How much caffeine does blue tea have? The definitive answer

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

Blue tea, also known as butterfly pea flower tea, is naturally and completely caffeine-free, as it is derived from a plant entirely different from traditional tea. This herbal infusion, sourced from the vibrantly hued flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, offers a relaxing alternative to caffeinated beverages.

Quick Summary

Blue tea, or butterfly pea flower tea, is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant. It is a relaxing beverage rich in antioxidants.

Key Points

Zero Caffeine: Blue tea, made from the butterfly pea flower, is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion and does not contain the stimulant found in traditional teas.
Source Plant: The key difference is that blue tea comes from the Clitoria ternatea plant, not the Camellia sinensis plant, which produces black, green, and white teas.
Rich in Antioxidants: This vibrant tea is packed with antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which help protect the body from free radical damage.
Promotes Relaxation: Due to its calming properties, blue tea can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it an ideal beverage for unwinding in the evening.
Color-Changing Property: Adding an acidic ingredient like lemon juice causes a fascinating color change from blue to purple, indicating a change in pH.
Digestive Benefits: Herbal properties within blue tea are known to help soothe the digestive system and alleviate issues like bloating.

The Simple Answer: Zero Caffeine

Contrary to black, green, or oolong teas, blue tea contains absolutely no caffeine. The source of this distinction lies in its botanical origin. While all 'true' teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant, blue tea is an herbal infusion, or tisane, made by steeping the dried petals or whole flowers of the butterfly pea flower plant, known scientifically as Clitoria ternatea. This fundamental difference means that you can enjoy the vibrant, beautiful blue beverage at any time of day or night without any stimulating effects, jitters, or sleep disruption often associated with caffeine consumption.

Blue Tea vs. True Teas: A Comparison

Understanding the contrast between blue tea and true teas helps illustrate why it lacks caffeine. The caffeine content in other teas is a direct result of their origin from the Camellia sinensis plant. The following table provides a clear comparison of caffeine levels and other characteristics.


Feature	Blue Tea (Butterfly Pea)	Black Tea	Green Tea	Coffee
Origin Plant	Clitoria ternatea	Camellia sinensis	Camellia sinensis	Coffea
Caffeine Content	0 mg	40-70 mg per 8 oz cup	30-50 mg per 8 oz cup	95-200 mg per 8 oz cup
Category	Herbal Infusion (Tisane)	True Tea	True Tea	Brewed Beverage
Primary Benefits	Rich in antioxidants, relaxing, anti-inflammatory	Energy boost, focus	Antioxidants, metabolism support	Strong energy boost, alertness
Timing for Consumption	Any time, including evening	Morning, daytime	Morning, daytime	Morning

Why Choose a Caffeine-Free Option?

Opting for a caffeine-free beverage like blue tea provides a host of benefits, especially for those sensitive to caffeine's effects. For many, high caffeine intake can lead to anxiety, restlessness, digestive discomfort, and disturbed sleep. Blue tea offers a soothing and flavorful alternative that allows for the ritual of tea drinking without the unwanted side effects.

The Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Beyond its stunning appearance and lack of caffeine, butterfly pea flower tea is prized for its numerous health-promoting properties. Its herbal nature provides several advantages for overall wellness:

Rich in antioxidants: Blue tea contains potent antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which protect the body against free radical damage and oxidative stress.
Supports digestion: Herbal ingredients like those found in blue tea can help calm the digestive system, reducing bloating and aiding digestion after meals.
Promotes relaxation: The calming properties of this herbal tea can help reduce stress and anxiety, preparing the mind and body for a good night's sleep.
Enhances skin health: The antioxidants may improve skin elasticity and promote a healthy complexion.
Boosts brain function: Some research suggests that compounds in butterfly pea flower extract may help improve memory and cognitive function.

How to Brew Blue Tea for Maximum Enjoyment

Brewing a cup of blue tea is simple, and the process is just as magical as its finished color.

Ingredients:

1-2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers
1 cup of hot water (just below boiling)
A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice (optional, for color change)
Honey or other sweetener (optional)

Instructions:

Add the dried flowers to a cup or teapot.
Pour the hot water over the flowers and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. The longer it steeps, the deeper the blue hue becomes.
Strain out the flowers. The tea is now ready to drink.
For a fun twist, squeeze in some lemon juice and watch the tea transform from a deep blue to a vibrant purple or pink.

Considerations and Precautions

While blue tea is a safe and beneficial herbal beverage for most, it's always wise to exercise caution, especially for certain groups. The search results indicate that general advice for herbal teas suggests consulting a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or have specific health concerns. Moderation is key, as with any food or drink, to ensure it remains a positive addition to your wellness routine. The absence of caffeine removes one major potential drawback for many individuals, making it an excellent choice for a calming, healthy drink. For more detailed information on its properties and uses, check out this guide on Healthline.

Conclusion: A Vibrant, Calming Brew

Ultimately, the question of how much caffeine does blue tea have is answered definitively with zero. As an herbal infusion from the Clitoria ternatea plant, it is a naturally caffeine-free and antioxidant-rich beverage. It serves as a perfect evening tea, a calming midday drink, or a colorful, guilt-free addition to any cocktail or recipe. By choosing blue tea, you can enjoy the soothing ritual of a warm, flavorful cup without the overstimulation that comes with traditional caffeinated teas or coffee, embracing its unique benefits for relaxation, digestion, and overall well-being. Its mesmerizing color-changing property is simply an added bonus to this healthy and delightful herbal drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blue tea is made from the dried petals or whole flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, also known as the butterfly pea flower.

Yes, blue tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion because it does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the source of caffeine in true teas like black and green tea.

The color change in blue tea is caused by anthocyanins, natural pigments in the butterfly pea flowers. When an acidic ingredient like lemon juice is added, it alters the pH level of the tea, causing the color to shift from blue to purple or pink.

Blue tea is rich in antioxidants and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can promote relaxation, aid digestion, and support cognitive function and skin health.

Yes, because blue tea is caffeine-free and has calming properties, it can be a soothing beverage to drink in the evening to help promote relaxation and restful sleep.

Blue tea is generally considered safe. However, like many herbal products, it's wise to consume it in moderation. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a pre-existing medical condition, it is best to consult a healthcare provider.

Blue tea has a mild, earthy, and slightly woody flavor. It is not strongly flavored, which makes it an excellent base for adding other flavors like honey, lemon, or mint.