What Is the Caffeine Content of Tea?
True tea leaves have higher caffeine concentrations compared to coffee beans. Coffee is prepared by grinding beans into a powder and infusing it in water, while tea leaves are steeped briefly and then removed.
The reason you get less caffeine from tea is that you only consume the brewed liquid, not the whole tea leaf or coffee bean. Matcha green tea powder has notably higher caffeine levels than regular green tea leaves.
Coffee has more caffeine because of its water infusion method and higher absorption rate in the body. In contrast, tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which slows down caffeine absorption. As a result, less caffeine is processed when you drink tea, leading to a more balanced caffeine release and avoiding the highs and lows commonly associated with coffee consumption.
The caffein content in different types of teas can vary based on factors such as the type of tea, the processing method, and how it is brewed.
Here is a general guide to the approximate caffein content in various types of teas per 240 ml serving:
|
Tea Type |
Caffeine Content in 8 oz or 240 ml serving |
|
Herbal Tisanes |
0 mg (caffeine free) |
|
Decaf Black Tea |
5 mg |
|
White Tea |
10 - 25 mg |
|
Green Tea |
25 - 35 mg |
|
Oolong Tea |
30 - 50 mg |
|
Pu-erh Tea |
30 - 50 mg |
|
Black Tea |
40 - 70 mg |
|
Yerba Mate |
35 - 85 mg |
|
Flavored Tea |
Varies depending on the base tea and additional ingredients |
It is important to note that these are average values, and the actual caffein content can differ depending on the specific tea variety and how it is prepared. Additionally, herbal teas (tisanes) do not come from the Camellia Sinensis plant and are caffein free.
Keep in mind that individuals sensitivities to caffein can vary, and factors such as steeping time, water temperature, and the size of the tea leaves can affect the caffein extraction during brewing. If you are looking for lower caffein options, you may consider white or green teas, while black teas generally have higher caffein content. Herbal teas are a great caffein-free alternative for those who want to avoid caffein altogether.