Jasmine tea is one of the most beloved types of tea worldwide, known for its refreshing floral aroma and smooth taste. As a tea that combines both fragrance and flavor, jasmine tea often becomes the go-to choice for daily tea drinking. However, many people still have questions about the ingredients in jasmine tea, particularly regarding whether it contains caffeine. This is an especially important question for tea lovers who want to avoid excessive caffeine intake. What many don’t know is that a cup of jasmine tea can have more caffeine than black tea! According to the latest USDA report, commercially available jasmine tea contains an average of 25-35 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces (about half the amount in a can of soda), and for those sensitive to caffeine, consuming just 50 milligrams could cause insomnia.
In the following content, I will analyze the caffeine content in jasmine tea, helping you better understand the characteristics of this tea and how to adjust your drinking habits based on your personal needs.
Where does the caffeine in jasmine tea come from?
The caffeine in jasmine tea comes from its primary ingredient—green tea. Jasmine tea is made by combining green tea with jasmine flower aroma, so its caffeine content is closely related to that of green tea. Green tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), and the leaves of the tea plant naturally contain caffeine, which is why jasmine tea contains caffeine. Whether it’s jasmine tea, green tea, or black tea, any tea made from fresh leaves of the tea plant naturally contains caffeine, much like coffee beans naturally contain caffeine. Although the caffeine content in jasmine tea is lower than that in black tea or red tea, it still provides a mild stimulating effect.
It’s important to note that the caffeine content in jasmine tea can also be affected by the brewing time, water temperature, and tea leaf quality. Overall, jasmine tea, as a tea drink based on green tea, has a relatively low caffeine content, making it suitable for most people to enjoy.
How much caffeine is in jasmine tea?
A standard cup of jasmine tea (8 oz / 237 ml) contains between 15-45 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the quality of the tea leaves and brewing method. This is equivalent to about half a can of cola (20 mg) to about one-third of a cup of American coffee (60 mg). For example, Starbucks’ jasmine tea bags, which use older leaves, contain only 15 milligrams per cup, while premium-grade jasmine silver needle tea from China, brewed with boiling water for 5 minutes, can reach up to 45 milligrams (source: USDA and Fujian Tea Institute).
The exact caffeine content is not a fixed amount and depends on the type of green tea used. For instance, green tea from China’s Yunnan province typically has a higher caffeine content, but green tea from other regions may have a lower caffeine content.
How to reduce the caffeine content in jasmine tea?
If you want to reduce the caffeine content in jasmine tea, there are several methods you can try. First, shortening the steeping time is an effective approach because caffeine release is proportional to steeping time. Generally, the longer you steep the tea, the more caffeine is released.
Secondly, using water at a lower temperature can help reduce caffeine extraction. Boiling water accelerates caffeine release, so using warm water (around 70°C-75°C) will be gentler and result in lower caffeine content. Another method is to quickly rinse the tea with hot water, discarding the first brew after a few seconds; this can significantly reduce most of the caffeine.
Finally, choosing low-caffeine green tea as the base for jasmine tea can help, especially if you opt for leaves that have been processed at lower temperatures or harvested early. By using these methods, you can enjoy the fragrance of jasmine tea without worrying about the effects of caffeine.
| Method | Description |
| Shorten Steeping Time | The shorter the steeping time, the less caffeine is extracted. Reducing the steeping time lowers the caffeine content. |
| Use Lower Temperature Water | Steeping with warm water (70°C-75°C) instead of boiling water helps extract less caffeine. |
| Rinse the Tea First | Quickly steep the tea for a few seconds and discard the first brew. This helps remove most of the caffeine. |
| Choose Low-Caffeine Green Tea | Use low-caffeine green tea or tea leaves harvested early to naturally reduce caffeine in jasmine tea. |
Conclusion
Jasmine tea is a common tea served in Chinese restaurants, often chosen as a refreshing drink after a meal due to its fragrant floral aroma and smooth taste. It’s made by combining green tea with jasmine flower scent, which means it naturally contains caffeine. On average, a cup of jasmine tea contains between 15 to 45 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the type of green tea used and how it’s brewed. If you want to reduce your caffeine intake, you can shorten the steeping time, use water at a lower temperature, or rinse the tea leaves with hot water before brewing. These methods help minimize the release of caffeine. With its unique fragrance and balanced taste, jasmine tea is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy a soothing tea without worrying about the effects of caffeine.