Tea drinkers, how much caffeine are you getting in your cup? If you’re like most tea enthusiasts, you probably don’t think about it. You might know that black tea has more caffeine than green tea, but do you know how much difference there is between the two? And what about herbal teas? How much caffeine are they packing?

Coffee drinkers have it easy – they can just look at how many shots of espresso are in their drink. But for tea drinkers, it’s not always so clear. That’s why Tea J Tea has put together this guide to educate you regarding how much caffeine is present in different types of tea.

Why Caffeine Matters?

It is a psychoactive stimulant that has beneficial and noticeable effects on the human body. It can increase alertness, relieve fatigue, and improve mood and cognitive function. The amount of caffeine in tea can vary depending on tea types, how it is brewed, and how much tea is consumed.

Different types of tea contain different amounts of caffeine, therefore, they can have different effects and health benefits on the body.

The health benefits it offers are numerous. It can improve mental and physical performance, treat headaches, uplift mood, and boost cognitive function.

All in all, caffeine plays a vital role in how our body functions and how we feel throughout the day.

Is Caffeine In Tea Safe?

While it is generally considered safe for most people, it can have some negative side effects if consumed in large amounts. These side effects can include anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. It can also be addictive, and some people may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop consuming it.

The exact amount that is safe to consume depends on a variety of factors, including age, gender, weight, and overall health. Therefore, it is important to know how much caffeine in tea there is and how much caffeine should you have in a day!

• For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg per day is considered safe.
• Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions should limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.
• Teenagers and children should also consume less, as they are more susceptible to its effects. Keeping it under 100 mg is considered safe.
• Elderly people should also be careful with their intake, as they may be more sensitive to its effects. A safe amount for them would be between 50-100 mg.

Identifying Caffeine Content In Tea - How Much Caffeine In Tea

When it comes to tea, there is a lot of variation in caffeine content. This is because there are so many different types of tea, and each type has a different caffeine content.

How much caffeine is in green tea?

35 mg per 8 ounce.

How much caffeine in black tea?

55 mg per 8 ounce.

How much caffeine in white tea?

15-30 mg per 8 ounce.

How much caffeine is in oolong tea?

37 - 55 mg per 8 ounce.

How much caffeine is in Matcha tea?

70 mg per 8 ounce.

There are also decaffeinated teas, which have very little to no caffeine.

How much caffeine is in brewed black decaf tea?

2 mg per 8 ounce.

Caffeine In Herbal Tea

Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. This is because they are not made from Camellia sinensis, the plant that all true teas are made from. Herbal teas are made from a variety of different plants, and each one has its own unique flavor. 

Some popular herbal teas include chamomile, peppermint, lavender, and ginger. There are many more types of herbal tea out there, and each one has its own unique flavor profile.

Caffeine In Fruit Tea

Fruit tea is a great alternative for those who want to avoid caffeine. Although most fruits don't contain it, they can be blended with traditional teas that do contain caffeine. This means that you can still get a boost of energy from fruit tea, without having to worry about the side effects.

If you're looking for a way to get an energy boost without drinking coffee or traditional tea, fruit tea is a great choice. So popular fruit teas you can drink are raspberry tea, lemon tea, and peach tea.

Caffeine In Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is a type of herbal tea that originates from South Africa. The name "rooibos" comes from the Afrikaans word for "red bush". Rooibos tea is made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, which is a member of the legume family. The leaves are oxidized, which gives the tea its reddish color.

Rooibos tea has a bold, earthy flavor that is often mistaken for black tea. However, unlike black tea, rooibos tea is caffeine-free. This makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a tea that is low in caffeine but still has a rich flavor.

Caffeine In Green Tea

At the low end of the spectrum, green tea contains roughly 35 milligrams of caffeine per eight-ounce serving. This is just slightly more than a fifth, found in a cup of coffee. However, there are many variables that can affect the green tea caffeine content.

The amount of time that the leaves are steamed, as well as the variety of green tea, can both affect the caffeine levels.

Caffeine In Oolong Tea

The amount of caffeine in oolong tea can vary depending on a few different factors. One - the type of oolong tea. There are many different types of oolong, and each type will have varying caffeine levels.

The brewing method can tell you a lot too. The longer the oolong tea is brewed, the more caffeine will be extracted from the leaves.

On average, 37 - 55 mg per 8 ounce is the caffeine content you can find in oolong tea.

Caffeine In White Tea

Generally speaking, white tea contains less caffeine than black or green tea. White tea is made from the youngest leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and these leaves contain less caffeine than older leaves.

The exact amount in white tea fluctuates between 6 to 55 mg per cup.

Caffeine In Black Tea

Black tea caffeine range is between 30-60% by dry weight. That means that the average cup of black tea (which is around 237ml) has between 47-93mg. The range is so large because it depends on the kind of black tea, how long it was brewed, and the amount of tea used.

Caffeine In Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It is popular in South America and is known for its high caffeine content. A strong cup of yerba mate can contain up to 85mg - making it a high-caffeine beverage.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, or if you are trying to avoid it, it is important to be aware of the high content in yerba mate.

How Caffeine In Tea Differs From Caffeine In Coffee?

This difference in effects is likely due to the fact that coffee generally contains more amounts than tea. An average cup of coffee has around 95 mg, while an average cup of tea has around 47 mg.

Due to the high content in coffee, the stimulating effects of coffee act quicker and stronger than tea.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a quick fix, coffee is probably your best bet. But if you want a more gradual and sustained energy boost, tea might be a better choice.

L-Theanine Content in tea

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It's a major component of green tea and black tea, and can also be found in smaller amounts in white tea.

But, the highest levels of this amino acid is found in shade-grown Matcha. 

L-theanine is what gives tea its unique "buzz" compared to coffee. Moreover,  this amino acid is known to have a calming and relaxing effect on the drinker.

So, if you're looking for a more relaxed and mellow high, tea is the beverage for you.

Psychoactive Antioxidants

Catechins are a type of polyphenol antioxidant found in tea leaves. These antioxidants have been shown to interact with the brain, influencing the way tea makes you feel. One study found that catechins were capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and affecting cognitive function.

While more research is needed to understand the exact mechanism by which catechins influence brain function, it is clear that these psychoactive antioxidants play a role in the way tea makes you feel.

So, if you're looking for a more energizing cup of tea, be sure to choose a tea with higher levels of catechins.

Methylxanthines & Caffeine Analogues

Methylxanthines are a class of organic compounds that include caffeine and theobromine. They act as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and are used as psychoactive drugs. Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Tea, coffee, and chocolate are all sources of caffeine.

Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant, with a similar structure and pharmacological effects to caffeine. It is found in chocolate, as well as in a number of other foods.

Caffeine analogues are molecules that have a similar structure to caffeine but with slight variations. These molecules can be found in some plants, animals, and even bacteria. Some of the more well-known caffeine analogues include theobromine, theophylline, and paraxanthine.

Busting The Myths About Tea

There are a lot of myths out there about tea and its caffeine content. People focus on these myths because they're afraid of the potential health risks associated it. However, these myths need to be debunked in order to enjoy tea without fear.

Tea has been around for centuries and is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Despite its popularity, there are still a lot of misconceptions about tea and how much caffeine in tea is there. Let's bust some of these myths: 

Myth #1: Black Tea Has More Caffeine Than Green

When it comes to how much caffeine in tea is present, there is a common misconception -  likely because black tea is more commonly consumed in the West than green. In reality, the caffeine content of tea varies greatly depending on the type of tea, where it was grown, how it was processed, and how it was brewed.

For instance, a typical cup of green tea has about 25-35 milligrams, while a typical cup of black tea has about 40-60 milligrams.

So, while it is true that black teas generally have more caffeine than green teas, there are many factors that affect the caffeine content of tea. And, there are always exceptions to the rule! Matcha is one of those exceptions.

Myth #2: Boiling Water 'Burns' Delicate Teas

This myth likely started because green and white teas are more delicate in flavor than black teas. When brewing with near-boiling water, it's more likely that the delicate flavors of green and white teas will be overwhelmed. Additionally, brewing with cooler water preserves more of the tea's antioxidants.

However, it's important to note that boiling water will not turn tea's antioxidants into deadly neurotoxins. In fact, brewing with boiling water is perfectly fine, and will not make your tea any less safe to drink. So go ahead and brew your tea with whichever temperature water you prefer - it's all up to personal preference in the end!

Myth #3: Black Teas Must Be Steeped Longer Than Greens

This is actually a myth! While it's true that boiling water can make green tea taste more bitter, it doesn't have the same effect on black tea. In fact, black tea actually benefits from being brewed with boiling water, as it brings out more of its flavor. 

So feel free to brew your black tea for as long as you like - just be sure to use fresh, cold water.

Myth #4: Organic Tea Is Higher Quality

Many people believe that organic tea is better for your health. This is because organic tea is free of synthetic chemicals that may be harmful to your health. 

The truth is that organic farmers are still learning how to best grow tea without using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers; and as a result, many organic teas don't taste as good as their conventional counterparts. 

While they continue to learn and improve their methods, the quality of organic tea may not be as consistent as that of conventional tea.

Myth #5: Green Tea Is 'Better' For You Than Other Teas

The most common claim in favor of drinking green tea is that it has a lower caffeine content than other teas. However, this is not always the case. Some green teas can have just as much as other varieties.

Another claim in favor of green tea is its high antioxidant value. Antioxidants are believed to have many health benefits, including reducing the risk of some chronic diseases. However, it is important to note that the antioxidant content of green tea can vary depending on how it is prepared.

Overall, there is no definitive evidence that green tea is “better” for you than other types of tea. However, green tea does have some unique properties that may offer certain health benefits. Refer to our other articles regarding the health benefits of tea.

Which Tea Has The Most Caffeine In It?

Zest Tea contains the most, with content of up to 150mg per serving. This is because Zest Tea uses a special brewing process that extracts more caffeine from the tea leaves.

This makes Zest Tea the perfect choice for people who want a strong cup of tea with a high content.

Which Tea Does Not Contain Caffeine?

Herbal teas, such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint, do not contain caffeine. This is because these types of teas are not made from the camellia sinensis plant, which is where caffeine comes from. If you're looking for a caffeine free option, most herbal tea is a good choice.

Not all caffeine-free teas are herbal, though. Some decaffeinated teas are made from camellia sinensis, but the caffeine has been removed through a process of steaming and then soaking in water.

Decaffeinated tea still contains small amounts, but it's usually less than the handful of Herbal teas that do contain caffeine. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a lot of variation in the caffeine content of tea. It depends on the type of tea, how it is prepared, and how much tea is consumed.

If you're looking for a high-caffeine tea, Zest Tea is a good choice. If you want a caffeine-free tea, herbal tea is a good option. And if you're looking for something in between, decaffeinated tea is a good choice.