Does Jasmine Green Tea Have Caffeine in it? The Complete Guide

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

As one of the world's most popular beverages, green tea is known to contain natural caffeine, a stimulant valued for its energizing effects. The same applies to its aromatic counterpart: Yes, jasmine green tea has caffeine in it, directly inherited from its green tea base.

Quick Summary

Jasmine green tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, typically less than black tea or coffee. The exact quantity is influenced by several factors, including the type of green tea used, steeping time, and water temperature.

Key Points

Yes, it has caffeine: Jasmine green tea naturally contains caffeine because its base is green tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Moderate caffeine content: A typical cup contains 20-40 mg of caffeine, providing a gentler energy boost than coffee.
L-theanine synergy: The caffeine works with L-theanine to provide a state of calm alertness, reducing the jitteriness often associated with coffee.
Control your brew: You can easily manipulate the caffeine level by adjusting steeping time, water temperature, and the amount of tea leaves used.
Look for decaf: Commercially available decaffeinated options are the safest bet for those who need to avoid caffeine entirely.
Preparation matters: The final caffeine amount is not fixed and depends on how the tea is prepared.

The Source of Caffeine in Jasmine Green Tea

Jasmine green tea is not a unique plant species but rather a scented version of traditional green tea. The process involves layering green tea leaves with fresh jasmine blossoms, allowing the tea to absorb the flowers' fragrance. Since the base is green tea, the caffeine content is inherent to the tea leaves themselves.

The Camellia sinensis plant, from which all true teas are derived, naturally produces caffeine. The concentration of caffeine varies depending on the age of the tea leaves, with younger leaves and buds generally containing more caffeine than older, more mature leaves. As jasmine green tea typically uses a base of high-quality green tea leaves, its caffeine level is similar to that of a standard green tea.

How Much Caffeine is in a Cup of Jasmine Green Tea?

While an exact figure is hard to pinpoint without lab testing, a typical 8-ounce cup of jasmine green tea contains approximately 20 to 40 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. This is significantly less than the amount found in an average cup of coffee, which can contain anywhere from 95 to 200 mg.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Content

Several variables affect the final caffeine level in your cup. Understanding these factors can help you control your intake.

Leaf Quality: Higher-quality jasmine green teas, which often use younger leaves and buds, can have higher caffeine levels.
Water Temperature: Steeping the tea in hotter water extracts more caffeine from the leaves.
Steeping Time: A longer steeping time will result in a more potent, more caffeinated cup of tea.
Quantity of Leaves: The more tea leaves you use, the more caffeine is released into the water.

Jasmine Green Tea vs. Other Caffeinated Beverages

It's helpful to see how jasmine green tea stacks up against other popular beverages. This comparison table provides a clear overview of the typical caffeine levels per 8-ounce serving.


Beverage	Estimated Caffeine (8oz)	Notes
Jasmine Green Tea	20-40 mg	Moderate, gentle caffeine boost
Plain Green Tea	20-50 mg	Similar to jasmine, varies with type
Black Tea	40-70 mg	Higher than green tea, stronger brew
Espresso (1 oz shot)	64 mg	Highly concentrated caffeine
Brewed Coffee	95-200 mg	Significant variation depending on brew strength
Decaffeinated Coffee	2-15 mg	Minimal caffeine content

The Health Effects of Caffeine from Jasmine Green Tea

The caffeine in jasmine green tea offers a milder, more sustained energy boost than the intense jolt from coffee. This is partially due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea leaves. L-theanine promotes a state of calm alertness, working synergistically with caffeine to provide focus without the jittery side effects often associated with high coffee consumption.

Benefits of moderate caffeine intake from jasmine green tea may include:

Enhanced Mental Focus: Improved concentration and cognitive function.
Boosted Metabolism: Caffeine has been shown to temporarily increase metabolic rate.
Antioxidant Benefits: The green tea base is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant.
Improved Mood: L-theanine contributes to a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

How to Control Your Caffeine Intake from Jasmine Green Tea

For those who are sensitive to caffeine or simply prefer a lower dose, you can easily control the amount you consume.

Adjust Steeping Time: Brew the tea for a shorter period, such as one to two minutes, instead of the standard three to five.
Use Lower Temperature Water: Use cooler water, around 160-170°F (71-77°C), to extract less caffeine.
Perform a Quick Rinse: A common method is to brew the tea for 30 seconds, discard the water, and then re-steep with fresh hot water. This initial rinse extracts some caffeine.
Choose a Decaf Version: Many brands offer commercially decaffeinated jasmine green tea for a caffeine-free experience.

For more information on the science behind caffeine extraction and its effects on the body, the National Institutes of Health offers a wealth of research on dietary stimulants and health.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, jasmine green tea does contain caffeine, derived from the green tea leaves it's made from. However, its caffeine content is generally moderate and significantly lower than that of coffee or black tea. By understanding the factors that influence brewing, you can easily control the amount of caffeine in your cup. Whether you're seeking a gentle morning pick-me-up or a relaxing evening beverage, jasmine green tea offers a flavorful and customizable experience for every palate.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, jasmine green tea is not considered high in caffeine. It has a moderate amount compared to beverages like coffee, which is much higher in caffeine content.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, you should start with a weaker brew by steeping for a shorter time or using a lower water temperature. A commercially decaffeinated version may also be a suitable alternative.

No, the process of scenting the green tea leaves with jasmine flowers does not affect or remove the inherent caffeine content of the tea leaves themselves.

Since jasmine green tea is made from a green tea base, its caffeine content is very similar to that of a standard green tea and is influenced by the same factors like leaf quality and brewing method.

Yes, cold brewing extracts less caffeine and tannins from the tea leaves than hot water, resulting in a milder, less caffeinated drink.

For most people, it is best to drink jasmine green tea earlier in the day to avoid any potential sleep disruption caused by the caffeine, especially if you are caffeine-sensitive.

While uncommon, some jasmine teas use a white tea base, and others can be made entirely from jasmine flowers, which would be naturally caffeine-free. Always check the ingredients.