Caffeine-Free Teas for Any Time of Day (and How They Differ From Decaf)
Teatentional
Whether you are cutting back on caffeine, sensitive to it, or just want a warm cup at 9pm without lying awake, caffeine-free tea is the answer. But "caffeine free" and "decaf" are not the same thing. Here is what to know, and what to brew.
Caffeine-Free vs Decaf: What's the Difference?
- Decaf tea is real tea (black or green) that has had most of its caffeine removed. It still contains a small amount, usually a few milligrams per cup.
- Caffeine-free tea is made from plants that never had caffeine in the first place: herbs, flowers, fruits, roots and spices. These are often called herbal teas or tisanes.
If you want zero caffeine, choose a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea. Rooibos, honeybush, chamomile, peppermint, moringa and fruit blends are all caffeine free.
Watch out for: yerba maté and guayusa are herbal but contain caffeine, and any blend that lists black, green or white tea has caffeine too.
Morning: Bright and Refreshing
Sunrise Moringa
Moringa with apple, lemongrass and sea buckthorn. Earthy, green and citrusy, a close match for green tea without the caffeine.
Tropical Sunshine Green Rooibos | No. 33
Green rooibos with pineapple, guava, sea buckthorn and marigold. Bright, fruity and lightly sweet, hot or iced.
Vitality Energy Tea | No. 04
Ginseng, peppermint, hibiscus, lemongrass and passion fruit. A lively herbal cup to start the day. It contains St. John's wort and liquorice, which can interact with many medicines, including birth control and antidepressants, so check with your doctor before drinking it.
Afternoon: Fruity and Warming
Tropical Harvest Tea | No. 03
Apple, dragon fruit, pineapple, papaya, kiwi, goji and berries. Naturally sweet and wonderful iced.
Immunity Support Tea | No. 08
Rooibos with ginger and rosehip. A warming, fruity cup for chilly afternoons.
Herbal Wellness Tea Blend | No. 07
Cinnamon, ginger, fennel, cardamom, cloves and liquorice. Spiced and chai-like, perfect after lunch. Check with your doctor if you have high blood pressure, as it contains liquorice.
Spiced Apple Cider Tea | No. 10
Apple, elderberries, rosehips, cinnamon and aniseed. Cozy and sweet. Contains almond.
Evening: Calm and Cozy
Sleep Support
Chamomile and rooibos with peppermint, cherry, kiwi, cranberry and coconut. Our go-to bedtime cup.
Coconut Cream Lavender Rooibos | No. 2
Rooibos, coconut, cream caramel and lavender. Creamy and floral. Contains milk.
Caramel Almond Apple Tea | No. 05
Honeybush, apple and almond with caramel notes. A sweet after-dinner treat. Contains nuts.
Forest Walk
Greek mountain tea with linden, lemon verbena, applemint, hibiscus and Manuka honey powder. Earthy, floral and gently sweet.
For more bedtime picks, read Best Tea for Sleep.
How to Brew Caffeine-Free Tea
Herbal teas like hotter water and longer steeps than green or white tea:
- Bring water to a boil (200 to 212°F).
- Use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons per 8 oz.
- Steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Most herbal blends won't turn bitter, so you can steep longer for a stronger cup.
Every herbal blend can also be cold brewed: 2 teaspoons in 16 oz of cold water in the fridge overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is herbal tea completely caffeine free?
Most are. Herbal teas made from herbs, fruits and flowers have no caffeine. The exceptions are yerba maté, guayusa and blends that include real tea leaves.
Is rooibos caffeine free?
Yes. Rooibos is a South African plant with no caffeine, which is why it is such a popular base for evening blends.
Does decaf tea have any caffeine?
Yes, a small amount, usually a few milligrams per cup.
Can I drink caffeine-free tea during pregnancy?
Some herbs are not recommended in pregnancy. Check with your doctor before drinking any herbal tea while pregnant or nursing.
Shop all caffeine-free herbal teas
Steep intentionally. Sip with intention.
Related Reading
Keep exploring with Best Tea for Sleep, Coffee Alternatives That Actually Work and Moringa Tea: What It Is and How to Brew It.
