It’s time to have a discussion about our old friend: caffeine. When looking for a pick-me-up or boost of energy, it’s natural to turn to caffeine. From coffee to tea, and energy drinks – caffeine is in high demand. However, a recent push toward “clean caffeine” is changing the way it’s consumed. More people are looking beyond instant gratification, seeking beverages that provide sustained energy without the jitters or energy crashes. What they’re finding out is what Harney & Sons has known for decades: tea can solve most of your problems!
What is Clean Caffeine?
Clean caffeine focuses on plant-derived caffeine sources rather than synthetic or chemically produced caffeine. This wellness movement first gained traction in the late 2010s as more consumers began examining the artificial ingredients, sugar content, and side effects that come with energy drinks and sodas. The rise in health consciousness coupled with a need for functional benefits fueled interest in drinks that offer more than just energy.
At the same time, there’s a growing demand for transparency in food and beverage products. More than ever, people want to know what they’re consuming. As a result, they’re increasingly seeking healthier products that align with their values and prioritize simple, natural ingredients. A lot of this begins with how ingredients are sourced. Is the company committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices? Are they transparent with their labels, offering clear information about what goes into their products?
Now, in 2025, clean caffeine has firmly established itself as a key trend in the beverage industry, with both major brands and startups promoting plant-derived, tea-based beverages. Not to brag, but we have championed natural products since our inception in 1983. At Harney & Sons, we carefully craft every blend, ensuring that our teas are made with the highest quality, natural ingredients. Not to mention, you’ll typically find 40-60 milligrams of caffeine in each cup (not including our herbals and caffeine-free blends of course!) Whether you’re already a clean caffeine enthusiast or just starting your journey, we have a diverse collection of teas to explore.
Going Green
Green tea is probably the most widely accessible clean caffeine option. Aside from its smooth, more balanced energy boost, green tea has gained popularity thanks to its versatility. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it pairs well with sweet, fruity flavor profiles. Green tea is also packed with antioxidants and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and focus.
Everything you want to know about green tea can be found in our Green Tea 101 blog. Don’t worry though, we’ll still drop some knowledge here for you! All green tea comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The freshly harvested leaves are quickly heated, either by steaming or dry roasting, to preserve their vibrant color and fresh, delicate flavors. Although green teas now grow all over the world, the finest come from China and Japan – which is why we carefully select our loose-leaf green teas from the best fields in those regions.
- Japanese Sencha – Sourced from the central Shizuoka province, this pleasant and approachable green tea was a daily choice for our founder, John Harney, who always started his mornings with this cup.
- Organic Green with Citrus & Ginkgo – This hand-picked organic green tea from China is combined with a dash of lemongrass and the bright taste of natural citrus.
- Royal Pomegranate Green Tea – This Harney Family Favorite offers a light and layered blend of detoxifying green tea and antioxidant-rich pomegranate.
- Blueberry Green – This Chinese green tea is artfully blended with flavors of lemongrass, blueberry, and vanilla to create a brew that’s sure to hit all the right notes!
- Tropical Green – Part of our Schitt’s Creek Collection, Twyla’s Tropical Green features natural, fruity, Hawaiian flavors in every brew.
- Organic Bangkok – Inspired by the rich flavors of Bangkok, Thailand, this tasty blend combines green tea, lemongrass, vanilla, coconut, and ginger.
Wonders of White Tea
This may come as a surprise, but white teas take first place in caffeine content! White tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant just like black, green, and oolong teas. However, that’s where the similarities end. White tea is the least processed of all true teas, made from young tea buds plucked just before the leaf opens on the stem. Due to its minimal oxidation, it retains high levels of antioxidants and a delicate, subtly sweet flavor.
You can learn more about the harvesting and brewing process in our White Tea 101 blog. All you need to know is that white tea is considered a very “tippy” tea, meaning it has a high tips-to-leaves ratio, resulting in higher caffeine levels than most other teas. This makes it the perfect selection for a natural jolt of energy!
- Mutan White – One of our most loved blends, this white tea is light and sweet with vegetal flavors. Mike Harney hand-selected this tea from China’s northern Fujian Province.
- Wedding Tea – An elegant blend featuring Mutan White tea with flavors of vanilla, lemon, pink rosebuds, and petals. Great for a special occasion!
- Winter White Earl Grey – A combination of the wonderful lemony aromas and flavors of bergamot that you’d find in our Earl Grey with our Mutan White, making it lighter than traditional black teas.
- White Christmas – A Harney Family favorite, this holiday blend combines the flavors of white tea, cardamom, white chamomile, almond, and vanilla.
Meet Your Matcha
Over the last decade, matcha has evolved from a centuries-old Japanese tradition, into a global wellness trend and we are here for it! The massive rise in popularity is a far cry from when the drink was once reserved for traditional tea ceremonies. Now, matcha is a staple in cafés, smoothie bars, and even coffee shops worldwide.
Made from a powdered green tea called tencha, matcha is rooted in clean, vegetal flavors of steamed spinach and artichoke hearts. Beyond the unique flavor, tencha is also processed differently than most teas. The leaves are merely chopped up and air-dried. Those leaves are then (almost always) ground into the powder we know and love: matcha. Of course we have a Matcha 101 blog, if you’re interested in a deep dive.
Making matcha at home can sometimes be a labor of love, but we offer all the necessary accessories; from our Bamboo Matcha Scoop to Handmade Matcha Bowls, Bamboo Whisks, and a Matcha Tea Frother (perfect for lattes!) We also offer a range of thin, thick, and extra-thick matcha grades depending on your taste and purpose.
- White Peach Matcha – An innovative twist on matcha, this blend is full of Bancha, juicy peach flavors, and dried peaches.
- Very Berry Matcha – Another Harney Family Favorite, this blend combines the finest Bancha with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and dried goji berries for a tangy twist.
- Organic Matcha – A refreshingly light, fine powdered green tea perfect for lattes, smoothies, and even baked goods.
- Matcha Jobetsugi – A “thin matcha” grade that’s a bit lighter in the body, but still strong, bracing, and pairs well with chocolate!
- Matcha Senjunomukashi – A “thick matcha” grade with rich, bold, and bracing flavor.
- Matcha Unjonotomo – An “extra thick” grade with high quality, sweet leaves that results in a smooth and creamy matcha.
Make Way for Yerba Mate
Pronounced “yehr buh maa tay,” this rare herbal tea is a traditional South American beverage known for its smooth, sustained energy. Made from the dried leaves and twigs of the ilex paraguariensis plant, Yerba Mate offers a caffeine kick similar to coffee but with the added benefits of tea and the smooth focus of cacao.
Commonly referred to simply as “mate,” this tea contains several beneficial plant nutrients. The Pasteur Institute reported in 1964 that mate contains 24 vitamins and minerals, along with 15 amino acids and antioxidants. The classic South American approach of enjoying mate involves drinking it from a hollowed-out gourd with a metal straw (bombilla), where loose leaves are steeped in warm water and refilled continuously. For a more convenient option, it can be brewed in a French press or tea infuser, steeped like loose-leaf tea and enjoyed plain or with honey, lemon, or milk. No matter how it’s prepared, yerba mate remains a versatile and invigorating choice for clean caffeine seekers.
- Yerba Mate Licorice – Designed to keep everyone going stronger (and longer), this blend combines two highly caffeinated herbals, Yerba Mate and Guayusa, with a bit of licorice to make it taste great!
- Yerba Mate Mint – Until recently, this was a secret blend found only in our shops. Now part of our Mind Your Body Collection, this combination of caffeine-free mint and Yerba Mate is perfect for long days at work or when you need to focus.
- American Buzz – A timeless blend sure to put some pep in your step, we combine Yaupon with Guayusa, Yerba Mate, and a bright twist of Spearmint.
Join the Movement
The clean caffeine movement is more than just a trend, it’s a shift toward more mindful, natural energy sources. From the balanced boost of green tea to the hold flavors of matcha and the smooth endurance of yerba mate, tea-based beverages offer a healthier way to stay energized. Don’t be afraid to branch out and join the movement – you already know we’ve got you covered!
