White tea is often praised as the gentlest of all true teas. But one question keeps popping up: Does white tea have caffeine?
The answer is yes, white tea does contain caffeine, but far less than black tea, green tea, or coffee. And how much caffeine ends up in your cup depends on several factors, like the type of white tea, how it’s harvested, and how you brew it.
Let’s break it down so you can sip smarter.
Most white teas contain between 15 to 30 mg of caffeine per 8-oz cup, while a typical cup of black tea has 60–90 mg and coffee packs 95–200 mg.
| Beverage | Avg. Caffeine per 8 oz |
|---|---|
| White Tea | 15–30 mg |
| Green Tea | 30–50 mg |
| Black Tea | 60–90 mg |
| Coffee | 95–200 mg |
| Herbal Tea | 0 mg (naturally caffeine-free) |
This makes white tea a perfect choice for those seeking a low-caffeine alternative without switching to herbal blends.
Not all white teas are the same. Here’s what influences how much caffeine you’ll get:
Silver Needle (buds only): More caffeine
White Peony (buds + leaves): Moderate caffeine
Rara Willow or Spring White Buds: Varies by elevation and plucking
👉 Teas made from young buds tend to have higher caffeine because buds contain more of the plant’s natural energy source.
Spring teas (like our Spring White Buds) may have more caffeine than autumn or summer harvests.
High-elevation teas from Nepal tend to be slightly lower in caffeine due to slower leaf growth.
Minimal processing = more of the original caffeine remains, but drying and rolling methods can influence this slightly.
Brewing makes a big difference:
Hotter water = more caffeine released
Longer steep time = stronger caffeine hit
Want to enjoy the flavor without a big caffeine kick? Use these brewing tips:
Use cooler water: Aim for 170–180°F (never boiling)
Steep briefly: 1.5 to 2.5 minutes max
Use fewer leaves: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz water
Bonus: White tea can be re-steeped 2–3 times. The second brew is naturally lower in caffeine and often sweeter.
Looking for naturally low-caffeine teas that don’t sacrifice flavor? These are perfect choices:
Delicate, sweet, and smooth with stone fruit notes. High elevation, early-spring picked.
Pale gold liquor with a honeyed aroma. Soft and floral.
Straw-colored liquor with hints of apricot and clover honey. Light and smooth with a citrus finish.
Fresh and vibrant with notes of almond and steamed greens. A crisp morning tea with mild lift.
Gentle uplift without the jitters
Supports focus and calm energy
Great for afternoon sipping or those cutting back on coffee
Full of L-theanine—an amino acid that promotes mental clarity
No. All true white teas contain caffeine, though much less than black or green teas.
Yes—especially if brewed lightly and steeped for less time.
Larger-leaf teas like Nepalese Silver Tips or Rara Willow tend to have slightly less than bud-only teas like Silver Needle.
Yes, cold brewing extracts less caffeine than hot brewing. It also brings out the natural sweetness of white tea.
White tea is not caffeine-free—but it offers a calm, clean, and elegant energy that many tea lovers prefer. With mindful brewing, you can customize your cup for a light boost—perfect for your body and your lifestyle.
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