Does Tea Contain Caffeine? Caffeinated vs. Caffeine-Free Teas Explained

Many tea lovers wonder:

Does tea contain caffeine?

 The answer is both yes and no, depending on the type of tea you choose.

While some teas provide a gentle caffeine boost, others are naturally caffeine-free, making them perfect for relaxation.

Understanding caffeine levels in tea helps you make informed choices about what to sip throughout the day—whether you need a morning energiser or a soothing night-time brew.

Let’s explore the caffeine content in different teas and find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

1. Black Tea (Caffeine: 40–70 mg per cup)

Black tea is often thought to have the most caffeine, but this isn’t always true. The caffeine content varies widely based on the type:

• Assam & Ceylon Black Tea → Higher caffeine due to their strong oxidation and processing.
• Darjeeling Black Tea → Moderate caffeine, as it undergoes partial oxidation.
• Earl Grey & Breakfast Blends → Can range from moderate to high caffeine depending on the blend.

💡 Brewing Tip: Longer steeping times and hotter water increase caffeine extraction.

2. Green Tea (Caffeine: 20–45 mg per cup)

Green tea is generally lower in caffeine than black tea, but some shaded green teas have high caffeine:

• Gyokuro & Matcha → Highest caffeine (due to shading, which increases caffeine and L-theanine).
• Sencha & Dragon Well (Longjing) → Moderate caffeine (varies by harvest time).
• Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea) → Low caffeine (roasting breaks down caffeine content).

💡 Brewing Tip: Lower water temperatures (70-80°C) extract less caffeine, making green tea a gentler choice.

3. Oolong Tea (Caffeine: 30–50 mg per cup)

Oolong tea sits between black and green tea in caffeine content. Its caffeine level depends on oxidation:

• Dark Oolongs (Heavily Oxidized, e.g., Wuyi Rock Tea) → Higher caffeine.
• Light Oolongs (Less Oxidized, e.g., Tie Guan Yin) → Lower caffeine.

💡 Brewing Tip: Shorter steeping times in multiple infusions help control caffeine intake.

4. White Tea (Caffeine: 10–40 mg per cup)

White tea is often thought to be low in caffeine, but this is misleading:

• Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) → Higher caffeine (made from young buds rich in caffeine).
• White Peony (Bai Mudan) → Moderate caffeine (mix of buds and leaves).
• Shou Mei & Gong Mei (Mature Leaves) → Lower caffeine.

💡 Brewing Tip: White tea can be steeped multiple times, gradually reducing caffeine with each infusion.

Which Teas Are Caffeine-Free?

If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, consider herbal teas. These are made from herbs, flowers, and spices instead of the Camellia sinensis plant.

1. Rooibos Tea (South African Red Bush)

• Completely caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants.
• Naturally sweet with hints of honey and caramel.
• Great for night-time relaxation.

2. Chamomile Tea (Calming & Sleep-Boosting)

• A go-to choice for stress relief and better sleep.
• Naturally caffeine-free and floral in taste.

3. Peppermint Tea (Refreshing & Caffeine-Free)

• Helps with digestion and provides a cooling sensation.
• Naturally energising without caffeine.

4. Hibiscus Tea (Tart & Vitamin C-Rich)

• Packed with antioxidants and supports heart health.
• Its tangy, cranberry-like flavour makes it a refreshing caffeine-free option.

5. Ginger Tea (Warming & Digestive Aid)

• Naturally spicy and invigorating, great for digestion and immunity.
• Works well as a caffeine-free morning tea.

6. Lemon Balm Tea (Relaxing & Stress-Relieving)

• Known for its ability to reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
• A caffeine-free herbal tea with a light citrusy flavour.

Caffeine in Tea vs. Coffee: How Does It Compare?

If you’re trying to reduce your caffeine intake, tea is an excellent alternative to coffee.

Unlike coffee, tea releases caffeine more gradually due to L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm energy and focus—no caffeine crash!

Best Times to Drink Caffeinated & Caffeine-Free Teas

☀️ Morning & Afternoon: Caffeinated Teas

• Black tea or green tea provides an energy boost.
• Matcha is great before workouts due to sustained energy.
• Oolong tea offers balanced stimulation without jitters.

🌙 Evening & Night: Caffeine-Free Teas

• Chamomile, rooibos, or lemon balm tea help with relaxation.
• Peppermint or ginger tea support digestion after dinner.
• Reishi mushroom or lavender tea can enhance sleep quality.

Why Caffeine-Free Teas Matter

Drinking caffeine-free teas allows you to enjoy tea at any time of the day without worrying about sleep disruption. Herbal teas also offer holistic health benefits, from stress relief to digestion support.

At Loulou’s Tea, we believe in balance—whether you need a morning pick-me-up or a calming bedtime brew, there’s a perfect tea for every moment.

Find Your Perfect Tea Match!

Still unsure which tea suits you best? Take our Tea Quiz and find your perfect blend today!

🍵 Shop Caffeine-Free & Energising Teas

Explore our range of premium loose-leaf teas, from refreshing green teas to calming herbal infusions. Visit our shop to find your next favourite tea!