Does Jasmine Tea Have Caffeine? The Truth About Jasmine Tea Caffeine Levels
Jasmine tea is loved for its floral aroma and smooth taste—but many people wonder: does jasmine tea have caffeine? This guide explains whether jasmine tea contains caffeine, how much is typically in a cup, what factors change caffeine levels, and how jasmine tea compares to other drinks.
Short Answer: Does Jasmine Tea Have Caffeine?
Yes—most traditional jasmine tea contains caffeine. That’s because jasmine tea is usually made by scenting real tea leaves (from Camellia sinensis) with jasmine blossoms. Since true tea leaves naturally contain caffeine, jasmine tea typically does too.
The exact caffeine level depends on the base tea (often green tea), as well as how you brew it.
What Is Jasmine Tea?
Jasmine tea isn’t one single type of tea leaf. It’s usually a scented tea—meaning tea leaves are layered with jasmine blossoms so they absorb the fragrance. Most jasmine tea is made with a green tea base, but it can also be made with white tea, oolong, or (less commonly) black tea.
Because the caffeine comes from the tea leaves, the base tea matters more than the jasmine aroma.
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How Much Caffeine Is in Jasmine Tea?
In most cases, jasmine tea has moderate caffeine. If the base is green tea (the most common), a typical 8 oz (240 ml) cup often falls in the range of:
- Jasmine green tea: about 20–40 mg caffeine per 8 oz cup (typical range)
- Jasmine white tea: about 15–30 mg per 8 oz cup (often lower, but can vary)
- Jasmine oolong: about 30–50 mg per 8 oz cup (often moderate)
For comparison, an 8 oz cup of brewed coffee commonly contains around ~95 mg of caffeine (often more), depending on the beans and brew method.
These numbers are approximations—real caffeine content varies by brand, leaf grade, and how the tea is brewed.
Why Caffeine in Jasmine Tea Can Vary
Two cups of jasmine tea can have very different caffeine levels. Here’s what makes the biggest difference:
1) The Base Tea (Green, White, Oolong, or Black)
Jasmine tea gets its caffeine from the tea leaves, not the jasmine blossoms. A jasmine tea made with black tea usually contains more caffeine than one made with a white tea base.
2) Steeping Time
The longer you steep, the more caffeine is extracted. A short infusion may taste lighter and contain less caffeine than a long steep using the same leaves.
3) Water Temperature
Hotter water extracts caffeine faster. Green-tea-based jasmine is often brewed at slightly lower temperatures than black tea, which can affect extraction.
4) Leaf Amount and Serving Size
More tea leaves (or a larger mug) generally means more caffeine. If you’re using a strong tea-to-water ratio, you’ll likely extract more caffeine per cup.
Jasmine Tea vs. Green Tea, Black Tea, and Coffee
Since jasmine tea is often made with green tea, it typically sits in the same general range as other green teas—though exact amounts depend on the tea and the brewing.
| Beverage | Typical caffeine (per 8 oz / 240 ml) |
|---|---|
| Jasmine green tea | About 20–40 mg |
| Green tea | About 20–45 mg |
| Black tea | About 40–70 mg |
| Coffee (brewed) | About ~95 mg (often more) |
| Decaf tea | Usually a small amount (varies) |
Can Jasmine Tea Be Caffeine-Free?
Traditional jasmine tea is not caffeine-free because it uses real tea leaves. However, some products are marketed as “jasmine” herbal infusions, where jasmine flowers are blended with caffeine-free herbs instead of tea leaves.
If you want caffeine-free, check the ingredients: if it contains Camellia sinensis (green/white/oolong/black tea), it contains caffeine.
How to Reduce Caffeine in Jasmine Tea
If you love jasmine tea but want a gentler cup, these brewing tweaks can help reduce caffeine extraction:
- Steep for less time: aim for 2–3 minutes instead of longer infusions.
- Use slightly cooler water: green tea jasmine often tastes best around 80–85°C (175–185°F).
- Use less tea: a smaller tea-to-water ratio generally reduces caffeine per cup.
- Choose a lighter base: jasmine white tea is often lower than jasmine oolong or black tea blends.
A Fragrant Jasmine Tea to Try
If you want a jasmine tea that offers a smooth green tea base with floral aroma and easy brewing, here’s a great option to consider:
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Pyramid tea bags allow more room for the leaves to unfurl compared to flat paper bags, which can help create a more balanced, fragrant cup.
Key Takeaway
Yes, jasmine tea usually has caffeine because it’s typically made by scenting real tea leaves with jasmine blossoms. The caffeine level depends on the base tea and how you brew it, but jasmine green tea is generally in a moderate caffeine range—often less than coffee and many black teas.
FAQ: Jasmine Tea and Caffeine
Does jasmine green tea have caffeine?
Yes. Jasmine green tea is made from green tea leaves scented with jasmine blossoms, and green tea naturally contains caffeine.
How much caffeine is in jasmine tea compared to coffee?
Jasmine tea usually contains much less caffeine than coffee. A typical cup of jasmine green tea often falls around 20–40 mg per 8 oz, while brewed coffee is commonly around ~95 mg per 8 oz (often more).
Is jasmine tea caffeine-free if it tastes floral?
Not necessarily. The floral flavor comes from jasmine blossoms, but the caffeine comes from the tea leaves. If the ingredients include green/white/oolong/black tea (Camellia sinensis), it contains caffeine.
Does brewing time change caffeine levels in jasmine tea?
Yes. Longer steeping extracts more caffeine. If you want less caffeine, steep for a shorter time (for example, 2–3 minutes).
Can I reduce caffeine in jasmine tea without switching teas?
Yes. Use a shorter steep time, slightly cooler water, and/or a smaller amount of tea. These reduce how much caffeine is extracted into the cup.