Tea and hospitality
Does Tea Have Caffeine?
Black, green, white, and oolong teas naturally contain caffeine because they come from Camellia sinensis. The amount in a cup varies with the leaf and preparation; herbal infusions may be caffeine-free.
The type name is not a precise dose
It is tempting to say one tea color always has a fixed amount of caffeine. In reality, cultivar, leaf portion, serving size, and brewing change the cup. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists example caffeine amounts for prepared green and black tea, while stressing that beverage levels vary.
A pale cup is not proof that it contains no caffeine. White and green teas are still true teas. If you need a more predictable choice for late evening, a caffeine-free herbal infusion may be simpler.
Read before you pour
A flavored product can mix true tea with herbs. A mint blend may contain green tea; a chai blend usually contains black tea. Check the ingredient list and any caffeine statement from the maker.
If you are sensitive to caffeine or need individualized advice, use information from your health professional rather than a general article or a flavor name.