Does Walmart peppermint bark tea have caffeine? Decoding popular holiday blends

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Many herbal teas, including pure peppermint, are naturally caffeine-free. However, when shopping at Walmart for a festive blend, you might wonder, "Does Walmart peppermint bark tea have caffeine?" The answer depends entirely on the specific product and its ingredients, as some versions are herbal while others use a caffeinated black tea base.

Quick Summary

Whether Walmart's peppermint bark tea is caffeinated depends on the specific brand and its ingredients. Herbal varieties, such as those by Republic of Tea and Bigelow, are typically caffeine-free, whereas blends with a black tea base, like those from Special Tea Company, do contain caffeine. Consumers must check the product label for ingredients to confirm.

Key Points

Check the Label: To know if a peppermint bark tea contains caffeine, always check the ingredients list and look for explicit "caffeine free" or "herbal tea" labels on the packaging.
Herbal Means Caffeine-Free: Pure peppermint tea is an herbal infusion and is naturally caffeine-free.
Black Tea Means Caffeinated: If the peppermint bark blend is made with a black tea base, it will contain caffeine.
Walmart Carries Both Types: Walmart sells both caffeine-free herbal peppermint bark teas (like Republic of Tea and Bigelow) and caffeinated black tea varieties (like Special Tea Company).
Consider Your Needs: Choose a caffeine-free version for evening relaxation or if you are sensitive to stimulants, and a black tea version for a morning or afternoon energy boost.
Health Benefits: Caffeine-free herbal peppermint tea offers benefits like aid for digestion and stress relief without the jitteriness of caffeine.

The Core Difference: Herbal vs. Black Tea

To understand the caffeine content of any peppermint bark tea, the crucial first step is to differentiate between herbal and traditional teas. Herbal teas, or tisanes, are infusions made from herbs, spices, or other plant materials and are naturally devoid of caffeine. In contrast, traditional teas like black, green, oolong, and white teas are all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and inherently contain caffeine. The 'peppermint bark' flavor profile is created by blending peppermint with ingredients like cocoa, vanilla, or spices. The final product's caffeine status hinges on whether that blend is added to an herbal base or a black tea base.

Caffeine-Free Peppermint Bark Options at Walmart

For those seeking a holiday treat without the stimulating effects of caffeine, several brands carried by Walmart offer delicious, herbal peppermint bark teas. These are perfect for enjoying in the evening or for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine.

The Republic of Tea Peppermint Bark Herb Tea: This popular product is explicitly labeled as "caffeine-free". The ingredients feature organic peppermint and organic green rooibos (a naturally caffeine-free tea), along with organic cocoa extract and vanilla flavoring.
Bigelow Peppermint Bark Herbal Tea: Bigelow is another brand frequently found at Walmart that offers a caffeine-free peppermint bark option. Shoppers can confidently choose this product for a soothing, decaffeinated beverage.

Caffeinated Peppermint Bark Options at Walmart

Not all peppermint bark teas are created equal, and some are specifically designed to provide a caffeinated kick. These options are ideal for a morning or afternoon boost, or for those who enjoy the flavor but still want the alertness of caffeine.

Special Tea Company Peppermint Bark Black Tea: Walmart carries a loose-leaf black tea from Special Tea Company that includes peppermint and chocolate pieces. Because this blend uses a robust black tea base, it is not caffeine-free. The amount of caffeine will depend on the brewing method, but it is comparable to other black teas, providing a moderate dose.

How to Check for Caffeine on the Label

When in doubt, examining the product label is the most reliable way to determine caffeine content. Look for the following indicators:

Check the Ingredients List: The most critical step. If the first ingredient is "black tea" or "green tea," the blend is caffeinated. If the list contains only herbs like "peppermint," "spearmint," "rooibos," or "chamomile," it is an herbal tea and therefore caffeine-free.
Look for a "Caffeine Free" or "Herbal" Label: Many brands, especially those marketed for calming or evening use, will prominently display "Caffeine Free" on the front of the box. The term "Herbal Tea" also generally indicates a caffeine-free product.
Identify the Brand: As demonstrated with Walmart's offerings, certain brands specialize in herbal blends while others are known for their traditional, caffeinated teas. Knowing the brand can provide a quick clue.

Nutrition and Diet Considerations

For those focused on nutrition and diet, choosing between a caffeinated and caffeine-free peppermint bark tea is important. Herbal peppermint tea offers several health benefits without the risks associated with excessive caffeine consumption.

Digestive Health: Peppermint tea is well-regarded for its ability to soothe digestive issues like bloating and indigestion.
Calorie-Free Hydration: Without any added sugar or milk, both herbal and traditional teas are excellent, calorie-free ways to stay hydrated.
Antioxidant Properties: All true teas and many herbal teas contain antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from damage.
Stress Relief and Sleep: The calming properties of herbal peppermint tea make it an excellent choice for relaxing before bedtime.

Comparison of Walmart Peppermint Bark Tea Types


Feature	Herbal Peppermint Bark Tea	Black Tea-Based Peppermint Bark Tea
Caffeine Content	Naturally Caffeine-Free	Contains a moderate dose of caffeine
Primary Base	Herbal infusions (e.g., Peppermint, Rooibos)	Black Tea from Camellia sinensis plant
Best For	Evening, relaxing, or for those sensitive to caffeine	Morning or afternoon energy boost
Associated Benefit	Promotes relaxation, aids digestion	Boosts alertness, improves focus
Ingredient to Watch	`Herbal` or `Caffeine Free` label	`Black Tea` listed on ingredients

Conclusion: Read Your Labels for Clarity

Ultimately, whether a peppermint bark tea from Walmart contains caffeine depends entirely on its ingredients. While pure peppermint tea is always caffeine-free, holiday blends that include black tea will contain a moderate amount of the stimulant. To ensure you're getting the kind of beverage you intend, always read the product packaging carefully. Checking the brand and the ingredients list for keywords like "herbal" or "black tea" will provide a definitive answer, allowing you to enjoy your festive, minty drink worry-free. For more detailed information on the benefits and properties of peppermint tea, consult an authoritative source on nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while pure peppermint tea is an herbal infusion and naturally caffeine-free, some blends may include caffeinated leaves like green or black tea. You must check the ingredients list to confirm.

Brands like The Republic of Tea and Bigelow often offer caffeine-free peppermint bark herbal teas at Walmart. Always check the label to ensure it specifies "caffeine-free" or "herbal".

Read the ingredients on the package. If the list includes black tea, green tea, or white tea, it contains caffeine. If it only lists herbs like peppermint, rooibos, or cocoa shells, it is likely caffeine-free.

Yes, if it is a pure herbal peppermint tea blend, it is a great choice before bed because it is naturally caffeine-free and can help promote relaxation.

Naturally caffeine-free peppermint tea is known to help soothe digestive issues like bloating, relieve tension headaches, and freshen breath. Its aroma can also aid in relaxation.

No, the caffeine content of holiday teas varies. Some holiday blends are herbal and caffeine-free (like peppermint bark), while others are made with a black or green tea base and contain caffeine.

Yes, Walmart's Great Value Peppermint Herbal Tea is labeled as naturally caffeine-free. The ingredients are only peppermint leaves, so it is an herbal infusion.