Which Are Caffeine-Free Teas?

There's often a fair amount of confusion pertaining to which teas contain caffeine and which do not. As a general rule of thumb, it's normally quite safe to say that herbal teas do not contain caffeine (Caffeine-free teas), whilst green tea, black tea, and other commonly consumed types of tea do. Thus herbal teas can be used to replace coffee.

However, none of the levels of caffeine contained within any type of tea really approach that of coffee. Even black tea contains on average around 40mg per cup. Coffee contains around 100mg - 150mg.

Infographic Showing Caffeine Content in Various Drinks

This is all visualized for you below! Note that Green Tea and White Tea only contain 24-36mg of caffeine.

Difference Between Caffeine-Free and Decaf Drinks

Keep in mind that caffeine-free and Decaf are two fairly different things.
You'll notice that within the image above that decaf coffee still contains around 8mg of caffeine and thus is not completely caffeine-free. It's not really possible to get it all out, and you'll find something similar happening with decaf green and black tea too, just with even lower levels at perhaps 3-5mg. But still these teas are a much better option than drinking coffee if you are avoiding caffeine side effects

Herbal Teas and Caffeine Content

Herbal tea is an example of something completely caffeine-free and can be used as a replacement for coffee. Just with something like vegetables, it was never there to begin with so the caffeine content is at exactly 0mg. This is one reason why those that are sensitive to caffeine - either physically or mentally - prefer herbal tea.

Teas to Replace Coffee

When talking about tea, coffee, and caffeine, it's hard not to give a brief mention of coffee replacement teas. People usually opt for coffee replacement teas because of the side effects of caffeine present in coffee. There are two main ones we think are worth mentioning but each one for quite different reasons.

Yerba Mate Tea

Yerba Mate doesn't take like coffee but has similar effects. Working within different pathways in the body, the highs and lows that you'll get with a cup of coffee are mostly avoided with Yerba Mate and you'll get a bit more of a consistent energy buzz.

Quite an interesting herbal tea that's been used by many different cultures across the globe since ancient times. Yerba Mate contains around 80mg of caffeine per full cup. So chances are that you may suffer from some of the side effects of caffeine.

Chicory Root Tea

Chicory doesn't contain caffeine but has that kind of deep rich flavor that coffee drinkers enjoy. Although we won't lie - it's definitely a different experience. The benefits of this tea really shouldn't be understated though and far surpass that of coffee. On the plus side, no caffeine means no side effects from caffeine consumption!

Side Effects of Caffeine Consumption

As we like to say here: Everyone's different. It's always good to know just how much caffeine can be taken before one starts to be affected negatively. Some people can drink 5 cups of coffee a day and be fine (relatively speaking), whilst others will experience heart palpitations, nausea, anxiety and a whole other range of symptoms after just one cup.

Mental or Physical Sensitivity?

While the side effects of caffeine on the body are absolutely a real thing, sometimes mental aspects come into play too. I once had a friend that enjoyed drinking Hong Kong milk tea, yet was sensitive to caffeine. After I told them it actually contains similar levels of caffeine to coffee, they actually started to experience the same effects they would have if they had consumed coffee! Sometimes ignorance is bliss...

We've of course sorted all of our teas here into a single caffeine free section, and admittedly this range contains almost all herbal teas apart from Yerba Mate.
Click here for the full caffeine free-range to replace your coffee!: https://www.tealife.com.au/collections/caffeine-free-tea

Health Problems Caused by Caffeine

Now, not every reason tends to be mentally or physically... Sometimes it can also be medical. There are plenty of reasons why some people cannot drink tea that contains caffeine or coffee for that matter, which makes caffeine-free teas or any other caffeine-free drink a necessity.

This way, everyone can enjoy a drink without having to suffer the health problems caused by caffeine. We all know Tea has a lot of factors that benefit us health-wise, which would make it a shame that some people wouldn't be able to benefit from it. And so people opt for teas that contain no or minimal amount of caffeine in them. 

I know, I can tell you are wondering what kind of health problems could cause people to stay off Caffeine - So I went to do some research for you, and here is what I found out:

1. Caffeine Allergy
2. Hearth Disease

Now, of course, there is more to it... and there are plenty of reasons why some people can't tolerate caffeine, but the above mentioned medical issues are quite common reasons. 

1. Caffeine Allergy:

I was astounded by stumbling on this one, as I didn't know that this was a thing. Here is why I took caffeine for granted myself. I don't drink it a lot, but every now and then I might enjoy some...

...Turns out you can actually be allergic to it, and it can be hell for your body if you don't know that you are allergic to it.

Now, how do you know whether you are allergic or not, I mean... There are plenty of things our body can't tolerate - that doesn't mean we are allergic to it, does it?

No, but believe me... If you are allergic to caffeine, and you decide to drink it - You will know.

Here are some of the symptoms, but before I go into detail... Do know that I am not a doctor and you shouldn't be taking medical advice from me. Leave that to the educated experts!:

2. Rash and itchy skin!

When you are allergic to caffeine and you still decide to drink something containing caffeine, it can actually hurt you due to your skin getting very itchy and a rash popping up.

I don't know if you've ever dealt with a rash before, but it is frustrating... 

...Which seems like a very solid reason to leave Caffeine behind and live a caffeine-free life! But hey, you can still drink our awesome tea... No health issues, and no caffeine... Who doesn't like that?

"Itchy skin, and a rash... is that it?" Oh no! Not at all! 

3. Swelling of the lips and tongue!

Before I go any further, let me tell you that this isn't what you think it is... It is actually quite worse, and I've had it before. I didn't know what was happening to me but I panicked extremely.

Your lips swell, your tongues swell.

This is incredibly bothersome, and if you all you have to do is quit drinking caffeine in order to prevent this, then I really suggest you do so.

This can have a lot of other side effects on your body, but we'll get deeper into that in a minute.

4. Itchy lips, tongue or Mouth

No, just swollen lips and tongue wasn't the end of it, no. Your mouth can start itching as well. Remember these days as a kid when you had an itch so you scratched? Well, try scratching your mouth...

...It is one of the most frustrating things about having a caffeine allergy and it is a very good reason why someone wouldn't want his or her tea to contain caffeine... Don't you think?

5. Anaphylactic shock

Now, until now we've taken it easy... We've mentioned the most common symptoms of a coffee allergy, but every now and then it gets even worse! Yes, every now and then someone can suffer from a severe allergic reaction.

This severe allergic reaction is often called an anaphylactic shock, and even though it is quite rare... It is quite terrifying. 

How do you know whether you are having or well experiencing an anaphylactic shock? 

Well, you might be experiencing one of these symptoms:

1. Trouble breathing
2. Trouble speaking
3. Rapid heartbeat
4. Dizziness
5. Nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
6. Facial swelling (even your eyes!)
7. Coughing
8. Weezing

As you see, it can get quite serious!

6. Heart Disease

We've covered caffeine allergy, but if you are suffering from heart disease it is recommended to consult a doctor first before you even drink any caffeine at all. This is due to an increase in blood pressure.

It can actually be fatal to people suffering from heart disease.

That said, I am not a doctor and you shouldn't take any medical advice from me, contact a doctor or an educated medical person that can help you determine whether you are able to drink caffeine or not.

Now though, you know why people don't want caffeine in their tea!

And that's why Coffee replacement Teas are simply awesome.