How Much Caffeine is in Citrus Green Tea?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Healthline, an 8-ounce cup of standard green tea contains between 30 and 50 milligrams of caffeine. The citrus flavoring itself contains no caffeine and does not add to the tea's natural stimulant content. The final caffeine amount in your citrus green tea depends on several factors, including the brewing method and brand.

Quick Summary

The caffeine content of citrus green tea is comparable to standard green tea, typically 30–50 mg per 8-ounce cup, as the citrus is a caffeine-free additive. Brewing variables such as water temperature, steeping time, and the tea's form (bagged versus loose leaf) significantly affect the final caffeine level.

Key Points

Caffeine Level: Citrus green tea contains the same amount of caffeine as regular green tea, typically 30–50 mg per 8-ounce serving.
Citrus Effect: The citrus flavoring itself is caffeine-free and does not alter the tea's natural stimulant content.
Brewing Controls: You can manage the caffeine in your cup by adjusting the water temperature and steeping time.
Commercial vs. Home Brew: Bottled citrus green teas often have lower caffeine amounts than home-brewed versions, depending on the brand and production method.
Less Jittery: Green tea contains L-theanine, which works with caffeine to provide a milder, more stable energy boost compared to coffee.
Higher Absorption: The vitamin C in citrus can actually help increase the absorption of antioxidants from the green tea.

Understanding the Caffeine Content of Citrus Green Tea

The perception of citrus green tea often revolves around its refreshing flavor, but its caffeine content is a significant consideration for many drinkers. The key to understanding its caffeine level is to focus on the green tea base, since the citrus component is typically just a flavor additive without caffeine. As a result, the caffeine range for citrus green tea is generally consistent with that of standard green tea, falling between 30 and 50 milligrams per 8-ounce serving, although this can vary. Many commercial brands of bottled citrus green tea report even lower amounts, often around 10 to 20 milligrams per 8-ounce serving, due to different preparation methods and concentrations.

Factors Influencing the Caffeine Level

The caffeine in your cup of citrus green tea is not a fixed number and can be influenced by several variables during the brewing process. Understanding these factors can help you control your caffeine intake more precisely.

Brewing Temperature: Hotter water extracts more caffeine from the tea leaves. Brewing green tea at lower temperatures (around 160–180°F) extracts less caffeine, resulting in a milder brew.
Steeping Time: The longer the tea leaves steep, the more caffeine is released into the water. Shorter steeping times produce a lower-caffeine cup.
Leaf Form: Tea bags often contain smaller, broken leaves, which have a greater surface area. This allows for a faster and more efficient caffeine extraction compared to whole loose-leaf tea, which releases its caffeine more slowly.
Tea Variety: The specific type of green tea used as the base can also influence the caffeine content. For instance, high-quality Japanese green teas like Gyokuro can have higher caffeine levels due to shade-growing, while roasted teas like Hojicha contain significantly less.
Plant Age and Harvest: Younger tea leaves and buds generally contain more caffeine than older leaves, as the plant produces caffeine as a natural defense mechanism.

How Citrus Affects the Tea's Properties

While citrus flavor does not add caffeine, it can affect the overall tea experience in a few other notable ways.

Increased Antioxidant Absorption: The addition of citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, can enhance the body's ability to absorb the beneficial catechins found in green tea.
Flavor Enhancement: Citrus provides a bright, zesty counterpoint to the sometimes grassy or earthy notes of green tea, creating a more palatable and refreshing drink for many people.
No Impact on Caffeine: The caffeine molecule is not altered or removed by the presence of citrus, so it simply adds flavor without changing the core stimulant content.

Comparison Table: Caffeine in Citrus Green Tea vs. Other Beverages

Brewing Recommendations to Manage Caffeine

If you want to enjoy the flavor of citrus green tea but need to manage your caffeine intake, you have options. For a lower-caffeine cup, use a lower water temperature (160–180°F) and a shorter steeping time (1–2 minutes). You can also opt for a low-caffeine green tea variety, such as Hojicha, and add your own fresh citrus. Alternatively, consider cold brewing, which naturally extracts less caffeine over a longer period.

Health Considerations

For most healthy adults, the amount of caffeine in citrus green tea is modest and well below the recommended daily limit of 400 mg. However, individuals sensitive to caffeine should be mindful of their intake. The presence of L-theanine, an amino acid in green tea, works synergistically with caffeine to promote a state of calm alertness, often without the jitters associated with coffee. This makes it a balanced choice for a mild energy boost.

Conclusion

In short, the amount of caffeine in citrus green tea is primarily determined by its green tea base, typically ranging from 30 to 50 milligrams per 8-ounce cup for home-brewed versions. Since the citrus component is only for flavor, it does not alter the core caffeine content. Commercial bottled versions may have different caffeine levels, often lower, depending on the brand and concentration. By controlling brewing temperature and steeping time, you can easily customize the caffeine strength to suit your preferences and sensitivity. For a delicious and manageable energy boost, citrus green tea remains a solid choice. Learn more about the factors affecting tea's caffeine content from resources like Adagio Teas.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, citrus green tea does not contain more caffeine. The citrus component is simply a flavor additive and does not contribute any caffeine. The caffeine level is determined by the green tea base and is comparable to a standard cup of green tea.

Many commercial bottled brands of citrus green tea contain lower levels of caffeine compared to a home-brewed cup. For example, some brands report around 10–20 mg per 8-ounce serving, though this can vary by brand and product line.

Yes, you can reduce the caffeine by using a cooler water temperature (160–180°F) and a shorter steeping time (around 1–2 minutes) during brewing. Cold brewing is another effective method to achieve a lower-caffeine result.

The caffeine in green tea is significantly lower than in coffee. An 8-ounce cup of green tea typically contains 30–50 mg of caffeine, while the same amount of brewed coffee has 100 mg or more.

No, adding fresh lemon juice will not change the tea's caffeine content. The lemon adds flavor and vitamin C, but the caffeine level remains consistent with the green tea base.

Yes, the energy boost from green tea is often described as milder and more sustained. This is because the caffeine works with the amino acid L-theanine found in green tea to provide a state of calm alertness, without the sharp peak and crash associated with coffee.

Yes, the caffeine content can vary between different brands, especially for pre-made bottled teas. It is always best to check the product label for the most accurate caffeine information.