Does Olive Tea Have Caffeine? The Definitive Answer

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

Unlike traditional black or green tea, which come from the Camellia sinensis plant, olive tea is a herbal infusion derived from the leaves of the olive tree. This fundamental difference in sourcing is the key to understanding the answer to the question: Does olive tea have caffeine? The simple and definitive answer is no, it does not.

Quick Summary

Olive leaf tea is naturally caffeine-free because it is a herbal infusion, not a true tea. Sourced from the olive tree's leaves, it offers a relaxing, non-stimulating beverage option rich in antioxidants for overall wellness.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free: Olive tea, a herbal infusion from olive tree leaves, contains zero caffeine, unlike traditional teas from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Rich in Antioxidants: The leaves are packed with powerful antioxidants like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which provide numerous health benefits.
Heart Health Benefits: Regular consumption may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, supporting a healthy heart.
Immunity and Wellness: Its natural antiviral and antimicrobial properties can strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
Supports Relaxation: As a non-stimulant beverage, it is ideal for unwinding in the evening and does not interfere with sleep.
Better than Green Tea: Some studies suggest that the antioxidant effect of its key compounds can be even stronger than those found in green tea.
Digestive Aid: The tea is also known to support healthy metabolism and assist with digestive issues.

Why Olive Tea is Naturally Caffeine-Free

To understand why olive tea is caffeine-free, it's essential to differentiate between true teas and herbal infusions. True teas, including black, green, white, and oolong, are all made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which naturally contains caffeine. Herbal teas, or tisanes, are made from the leaves, flowers, roots, or bark of other plants and do not contain caffeine unless explicitly added.

Olive tea is a classic example of an herbal infusion. It is brewed by steeping the dried leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea) in hot water. Since the olive tree is not a source of caffeine, the resulting tea is naturally and completely free of the stimulant. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to reduce or eliminate their caffeine intake while still enjoying a warm, flavorful beverage. The taste is often described as earthy, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Olive Tea vs. Other Common Teas


Feature	Olive Tea	Green Tea	Black Tea	Chamomile Tea
Source Plant	Olive Tree (Olea europaea)	Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)	Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)	Chamomile Flower
Caffeine Content	0 mg (Caffeine-Free)	25-50 mg per cup	40-70 mg per cup	0 mg (Caffeine-Free)
Best For	Relaxation, evening drink, wellness	Morning or afternoon boost, alertness	Strong morning energizer	Before bed, stress relief
Antioxidants	Rich in oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol	High, including EGCG	Good source of theaflavins	Contains apigenin

Health Benefits of Drinking Caffeine-Free Olive Tea

Opting for a caffeine-free beverage like olive tea offers several health advantages, especially for those sensitive to stimulants or seeking a calming routine. The health benefits are primarily attributed to powerful antioxidants like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol found in the olive leaves.

Cardiovascular Support: Studies have shown that olive leaf extract can contribute to lowering blood pressure and reducing bad cholesterol levels, supporting overall heart health.
Antioxidant Power: The potent antioxidants in olive leaves help fight against free radicals in the body, which can reduce inflammation and cellular damage.
Immune System Boost: With its natural antiviral and antimicrobial properties, olive leaf tea can help strengthen the immune system and support the body's response to infections.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Research indicates that olive leaf extract can help control blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for managing blood sugar.
Relaxation and Better Sleep: Because it lacks caffeine, olive tea is an excellent evening drink for unwinding. It can help promote relaxation without disrupting natural sleep patterns, unlike caffeinated teas that can cause insomnia.

How to Make Olive Leaf Tea at Home

Making your own olive leaf tea is a simple process. You can use dried, crushed leaves or a store-bought olive leaf tea bag. If using loose leaves, use about one teaspoon per cup of hot water.

Heat the Water: Bring fresh water to a temperature just below boiling (around 70–80°C or 160–175°F). Using water that is too hot can damage the beneficial compounds in the leaves.
Steep the Leaves: Add the olive leaves to a tea infuser or directly into the cup. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let them steep for 5-10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor and antioxidant concentration will be.
Enhance the Flavor: The natural flavor is often described as earthy or clean, with a slight bitterness. You can enhance the taste by adding a slice of lemon, a spoonful of honey, or a sprig of mint.
Enjoy: Sip and enjoy your relaxing, caffeine-free beverage any time of day.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Olive Tea and Caffeine

For those seeking a nutritious and calming beverage, olive tea is an ideal choice, offering a satisfying cup without the stimulating effects of caffeine. Its rich antioxidant profile, derived from the leaves of the olive tree, provides numerous health benefits, from immune support to cardiovascular wellness. Whether you're winding down in the evening or simply looking for a new herbal addition to your routine, olive tea offers a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional caffeinated options. The conclusive evidence is clear: does olive tea have caffeine? No, it is 100% caffeine-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, olive tea does not taste like olives or olive oil. The flavor is typically described as earthy and mild, sometimes with a slightly buttery or grassy note. The taste can be enhanced with lemon or honey.

Olive tea is made by steeping dried or fresh olive leaves in hot, but not boiling, water. For optimal results, use water between 70-80°C (160-175°F) to preserve the beneficial compounds.

Yes, for those sensitive to caffeine, olive leaf tea can help with anxiety because it is a calming, caffeine-free beverage. Unlike caffeinated drinks that can cause jitters, this herbal tea promotes relaxation, especially when consumed in the evening.

Yes, it is generally considered safe to drink olive tea daily. However, as with any herbal product, it's wise to consult a doctor before incorporating it into your daily routine, especially if you have chronic health conditions or are on medication.

Olive tea is largely safe for most people. Some may experience minor side effects like headaches or stomach upset, particularly when starting. If you are on blood thinners or have diabetes, you should consult a healthcare provider, as olive leaf can affect blood pressure and sugar levels.

Olive tea is a traditional herbal remedy with roots in the Mediterranean region. It has been used for centuries, dating back to Ancient Egypt and Greece, for its medicinal properties.

Because it is caffeine-free, olive tea can be enjoyed at any time of day. Many people prefer to drink it in the evening as a relaxing, non-stimulating beverage before bed.