Is Licorice Tea Caffeinated? Unpacking the Sweet Herbal Brew

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to reputable tea and wellness sources, a pure licorice tea made solely from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant is naturally caffeine-free. The simple answer to 'is licorice tea caffeinated?' depends entirely on the ingredients, as herbal blends may include caffeinated tea leaves, but pure licorice root itself contains no caffeine.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caffeine content of licorice tea, clarifying that pure herbal varieties are caffeine-free while some blends may contain caffeine. It discusses the natural properties of licorice root, common additives, and contrasts it with traditional caffeinated teas. Safety precautions and brewing instructions are also covered.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free by Nature: Pure licorice root tea is an herbal infusion, or tisane, which is naturally caffeine-free.
Check the Label for Blends: Not all licorice teas are free of caffeine; always check the ingredient list for caffeinated teas like black, green, or yerba mate.
Know the Risks of Overconsumption: The glycyrrhizin compound in licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels if consumed in large quantities.
Pure Licorice vs. True Tea: While licorice tea comes from a root, traditional teas with caffeine are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Enjoy for Relaxation: The lack of caffeine makes pure licorice tea an ideal beverage for unwinding in the evening without disrupting sleep patterns.
Avoid If Pregnant or with High Blood Pressure: Individuals who are pregnant or have heart conditions and high blood pressure should avoid excessive licorice consumption.

Understanding Licorice Root and Caffeine

Licorice tea is an herbal infusion, or tisane, made from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Unlike black, green, oolong, and white teas, which are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and naturally contain caffeine, pure licorice root contains no stimulants. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a relaxing, warm beverage in the evening or looking to reduce their daily caffeine intake. The natural, sweet flavor of licorice comes from a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar.

The Importance of Ingredients in Tea Blends

While pure licorice root tea is reliably caffeine-free, it is crucial to check the ingredient list of any packaged tea blend. Many commercially available teas combine licorice root for its natural sweetness with other ingredients, some of which may contain caffeine. For example, a "black licorice tea" would contain black tea, which is caffeinated, blended with licorice root for flavor. Similarly, licorice might be added to green tea or yerba mate, both of which contain caffeine. To ensure a caffeine-free cup, always look for products labeled explicitly as "caffeine-free" or those with only licorice root listed as the ingredient.

Benefits of a Naturally Caffeine-Free Brew

For those who are sensitive to caffeine or are trying to cut back, a pure licorice root infusion is an excellent option. The absence of caffeine means it won't interfere with sleep patterns, cause jitters, or lead to energy crashes. Besides being a pleasant, naturally sweet drink, licorice root is known for several potential health benefits, traditionally used to soothe sore throats, aid digestion, and potentially offer anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Potential Health Risks and Considerations

Despite its benefits and sweet taste, licorice tea is not without its risks, especially with excessive or long-term consumption. The compound glycyrrhizin can cause side effects in high doses. For this reason, many herbalists and health professionals recommend moderating intake. It's especially important for certain individuals to be cautious:

High Blood Pressure: Excessive licorice can raise blood pressure by causing the body to retain salt and water.
Low Potassium Levels: Glycyrrhizin can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can cause fatigue, irregular heartbeats, and other serious issues.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women are advised to avoid licorice root, as excessive consumption has been linked to potential risks.
Drug Interactions: Licorice can interfere with certain medications, including those for blood pressure, diuretics, and blood thinners.

Comparing Licorice Tea to Caffeinated Tea

To help understand the difference, here is a comparison table between a pure licorice root herbal tea and traditional caffeinated teas.


Feature	Pure Licorice Root Tea	Traditional Black Tea (e.g., Assam)
Source Plant	Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice plant)	Camellia sinensis (tea plant)
Caffeine Content	0 mg (naturally caffeine-free)	40–60 mg per 8-ounce cup
Taste Profile	Naturally sweet, anise-like, complex flavor	Robust, tannic, malty, sometimes spicy
Best For	Evening, relaxation, soothing upset stomach	Morning, energy boost, alertness
Risk of Overconsumption	Potential for high blood pressure with large amounts	Jitters, anxiety, and sleep disturbance with excessive intake

How to Safely Enjoy Licorice Tea

To ensure your licorice tea is caffeine-free, always purchase from a reputable brand and read the ingredients list carefully. If you are drinking a blend, confirm it does not contain black, green, or oolong tea. It is best to consume pure licorice root tea in moderation, especially if you have existing health conditions like high blood pressure or are pregnant. A typical recommended consumption is limited, so discussing it with a healthcare professional is always a good idea.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of whether is licorice tea caffeinated has a simple answer: pure licorice root tea is not. As an herbal tea, it is naturally devoid of caffeine, making it a perfect, relaxing option for those looking to avoid stimulants. However, always exercise due diligence by checking the ingredients of any blended teas and be mindful of potential health risks associated with excessive consumption due to the active compound glycyrrhizin. By being informed, you can fully enjoy the soothing, sweet, and caffeine-free benefits of a simple cup of licorice tea. For more in-depth information, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is a reliable source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure licorice root tea is naturally caffeine-free and is an excellent choice for a calming, warm beverage before bed, as it will not interfere with your sleep cycle.

If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid excessive consumption of licorice tea. The glycyrrhizin compound in licorice can cause your body to retain salt and water, potentially raising your blood pressure.

No, pure licorice root tea does not provide an energy boost because it is caffeine-free. Any feeling of energy would likely come from a blend that includes a caffeinated tea base like black or green tea.

The key compound is glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for licorice root's natural sweetness, but can also cause side effects if consumed in large amounts.

To ensure your tea is caffeine-free, you must read the ingredients list on the packaging. Look for products that list only licorice root or are explicitly labeled as 'caffeine-free' or 'herbal infusion'.

Excessive or long-term consumption of licorice tea can potentially harm the kidneys by causing fluid and salt retention. Individuals with severe kidney problems should avoid it.

While licorice root is used to flavor both, many candies use anise oil for the flavoring and may contain little to no actual licorice root. Licorice tea, when pure, is a direct infusion of the root itself.