We hear this question all the time, so once and for-all does white tea have caffeine? The answer is yes, it does. However, it does have the lowest amount of caffeine compared to other tea types. The average cup of white tea contains anywhere from 6-25 mg of caffeine, where a comparable black tea contains 23-110 mg.
Common misconceptions about caffeine content of tea are that white tea has no caffeine, or that all tea has the same amount of caffeine. These are simply not true, while all tea naturally contains caffeine, its not uniform across the board.
If you are particularly sensitive to caffeine try a naturally decaffeinated white tea.
White Tea’s Oxidation And It’s Effect On Caffeine
Oxidization is the key factor in how much caffeine gets into your cup of tea. White tea is not oxidized at all compared to black or Oolong tea’s. Even green tea has had the chance to oxidize further than the early buds of white tea.
The further along the tea leaf is in the process of oxidization, the more caffeine will be able to enter the water you brew your tea in.
White tea not being oxidized means it holds its caffeine in the leaf itself far better than black tea. Leaving the brewed water with minimal amounts of caffeine. This makes it the perfect option, a cup of tea without worrying about being up all night.
White tea’s flavors are quite subdued normally, try mixing your loose leaf white tea with peppermint or chamomile for a perfect cup of tea before bed.
Tap into the health benefits of white tea at any time of the day. The fact that its closing in on bedtime shouldn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite white tea, missing out on powerful antioxidants and soothing characteristics that help calm you before bed.
Yes White Tea Has Caffeine… But!
Unless you are extremely sensitive to the effects of caffeine this tea should not make a difference in the ability to fall asleep at night.
If you are looking for a cup of tea to enjoy its vast health benefits but want to get to bed soon, choose white tea and stray away from the black tea’s until in the morning.