⏱ 2 min read
The Short Version
Forget chemical solvents and flavorless brews; Chris Horng uses supercritical CO2 to strip caffeine while preserving essential tea oils. His brand, de-tea, delivers premium, hand-scented varieties with a mere 5mg of caffeine, finally making high-end evening tea rituals possible.
In This Article
Chris Horng was looking for a way to enjoy high-quality tea without the caffeine jitters that kept him wired late into the night. Growing up in Taiwan, he developed a palate for premium varieties, but his sensitivity to caffeine made traditional brewing a struggle. After finding mainstream grocery store decafs lacking in depth and character, the Foster City resident decided to apply his engineering background to reinvent the category through his brand, de-tea.
Once you taste my tea, people typically cannot tell there is much difference; it’s still resembling the original tea that people drink.
Engineering better extraction
Most decaffeination methods rely on chemical solvents that can compromise both environmental standards and delicate flavor profiles. Horng spent years researching alternatives before settling on the supercritical CO2 method. This process utilizes CO2 in a fluid state—acting as both liquid and gas—to flush out caffeine while leaving the essential oils and aromas intact. Once you taste my tea, people typically cannot tell there is much difference; it’s still resembling the original tea that people drink. The results are significant: a cup of his jasmine green tea contains only 3–5 mg of caffeine, compared to the 50–60 mg found in standard caffeinated brews.
This precision-driven approach creates a unique tension between technical rigor and artisanal tradition. While Horng uses engineering principles to master the molecular extraction of caffeine, he remains deeply committed to manual craftsmanship, working directly with farmers in Taiwan and China. His bestseller, a decaf jasmine green tea, relies on Longjing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou that is scented by hand with night-harvested blossoms. He also offers a black tea with osmanthus sourced from Guangxi province, alongside a roasted oolong from Chaozhou. To keep the ritual clean, de-tea uses biodegradable corn-fiber sachets and recycled packaging.
Expanding the evening ritual
Horng is currently working to broaden the brand’s reach with new functional offerings. Upcoming releases include a ¼ caf line featuring roasted oolong and osmanthus black, as well as a pure decaf green tea designed for those who prefer nuttier, grassy notes. Plans are also in motion for a decaf Earl Grey using Indian black tea grown at 6,000 feet and a unique take on Japanese-style genmaicha.
By bridging the gap between technical precision and artisanal tea culture, Horng is positioning de-tea as a legitimate option for the nighttime ritual. The products are available through his website, at Bay Area pop-ups, and at retailers like Thistle and Tonic in Pacifica and Fireside Books & More in Redwood City.
Can your evening tea ritual finally be as flavorful as it is relaxing?
Questions & Answers
How does the supercritical CO2 method work for decaffeinating tea?
The supercritical CO2 method works by utilizing carbon dioxide in a fluid state that acts as both a liquid and a gas to extract caffeine. This process allows the CO2 to flush out caffeine molecules while leaving the essential oils and delicate aromas of the tea leaves intact. Unlike traditional chemical solvent methods that can compromise flavor profiles and environmental standards, this engineering-driven approach ensures the tea maintains its original depth and character for the drinker.
What makes de-tea different from standard decaffeinated tea?
De-tea differs from standard decaffeinated options by using a precision-driven extraction process that preserves the tea's original flavor profile. While mainstream grocery store decafs often lack depth, Horng's method results in a product that tastes remarkably similar to caffeinated versions. For example, his jasmine green tea contains only 3 to 5 mg of caffeine, which is significantly lower than the 50 to 60 mg typically found in standard caffeinated brews, making it ideal for evening consumption.
Why does Chris Horng use artisanal methods for his tea brand?
Chris Horng uses artisanal methods to bridge the gap between technical engineering precision and traditional tea culture. Although he applies molecular extraction principles to remove caffeine, he remains committed to manual craftsmanship by working directly with farmers in Taiwan and China. This dedication is evident in his jasmine green tea, which uses Longjing tea from Hangzhou that is scented by hand using blossoms harvested at night to ensure high quality.
Where can people purchase de-tea products?
Consumers can purchase de-tea products through the brand's official website or at various local retail locations. The brand is available at Bay Area pop-up events and specific retailers such as Thistle and Tonic in Pacifica. Additionally, shoppers can find these decaffeinated tea options at Fireside Books & More located in Redwood City. This accessibility allows customers to easily incorporate these low-caffeine tea rituals into their nightly routines.
Originally reported by The Almanac.
