Is There Caffeine in Herbal Teas? The Definitive Guide

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While most traditional herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, this is not a universal rule. It's a common misconception that all herbal infusions lack stimulants, but certain plants used in these beverages contain natural caffeine, like yerba mate and guayusa. Understanding the difference is key for those looking to manage their caffeine intake.

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies the caffeine content of herbal teas, distinguishing true teas from herbal infusions. It covers common caffeine-free options like chamomile and peppermint, highlights caffeinated exceptions such as yerba mate and guayusa, and explains how to check ingredient labels to be certain.

Key Points

Not all herbal teas are caffeine-free: While most traditional herbal infusions lack stimulants, certain exceptions like yerba mate and guayusa contain natural caffeine.
Check the ingredient list: To be sure, always read the packaging. Caffeinated herbs like yerba mate will be listed, as will any added black or green tea.
Herbal tea is different from true tea: True teas (black, green, white) come from the Camellia sinensis plant and contain caffeine, whereas herbal infusions are made from a variety of other plants and are typically caffeine-free.
Common caffeine-free options exist: Popular choices for a relaxing, stimulant-free drink include chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos.
Decaf is not the same as caffeine-free: Decaffeinated teas have had most of their caffeine removed, but trace amounts may still be present. Naturally caffeine-free herbal teas contain none.

What is the difference between true tea and herbal tea?

First, it's essential to understand the core difference between "true tea" and what we commonly refer to as herbal tea. True teas—such as black, green, white, and oolong—all originate from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, which naturally contains caffeine. The level of caffeine varies depending on factors like processing and brewing methods, but its presence is inherent to the plant.

Herbal teas, or more accurately, tisanes, are different because they are infusions made from other parts of various plants. This can include dried herbs, fruits, flowers, and spices. Since they do not use leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, the majority of herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. However, there are some notable exceptions that draw their stimulating properties from other caffeine-containing plants.

Naturally caffeine-free herbal teas

For those seeking a relaxing, stimulant-free beverage, there are many delicious and widely available options. These infusions are perfect for any time of day or evening without the risk of disrupting sleep.

Chamomile: Made from daisy-like flowers, chamomile is celebrated for its calming and sleep-promoting effects.
Peppermint: This refreshing herbal tea can help soothe digestive issues like indigestion and bloating.
Rooibos: Also known as red bush tea, rooibos is native to South Africa and is rich in antioxidants.
Ginger: Known for its warming and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger tea is a popular remedy for nausea and digestive comfort.
Hibiscus: With a tart, cranberry-like flavor, hibiscus tea is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.

Herbal teas that contain caffeine

Despite being called 'herbal', some infusions contain caffeine because they incorporate specific plants that naturally produce the stimulant. Those looking to avoid caffeine must read the ingredient label carefully, especially for blends.

Yerba Mate: A traditional South American beverage, yerba mate comes from the Ilex paraguariensis plant and is known for its earthy flavor and significant caffeine content, comparable to a cup of coffee.
Guayusa: Hailing from the Amazon rainforest, guayusa is a cousin of yerba mate. It also contains notable levels of caffeine and provides a smooth, sustained energy boost.
Tea Blends with True Tea: Many commercially available herbal tea blends will add black or green tea leaves for flavor or a caffeine boost. These blends will have caffeine, and the packaging should list the ingredients clearly.
Cacao Tea: Infusions made from cacao shells or beans contain low levels of caffeine and a related stimulant, theobromine, offering a gentle lift.

Comparison: Common Teas vs. Caffeinated Herbal Infusions


Tea Type	Source Plant	Typical Caffeine Content (8 oz)	Key Notes
Black Tea	Camellia sinensis	40-70 mg	High caffeine, robust flavor.
Green Tea	Camellia sinensis	20-45 mg	Moderate caffeine, delicate flavor.
Herbal Tea (Standard)	Various plants	0 mg	Generally caffeine-free; e.g., chamomile, peppermint.
Yerba Mate	Ilex paraguariensis	30-80 mg	Contains caffeine; earthy, woody flavor.
Guayusa	Ilex guayusa	85-150 mg	Contains high caffeine; smoother taste than mate.
Decaffeinated Tea	Camellia sinensis	<4 mg	Processed to remove caffeine; trace amounts may remain.

How to check for caffeine in an herbal tea

For those who need to strictly avoid caffeine, checking the label is the most reliable method. Look for key terms and ingredients to ensure you're making an informed choice. Beyond identifying caffeine-containing plants like yerba mate or guayusa, also watch out for added ingredients.

Reading the label

Ingredient List: Always read the full ingredient list on the packaging. Reputable brands will list all components, including if they have added black or green tea to an herbal blend.
Allergy Warnings: Some packaging may specify if a product contains ingredients that are naturally caffeinated, which can act as a helpful indicator.
Caffeine Content Information: Some brands voluntarily list the approximate caffeine content per serving, though this is not always a requirement for herbal blends.

Conclusion: Navigating the world of herbal infusions

To answer the question, "Is there caffeine in herbal teas?" with a simple yes or no is misleading. The vast majority of herbal infusions are, in fact, caffeine-free. However, certain well-known exceptions like yerba mate and guayusa contain significant amounts of natural caffeine, and some blends may include traditional tea leaves. The key for consumers is to differentiate between true teas (Camellia sinensis) and herbal tisanes, and to scrutinize ingredient lists for any caffeinated components. By doing so, you can confidently choose the right brew for your needs, whether you're seeking a relaxing, caffeine-free beverage or a stimulating alternative to coffee. For a broader perspective on teas and their health implications, exploring resources like Harvard's School of Public Health can offer deeper insights.

What is the difference between naturally caffeine-free and decaffeinated?

Naturally caffeine-free teas, like most herbal varieties, come from plants that do not produce caffeine. In contrast, decaffeinated tea starts as a true tea (Camellia sinensis) that originally contained caffeine, which is then removed through a chemical or CO2 process. While decaffeination removes most caffeine, it is not 100% effective, and trace amounts often remain.

Can steeping time affect caffeine content in herbal tea?

For naturally caffeine-free herbal teas, steeping time does not affect the caffeine content because there is no caffeine to begin with. For caffeinated herbal infusions like yerba mate, longer steeping times generally lead to a higher caffeine extraction, similar to true teas.

Do all teas from the Camellia sinensis plant contain the same amount of caffeine?

No, the caffeine content in teas from the Camellia sinensis plant varies greatly. Factors include the specific variety of the plant, growing conditions, processing method (e.g., green tea is less processed than black), and brewing techniques. White tea, often made from young leaves and buds, can sometimes have higher caffeine levels than some darker teas.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common herbal teas containing caffeine are yerba mate and guayusa. It is also possible for some tea blends to include ingredients from the Camellia sinensis plant (like black or green tea leaves), which adds caffeine.

Yes, rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free. It comes from a different plant than traditional teas and is known for its antioxidant properties without the stimulant effect.

Yes, in the United States and many other regions, food and beverage manufacturers are required to list all ingredients. Look for a clear ingredient list to confirm if any caffeinated plants or tea leaves are included.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but botanically, a tisane is a hot water infusion of herbs, flowers, or spices, distinguishing it from 'true tea' made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Many experts use 'tisane' to refer specifically to these herbal infusions.

Yerba mate is an exception to the general rule. It is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which naturally contains caffeine, just like the Camellia sinensis plant does.

Yes, using fresh or dried herbs and spices like peppermint, chamomile, ginger, or hibiscus from a trusted source is an excellent way to ensure your infusion is naturally caffeine-free and avoid hidden caffeinated ingredients.

Decaffeination is a process applied to true teas (Camellia sinensis), not naturally caffeine-free herbal teas. Herbal teas, if pure, are simply labeled caffeine-free. If a product is advertised as 'decaf herbal tea', it likely means it's a blend that had caffeine removed, or it’s a marketing misnomer.