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03 Aug Does White Tea Have Caffeine? Surprising Facts Revealed

Posted at 00:42h in all articles, white tea by
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Does white tea have caffeine? If you’ve ever reached for this pale, delicate-looking brew hoping for a jitter-free sip, you’re not alone.

White tea’s ethereal colour and subtle flavour often lead people to assume it’s almost caffeine-free – yet the truth is far more intriguing.

In this article, we’ll peel back centuries of tradition and modern research to uncover how much caffeine really hides in those silvery buds, why the amount can vary from cup to cup, and how white tea compares to green, black, and even matcha varieties.

By the end, you’ll know whether white tea can give you a gentle lift, help curb that afternoon slump, or suit your low-caffeine lifestyle – plus a few brewing tips to help you make the perfect cup.

white tea and caffeine

So, how much caffeine in white tea exactly? On average, a cup of white tea contains 15–30mg of caffeine per 240ml serving. That makes it lower in caffeine than green tea, black tea, and especially coffee.

white tea

15-30 mg caffeine

green tea

20-45 mg caffeine

oolong

30-50 mg caffeine

pu erh

30-70 mg caffeine

black tea

40-70 mg caffeine

yerba mate

65-85 mg caffeine

coffee

95 – 120 mg caffeine

does every white tea have caffeine?

Yes, but the amount of caffeine depends on what white tea variety it is.

It has been found that young buds store the highest amount of caffeine.

Consequently teas composed out of buds like Silver Needle or Snow Bud contain the highest amount of caffeine, whereas White Peony, which is contains both buds and young leaves has proven to have less caffeine.

The slightly more mature leaves used for Shou Meihave less caffeine, which is reduced even further during the light oxidation process.

The big question is, if teas like Silver Needle have a lot of caffeine, why do they make us feel calm and relaxed?

According to this article, young leaf sprouts, while having a high amount of caffeine are also rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that is responsible for promoting a relaxed and calm state of mind.
It counteracts the effects of caffeine, making you focused and calm at the same time. Let’s look at this and other compounds in more detail.

brewing method & white tea caffeine

First of all, it’s important to note, that higher temperatures and longer steeping time will result in more caffeine in your cup.

To keep caffeine levels lower, it’s best to brew white tea with water that’s around 70–80°C (158–176°F) and steep for 2 to 5 minutes.

Using cooler water and shorter steeping times extracts less caffeine, resulting in a smoother, gentler cup that still delivers the tea’s delicate flavours and health benefits.

Conversely, hotter water and longer steeping times release more caffeine, making the tea stronger and more energising.

does white tea have caffeine?

white tea components

Does white tea have caffeine? Yes, but that’s not all. It’s also rich in powerful natural compounds that contribute to its many health benefits.
Let’s take a closer look at the other key components found in white tea – from antioxidants to amino acids – and how they support your well-being.

L-THEANINE
White tea has also the highest concentration of L-theanine, which boosts levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and they work in the brain to regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep, as well as appetite, energy, and other cognitive skills. Increasing levels of these calming brain chemicals promotes relaxation and can help with sleep.

POLYPHENOLS
Because of its minimal processing, white tea has the highest amount of polyphenols.
Polyphenols are plant-based molecules that act as antioxidants inside the body, protecting the cells from damage caused by the free radicals. Too much free-radical damage can have harmful effects on the body. It is linked to ageing, chronic inflammation, a weakened immune system and even cancer.

EGCG
White tea contains a variety of active catechins including Epigallocatechin Gallate, which is very useful in fighting chronic diseases like cancer.

TANNINS
While the levels of tannins are lower in white tea as compared to the other varieties, it is still useful in warding off a lot of conditions.

THEAFLAVINS
These polyphenols directly contribute to the bitterness and astringency of the tea. The quantity of TFs found in white tea is the lowest when compared to black and green teas. This gives the tea a sweet flavor.

explore famous white tea varieties

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  • Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

white tea caffeine FAQs

Yes, white tea naturally contains caffeine, but typically less than green or black tea. The exact amount can vary depending on the type and brewing method, but it generally provides a gentle, mild boost.

White tea usually has about 15–30 mg of caffeine per cup, which is lower than green tea (25–40 mg) and black tea (40–70 mg). This makes it a great option if you want a lighter caffeine intake.

White tea is not naturally caffeine-free. However, decaffeinated versions are available but may lose some flavour and antioxidants during the process. If you want zero caffeine, herbal teas are a better choice.

Because of its caffeine, white tea can stimulate alertness, but its lower caffeine content makes it less likely to disrupt sleep compared to stronger teas or coffee. Still, it’s best to avoid drinking it right before bed if you’re sensitive to caffeine.

White tea contains significantly less caffeine than coffee (about 95 mg per cup) and many sodas. This means it can offer a subtle energy lift without the jitters often associated with stronger caffeinated drinks.

Herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos, or peppermint are naturally caffeine-free. Among true teas, white and green teas have the lowest caffeine levels, while black and oolong teas have higher amounts.

Decaffeination involves soaking tea leaves in water or solvents to extract caffeine. While effective, this process can reduce some of the tea’s natural flavours and antioxidants.

does white tea have caffeine?

So in conclusion, does white tea have caffeine? Yes, it does – though typically in much smaller amounts compared to black tea, oolong, yerba mate, and certainly coffee.

For those seeking a gentle boost without the jitters, white tea offers a delicate balance of flavour and mild stimulation. Whether you’re sensitive to caffeine or simply prefer a lighter brew, understanding white tea caffeine content can help you make an informed choice that suits your lifestyle.

Next time you brew a cup, remember that white tea does contain caffeine, but its subtle lift might just be the perfect companion for any time of day.

Teapro co-founder. Favourite tea - Long Jing Dragon Well Green Tea. Obsessed with film, photography and travelling.

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