How Much Caffeine Is in Tea?

Most brewed tea contains about 20–60 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, although the amount can vary considerably depending on the type of tea, how much tea you use, water temperature, and steeping time.

Black tea generally contains more caffeine than green or white tea, while herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos are naturally caffeine-free. A typical cup of brewed coffee usually contains more caffeine than a cup of tea.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Tea?

The caffeine content of tea varies by type and preparation. As a general guide:

Most true herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, although blends containing actual tea leaves or other caffeinated ingredients may contain caffeine.

These amounts are estimates rather than fixed numbers. The tea itself, quantity used, water temperature, and steeping time can all affect how much caffeine ends up in your cup.

How Much Caffeine Is in Black Tea?

Black tea typically contains about 30–50 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, though the amount can vary depending on the tea leaves, how much tea is used, water temperature, and steeping time.

Because black tea is fully oxidized, it tends to have a bold, robust flavor. Popular styles such as English Breakfast, Assam, and Earl Grey are all black teas and naturally contain caffeine.

A longer steep or a larger amount of tea can increase the caffeine in the finished cup, so the exact amount will vary from one brew to another.

How Much Caffeine Is in Green Tea?

Green tea typically contains about 20–45 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, although the exact amount varies by the type of tea and how it is brewed.

Green tea generally contains less caffeine than black tea and considerably less than a typical cup of brewed coffee. Steeping time, water temperature, and the amount of tea used can all influence the caffeine in your cup.

Matcha is different from traditional brewed green tea because the powdered tea leaves are consumed rather than removed after steeping. As a result, matcha can contain more caffeine than many traditionally brewed green teas.

How Much Caffeine Is in Earl Grey Tea?

Earl Grey tea typically contains about 30–50 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup when it is made with traditional black tea.

Earl Grey is not a separate type of tea leaf. It is usually black tea flavored with bergamot, so its caffeine content is generally similar to other black teas.

The exact amount of caffeine depends on the tea blend, amount of tea used, water temperature, and steeping time. 

How Much Caffeine Is in White Tea?

White tea typically contains about 15–30 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, although caffeine levels can vary considerably depending on the tea and brewing method.

White tea is made from young leaves and buds and is known for its delicate flavor. Despite its lighter taste, white tea is not caffeine-free.

The amount of tea used, water temperature, and steeping time can all influence how much caffeine ends up in the finished cup.

How Much Caffeine Is in Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea typically contains about 30–50 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, although the amount can vary depending on the tea and how it is brewed.

Oolong tea falls between green and black tea in its level of oxidation, producing flavors that can range from light and floral to rich and roasted.

As with other teas, the amount of tea used, water temperature, and steeping time can influence the caffeine content of the finished cup.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Tea Bag?

A typical tea bag can produce a cup containing about 20–50 mg of caffeine, depending on the type of tea, the amount of tea in the bag, and how it is brewed.

Black tea bags generally contain more caffeine than green tea bags, while herbal tea bags are usually naturally caffeine-free.

Steeping a tea bag longer or using hotter water can extract more caffeine, so two cups made from the same tea can still have different caffeine levels.

Do Herbal Teas Have Caffeine?

Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free because they are made from herbs, flowers, fruits, roots, or spices rather than leaves from the Camellia sinensis tea plant.

Popular caffeine-free herbal teas include chamomile, peppermint, lemon ginger, and rooibos.

However, some herbal blends may include black tea, green tea, or other ingredients that contain caffeine. Check the ingredients if you are specifically looking for a caffeine-free tea.

Does Tea Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?

A typical cup of brewed coffee contains more caffeine than a cup of tea. An 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee often contains around 80–100 mg of caffeine, while most brewed teas contain roughly 20–60 mg per 8-ounce cup.

The exact amount depends on the coffee or tea, serving size, and brewing method. A strong black tea may contain more caffeine than a lightly brewed tea, but coffee generally delivers more caffeine per cup than tea.

If caffeine content is important to you, compare the finished drink rather than the caffeine naturally present in dry coffee beans or tea leaves.

What Affects the Caffeine Level in Tea?

The caffeine in a cup of tea is not fixed. Several parts of the brewing process can change how much caffeine ends up in your cup.

Tea type: Black, green, white, and oolong teas naturally contain caffeine, while most herbal teas are caffeine-free.

Amount of tea: Using more tea leaves or an additional tea bag can increase the caffeine in the finished drink.

Steeping time: Longer steeping generally extracts more caffeine from the tea leaves.

Water temperature: Hotter water can extract caffeine more quickly than cooler water.

Serving size: A larger cup naturally may contain more caffeine when more tea is used to brew it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does all tea contain caffeine?
No. Black, green, white, and oolong teas naturally contain caffeine because they come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free.

Which tea has the most caffeine?
Black tea generally contains more caffeine per cup than green or white tea, although the exact amount depends on the tea and how it is brewed.

Does steeping tea longer increase caffeine?
Generally, yes. A longer steeping time allows more caffeine to be extracted from the tea leaves.

Is tea lower in caffeine than coffee?
Usually, yes. Most brewed teas contain less caffeine per cup than brewed coffee.

Does decaf tea still contain caffeine?
Yes. Decaffeinated tea can still contain a small amount of caffeine, but considerably less than regular caffeinated tea.

Explore Weaver’s teas to find black, green, and herbal teas for every taste and caffeine preference.