Low Caffeine Tea

what counts as low caffeine tea?

Low caffeine teas typically contain between 10-30mg of caffeine per cup – roughly a quarter to a half of what you’d find in a standard cup of black tea, and significantly less than coffee, which averages 80-100mg per cup.

This range includes certain white teas, lightly processed oolongs, and some green teas brewed at lower temperatures. The caffeine is present, but gentle – enough to take the edge off without overstimulating.

which teas are naturally low in caffeine?

White teas made from more mature leaves – such as Shou Mei – sit at the lower end of the caffeine spectrum. The more leaf and less bud a white tea contains, the lower its caffeine content tends to be.

Lightly oxidised oolongs brewed at moderate temperatures also fall into the low caffeine range, as do some green teas when steeped briefly in cooler water.

Rooibos and herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free rather than low caffeine – if you want zero caffeine, explore our caffeine-free range instead.

how to brew low caffeine tea

Brewing method has a significant effect on caffeine extraction. Lower temperatures and shorter steep times pull out less caffeine – so the same tea brewed differently can shift from moderate to low caffeine with ease.

Water temperature: 75-85°C

Amount: 2-3g per 300ml

Steep time: 2-3 minutes

Tip: Cold brewing any true tea extracts significantly less caffeine than hot brewing, while producing a naturally sweet, smooth flavour. It works particularly well with white and green teas.

what are the benefits of low caffeine tea?

Low caffeine teas give you the best of both worlds. You still benefit from L-Theanine – the amino acid found in Camellia sinensis that promotes calm, focused alertness – without the stimulant intensity that can cause restlessness or disrupt sleep when consumed later in the day.

Many of the antioxidant compounds found in tea – including polyphenols, catechins, and flavonoids – are present regardless of caffeine level. Drinking low caffeine tea means you can enjoy these benefits across more cups and more moments of the day.

low caffeine varieties at a glance

Our low caffeine selection draws from some of the most nuanced and rewarding tea styles available.

Shou Mei White Tea: The most full-bodied white tea, with earthy, fruity, honey notes and lower caffeine than bud-heavy varieties like Silver Needle.

White Peony (Bai Mu Dan): A bud and two leaves – balanced and approachable, with moderate-to-low caffeine depending on brewing temperature.

Light oolongs: Floral, lightly oxidised oolongs brewed at lower temperatures offer gentle caffeine with extraordinary flavour complexity.

Cold-brewed green tea: Any quality green tea steeped cold produces a naturally sweet, low-caffeine drink with none of the bitterness of hot brewing.

is low caffeine tea good for the afternoon?

It’s one of the best choices for the post-lunch window. Enough caffeine to support focus and alertness without the risk of disrupting sleep later – particularly if you’re sensitive to stimulants or tend to drink tea in the early evening.

White teas and light oolongs are particularly well-suited here: their flavour rewards slow, attentive drinking, making them a natural fit for a considered afternoon break.

is low caffeine the same as decaffeinated?

No. Low caffeine teas are naturally lower in caffeine by virtue of the tea type, the leaf grade, or the brewing method. Nothing has been added or removed.

Decaffeinated teas undergo a chemical process to strip caffeine from leaves that would otherwise contain it – a process that often affects flavour. At Teapro, we don’t sell decaffeinated teas. If you want to reduce caffeine, we believe brewing differently or choosing a naturally lower-caffeine tea is always the better option.

is low caffeine tea good for beginners?

It’s an excellent place to start, particularly for those moving away from coffee or finding black tea too intense. The flavours are often more delicate and complex, and the gentler caffeine effect makes it easier to drink more mindfully without overstimulation.

At Teapro, every tea in our low caffeine range is pure and single-origin – no artificial flavourings, no shortcuts. The flavour you experience comes entirely from the leaf and where it was grown.