Does Thai Blue Tea Have Caffeine? The Definitive Answer

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

Made from the petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant, Thai blue tea is a vibrant, herbal infusion with a striking color. Unlike black or green teas, this beverage is naturally caffeine-free.

Quick Summary

Thai blue tea is an herbal infusion made from butterfly pea flowers and contains no caffeine. It is rich in antioxidants, promotes relaxation, and is an excellent decaf alternative. Its vivid blue hue changes to purple or pink with the addition of acid.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free Herbal: Thai blue tea, made from the Clitoria ternatea plant, is a herbal infusion that contains no caffeine.
Not a True Tea: Unlike black or green tea, it does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the source of caffeine in traditional teas.
Rich in Antioxidants: The tea is packed with anthocyanin antioxidants, which provide numerous health benefits and its distinct blue color.
Promotes Relaxation: As a non-stimulant, it is an ideal beverage for unwinding in the evening and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Interactive Color Change: The tea's stunning blue hue changes to purple or pink when an acidic element, like lemon juice, is added.
Supports Skin and Hair: The bioflavonoids and antioxidants in the tea help improve skin elasticity and hair health.
A Versatile Drink: Its mild, earthy flavor makes it suitable for both hot and iced preparations, and it can be used as a natural food coloring.

What is Thai Blue Tea?

Thai blue tea, also widely known as butterfly pea flower tea, is a herbal beverage derived from the dried or fresh petals of the Clitoria ternatea plant. Native to Southeast Asia, this vibrant-hued flower has been used for centuries in traditional cooking and medicine, especially in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The tea's brilliant color comes from its high concentration of natural plant pigments called anthocyanins, which are also responsible for its antioxidant properties. Beyond its stunning visual appeal, the tea is celebrated for its mild, earthy, and slightly floral flavor profile, which can be easily customized with natural additions like honey or lemon.

The Source of Caffeine: A Crucial Distinction

To understand whether Thai blue tea has caffeine, it is important to distinguish it from traditional teas. True teas—such as black, green, oolong, and white—are all sourced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Caffeine is a natural component of this plant, which is why these teas contain varying levels of the stimulant.

Herbal teas, or tisanes, on the other hand, are infusions made from other plant parts, like flowers, fruits, or roots. Since Thai blue tea is made exclusively from the petals of the Clitoria ternatea flower, it has a fundamentally different origin than traditional teas and, therefore, contains no caffeine. This makes it a perfect beverage for any time of day, including before bedtime, for those who are sensitive to caffeine or are simply looking to reduce their intake.

Health Benefits of a Caffeine-Free Brew

While the absence of caffeine is a key feature, Thai blue tea offers a host of other wellness advantages that have contributed to its rising popularity. Its rich antioxidant content provides numerous benefits for both the mind and body.

Promotes Relaxation: Many enjoy a cup of warm blue tea in the evening to unwind. Its adaptogenic properties help balance cortisol levels, which can reduce stress and anxiety. For those struggling with sleep, its calming nature can aid in a more restful night.
Enhances Skin and Hair Health: The antioxidants and bioflavonoids in the tea help combat premature aging and improve the overall health of the skin. It can also strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Supports Brain Function: The flower extract has been studied for its potential to boost acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in memory and cognition.
Aids Digestion: Blue tea has been reported to soothe stomach muscles and assist with digestive issues like indigestion and constipation.

The Magic of the Color Change

One of the most enchanting qualities of Thai blue tea is its ability to change color based on pH levels. The vibrant blue color comes from anthocyanins, and adding something acidic, like a few drops of lemon or lime juice, causes a dramatic transformation to a brilliant purple or pink. This makes it a popular ingredient for cocktails, mocktails, and fun, colorful drinks.

Thai Blue Tea vs. Caffeinated Teas

For those deciding between blue tea and a caffeinated option, this comparison table provides a quick overview.


Feature	Thai Blue Tea (Butterfly Pea Flower)	Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Caffeine Content	0 mg (Caffeine-Free)	25-50 mg per cup (Contains Caffeine)
Plant Source	Clitoria ternatea flower petals	Leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant
Key Components	Anthocyanins, flavonoids	Catechins, particularly EGCG
Best for...	Relaxation, evening consumption, hydration, skin health	Energy boost, morning focus, metabolism support
Primary Benefit	Antioxidant-rich, calming effect	Energizing, high antioxidant content
Appearance	Bright blue, changes to purple/pink with citrus	Light green to golden yellow

How to Prepare Thai Blue Tea

Brewing a cup of Thai blue tea is a simple and rewarding process. You can enjoy it hot or iced, and its mild flavor profile makes it a versatile canvas for other ingredients.

To brew a standard cup:

Bring about 1 cup (8 oz) of water to a boil.
Add 3-5 dried butterfly pea flowers to your teapot or cup.
Pour the hot water over the flowers and let them steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the water turns a deep blue.
Strain the flowers and enjoy as is, or add a slice of lemon for a vibrant color shift.

For an iced version:

Brew a stronger batch of the tea (using more flowers or a longer steep time).
Let it cool completely.
Pour over ice and garnish with lemon, lime, or mint for a refreshing twist.

Conclusion: A Beautiful, Healthy, and Caffeine-Free Choice

In conclusion, the answer to the question "does Thai blue tea have caffeine?" is a clear and definitive no. Sourced from the butterfly pea flower rather than the traditional tea plant, this beautiful herbal infusion is a naturally caffeine-free alternative. Its vibrant color and mild flavor make it an appealing choice for a wide audience, from those seeking a relaxing evening beverage to anyone simply looking to reduce their stimulant intake. The tea's rich antioxidant content further bolsters its appeal, offering tangible wellness benefits for your skin, hair, and overall health. So, if you are searching for a visually stunning and healthy drink that won't give you the jitters, Thai blue tea is an excellent option to explore.

Optional Outbound Link: To learn more about the scientific properties of butterfly pea flower, visit this comprehensive summary on ResearchGate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Thai blue tea is the same as butterfly pea flower tea. It is an herbal infusion made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, known for its vivid blue color.

Thai blue tea is made from the petals of the butterfly pea flower, or Clitoria ternatea, a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia.

Benefits include promoting relaxation, improving skin and hair health, aiding digestion, boosting antioxidants, and enhancing brain function.

Yes, Thai blue tea is caffeine-free and has calming properties, making it an excellent beverage to drink before bed to promote restful sleep.

The tea's color changes due to anthocyanin pigments that react to changes in acidity (pH levels). Adding an acidic liquid like lemon juice will cause the blue tea to turn purple or pink.

Thai blue tea contains zero caffeine. It is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion.

Yes, when consumed in moderation, Thai blue tea is generally considered safe for daily consumption. It is a natural herbal tea with no known significant side effects.

The flavor of Thai blue tea is typically described as mild, earthy, and slightly floral. Its mild profile makes it a great base for adding other flavors like honey or citrus.

Yes, because of its natural, vibrant blue color, butterfly pea flower tea is often used as a natural food dye in cooking and baking. It can color rice, desserts, and cocktails beautifully.

Thai blue tea originates from Southeast Asia, where the Clitoria ternatea flower is native. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and beverages in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.