How Much Caffeine is in Tea?

Short answer: Yes! An eight-ounce cup of brewed black tea has 25-50 milligrams of caffeine, while brewed green tea contains 25-30 milligrams. That’s about half the caffeine in a typical cup of brewed coffee.

All tea, including black, green, white and oolong, come from the same plant: Camellia Sinensis. The leaves and buds are picked and then go through an oxidation process that gives each type of tea its distinct flavour and colour. The greater the oxidation, the deeper the colour and aroma.

What kind of Tea has the most Caffeine?

Within the tea family, brewing method affects the caffeine content of each type of tea. Black tea is typically steeped the longest and at the highest temperature, producing greater caffeine extraction and therefore the most caffeinated cup of tea. Green and white teas, which are steeped for a shorter amount of time in cooler water, have slightly lower caffeine.

However, the amount of tea used in each brew also affects the amount of caffeine: more tea equals more caffeine. Similarly, the amount you consume also effects caffeine intake. A 24-ounce iced tea on a hot day will have more caffeine than the eight-ounce cup of green tea you sip at your desk in the afternoon.

What about Herbal Tea?

If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, herbal teas are a great alternative.

Unlike black, green, white and oolong tea which are all produced by the Camellia Sinensis plant, most herbal tea is not really “tea” at all. Instead, herbal tea is usually an infusion of leaves from different herbs, such as Chamomile, Peppermint or Rooibos. These plants are all naturally caffeine-free, and will brew a delicious drink, all without the additional caffeine.

We are the stockists of the premium quality Cosy Organic Tea range, having a selection of 9 different blends of black, herbal and fruit fusion teas, and the following blends, and are naturally caffeine free Chamomile, Blueberry, Peppermint or Rooibos. Cosy also offer a Decaffeinated Fairtrade and Organic Black Tea.

Caffeine in Tea Vs. Coffee

Tea is the only plant that contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes calmness and relaxation. It works in synergy with the stimulant caffeine to induce a state of mindful alertness.

Caffeine from tea is thought to absorb more slowly in the body than caffeine from coffee. This gentle release promotes a longer period of alertness without a jittery rush at the start or crash at the end.

If you are more sensitive towards caffeine, then when you are preparing your favourite tea, you can consider brewing fewer tea leaves, steeping for a shorter time and using slightly cooler water, which will help to extract less caffeine from the tea.