What's the difference between tea and an infusion?

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that, according to the UK Tea & Infusions Association, up to 300 different plants are used for making herbal infusions? While both are steeped in water, the essential difference between tea and an infusion lies in their botanical origins, processing, and caffeine content.

Quick Summary

The fundamental difference between tea and an infusion stems from the base plant used. True tea originates from the Camellia sinensis plant, while infusions come from various other botanicals.

Key Points

Plant Origin: True tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, while an infusion can come from any other botanical source like herbs, flowers, or roots.
Caffeine Content: A major difference is caffeine; true tea contains it, whereas most herbal infusions are naturally caffeine-free.
Processing: The wide range of true teas (black, green, etc.) results from different processing techniques applied to the same plant leaves, while infusions are simply dried botanicals.
Flavor Profile: True teas typically have vegetal, malty, or floral notes, while infusions offer a broader flavor spectrum derived from their varied plant ingredients.
Health and Wellness: Both offer potential health benefits, but infusions are often consumed for specific, targeted effects based on the botanical used, such as chamomile for relaxation.
Steeping Method: While both are infused, some herbal preparations may require longer steeping times or different methods like decoction to extract potent compounds.

The Fundamental Distinction: Plant Source

At the heart of the matter, the difference between tea and an infusion is the plant from which it is derived. This core distinction dictates almost every other characteristic, including taste, processing, and chemical properties. True tea is made exclusively from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, an evergreen shrub native to East Asia. In contrast, a beverage is only an "infusion" or "tisane" if it comes from any other plant material—this includes herbs, flowers, fruits, spices, or roots. Therefore, while all teas are technically infusions (because they are made by steeping), not all infusions are teas. This is why you will hear the term "herbal infusion" or "herbal tea" to denote a beverage that contains no actual tea leaves.

Understanding True Tea

All black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh teas come from the very same Camellia sinensis plant. The vast differences in their appearance, aroma, and flavor are a result of the unique processing they undergo after the leaves are harvested.

Types of True Tea

Black Tea: Fully oxidized, resulting in a dark color and a robust, full-bodied flavor. It has a high caffeine content compared to other tea types.
Green Tea: Not oxidized; instead, the leaves are heat-treated immediately after picking to preserve their natural green color and delicate, often grassy flavor.
White Tea: The least processed of all true teas, made from the youngest buds and leaves that are simply withered and dried. It has a very mild flavor and lower caffeine.
Oolong Tea: Partially oxidized, with a character that falls between green and black tea. The level of oxidation can vary, creating a wide range of flavors, from sweet and floral to rich and roasted.
Pu-erh Tea: A post-fermented tea from Yunnan, China, that is aged to develop its distinct earthy and mellow flavor.

Exploring Herbal Infusions (Tisanes)

Herbal infusions, or tisanes, are made from a diverse spectrum of non-tea plant materials. Unlike true teas, they are nearly all naturally caffeine-free, making them popular evening drinks. They are also often consumed for their purported therapeutic properties.

Common Ingredients in Herbal Infusions

Flowers: Chamomile is widely used for its calming effect, while hibiscus provides a tart, cranberry-like flavor and vibrant red color.
Leaves: Peppermint leaves create a bright, refreshing, and digestive-aiding beverage. Rooibos, from the South African red bush, is known for its sweet, earthy flavor.
Roots & Spices: Ginger root offers a spicy, warming infusion often used to settle stomachs. Cinnamon sticks and licorice root are also common for their distinct flavors.
Fruits: Many infusions feature dried fruit pieces like apple, berries, or citrus peel for a naturally sweet and fruity taste.

The Method of Infusion

While the term "infusion" is often used synonymously with "herbal tea," it technically describes the process of steeping a substance in a liquid to extract flavors and compounds. The specific method can differ depending on the plant material being used. A standard herbal tea might be steeped for 5-10 minutes, while a more potent herbal infusion may require a larger quantity of herbs and a much longer steeping period, sometimes for several hours or overnight, to achieve a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals. For extracting harder plant parts like roots or bark, a decoction method (boiling the plant material directly in the water) is often used. The proper technique is crucial for maximizing the flavor and therapeutic benefits of any given botanical.

Comparison: Tea vs. Infusion


Feature	True Tea	Herbal Infusion
Plant Source	Camellia sinensis plant	Various plants: herbs, flowers, fruits, roots
Caffeine Content	Contains caffeine (level varies by type/processing)	Generally caffeine-free (exceptions like yerba mate)
Processing	Involves specific steps like withering, rolling, oxidation	Typically less complex; involves drying only
Flavor Profile	Notes can be grassy, floral, malty, or astringent	Wide spectrum of flavors (fruity, spicy, floral, earthy)
Antioxidants	Rich in antioxidants, such as catechins	Varies by ingredient; many have antioxidant properties

Conclusion: Choosing Your Brew

Ultimately, the choice between tea and an infusion comes down to personal preference, desired effects, and flavor profile. True tea offers a range of stimulating, caffeinated beverages that vary significantly based on processing, from the delicate and mild white tea to the bold and robust black tea. Herbal infusions, conversely, provide a world of caffeine-free options, each with unique flavors and potential health benefits drawn from a vast array of other botanical sources. For a quiet evening or a specific wellness purpose, a relaxing chamomile or peppermint infusion might be ideal. For a morning boost, a classic black or green tea is the traditional choice. By understanding their core differences, drinkers can navigate the vast world of hot beverages with newfound clarity, appreciating each for its unique origin and character.

For more in-depth information on the therapeutic potential of herbal infusions, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an excellent resource: The Bright and Dark Sides of Herbal Infusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A tisane is another name for an herbal infusion. The term is often used by tea experts to clearly distinguish a beverage made from herbs, fruits, or flowers from true tea, which comes from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Yes, green tea is a type of true tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant, so it does contain caffeine. It typically has less caffeine than black tea, though the amount also depends on brewing time and temperature.

Yes, herbal infusions are an excellent choice for an evening drink. Since most are naturally caffeine-free (with exceptions like yerba mate), they are well-suited for relaxing before bed without disrupting sleep.

Rooibos tea, also known as red tea, is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion that comes from a plant native to South Africa. It is known for its sweet, earthy flavor.

Yes, all traditional black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh teas are made from the leaves of the same plant species, Camellia sinensis. Their differences come from how the leaves are processed after harvesting.

Infusion involves steeping plant material in hot water, while decoction requires simmering or boiling the plant material in water. Decoction is used for harder plant parts like roots and bark to extract more compounds.

Most herbal infusions are safe for moderate consumption, but some potent botanicals can interact with medications or cause side effects at high doses. It's always best to consult a doctor, especially if pregnant or on medication.