Decaf Tea: Everything You Need to Know (And Why We Do It the Natural Way)

At The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company, we strive to ensure the quality, flavour, and integrity of every cup you brew. That’s why when it comes to decaffeinated teas, we only use one method: CO₂ decaffeination. But we know you might have a few questions about decaf tea – especially around health, hydration, and how it’s actually made.

Let’s clear things up and share why our CO₂ decaffeination process is not only the most natural method available, it’s also the only one we use.

Is Decaf Tea Bad for Your Kidneys?

This is a common question, and while we don’t make medical claims, it’s worth noting that decaffeinated tea is simply regular tea with most of the caffeine removed. Since our decaf tea contains no added chemicals (thanks to the CO₂ method), you're enjoying a clean cup that retains the antioxidants and natural plant compounds tea is known for, without introducing anything synthetic. As always, if you have specific concerns about kidney health, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider.

Is Decaf Tea a Diuretic?

Caffeine is what gives tea its mild diuretic properties. Once most of the caffeine is removed (as with decaf tea), this effect is significantly reduced. So whether you're sipping hot or cold, decaf iced tea is far less likely to act as a diuretic. It can be a great way to stay refreshed without the same level of stimulation or dehydration associated with high-caffeine beverages.

Does Decaf Tea Dehydrate You?

Not really. Because the caffeine content in decaf tea is very low, it’s generally considered a hydrating beverage. In fact, tea, decaf or not, still contributes to your daily fluid intake. So if you’re enjoying a few cups of decaf a day, you’re likely supporting hydration, not hindering it.

Is Drinking Decaf Tea Good for You?

Many tea drinkers choose decaf as a way to enjoy the ritual and flavour of tea without the buzz of caffeine. With our CO₂ decaffeinated teas, you get to keep the antioxidants, flavour, and aroma – without any harsh solvents or aftertastes. If you're looking to reduce caffeine but still love a good cuppa, drinking decaf tea can absolutely be part of a balanced lifestyle.

Is Decaf Green Tea Healthy?

Decaf green tea still contains many of the beneficial compounds found in its caffeinated counterpart – including polyphenols and flavonoids. Since we use only the CO₂ method, those natural elements are preserved as much as possible. You get a smooth, mellow cup of green tea with all the flavour and very little caffeine.

Is Decaf Tea Better for You?

"Better" depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, trying to cut back, or simply want to enjoy tea in the evening without it disrupting your sleep, decaf tea can definitely be a better choice for you. The key is choosing a method of decaffeination that maintains the quality of the tea – which brings us to how we do things.

How Is Decaf Tea Made?

How Do They Decaf Tea?

There are a few ways tea can be decaffeinated, but not all are created equal. Some use chemical solvents that can strip away flavour and potentially leave residues behind. That’s not something we’re comfortable with.

At The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company, we only use the CO₂ decaffeination method – because it’s clean, safe, and natural.

How CO₂ Decaffeination Works

CO₂ Decaffeination Process:

1. Steam the Tea Leaves – to open the pores.
   
2. Add Pressurised CO₂ – in a "supercritical" state.
   
3. CO₂ Binds with Caffeine – selectively removing caffeine molecules.
   
4. Caffeine Is Separated and Removed.
   
5. Leaves Are Dried and Packaged – preserving flavour, aroma, and character.
   

🧼 No chemicals
🌱 No compromise on taste
♻️ Eco-friendly and safe

In Summary

From "is decaf tea bad for your kidneys" to "how do they decaf tea", it’s clear there’s a lot of curiosity around decaf, and rightly so! With The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company, you can rest easy knowing that every decaf tea you enjoy is made using the safest and most flavour-protecting process available: CO₂ decaffeination.

Whether you are sipping on decaf green tea, iced tea, or a rich black tea blend, we make no compromises, so you don't have to either.

Explore our full range of decaf teas and taste the difference for yourself.