Is There Caffeine in Honey Citron Tea?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to numerous product labels and herbal tea enthusiasts, honey citron tea is a naturally caffeine-free beverage. This traditional Korean drink is made from a citrus marmalade, not actual tea leaves, which means it doesn't contain the stimulant found in traditional teas. It's a popular choice for a soothing, warm drink, especially during colder months.

Quick Summary

Honey citron tea, also known as yuja-cha, is a traditional Korean herbal beverage made from a citrus-honey mixture. It is entirely free of caffeine since it does not contain any tea leaves. Its natural ingredients offer a soothing, vitamin C-rich beverage suitable for any time, day or night.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free: Honey citron tea is made from fruit and honey, not tea leaves, so it contains no caffeine.
Traditional Korean Remedy: Known as yuja-cha, it is a traditional Korean beverage used to soothe colds and sore throats.
Rich in Vitamin C: The yuja citrus fruit is packed with Vitamin C, providing an excellent immune system boost.
Versatile Preparation: The preserve can be mixed with hot or cold water, making it suitable for any season.
Soothing and Calming: The natural honey and warm water make it a relaxing drink, perfect for evening consumption.
Natural Ingredients: Commercially available versions typically contain no artificial colors or preservatives.
Not a 'True' Tea: As an herbal infusion, it is distinct from caffeinated beverages derived from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Understanding What Makes Honey Citron Tea Caffeine-Free

Honey citron tea, or yuja-cha in Korean, gets its name from its preparation method rather than its contents. Unlike black, green, or oolong teas, which are brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, honey citron tea is an herbal infusion. The 'tea' is actually a marmalade-like preserve made by thinly slicing yuja fruit (a type of citrus) and mixing it with honey and/or sugar. When you prepare a cup, you simply add hot water to a spoonful of this concentrate.

The Ingredients and Their Role

The fundamental reason for honey citron tea's caffeine-free status lies in its core ingredients. Citron, honey, and water are all naturally free of caffeine. The yuja fruit is rich in Vitamin C, making the drink a popular immune-boosting remedy. Honey is known for its soothing properties, which is why it is often recommended for sore throats and coughs. The combination of these ingredients results in a comforting, aromatic beverage that can be enjoyed by all ages at any time of day, including before bed.

How to Prepare Honey Citron Tea

Making honey citron tea is a straightforward process, typically involving a pre-made jar of the honey-citron marmalade.

Scoop the concentrate: Take one to two tablespoons of the honey citron preserve from the jar.
Add hot water: Pour hot (not boiling) water into your mug over the preserve.
Stir and enjoy: Stir until the marmalade is fully dissolved. Enjoy the fragrant, warm beverage.
Serve it iced: For a refreshing alternative, simply use cold water and pour over ice.

Comparing Honey Citron Tea to Caffeinated Alternatives

This comparison highlights the key differences between honey citron tea and common caffeinated beverages.


Feature	Honey Citron Tea	Black Tea	Green Tea	Coffee
Caffeine Content	Caffeine-Free	High (approx. 47mg per cup)	Moderate (approx. 28mg per cup)	High (approx. 95mg per cup)
Ingredients	Citron fruit, honey, sugar, water	Leaves of Camellia sinensis	Leaves of Camellia sinensis	Roasted coffee beans
Flavor Profile	Sweet, tart, citrusy with floral notes	Robust, malty, sometimes astringent	Grassy, vegetal, often earthy	Bitter, roasted, with various undertones
Health Benefits	High in Vitamin C, soothing for colds	Rich in antioxidants, good for heart health	Rich in antioxidants, supports metabolism	High in antioxidants, boosts energy
Best Time to Drink	Any time, including evening	Morning and afternoon	Morning and afternoon	Morning for an energy boost

Potential Health Benefits

Beyond its calming nature, honey citron tea offers several health advantages, primarily due to its high Vitamin C content from the yuja fruit. Traditional Korean medicine has long recognized its ability to help soothe sore throats and alleviate cold and flu symptoms. The addition of honey provides natural soothing effects and can help with digestion. It is also believed to aid in detoxification and improve skin quality.

Conclusion: A Soothing, Caffeine-Free Delight

To definitively answer the question, is there caffeine in honey citron tea? The answer is no. As a traditional Korean herbal preparation made from preserved citron and honey, it contains no tea leaves and is therefore naturally free of caffeine. This makes it an ideal beverage for anyone looking to reduce their caffeine intake, enjoy a warm, soothing drink before bed, or simply savor a flavorful, comforting citrus beverage. Whether served hot or cold, this delightful and healthy drink is a perfect alternative to traditional caffeinated options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, since honey citron tea is naturally caffeine-free and often made from natural ingredients, it is suitable for children as a soothing and warm drink. However, it is high in sugar, so moderation is key.

Yes, honey citron tea is a traditional remedy for colds. The high Vitamin C content from the citron fruit is beneficial for the immune system, while the honey is soothing for sore throats.

Absolutely. Since it is caffeine-free, honey citron tea is a perfect choice for an evening or bedtime beverage. It provides warmth and comfort without disrupting your sleep.

Yes, yuzu tea is another name for honey citron tea, particularly in Japan. The yuja fruit (Korean) is the same citrus as yuzu (Japanese), and the preparations are very similar.

Yes, honey citron tea is just as delicious served cold as it is hot. Simply mix the preserve with cold water and pour it over ice for a refreshing citrus drink.

Yes, while the traditional version is caffeine-free, some modern versions are made with a green tea base, which would contain caffeine. Always check the product label for the specific ingredients.

Honey citron preserves typically have a long shelf life before opening, but it should be refrigerated after opening to maintain freshness. Shelf-stable versions often last 12–18 months from the manufacturing date.