Is Orange Pekoe Black Tea Decaffeinated?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

Orange Pekoe is not naturally decaffeinated, as it is a grade of black tea and all black tea contains caffeine naturally. It is a common misconception that its unique name implies it is caffeine-free; in reality, the name refers to the size and quality of the tea leaves. However, decaffeinated versions of Orange Pekoe are widely available on the market for those who need to avoid caffeine.

Quick Summary

Orange Pekoe is a grade of black tea, which naturally contains caffeine. While standard Orange Pekoe is caffeinated, decaffeinated varieties are produced through specific processes to remove most of the caffeine content. The name itself does not relate to caffeine level or flavor.

Key Points

Not Naturally Decaffeinated: Standard Orange Pekoe is a grade of black tea and, like all black tea, naturally contains caffeine.
Decaf Versions Exist: Manufacturers create decaffeinated Orange Pekoe through a specific process, often using CO2 extraction, to remove the majority of caffeine.
Orange Pekoe is a Grade, Not a Flavor: The name refers to the leaf size and quality, not to an orange flavor or absence of caffeine.
Moderate Caffeine Content: Caffeinated Orange Pekoe typically contains 40–70 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving, about half the amount in a similar cup of coffee.
Read the Label: To ensure you are buying a low-caffeine product, you must look for packaging explicitly marked as "Decaffeinated Orange Pekoe".
Distinguish from Herbal Teas: Unlike decaffeinated black tea, herbal teas like rooibos are naturally caffeine-free and come from different plants altogether.

Understanding Orange Pekoe and Caffeine

Orange Pekoe is a widely misunderstood term in the world of tea. Many people mistakenly believe it refers to a specific flavor or type of tea, and are surprised to learn it has a moderate amount of caffeine, typically around 40-70 mg per 8-ounce cup. It is, in fact, a grading system used for black teas, indicating the quality of the dried tea leaves based on their size. The grading applies to the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same source for all true teas (black, green, white, and oolong). Therefore, unless explicitly labeled as 'decaffeinated', Orange Pekoe black tea will contain caffeine.

The amount of caffeine in a cup of Orange Pekoe can vary based on several factors, including the specific grade of the tea leaves, the brewing time, and the water temperature. A longer steeping time and hotter water will extract more caffeine, resulting in a more robust brew. This inherent caffeine content makes regular Orange Pekoe unsuitable for those seeking a completely caffeine-free beverage.

The Difference: Standard vs. Decaffeinated Orange Pekoe

To meet the needs of consumers who want the flavor of black tea without the stimulating effects of caffeine, many manufacturers produce decaffeinated Orange Pekoe. This is not a naturally occurring product; it is the result of a deliberate manufacturing process. The most common and highest-quality method for decaffeinating tea is the carbon dioxide (CO2) process.

The CO2 Decaffeination Process:

Freshly plucked tea leaves are steeped in water.
Under high pressure, carbon dioxide is flushed through the leaves.
The CO2 binds specifically to the caffeine molecules, extracting them from the tea.
This process removes most of the caffeine while leaving behind the majority of the compounds that give the tea its flavor and antioxidant properties.
After the process is complete, the CO2 is removed, leaving a decaffeinated product. The final product contains only trace amounts of caffeine, typically less than 0.2%.

Other, less common methods include using chemical solvents like ethyl acetate or methylene chloride, though the CO2 process is often preferred for retaining more of the tea's natural flavor.

How to Choose the Right Orange Pekoe for You

When standing in the tea aisle, it's essential to read the packaging carefully. A box simply labeled "Orange Pekoe" should be assumed to be caffeinated. For a caffeine-free option, you must look for packaging that specifically states "Decaffeinated Orange Pekoe". Many brands offer both options side-by-side, so paying attention to the label is crucial to ensure you get the desired product.

Orange Pekoe vs. Herbal and Other Decaf Options

It is also important to differentiate between decaffeinated black tea and naturally caffeine-free herbal teas. While decaffeinated black tea has had its caffeine removed, it still comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas, on the other hand, are infusions made from other plants, such as chamomile, rooibos, or mint, which are naturally caffeine-free. This difference is key for those who have a severe caffeine sensitivity or are looking for a naturally sourced option.

Caffeine Content Comparison


Beverage	Type	Natural Caffeine Content (Approx.)	Notes
Standard Orange Pekoe	Black Tea (Grade)	40–70 mg per 8oz cup	Averages half the caffeine of coffee.
Decaffeinated Orange Pekoe	Black Tea (Decaf)	< 4 mg per 8oz cup	Contains trace amounts after processing.
Coffee	Coffee	~100 mg per 8oz cup	Significantly higher than most teas.
Green Tea	Green Tea	~35 mg per 8oz cup	Slightly less caffeine than black tea.
Rooibos Tea	Herbal Tea	0 mg	Naturally caffeine-free.
Chamomile Tea	Herbal Tea	0 mg	Naturally caffeine-free.

Conclusion: Read the Label Carefully

In summary, the term Orange Pekoe refers to a grade of black tea leaf, not a flavor or caffeine-free property. Standard Orange Pekoe tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, consistent with other black teas. For those seeking to avoid caffeine, it is essential to purchase a product specifically labeled as 'Decaffeinated Orange Pekoe.' The best decaffeinated versions are typically produced using the CO2 method, which preserves the tea's flavor profile. Consumers should always read the package label carefully and can also consider naturally caffeine-free herbal teas if they prefer. Understanding the distinction is the key to choosing the right tea for your needs, whether you want a stimulating morning cup or a relaxing evening brew.

For more information on the history and grades of Orange Pekoe, you can explore detailed resources from reputable tea purveyors.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Orange Pekoe is a grade of black tea, and all black tea naturally contains caffeine. You must purchase a product specifically labeled 'decaffeinated' to get a low-caffeine version.

An 8-ounce cup of Orange Pekoe black tea typically contains between 40 and 70 milligrams of caffeine. This can vary based on brewing time and water temperature.

Orange Pekoe is a grading system for black tea leaves based on their size and quality. It does not refer to a flavor, color, or caffeine level.

Decaffeinated Orange Pekoe is typically produced using the CO2 method, where high-pressure carbon dioxide extracts the caffeine molecules from the tea leaves, leaving the flavor largely intact.

Decaffeinated tea contains only trace amounts of caffeine, typically around 4 mg per 8-ounce cup, and is considered virtually caffeine-free.

Yes, many major tea brands, including Tetley, offer both regular caffeinated Orange Pekoe and a separate decaffeinated version. Always check the packaging to confirm.

If you want a naturally caffeine-free beverage, consider an herbal tea like rooibos, chamomile, or peppermint, as these do not contain caffeine from the source plant.