Does Twinings orange tea have caffeine? A comprehensive guide

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

While many herbal orange teas from Twinings are naturally caffeine-free, some popular blends with "orange" in the name, like Ceylon Orange Pekoe, are made from black tea and do contain caffeine. This critical distinction determines the final caffeine content of your cup.

Quick Summary

Twinings offers both caffeine-free and caffeinated orange tea options. The herbal fruit blends are naturally caffeine-free, while Orange Pekoe is a black tea grade containing caffeine.

Key Points

Caffeine depends on the blend: The caffeine content in Twinings orange tea is not universal and depends on whether it's an herbal infusion or a black tea blend.
Herbal orange teas are caffeine-free: Herbal blends like Orange & Cinnamon Spice and Peach & Orange are naturally free of caffeine as they are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Orange Pekoe is caffeinated: Twinings Orange Pekoe is a caffeinated black tea, as 'Orange Pekoe' is a grading term for black tea leaves, not a flavor.
Check the packaging: Always look for labels that explicitly state "Naturally Caffeine-Free" or check the ingredient list for the base type (herbal, rooibos, or black tea).
Orange is not a definitive guide: The word "orange" can refer to a fruit flavor (herbal tea), a grading system (black tea), or a flavoring like bergamot oil (Earl Grey), so checking the base is key.

The Critical Distinction: Herbal vs. Black Tea

Understanding whether a Twinings orange tea contains caffeine requires looking beyond the flavor description and examining the tea's base. The term "orange tea" can refer to several different products, including herbal infusions that are inherently caffeine-free, and black teas, which naturally contain caffeine.

Twinings Naturally Caffeine-Free Orange Teas

Twinings offers several delightful orange-flavored herbal blends that are guaranteed to be caffeine-free. These teas use a base of herbs, fruits, or rooibos rather than the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the source of caffeine in traditional teas.

Orange & Cinnamon Spice: This blend is a rooibos-based tea expertly mixed with orange peel and cinnamon, providing a warm and inviting flavor without any caffeine. Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free herb.
Peach & Orange: Another herbal blend from Twinings, this tea combines the flavors of sweet peaches and zesty oranges. Its product information explicitly states that it is naturally caffeine-free.
Honeybush Mandarin Orange: Like rooibos, honeybush is a naturally caffeine-free herb used in this blend with mandarin and orange flavors.
Orange Peel Infusion: When used alone, dried orange peel is 100% caffeine-free. Any pure orange peel or orange blossom tea is also inherently caffeine-free.

Twinings Caffeinated Orange Teas

Not all Twinings orange teas are caffeine-free, and this is where careful reading of the label is important. The most common caffeinated option is Orange Pekoe.

Orange Pekoe: The term "Orange Pekoe" does not denote an orange flavor. Instead, it is a grading term for black tea leaves based on their size and quality. Twinings Ceylon Orange Pekoe, for example, is a medium-caffeine black tea. Like all black teas, it contains a significant amount of caffeine, typically around 40-70 milligrams per 8-ounce cup. The "orange" reference is historical, tied to the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau and their role in the tea trade, not the citrus fruit.

Comparison of Twinings Orange Tea Blends

To clarify the differences, this table compares popular orange tea blends based on their caffeine content and base ingredient.


Feature	Orange & Cinnamon Spice	Peach & Orange	Ceylon Orange Pekoe	Lady Grey
Caffeine Content	Naturally Caffeine-Free	Naturally Caffeine-Free	Caffeinated (Medium)	Caffeinated (Medium)
Base Ingredient	Rooibos (Herbal)	Fruit & Herb Blend	Black Tea	Black Tea
Flavor Profile	Spiced citrus	Sweet & fruity	Rich & smooth	Citrus & Bergamot
Origin of "Orange"	From orange peel	From orange flavoring	Leaf grade, not flavor	Bergamot orange oil

How to Check for Caffeine Content

When shopping for Twinings tea, here are simple steps to ensure you select the correct blend based on your caffeine needs:

Read the Packaging: Look for clear labels that state "Herbal Tea" or "Naturally Caffeine-Free". The packaging for caffeinated black teas will simply say "Black Tea."
Check the Ingredient List: Review the ingredients to see if black tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) are listed. If the base is rooibos, honeybush, or other herbs, it will be caffeine-free.
Use the Brand's Website: For the most reliable information, consult the official Twinings website. Their product pages and FAQ section provide specific details on the caffeine content of their blends.
Look for Decaf Options: If you want a black tea flavor without the caffeine, look for a decaffeinated version of a black tea blend. Be aware that decaffeinated teas often contain trace amounts of caffeine, though significantly less than regular black tea.

Conclusion

The question of whether Twinings orange tea has caffeine depends entirely on the specific blend. Herbal infusions like Orange & Cinnamon Spice are naturally caffeine-free and ideal for a relaxing evening cup. Conversely, Orange Pekoe is a caffeinated black tea, suitable for those who need a boost. By checking the label and identifying the tea's base ingredient, you can easily determine which Twinings orange tea is the right choice for you.

Visit the official Twinings website for more information on their various blends.

The Caffeine Levels in Different Tea Types

Different tea bases naturally contain varying levels of caffeine:

Herbal Teas: These are made from herbs, spices, and fruits and contain no caffeine naturally.
Black Tea: This type of tea is fully oxidized, resulting in a robust flavor and a medium to high level of caffeine, typically 40-70mg per cup.
Green Tea: Made from unoxidized tea leaves, green tea has a lighter flavor and less caffeine than black tea, usually 19-45mg per cup.
White Tea: This minimally processed tea has a very delicate flavor and typically contains less caffeine than green or black tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Twinings Orange & Cinnamon Spice is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea. Its base is rooibos, and it is flavored with orange peel and cinnamon.

Yes, Orange Pekoe is a grade of black tea and therefore contains a moderate amount of caffeine. The term 'Orange' refers to a grade of leaf, not the fruit.

'Orange Pekoe' is a grading classification for black tea leaves, referring to their size and quality. It has nothing to do with the fruit or flavor of an orange.

No, not all Twinings teas with fruit flavor are caffeine-free. While many herbal fruit infusions are, blends like Lady Grey or flavored black teas will contain caffeine.

To be sure, look for the words "Herbal Tea" or "Naturally Caffeine-Free" on the packaging. You can also check the ingredient list for the base, such as rooibos or black tea.

Yes, the peel of an orange does not contain any caffeine. Infusions made from orange peel or orange blossoms are naturally caffeine-free.

The amount of caffeine in black tea with orange flavoring, like Lady Grey, is similar to a regular cup of black tea, typically ranging from 40 to 70 milligrams per cup.