Does jasmine tea have high caffeine? Understanding its levels for a balanced diet

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Jasmine tea's fragrant floral aroma does not come with a caffeine-free guarantee; its caffeine content is determined by its base tea leaves. The typical jasmine tea, based on green tea, contains a moderate level of caffeine, making the simple answer to "Does jasmine tea have high caffeine?" a nuanced one.

Quick Summary

The caffeine level in jasmine tea is not uniform and depends on its base tea, most commonly green tea. It is generally lower in caffeine than coffee, but the specific amount is also influenced by brewing methods. Options like decaf or herbal blends are available for those sensitive to caffeine.

Key Points

Base Tea Determines Caffeine: The caffeine level in jasmine tea depends on its base, such as green, white, or black tea, as the flowers themselves are caffeine-free.
Moderate to Low Caffeine: Most commonly green tea-based, jasmine tea generally has a moderate caffeine content (20–30 mg per 8oz cup), which is significantly lower than coffee.
Brewing Method is Key: Steeping time, water temperature, and the amount of tea leaves used can be manipulated to control the final caffeine concentration.
Decaf Options Available: For caffeine-sensitive individuals, decaffeinated jasmine tea or herbal jasmine infusions offer a stimulant-free alternative.
Health Benefits Beyond Caffeine: In addition to a gentle energy boost, jasmine tea provides antioxidants and L-theanine, which support brain function and relaxation.
Less Jitters than Coffee: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine provides a smoother, more focused energy lift without the jitteriness often associated with coffee.

What Determines Caffeine in Jasmine Tea?

To understand the caffeine content of jasmine tea, one must first recognize that the jasmine blossom itself is caffeine-free. The caffeine is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, the source of green, white, oolong, and black teas. The flavor is infused into the tea leaves, so the resulting caffeine level is a reflection of the base tea used. This process is what makes the question, "Does jasmine tea have high caffeine?" dependent on the specific blend you choose.

Most commercial jasmine teas use a green tea base, resulting in a moderate caffeine level. However, some variants use white tea (for a lighter body and even lower caffeine) or black tea (for a more robust flavor and higher caffeine content).

Factors Influencing Caffeine Extraction

Beyond the base tea, several other factors can significantly alter the final caffeine content of your brewed cup. Mastering these can help you customize your tea to your dietary needs and caffeine sensitivity.

Brewing time: The longer the tea leaves steep, the more caffeine is released. A shorter steep time will result in less caffeine. For example, a 1-minute steep can yield up to 50% less caffeine than a 3-minute steep.
Water temperature: Hotter water extracts more caffeine from the leaves more quickly. Steeping with cooler water, especially for green or white tea bases, will yield a lower caffeine beverage.
Amount of tea leaves: Using a larger quantity of tea leaves per cup will increase the total caffeine content.
Leaf grade: The type and grade of tea leaves can also affect the caffeine level. Younger buds and tips, often used in high-end teas, may contain more caffeine than more mature leaves.

Jasmine Tea Caffeine Comparison

Understanding how jasmine tea compares to other common caffeinated beverages can help put its caffeine levels into perspective. The table below illustrates the typical caffeine ranges for an 8-ounce serving.


Beverage Type	Estimated Caffeine (mg)
Jasmine White Tea	15–20
Jasmine Green Tea	20–30
Jasmine Oolong Tea	30–50
Jasmine Black Tea	40–70
Standard Coffee	95–200
Herbal Tea	0

Health Benefits and Considerations

Jasmine tea isn't just about managing caffeine; it offers a range of health benefits tied to its antioxidant properties and the amino acid L-theanine, found in the Camellia sinensis plant.

Antioxidant Power

Jasmine tea, particularly with a green tea base, is rich in powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols and catechins like EGCG.
These compounds protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.
Antioxidants also contribute to better oral health by fighting plaque-forming bacteria.

Mind and Mood

The combination of L-theanine and caffeine works synergistically to promote a state of relaxed alertness.
L-theanine helps to soothe the stimulating effects of caffeine, preventing the jitteriness often associated with coffee.
This makes jasmine tea an excellent choice for improving focus and boosting mood without the dramatic peaks and crashes.

Weight Management

The presence of caffeine and EGCG in green tea-based jasmine tea can help boost metabolism and promote fat burning, potentially aiding weight loss efforts.

Navigating Caffeine for a Balanced Diet

For most healthy adults, a daily caffeine intake of up to 400 mg is considered safe, though individual tolerance can vary. The moderate caffeine content in jasmine tea, especially when green tea-based, means you can enjoy several cups throughout the day without exceeding this limit.

However, if you are particularly sensitive to caffeine or are consuming tea later in the day, consider the following options:

Opt for decaffeinated jasmine tea: High-quality decaffeinated versions are available, often processed using CO2 or water to preserve flavor and antioxidants.
Choose an herbal base: Some jasmine infusions are made with naturally caffeine-free herbal bases like rooibos, offering the floral flavor without any stimulants.
Brew strategically: If you prefer a caffeinated blend, you can reduce the caffeine by using cooler water or shortening your steeping time.
Enjoy multiple infusions: When using loose leaf tea, subsequent brews from the same leaves will contain less caffeine than the first cup.

Conclusion: Does jasmine tea have high caffeine?

Contrary to a simple yes or no, the caffeine content of jasmine tea is best described as typically moderate to low, depending heavily on the type of tea used as its base. For those who enjoy the floral aroma but are mindful of their caffeine intake, a green tea base is a gentle option, while a white tea base is even milder. For a completely caffeine-free experience, decaffeinated or herbal blends are the way to go. By understanding the factors that influence caffeine extraction and knowing the tea's base, you can enjoy this fragrant beverage as part of a mindful nutrition diet.

For more information on caffeine and its effects on the body, consider consulting a source like Healthline. Healthline

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, depending on the base tea. If it's a green tea-based jasmine, it contains moderate caffeine. For late-night consumption, it's best to choose a decaffeinated or herbal jasmine blend to avoid disturbing sleep.

No, jasmine green tea typically has a slightly lower caffeine content than pure green tea. This is because the scenting process can reduce the strength of the caffeine, although the difference is often marginal.

Yes, you can manage the caffeine level by controlling your brewing method. Steeping the tea for a shorter time or using slightly cooler water will extract less caffeine.

No, adding milk or other ingredients does not alter the caffeine content of the tea itself. However, it can mask the tea's flavor and may interfere with the absorption of some antioxidants.

Pregnant women should monitor their caffeine intake, with a recommended limit of up to 200 mg per day. A green tea-based jasmine fits within this limit, but decaffeinated versions are the safest option.

Jasmine pearls are typically made from green tea, so they contain a moderate amount of caffeine, similar to other green tea-based jasmine teas. The exact amount depends on the specific product and brewing method.

Like any caffeinated beverage, excessive consumption of jasmine tea can lead to side effects such as anxiety, restlessness, jitters, and stomach issues in sensitive individuals. Always consider your personal tolerance.