Does Rice Tea Have Caffeine? A Guide to Genmaicha

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Genmaicha, a popular type of rice tea, typically contains a low level of caffeine due to its blend of green tea leaves and roasted rice. However, some varieties of rice tea are entirely caffeine-free, like Mugicha, which is made from roasted barley, not rice, or specialized pure roasted rice teas. Therefore, whether your rice tea has caffeine depends entirely on its ingredients.

Quick Summary

Genmaicha, a blend of green tea and roasted rice, contains low caffeine levels from the green tea leaves, diluted by the caffeine-free rice. Caffeine-free options exist, like pure roasted rice tea or Mugicha, which uses barley instead of tea leaves.

Key Points

Genmaicha is Caffeinated: Most traditional rice tea (Genmaicha) is a blend of green tea and roasted rice and contains a small amount of caffeine from the green tea leaves.
Low Caffeine Content: Genmaicha's caffeine level is notably lower than black tea or coffee, offering a gentle energy boost without the jitters.
Caffeine-Free Options Exist: Some varieties, like pure roasted rice tea or Mugicha (barley tea), contain no caffeine at all and are great for sensitive individuals.
Brewing Impacts Caffeine: Using cooler water and shorter steeping times can help minimize the amount of caffeine that is extracted from the tea leaves.
Provides Health Benefits: Beyond caffeine, Genmaicha contains antioxidants and is soothing to the digestive system, while the roasted rice adds flavor and vitamins.
Check the Label: To be certain about the caffeine content, always read the product label, especially for blends or specialized products.

Decoding the Different Types of Rice Tea

Not all beverages known as "rice tea" are the same, and understanding their composition is key to knowing the caffeine content. The most common form of rice tea is Genmaicha, a traditional Japanese tea. Its recipe combines green tea leaves with roasted brown rice kernels. The green tea component is the source of the caffeine, while the roasted rice adds a mild, nutty flavor and a soothing aroma. Because the rice dilutes the tea leaves, the resulting brew has a lower caffeine level compared to pure green tea or black tea.

Genmaicha: The Standard Caffeinated Rice Tea

Genmaicha's caffeine content can vary based on several factors, including the type of green tea used (e.g., Sencha or Bancha), the ratio of green tea to rice, and the brewing method. A typical cup contains approximately 10-30mg of caffeine, which is significantly less than a cup of coffee (around 95mg) and about half the caffeine of standard green tea. The amino acid L-theanine, also found in the green tea leaves, works with the caffeine to provide a calmer, more focused alertness without the jitters often associated with coffee. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a gentle energy boost.

Caffeine-Free Alternatives to Traditional Rice Tea

For those who need to avoid caffeine completely, several other "rice teas" or grain-based infusions are available.

Pure Roasted Rice Tea: Some brands offer a tea made solely from roasted rice, with no green tea leaves. This provides the comforting, nutty flavor of roasted rice with zero caffeine.
Mugicha (Roasted Barley Tea): Often confused with rice tea due to its toasted flavor, Mugicha is made from roasted barley and is naturally caffeine-free. It's a popular summertime drink in Japan and offers a refreshing, hydrating beverage.
Decaffeinated Genmaicha: Some specialty tea companies sell decaffeinated versions of Genmaicha. These are made by removing the caffeine from the green tea leaves using processes like water or carbon dioxide extraction, though this may slightly alter the flavor and antioxidant profile.

How Brewing Affects Caffeine Extraction

The way you brew Genmaicha can also influence the final caffeine level in your cup. Caffeine is more soluble at higher temperatures, so using cooler water will result in a lower caffeine extraction.

A Comparison of Tea and Coffee Caffeine Levels


Beverage	Typical Caffeine Content (per 8oz/240ml cup)	Notes
Coffee	95-165mg	The highest caffeine content among common brews.
Black Tea	40-70mg	A moderate caffeine level.
Green Tea (Sencha)	20-50mg	A lower, yet still stimulating, caffeine content.
Genmaicha (Rice Tea)	10-30mg	Mild and less likely to cause jitters.
Mugicha (Barley Tea)	0mg	Completely caffeine-free.
Decaffeinated Genmaicha	Trace amounts	Almost entirely caffeine-free, depending on the decaffeination method.

Health Benefits of Rice Tea

The unique combination of green tea leaves and roasted rice offers a range of health benefits that make Genmaicha more than just a low-caffeine alternative. The green tea component is rich in powerful antioxidants, such as EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), which combat free radicals and protect against cellular damage. These antioxidants may also help support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Furthermore, the roasted rice contributes to the tea's health profile in several ways. The process of roasting and the addition of rice make the tea less astringent and easier on the stomach compared to pure green tea, which is particularly helpful for those with sensitive digestive systems. The roasted rice also adds dietary fiber and B vitamins, which aid in digestion and boost metabolism. Some varieties, particularly those with brown rice, contain gamma-oryzanol, a compound with strong antioxidant properties that may help suppress cholesterol absorption.

The soothing, nutty aroma of roasted rice, caused by a chemical compound called pyrazine, also has a calming effect. Paired with the relaxing properties of L-theanine from the green tea, Genmaicha can reduce stress and promote relaxation. For those seeking a purely relaxing, stimulant-free option, caffeine-free roasted rice or barley teas offer similar calming effects derived from their toasted aroma and warm, comforting nature.

Conclusion: Choose Your Rice Tea Carefully

In short, the answer to whether rice tea contains caffeine is: it depends on the type. The popular Japanese tea, Genmaicha, which is a mix of green tea and roasted rice, does contain a small amount of caffeine. However, this amount is significantly lower than other caffeinated beverages, offering a more mellow and balanced experience. For a completely caffeine-free option, look for teas made exclusively from roasted rice or choose Mugicha, which is made from barley. Always check the product label to be sure, especially if you have caffeine sensitivities or want to enjoy a calming, late-night beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese green tea that is blended with roasted brown rice kernels. It has a unique flavor profile that combines the fresh, grassy taste of green tea with the nutty, toasty aroma of the rice.

A typical cup of Genmaicha contains approximately 10-30mg of caffeine, though the amount can vary based on the specific blend and brewing method. This is considerably less than a standard cup of coffee or even regular green tea.

No, not always. While pure roasted rice itself is caffeine-free, the term "rice tea" most commonly refers to Genmaicha, which is a blend with caffeinated green tea. You must check the ingredients to confirm if it's a pure roasted rice blend.

Genmaicha's low caffeine content makes it a suitable option for many people in the evening, as it is less likely to interfere with sleep than stronger caffeinated drinks. For a completely caffeine-free evening beverage, opt for pure roasted rice or barley tea.

Mugicha is a Japanese tea made from roasted barley, not rice, and is naturally caffeine-free. It is different from rice tea but is a popular, refreshing caffeine-free alternative often enjoyed in the summer.

Yes, some specialty tea brands offer decaffeinated Genmaicha. These products remove the caffeine from the green tea leaves, making them suitable for those who want the flavor of Genmaicha without any caffeine.

To reduce the amount of caffeine extracted from Genmaicha, you can use cooler water (around 175-185°F) and brew for a shorter period, typically 60-90 seconds.