How much caffeine is in decaf Earl Grey Twinings?

November 16, 2025 •

3 min read

Decaffeinated tea is not completely caffeine-free, but contains only trace amounts; in the UK, the limit for decaf tea is 0.2% caffeine by dry weight. This guide explores how much caffeine is in decaf Earl Grey Twinings, detailing the minimal levels you can expect and explaining the process behind it.

Quick Summary

Decaffeinated tea, including Twinings' Earl Grey, contains minimal residual caffeine, typically less than 4mg per cup. This is achieved through a gentle water and CO2 process that removes over 99% of the stimulant. The final amount depends on brewing, though it remains significantly lower than regular tea.

Key Points

Less than 4mg per cup: Twinings Decaf Earl Grey contains a minimal, trace amount of caffeine, typically less than 4mg per 8oz serving.
Not 100% caffeine-free: It's important to know that decaffeinated tea is not completely devoid of caffeine, though the amount is negligible for most people.
CO2 decaffeination: Twinings uses a gentle, water and liquid carbon dioxide process that helps preserve the tea's delicate flavor and aroma.
Still has health benefits: Decaf Earl Grey retains most of the antioxidant benefits of regular tea, supporting heart health and overall wellness.
Good for sensitive individuals: This tea is an excellent option for those sensitive to caffeine, who want to avoid side effects like jitters or disrupted sleep.

The Decaffeination Process for Twinings Decaf Earl Grey

To understand the minimal caffeine content in Twinings' Decaf Earl Grey, it's helpful to first know how the tea is decaffeinated. Unlike some older methods that used harsh chemical solvents, Twinings employs a gentler, more natural process that uses water and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2).

How the CO2 Process Works

Moistening the leaves: The process begins by moistening the tea leaves with water or steam to make them receptive to the extraction process.
CO2 extraction: Pressurized liquid CO2, a natural and residue-free substance, is then used to extract the caffeine molecules from the leaves. The high pressure and low temperature conditions help minimize the degradation of the aromatic compounds responsible for the tea's famous flavor and aroma.
Drying: After the caffeine is removed, the leaves are dried, retaining most of their original taste and character.

This method is widely accepted and praised for its ability to preserve the tea's flavor profile, ensuring that drinkers can still enjoy the zesty and citrusy bergamot notes that Earl Grey is known for, without the unwanted caffeine kick.

The Minimal Caffeine Content

While the term "decaffeinated" might suggest zero caffeine, this is a common misconception. It's technically impossible to remove 100% of the caffeine from tea leaves, but the amount that remains is very small and considered negligible for most people.

According to Twinings' product specifications, their decaffeinated teas are processed to contain no more than 0.2% caffeine by dry weight. For a brewed cup, this typically translates to less than 4mg of caffeine. Other sources suggest the level can be as low as 2mg per cup, depending on the decaffeination method used. In contrast, a cup of regular black tea can contain anywhere from 40 to 90mg of caffeine, showing just how effective the process is. For most individuals, this trace amount will have no noticeable stimulating effect.

Factors That Influence Final Caffeine Levels

Even with the decaffeination process, a few key factors can slightly alter the final caffeine content in your mug:

Brewing Time: Steeping your tea for longer periods will extract a bit more of the residual caffeine, though the increase is minimal compared to a regular black tea.
Water Temperature: Using hotter water can also increase the rate at which compounds, including residual caffeine, are extracted from the tea leaves.
Amount of Tea: Using more tea leaves or a larger tea bag can result in a marginally higher caffeine content simply because more raw material is being used.

Comparison of Caffeine Content (8oz Cup)


Beverage	Estimated Caffeine Content	Notes
Twinings Decaf Earl Grey	<4mg	Contains trace amounts of caffeine, not zero.
Regular Earl Grey Tea	40–60mg	Can vary based on brew time and leaf quality.
Regular Brewed Coffee	80–135mg	Varies significantly depending on bean type and brewing.
Herbal Tea (e.g., Chamomile)	0mg	Naturally caffeine-free, not decaffeinated.

Health Benefits of Decaf Earl Grey

Choosing decaf Earl Grey is a popular option for those who are sensitive to caffeine or wish to reduce their intake without giving up the flavor of their favorite tea. Switching to decaf can offer several health benefits, many of which are similar to those of regular tea because the majority of antioxidants are retained.

Improved Sleep: For those who enjoy an evening cup, decaf tea won't interfere with sleep cycles, unlike its caffeinated counterpart.
Reduced Anxiety and Jitters: Caffeine can cause anxiety and restlessness in sensitive individuals. Opting for decaf eliminates this risk.
Antioxidant Benefits: Decaf tea still contains a good portion of the beneficial flavonoid antioxidants found in black tea, which can support heart health.
Stomach Sensitivity: With lower acidity and no stimulant effects, decaf can be a gentler option for those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.
Bladder Health: The NHS has noted that for those with an overactive bladder, switching to decaffeinated beverages can reduce symptoms.

Conclusion

In summary, while Twinings' Decaf Earl Grey does contain a tiny, residual amount of caffeine, it is remarkably low—typically less than 4mg per cup. The gentle CO2 decaffeination process ensures that the tea's beloved bergamot flavor is preserved while over 99% of the caffeine is removed, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a low-stimulant beverage. The minimal caffeine remaining is negligible for most people, allowing them to enjoy the classic taste and health benefits of black tea at any time of day or night. To explore their decaf collection, you can visit the Twinings website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not completely caffeine-free. The term 'decaffeinated' means that most of the caffeine has been removed. Twinings states that their decaf teas are processed to contain less than 0.2% caffeine by dry weight, leaving a very small residual amount.

Twinings decaf Earl Grey has significantly less caffeine than regular tea. While a standard 8oz cup of regular black tea might have 40-60mg, the decaf version contains less than 4mg per cup, making it a low-stimulant alternative.

Twinings uses a gentle process involving water and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2). This method effectively removes the caffeine while minimizing the impact on the tea's flavor and aroma, leaving no chemical residue.

Yes, for most people with caffeine sensitivity, the minimal amount of caffeine in Twinings decaf Earl Grey will not cause any adverse effects, such as jitters or restlessness. It is a much safer alternative than regular tea.

Yes, it does. Although the decaffeination process can remove some antioxidants, much of the beneficial compounds, such as flavonoids, are retained. This means decaf tea can still offer health benefits related to heart health and antioxidant support.

Yes, steeping the tea for a longer time will extract slightly more of the residual caffeine. However, because the starting amount is already so low, the increase is very minor compared to how much caffeine is released during a prolonged steep of regular tea.

Decaf tea is a much lower caffeine option for pregnant women who need to limit their intake. Health professionals typically advise keeping daily caffeine consumption under 200mg, and a cup of decaf Earl Grey fits well within that guideline. As always, pregnant women should consult their doctor for personalized dietary advice.