Quick answer

Choose decaf English Breakfast for a robust, malty morning cup that takes milk well; choose decaf Earl Grey when you want bright bergamot flavor without caffeine. Both deliver caffeine-free black tea, but they suit different tastes and routines.

Flavor and aroma: bergamot vs. malty strength

The main difference is flavor. Decaf Earl Grey gets its distinctive character from natural oil of bergamot, giving a citrusy, floral aroma. Decaf English Breakfast is a straightforward black tea blend with a fuller, maltier body. If you enjoy citrus notes, Earl Grey is the obvious pick; if you prefer a classic, robust tea that stands up to milk and sugar, English Breakfast is the better fit.

Caffeine removal: CO2 vs. low-temperature process

Both teas are decaffeinated, but the methods differ. English Tea Store's Earl Grey uses a chemical-free CO2 process that removes caffeine from the finished tea. Twinings decaffeinates its English Breakfast using a gentle, low-temperature process. Neither method is inherently better; both aim to preserve flavor while removing caffeine. If you prefer a chemical-free process, the CO2 method may appeal to you.

Price and packaging: sampler vs. 20-count

The Earl Grey CO2 Decaf is available as a 5-bag sampler, while Twinings English Breakfast Decaf comes in a 20-count box. The sampler is a low-cost way to try the tea before committing to a larger box, while the 20-count offers more servings per purchase. Consider how often you drink tea and whether you want to experiment or stock up.

Trade-offs to weigh

  • Flavor vs. versatility: Earl Grey's bergamot is distinctive and may not suit those who prefer plain tea; English Breakfast is a versatile base that works with milk, lemon, or plain. If you drink tea with milk and sugar, English Breakfast is the safer choice.
  • Trial size vs. value: The 5-bag Earl Grey sampler lets you test the flavor with minimal commitment, while the 20-count English Breakfast offers a lower cost per bag for regular drinking. Buy the sampler first if you're new to decaf Earl Grey.
  • Caffeine removal method: CO2 processing is chemical-free, while Twinings' low-temperature method is gentle. Neither is objectively superior, but your preference for chemical-free processing may guide you. Check the packaging for decaffeination details if this matters to you.

Product facts

  • Earl Grey CO2 Decaffeinated Tea - Sampler Size - 5 Tea Bags: Earl Grey CO2 Decaffeinated Tea - Sampler Size - 5 Tea Bags uses a chemical-free CO2 process and natural oil of bergamot. You get authentic Earl Grey flavor without caffeine and without chemical solvents, in a small trial size.

    Earl Grey CO2 Decaffeinated Tea - Sampler Size - 5 Tea Bags

    Earl Grey CO2 Decaffeinated Tea - Sampler Size - 5 Tea Bags

  • Twinings English Breakfast Decaffeinated Tea - 20 count: Twinings English Breakfast Decaffeinated Tea - 20 count is decaffeinated using a gentle, low-temperature process. This process aims to retain the tea's natural character, and the 20-count box suits regular drinkers.

    Twinings English Breakfast Decaffeinated Tea - 20 count

    Twinings English Breakfast Decaffeinated Tea - 20 count

Which should you choose?

Best for

  • Those who want a classic, robust black tea to start the day
  • Drinkers who take milk or sugar and need a tea that holds up
  • People looking for a larger box (20 count) for regular use

Not for

  • Those who dislike bergamot or prefer plain tea
  • People who want a small trial size before committing