Does Lemon Tea Have Caffeine? A Full Guide to Your Citrus Brew

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

A study on brewed teas found that caffeine was not detected in herbal varieties but was present in black and green teas. This means the answer to, "Does lemon tea have caffeine?", depends entirely on the type of tea used to make it.

Quick Summary

The presence of caffeine in lemon tea is not a given; it is entirely determined by the base ingredient. Versions made with traditional black or green tea are caffeinated, while those using herbal ingredients like lemongrass are not.

Key Points

Caffeine from the Base: The caffeine content in lemon tea comes from the base tea leaves, not the lemon itself, which is naturally caffeine-free.
Black Tea has the most Caffeine: Lemon tea made with a black tea base contains the highest caffeine levels, typically 40-70 mg per serving.
Green Tea is Moderate: Green tea with lemon has a moderate amount of caffeine, approximately 20-45 mg per cup, offering a milder boost.
Herbal Means Caffeine-Free: Lemon teas made with herbal ingredients like lemongrass or lemon balm are naturally caffeine-free.
Brewing Impacts Strength: Steeping for longer or using hotter water will increase the amount of caffeine extracted from the tea leaves.
Always Check the Label: For packaged or instant lemon tea products, it's essential to check the label, as caffeine levels can vary significantly by brand.

The Source of Caffeine: It's Not the Lemon

The most common misconception about lemon tea is that the lemon itself adds or alters the caffeine content. In reality, the citrus fruit has no caffeine. The caffeine in your cup comes from the base tea, which determines whether the drink is caffeinated or completely caffeine-free.

Understanding the "True Tea" Connection

To understand why some lemon teas contain caffeine and others don't, it's important to distinguish between different types of tea. True teas, such as black, green, oolong, and white, all come from the Camellia sinensis plant and naturally contain caffeine. Herbal teas, or "tisanes," are infusions made from other plants, herbs, or fruits and are typically caffeine-free.

Caffeine Content in Different Types of Lemon Tea

Lemon Tea Made with Black Tea

If your lemon tea uses a black tea base, it will contain a significant amount of caffeine. Black tea leaves are heavily oxidized during processing, which contributes to a higher caffeine level. A standard 8-ounce cup of black tea with lemon can contain approximately 40 to 70 mg of caffeine. This makes it a great morning or mid-day energizer.

Lemon Tea Made with Green Tea

Green tea with lemon contains a moderate level of caffeine. Derived from the same plant as black tea but with less oxidation, green tea offers a milder energy boost. An 8-ounce cup of green tea with lemon generally has about 20 to 45 mg of caffeine. This provides a gentler lift compared to black tea, making it suitable for those who are more sensitive to caffeine.

Naturally Caffeine-Free Herbal Lemon Tea

For those who need or want to avoid caffeine completely, herbal lemon teas are the perfect solution. These are not made from Camellia sinensis leaves but from other plants with lemon-like flavors. Common ingredients include lemongrass, lemon balm, and hibiscus, all of which are naturally caffeine-free. This makes herbal lemon tea an ideal beverage for unwinding in the evening without disrupting sleep.

Brewing Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels

Beyond the type of tea, your brewing method can also affect the final caffeine content. The concentration of caffeine is influenced by:

Steeping Time: The longer the tea leaves steep in hot water, the more caffeine is extracted. A longer brew will result in a more caffeinated beverage.
Water Temperature: Higher water temperatures extract more caffeine from the tea leaves. Using hotter water for longer will produce a more potent effect.
Leaf Size: Teas with smaller, broken leaves, often found in tea bags, tend to release caffeine more quickly and in higher quantities compared to whole leaf teas.

Comparison Table: Caffeine in Lemon Tea Variations


Type of Lemon Tea	Base Ingredient	Caffeine Content (approx. per 8 oz)	Best for...
Black Lemon Tea	Black Tea (Camellia sinensis)	40-70 mg	A strong energy boost, morning consumption
Green Lemon Tea	Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)	20-45 mg	A moderate, balanced lift, day-time drinking
Herbal Lemon Tea	Lemongrass, Lemon Balm, Hibiscus	0 mg	Relaxation, evening consumption, sensitive individuals
Decaf Lemon Tea	Decaffeinated Black/Green Tea	<4 mg	All-day drinking with minimal caffeine
Instant Lemon Iced Tea	Varies by brand	~37 mg	A quick, refreshing, often-sweetened option

Choosing Your Lemon Tea Based on Your Caffeine Needs

When you're choosing your next cup of lemon tea, consider your desired effect. Do you need an invigorating start to your day, a gentle afternoon lift, or a calming, caffeine-free end to your evening? By simply checking the base ingredient, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your lifestyle.

For an excellent resource on general tea and caffeine content, consider referencing the helpful guide from Healthline.

Conclusion

The presence of caffeine in lemon tea is a direct result of the base tea used for brewing. While the lemon itself adds flavor and a boost of vitamin C, it does not contribute to the stimulant effect. To control your caffeine intake, always look at the product label to see if it's made from traditional tea leaves (black, green, etc.) or herbal ingredients. With this knowledge, you can enjoy a refreshing lemon tea perfectly tailored to your needs, any time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lemon tea made with caffeinated black or green tea leaves can provide a mild to moderate energy boost, but it is not typically considered an energy drink due to its lower caffeine content compared to coffee or commercial energy beverages.

Yes, you can drink lemon tea at night, but it depends on the type. An herbal lemon tea, which is caffeine-free, is ideal for evening consumption. However, if it contains black or green tea, the caffeine may interfere with your sleep.

Yes, many instant lemon tea mixes contain caffeine. The amount varies by brand and depends on whether the manufacturer used a tea extract or an herbal base. Always check the nutrition facts label for details.

Yes, if you make a simple infusion of hot water and fresh lemon, it will be completely caffeine-free. Any caffeine would need to come from added tea leaves, not the citrus.

To make a caffeine-free lemon tea, simply use an herbal base such as lemon balm or lemongrass. You can also use plain hot water with fresh lemon slices or juice.

No, adding lemon to black tea does not reduce its caffeine content. The lemon simply adds flavor and nutrients like vitamin C. The caffeine level is determined by the brewing of the black tea base.

Coffee typically has significantly more caffeine than any type of lemon tea. An 8-ounce cup of black lemon tea has about 40-70 mg of caffeine, while a similar cup of coffee can have 100-150 mg or more.