of tea without caffeine, turn to herbal tea (often called tisanes). These blends offer the familiar experience of sipping on a cup of tea but without the caffeine kick.

Tea Without Caffeine

Tea can generally be divided into two types: true tea and herbal tea. True tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant and includes black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea.

Herbal tea on the other hand is made from a wide variety of plant ingredients other than tea leaves. These can include herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, and other botanicals. Unlike pure tea, herbal teas are naturally caffeine free making them a popular choice for individuals looking to avoid caffeine.

Caffeine Levels in Tea

It is believed that caffeine in tea leaves serves as a natural pesticide in the Camellia Sinensis plant since caffeine can deter insects and herbivores from consuming the tea leaves. It is toxic to many pests. 

However, the level of caffeine in each type of tea is primarily determined by the processing method of the tea. For example, black tea typically contains the highest caffeine levels of any pure tea due to the oxidation process. White tea and green tea, which undergo less intervention tend to have lower levels. 

Individuals who are sensitive to caffeine may experience negative side effects such as jitters, anxiety, insomnia, or increased heart rate when they consume caffeinated beverages like black tea. Caffeine-free tea is an alternative for those who want to enjoy tea without the stimulant effects of caffeine.

Caffeine Free Teas

Most herbal teas don’t contain caffeine because they are not made from the tea plant. These teas are usually a combination of herbs and spices, steeped in hot water like pure teas. 

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is a caffeine-free herbal infusion that hails from the peppermint plant, scientifically known as Mentha x piperita. The leaves of the peppermint plant are harvested and dried to create tea. 

Peppermint tea is loved for its unmistakably invigorating flavour. The taste is characterized by a combination of menthol and a subtle sweetness, making it a popular choice with many tea lovers. 

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a staple in many people's homes. It is a popular nighttime tea which is known for its mild sedative properties.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea comes from the dried petals of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant. It is known for its striking crimson hue, and tart, cranberry-like flavour. Hibiscus tea is often appreciated for its versatility. It can be enjoyed piping hot on a chilly day or poured over ice for a revitalizing iced tea on a warm summer afternoon. 

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is derived from the leaves of the Rooibos (pronounced "roy-boss") plant. Scientifically known as Aspalathus linearis, this tea delivers a naturally sweet and earthy flavour with a distinctive reddish-brown colour, from where it gets its name.

Rooibos tea is well-loved not just for its taste, it is also rich in antioxidants and minerals. The tea has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in particularly South Africa. In the Western world, it has gained recognition for its role in promoting well-being. Many find solace in the simplicity of sipping on a cup of caffeine-free Rooibos tea.

Lemon Ginger Tea

Lemon ginger tea combines the invigorating zest of lemon with the comforting warmth of ginger, resulting in a complex and harmonious flavour. This caffeine-free herbal infusion offers a burst of citrusy freshness and a spicy kick, creating a soothing and uplifting experience. 

You can make your lemon ginger tea at home with some sliced fresh ginger and a squeeze of lemon in a cup of hot water. The kick of the tea also makes it a great refreshing iced tea in summer. 

Cinnamon Tea

Made from the bark of cinnamon trees, specifically Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia, cinnamon tea has a very distinct flavour profile. The taste of cinnamon tea is characterized by its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy notes. Cinnamon tea is also used in food to create depth and warmth to dishes like cakes, custards, puddings and gravies. 

It’s another caffeine-free herbal tea that’s easy to make at home with a cinnamon stick or powder, some hot water and a sweetener like honey to taste. 

Lavender Tea

Lavender tea offers a gentle and floral aroma and taste. It captures the essence of the Lavandula angustifolia plant, known for its aromatic and soothing properties. Many people enjoy a cup of lavender tea just before bed or as a midday de-stress tea. 

Dandelion Root Tea

Dandelion root tea is a caffeine-free herbal infusion derived from the roasted roots of the common dandelion plant, scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale. With an earthy and slightly bitter flavour, this tea stands apart in the herbal tea category.

Similar to Rooibos tea, the taste of dandelion root tea carries earthy notes reminiscent of the soil from which it originates. The roasted roots provide a hint of smokiness, which adds a rustic taste.

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea tea is a tea prepared from various parts of the Echinacea plant. It offers a mild, earthy flavour that is distinctly different from the sweetness or spiciness of other herbal teas. Echinacea tea provides a flavour profile that's closer to the earth, with a gentle, grassy undertone. Its taste can be described as soothing and mellow, with subtle herbal nuances. 

Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass tea is made from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant, known as Cymbopogon citratus. Its fresh, citrusy flavour is a combination of the vibrant scent of lemon, with a mild, herbal undertone. This vibrant flavour makes it a popular, caffeine-free pick-me-up tea that you can easily make at home with some fresh lemongrass stalks and a squeeze or two of lime juice.

Decaffeinated Teas

Decaffeinated tea, often simply referred to as decaf tea, offer tea enthusiasts the best of both worlds – the soothing and familiar flavours of their favourite brew without the potential stimulating effects of caffeine. It's an ideal option for individuals who wish to enjoy a cup of tea at any time of day or night without concerns about caffeine-related disruptions to their sleep or well-being. 

Decaffeination is a chemical process by which the caffeine is removed from the tea leaves while preserving the tea's original flavours and characteristics. This process typically involves the use of water, solvents, or carbon dioxide to extract caffeine, ensuring that the essential taste of the tea remains intact. 

Find your favourite caffeine-free tea at Clearview Tea. We have a wide selection of loose-leaf teas, including several caffeine-free tea varieties like Ginger Spice, Purely Peppermint, Raspberry Vanilla Rooibos and Morning Yoga tea. Visit one of the locations that stocks our tea across Ontario or see our online store to find caffeine-free tea that suits your taste.