The Best Low-Caffeine Teas to Keep You Warm This Winter

When winter sets in, few things are as comforting as wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of tea. Beyond warmth, tea offers a gentle lift, aromatic pleasure, and a sense of calm that no coffee rush can match. But as the days get shorter, many people seek low-caffeine teas—drinks that bring comfort and energy without disrupting sleep or causing jitteriness.

If you love the ritual of tea but want to keep your caffeine intake in check, there are plenty of choices that deliver both flavor and coziness. Below are some of the best low-caffeine teas to keep you warm this winter, from roasted Japanese blends like hojicha to mellow herbal infusions that soothe and restore.

Hojicha: The Roasted Green Tea

Few teas are as perfectly suited to winter as hojicha, a roasted green tea from Japan. Unlike matcha or sencha, hojicha is made by roasting bancha or sometimes sencha leaves over high heat. This process transforms the tea’s character, producing a rich, nutty aroma with notes of caramel and toasted grain. The roasting also significantly reduces caffeine levels, making this one of the lowest-caffeine true teas you can find.

The result is a cup that feels like a cozy blanket—smoky, soothing, and grounding. Hojicha’s warm flavors pair beautifully with winter evenings, especially after a meal. Because it’s low in caffeine, it’s gentle on the stomach and a perfect nightcap for tea lovers who still crave the complexity of a true tea leaf rather than an herbal blend.

Try it as a latte with oat milk and a touch of vanilla to create a creamy, toasty drink that rivals any coffee shop specialty.

White Tea: Subtle, Soothing, and Softly Energizing

If you prefer something light and aromatic, white tea is another exceptional low-caffeine option. Made from the youngest buds and leaves of the tea plant and left almost unprocessed, white tea contains less caffeine than green or black teas. The most popular varieties, such as Bai Mudan (White Peony) or Silver Needle, offer a delicate sweetness with hints of hay, melon, or florals.

White tea’s understated flavor is especially comforting during quiet winter mornings. It gives you a subtle energy lift—enough to help you wake gently without the jolt that comes from stronger brews. Enjoy it plain to appreciate its softness, or add a slice of pear or a few rose petals for a seasonal twist.

Rooibos: Naturally Caffeine-Free Warmth from South Africa

When you want something caffeine-free but full-bodied, rooibos is a clear winner. Native to South Africa, rooibos is an herbal infusion made from the Aspalathus linearis plant. Deep red in color, it boasts a natural sweetness and smooth texture with hints of vanilla and honey.

Rooibos is perfect for winter because it naturally tastes rich and comforting, similar to a mild black tea but without any bitterness. It’s also packed with antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc, so it nourishes as it soothes.

Try rooibos with a cinnamon stick or orange peel for a holiday twist, or froth it with milk for a caffeine-free “red tea latte.” It’s one of the few herbal teas that blends beautifully with milk, making it an adaptable choice for anyone seeking warm comfort after dark.

Oolong: The Middle-Ground Tea for Balance

Oolong tea sits between green and black on the oxidation spectrum, offering a captivating middle ground both in flavor and caffeine content. Some lighter oolongs, such as Tie Guan Yin or high-mountain Taiwanese styles, contain relatively low levels of caffeine compared to darker teas.

In winter, a lightly roasted oolong makes a stunning companion for long afternoons. Its layered, floral, and nutty notes unfold over multiple steeps, providing both warmth and fresh complexity. Unlike coffee or heavily oxidized teas, oolong’s caffeine release feels balanced and sustained, supporting focus without overstimulation.

For a cozy twist, pair a roasted oolong with almond cookies or steamed buns for a tranquil tea moment.

Chamomile: The Classic Bedtime Infusion

No list of low-caffeine or caffeine-free winter teas would be complete without chamomile. This golden herbal brew has long been cherished for its calming effects and sweet, apple-like flavor. Made from dried chamomile flowers, it’s naturally caffeine-free and famous for promoting better sleep and easing digestion.

A mug of chamomile before bed is like pressing pause on the day. It’s especially comforting during cold nights when you crave something light yet soothing. For extra warmth, try blending chamomile with a touch of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg—ingredients that tie beautifully with the tea’s floral gentleness.

Lavender or Peppermint: Aromatic Winters’ Companions

For those who seek vibrant aromas alongside a caffeine break, both lavender and peppermintteas hit the sweet spot.

Lavender tea brings floral relaxation with every sip. Its soft perfume helps relieve stress and pairs beautifully with lemon balm or chamomile. Peppermint tea, by contrast, provides a crisp, cooling energy that refreshes the senses while keeping you warm from within. It’s excellent for cold mornings when you need clarity and uplift without caffeine.

Choosing Your Winter Cup

Selecting the right tea often depends on your mood and the moment. When you want something comforting yet sophisticated, hojicha or roasted oolong excel. For late nights and peaceful rituals, rooibos, chamomile, or lavender shine. White tea bridges the two worlds—a gentle energizer for slow winter days.

Where coffee brings stimulation, these teas offer serenity. They anchor you in warmth and mindfulness, echoing the rhythms of winter itself—slower, deeper, more intentional. So as the temperature drops, stock your cupboard with a mix of low-caffeine favorites.

Your perfect winter day might begin with a delicate white tea, linger around a roasted cup of hojicha, and end with a fragrant chamomile blend. In each sip, you’ll find calm, comfort, and quiet joy—proof that warmth doesn’t have to come from caffeine alone.