By Ricardo R. Matos, Founder of Tea The World
Updated October 2026 · Reviewed against published research
Apple cinnamon tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea with a warm, sweet flavor. Its main benefits come from polyphenol antioxidants in both ingredients. Cinnamon has been studied for modest effects on blood sugar, though usually at higher doses than a cup of tea provides. It's a good evening swap for sugary drinks.
What Is Apple Cinnamon Tea?
Apple cinnamon tea is an herbal infusion of dried apple pieces and cinnamon bark, sometimes blended with other botanicals like hibiscus, rosehip, or licorice root. Because it contains no tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, it has no caffeine, which makes it a comfortable choice any time of day, including before bed.
Apple Cinnamon Tea Benefits
Naturally caffeine-free
With no caffeine, apple cinnamon tea won't interfere with sleep the way a late cup of coffee or black tea can.
Polyphenol antioxidants
Both apples and cinnamon contain polyphenols, plant compounds that act as antioxidants in the body. Diets rich in polyphenol-containing foods and drinks are associated with better long-term health, though a single cup of tea is one small part of an overall diet.
Healthline: Cinnamon Tea Benefits
Cinnamon and blood sugar
A 2013 review of 10 clinical trials in people with type 2 diabetes found that cinnamon lowered fasting blood sugar by about 25 mg/dL on average. It did not change HbA1c, the longer-term blood sugar marker. These studies used cinnamon supplements of 120 mg to 6 grams a day, far more than a cup of tea contains. Apple cinnamon tea is a pleasant, unsweetened drink, not a diabetes treatment.
A naturally sweet swap
Apple and cinnamon give the tea a sweet, dessert-like aroma, so many people find they need little or no added sugar. Swapping a sugary drink for an unsweetened cup is one of the simplest benefits of all.
A comforting digestive ritual
Warm herbal tea after a meal is a long-standing tradition, and cinnamon has a history of use in traditional practice for digestive comfort.
Livestrong: Benefits of Cinnamon Apple Tea
Is Apple Cinnamon Tea Safe Every Day?
For most people, a few cups a day is fine. One thing to know: cassia cinnamon, the most common type, contains a natural compound called coumarin, which can affect the liver in very large amounts. The amount in a normal cup of tea is small, but if you also take cinnamon supplements, have liver concerns, or are pregnant, it's worth checking with your doctor.
Ceylon vs. Cassia: Which Cinnamon Is in Your Cup?
Most cinnamon sold in the U.S. is cassia, which has a bold, spicy flavor. Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called “true cinnamon”, is lighter and sweeter. Cassia contains much more coumarin, a natural compound that can strain the liver in very large amounts. The amount in a few cups of tea is small, but if you drink apple cinnamon tea every day and also take cinnamon supplements, it is worth knowing the difference.
How to Brew Apple Cinnamon Tea
- Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose apple cinnamon tea, or 1 tea bag, per 8 oz cup.
- Pour water at a full boil (212°F / 100°C). Dried fruit and cinnamon bark need full heat to release their flavor.
- Cover and steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Go longer for a stronger, spicier cup.
- Strain and enjoy plain, or add a little honey or a slice of fresh apple.
Iced version: Brew double strength, steep 7 minutes, then pour over a full glass of ice.
Try our Apple Cinnamon Herbal Tea
A naturally caffeine-free blend of sweet apple and warm cinnamon, made for cozy evenings and easy to enjoy without added sugar.
Why We Care About Tea and Health
Tea The World was founded in San Antonio, Texas, after our founder's own health journey, including heart surgery, sparked a deeper interest in what we eat and drink every day. That's why we focus on clear, research-informed information about tea alongside the teas themselves. Read our story.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does apple cinnamon tea have caffeine?
- No. Pure apple cinnamon herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free. Check the label if a blend also includes black or green tea.
- Can I drink apple cinnamon tea before bed?
- Yes. Because it has no caffeine, it's a popular evening tea.
- Is apple cinnamon tea good for weight loss?
- It isn't a weight-loss product, but an unsweetened cup is very low in calories, so it can be a helpful swap for sugary drinks.
- Can I drink apple cinnamon tea every day?
- Yes, for most people one to three cups a day is fine. If you take cinnamon supplements, have liver concerns, or are pregnant, check with your doctor.
- Is apple cinnamon tea good for digestion?
- Many people find a warm, caffeine-free cup comforting after a meal, and cinnamon has a long traditional use for digestive comfort. It has not been proven to treat digestive problems.