Quick answer: Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free because they’re made from plants other than the tea plant, such as lemongrass, hibiscus, soursop leaf, bay leaf and moringa. A few herbal drinks do contain caffeine, including yerba mate and guayusa, and so do blends that include black or green tea. Always check the ingredients.
Why most herbal teas have no caffeine
Black, green, white and oolong teas all come from one plant, Camellia sinensis, which naturally contains caffeine. Herbal teas (sometimes called tisanes) are made from other plants, and most of them contain none. Read more in herbal tea vs black tea.
Caffeine-free vs decaf
These are not the same. Caffeine-free means the plant never contained caffeine. Decaf means caffeine was removed from tea or coffee, and a small amount usually remains. If you want no caffeine at all, a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea is the simpler choice.
Herbal drinks that do contain caffeine
- Yerba mate – a South American drink made from holly leaves.
- Guayusa – another holly-family leaf from South America.
- Yaupon – a holly native to North America.
- Blends with black, green or white tea – check the ingredients for “tea” or Camellia sinensis.
- Drinks with added cocoa or guarana – both contain caffeine.
Caffeine-free Caribbean teas to try
| Tea | Tastes |
|---|---|
| Lemongrass | Fresh and citrusy |
| Hibiscus | Tart, fruity and ruby red |
| Caribbean bay leaf | Warm and spicy |
| Soursop leaf | Mild, earthy, slightly sweet |
| Moringa | Green and grassy |
| Guava leaf | Soft and slightly sweet |
Check the ingredients on each product page if you want to be sure, or contact us with any questions.
Herbal tea in the evening
Because they contain no caffeine, herbal teas are a popular choice for an evening cup. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, check with your GP or pharmacist before trying a new herbal tea.
How to check a label for caffeine
- Look for the words “tea”, “black tea”, “green tea”, “white tea” or Camellia sinensis in the ingredients.
- Look for mate, guayusa, yaupon, guarana, cocoa or coffee.
- A product described as a “blend” may contain a little real tea, so read the full list.
- If it says “naturally caffeine-free”, the ingredients contain no caffeine.
Caffeine-free drinks for different times of day
| Time | Try |
|---|---|
| Morning | Lemongrass with lime, or moringa |
| Afternoon | Iced hibiscus |
| After dinner | Caribbean bay leaf or soursop leaf |
| Cold evening | A turmeric latte |
Making caffeine-free tea taste fuller
If you miss the body of black tea, choose warm, earthy teas like bay leaf or turmeric and add a splash of milk. Using two bags or a slightly longer brew also gives a fuller cup. Read can you add milk to herbal tea for ideas.
Herbal tea vs black tea
Black tea contains caffeine; most herbal teas don’t. See herbal tea vs black tea for a full comparison.
Caffeine-free tea for guests
Keeping a few caffeine-free teas means everyone has something to drink, at any time of day. A small selection, like lemongrass, hibiscus and bay leaf, covers fresh, fruity and warm flavours. Our Gift Pack is an easy start.
Is it right for everyone?
Most herbal teas are enjoyed by lots of people, but if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, check with your GP or pharmacist before trying a new herbal tea.
Frequently asked questions
Is all herbal tea caffeine-free?
Most is, but not all. Yerba mate, guayusa and blends with black or green tea contain caffeine.
Is caffeine-free the same as decaf?
No. Decaf has had most of its caffeine removed, while caffeine-free tea never had any.
Is hibiscus tea caffeine-free?
Yes. Pure hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free.
Are K&M Herbs teas caffeine-free?
Our herbal teas are made from naturally caffeine-free plants such as lemongrass, hibiscus, soursop leaf and bay leaf. Check each product’s ingredients for details.
Is rooibos caffeine-free?
Yes, rooibos is naturally caffeine-free.
Does green tea contain caffeine?
Yes. Green tea comes from the tea plant, so it contains caffeine.
Can children drink caffeine-free herbal tea?
Ask your GP or pharmacist about herbal teas for children.
Shop the teas in this article
- Lemongrass tea bags – £8
- Hibiscus Tea Bags – £8
- Caribbean Bay Leaf Teabags – £8
- Soursop Leaf Teabags – £8
- Gift Pack – £14.80