Is There Caffeine in Citron Tea? The Definitive Guide

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Traditional Korean citron tea, known as yuja-cha, is a popular herbal beverage enjoyed for its sweet, citrusy flavor. Unlike standard teas brewed from the Camellia sinensis plant, citron tea is made from a marmalade of yuzu fruit, honey, and sugar, meaning it is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it an ideal option for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake or enjoy a soothing drink at any time of day.

Quick Summary

Citron tea is a caffeine-free beverage made from a traditional Korean marmalade of yuzu fruit, honey, and sugar. It is an excellent choice for a soothing, decaffeinated drink suitable for any time of day. This herbal infusion offers high vitamin C content and potential immune-boosting properties.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free: Citron tea is a traditional herbal beverage, not a tea from Camellia sinensis leaves, so it contains no caffeine.
Made from Marmalade: The tea is prepared by mixing a spoonful of yuja-cheong (marmalade made from yuzu fruit, honey, and sugar) with water.
Packed with Vitamin C: Yuja fruit is extremely high in vitamin C, which provides immune-boosting properties and is why the tea is often used for colds.
Soothing and Calming: As a caffeine-free drink, it is perfect for relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep quality.
Versatile and Delicious: Citron tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, and the marmalade can also be used as a spread or topping.
Aids Digestion: The tea has been traditionally used to aid digestion and soothe stomach issues.

The Core Ingredients of Citron Tea (Yuja-Cha)

At its heart, citron tea, or yuja-cha, is not a true tea. The term 'tea' is used in a loose sense, as the drink contains no leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, the source of black, green, and white teas. Instead, it is a simple infusion created from a marmalade-like preserve called yuja-cheong. The primary ingredients are:

Yuja Fruit: Also known as yuzu, this citrus fruit is native to East Asia and is highly prized for its fragrant rind and tart flavor. The entire fruit—peel, pulp, and juice—is used in the marmalade.
Honey and/or Sugar: These are mixed with the thinly sliced yuja fruit to create a sweet, thick preserve. The honey adds a depth of flavor and is a traditional element of Korean medicine.
Water: Either hot or cold water is added to a spoonful of the marmalade to create the finished beverage. Since none of these core components contain caffeine, the resulting drink is naturally and completely caffeine-free. This is a crucial distinction for anyone needing to avoid stimulants.

Citron Tea vs. Traditional Caffeinated Teas

To better understand why citron tea is caffeine-free, it is useful to compare it with teas that do contain the stimulant. The caffeine content in standard tea types is a result of the tea leaves themselves, and the processing they undergo.

Comparison Table: Citron Tea vs. Traditional Teas


Feature	Citron Tea (Yuja-cha)	Green Tea	Black Tea
Caffeine Content	0 mg (Caffeine-Free)	~20–45 mg per 8 oz cup	~40–70 mg per 8 oz cup
Origin of Flavor	Yuzu fruit, honey, and sugar	Camellia sinensis leaves	Fermented Camellia sinensis leaves
Preparation Method	Mix marmalade with hot water	Steep tea leaves in hot water	Steep tea leaves in hot water
Ideal Consumption Time	Any time of day, including evening	Morning or afternoon	Morning for energy boost
Primary Benefit	Soothing, vitamin C boost	Antioxidants, metabolism	Alertness, focus

Benefits of a Caffeine-Free Beverage

The absence of caffeine is one of citron tea's most significant advantages, offering several health and lifestyle benefits:

Promotes Relaxation: Without the stimulant effects of caffeine, citron tea is a calming beverage perfect for winding down in the evening or managing stress.
Improved Sleep Quality: Consuming caffeine, especially later in the day, can disrupt sleep patterns. Opting for a caffeine-free drink like citron tea can lead to more restful and consistent sleep.
Reduces Anxiety: For individuals sensitive to caffeine, its stimulating effects can trigger or worsen feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Choosing a caffeine-free alternative can help manage these symptoms.
Fewer Digestive Issues: Caffeine can stimulate the bowels and cause acid reflux in some people. Citron tea is gentle on the stomach and aids digestion without these side effects.

The Health Benefits of Citron Itself

Beyond being caffeine-free, the yuja fruit itself is packed with nutrients. The traditional use of yuja-cha as a cold and flu remedy is supported by its high vitamin C content, which is significantly greater than that of lemons.

Rich in Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant is crucial for supporting the immune system and fighting off infections.
Aids Digestion: Citron tea is trusted as a digestive aid and can help regulate bowel movements and reduce symptoms of bloating or indigestion.
Soothes Sore Throats: The honey and citrus combination provides a natural, soothing effect, making it a popular remedy for sore throats and coughs.

How to Enjoy Citron Tea

Enjoying a cup of citron tea is incredibly simple, making it a convenient and comforting beverage for any occasion. The most common method involves using the pre-made marmalade, which is widely available in Asian grocery stores or online.

Spoon the Marmalade: Place one to two tablespoons of the honey citron marmalade into a mug. You can eat the pieces of fruit peel, so include them in your scoop.
Add Hot Water: Pour hot (not boiling) water over the marmalade and stir until it dissolves completely.
Mix Well and Serve: Enjoy the fragrant, sweet, and tangy drink immediately. The marmalade dissolves quickly, so no steeping is required. For a refreshing summer treat, you can also mix the marmalade with cold water and ice cubes for a delicious iced tea. The versatility of citron tea means it can also be used as a spread for toast, a topping for desserts, or a marinade.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question, "is there caffeine in citron tea?" is a clear no. As a traditional Korean herbal beverage made from yuja marmalade and hot water, it is naturally free of caffeine. This makes it an excellent, soothing alternative to traditional teas and coffees for any time of day, and especially for those seeking better sleep or a reduction in anxiety. Its delicious citrus flavor and high vitamin C content provide not only a comforting drinking experience but also a range of potential health benefits, supporting everything from immunity to digestion. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, citron tea is a perfect addition to a wellness-focused routine.

For more information on the benefits of quitting caffeine, visit Healthline.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, citron tea is not a true tea. It is an herbal infusion, or tisane, because it does not contain any leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, the source of true teas like green or black tea.

No, yuja tea, which is another name for Korean citron tea, does not have caffeine. It is made from a marmalade of the yuja (yuzu) citrus fruit, honey, and sugar, with no caffeinated tea leaves added.

Yes, citron tea is the same as yuzu tea. Yuja is the Korean name for the citrus fruit, while yuzu is the Japanese name for the same fruit.

Yes, citron tea is an ideal beverage to drink at night. Because it is completely caffeine-free, it promotes relaxation and won't interfere with your sleep.

Citron tea is rich in Vitamin C, which can boost the immune system. It also aids in digestion, soothes sore throats and coughs, and provides a calming effect.

Yes, you can and should eat the fruit pulp and rind in your citron tea. The marmalade, known as yuja-cheong, is made from the entire fruit, and the peel contains many beneficial nutrients.

Honey citron tea marmalade is widely available in jars at most Asian grocery stores, particularly Korean markets. It can also be purchased online from various retailers, including large marketplaces.