How Much Caffeine is There in White Tea?
Good question. I’m always curious about why you want to know. Is it because you’re worried that high caffeine levels in white tea will keep you up at night?
Or perhaps the opposite is true and you’re looking to boost your caffeine intake for the buzz and energy you get from caffeine but want to quit drinking coffee?
In either of these scenarios, the answer to your question does white tea have caffeine is yes!
But the story doesn’t end there. Exactly how much caffeine can depend on factors such as tea type and brewing method. Let’s explore the caffeine content of popular white tea varieties.
Guide to Caffeine Content of White Tea By Variety
If you’re looking for the same caffeine effect you get from coffee you won’t get it from white tea I’m afraid. What you will get is healthy dose of antioxidants, plus a light, delicate and sweet flavor which is so characteristic of this variety.
Below I break down the caffeine content of my three favorite white tea varieties to give you an idea of the subtle differences, measured in mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup of tea:
Silver Needle White Tea (Baihao Yinzhen):
This delicate white tea consists of only the unopened buds of the big leaf variety of Camellia sinensis. It contains the lowest amount of caffeine compared to other white tea blends. The caffeine content ranges between 15-30 mg of caffeine per cup of tea.
White Peony Tea (Bai Mu Dan):
White Peony includes both tea buds and young tea leaves. I find it has a fuller flavor profile that’s quite sophisticated considering its more affordable price point. White Peony features a slightly higher caffeine content compared to Silver Needle, ranging from 20-40 mg of caffeine per cup.
Longevity Eyebrow (Shou Mei):
Many resources will tell you this tea with the funny name is made from lower quality or inferior grade leaves. This may be true but you’d never know it. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions about tea. I find Shou Mei quite enjoyable.
What is true, however, Shou Mei is harvested later and therefore has a stronger, darker, and bolder flavor than Silver Needle or White Peony. Therefore, if it’s a higher amount of caffeine you’re after, this robust white tea contains the highest levels at around 30-50 milligrams of caffeine per cup.
How Much Caffeine in White Tea vs. Green Tea vs. Black Tea?
In case you’re wondering how green tea compares, it’s similar to Shou Mei with 30-50 mg of caffeine per cup and black tea has between 45-60mg (about half the amount of caffeine than coffee).
White Tea Health Benefits
I wrote a post about white tea’s amazing benefits for skin. But it’s not only great for your complexion. In fact there are many compelling reasons why you might want to incorporate white tea into your daily routine:
Rich in Antioxidants:
Everywhere you look, you read how white tea is jam packed with antioxidants. Polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, they protect your body from free radicals and oxidative stress. The best part you only need to drink two cups of white tea per day to get the protective effect.
Supports Heart Health:
Some studies suggest that white tea may help improve cardiovascular health by lowering bad cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. If you ask me, I think diet plays a more important role; however, it certainly can’t hurt to add white tea to your heart healthy routine.
Aids in Weight Loss:
This study suggest that white tea could potentially boost metabolism and promote fat burning, making it a favored choice for those looking to shed extra pounds. It’s not a magic bullet, however, and you can’t skip the exercise. I image it would be even more effective if you substituted white tea for other high calorie beverages, such as soda and flavored coffee.
Promotes Skin Health:
The antioxidants in white tea may contribute to healthy, radiant skin by combating signs of aging and protecting against UV damage. Furthermore, just by increasing your water intake through white tea can do wonders for your complexion. In the summer, I turn my white tea brew into iced tea for a refreshing, beauty beverage.
Calming and Hydrating:
I can attest to this one. Maybe it’s the ritual I love, but there’s something about drinking white tea that I find soothing and enjoyable. It’s often my beverage of choice even though I have every type of tea in my cupboard. I barely think about the amount of caffeine to be honest.
Best White Tea (In My Opinion)
If you’re new to white tea and this article inspired you try it, you may be wondering what are some of the best white teas around. Quite honestly, choosing the best white tea really depends on your personal preferences and desired flavor profile.
If you’re seeking my opinion, however, I’m happy to share some of my favorites with you. When selecting white tea, opt for loose leaf tea varieties whenever possible to experience the full range of flavors and benefits. Having said that, there’s nothing wrong with tea bags if you’re in a hurry or on the go.
Silver Needle often stands out for its delicate sweetness and floral notes. They don’t all come from China, some fine white teas come from India.
Tao Tea Leaf Silver Needle White Tea - Old Bush
The best of the best, this silver needle tea was grown on 100 year old wild tea bushes. The size of the soft, dewy silver buds are smaller and darker green than normal silver needle. Truly an outstanding tea drinking experience.
Darjeeling Special Spring Silver Needle White
Carefully plucked at dawn from mist-shrouded gardens, these delicate buds are kissed by the sun’s first rays, capturing the pure mountain air. Handpicked from elevations of 4000 to 5500 ft, this blend reflects the terroir’s influence with floral notes and earthy sweetness. Experience Darjeeling’s soul in every sip—a journey through tradition and innovation, narrating unmatched beauty and craftsmanship.
White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) is another popular choice, offering a slightly stronger flavor profile with a hint of nuttiness.
I hope I’ve convinced you not to worry about white tea caffeine content and to just enjoy this beautiful beverage for its multitude of benefits and amazing nuanced flavor!
