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A typical mug of brewed coffee (100–140 mg) contains roughly double the caffeine of a black tea (~75 mg). While technically dry tea leaves often contain more caffeine by weight than coffee beans, we use far less tea to make a drink, so the final cup is significantly weaker. If you are wondering how much caffeine does green tea have, a standard mug will usually fall between 20 and 45 mg. The range comes down to leaf grade, how much you use, and water temperature.
Benefits of Moderate Caffeine Consumption
It is a xanthine alkaloid compound that acts as a stimulant in the human body, affecting the central nervous system and causing increased alertness, attention, and energy. The effects of caffeine can vary greatly from person to person, depending on factors such as body weight, sensitivity, and individual metabolism. The amount of caffeine in tea changes based on several things. These include the type of tea, how it’s brewed, and how it’s processed. Knowing these factors helps us make better choices about our tea and enjoy its health benefits.
Alternatives to Caffeinated Tea
We are always refining our guides—if there is a specific question about caffeine or tea health you would like us to cover, please let us know. Yes — caffeine occurs naturally in cocoa solids, so “darker usually means more”. High search volumes for "does hot chocolate have caffeine" and "do cocoa have caffeine" suggest many people are caught out by this. It helps to compare the drink in your hand, not dry leaves versus how much caffeine in cup of tea beans.
Chemically Decaffeinated
Tea has plenty of health benefits, which is one reason why it’s been so popular for literally thousands of years. But, as we’re learning more about the effects of caffeine, it’s becoming apparent that it can do quite a number on the human body. From Darjeeling to Japanese Matcha, each has its own caffeine and taste. Below is a table showing some popular teas and their caffeine levels.
- These are all valid questions, but it may surprise you to know that there is no single “right” answer to them.
- Join us as we celebrate the craft, culture, and joy of coffee—one cup at a time.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, reducing the amount or changing the type of tea may provide relief.
- Different tea types and caffeine levels can affect our energy and health.
- Knowing these differences helps us pick the right drink for us.
Taste Guarantee
The basic teas are augmented with fruit, herbs, and spices to concoct a tea for every palate and occasion. A widely accepted opinion that Americans will never embrace tea is due to the jolt it provides a capitalistic and workaholic society. While that may be true, tea has a checkered history in the United States. Drinking tea with caffeine can make you feel more alert and awake. It can also help you burn calories and might lower the risk of some diseases. “Dry scooping” pre-workout powders—gulping them down without adding water as the label instructs—has other risks.
The caffeine content of iced tea depends on how it’s brewed. If iced tea is brewed strong and then diluted, it can have similar caffeine levels to hot tea. However, some commercially prepared iced teas may have lower caffeine levels. The debate between tea and coffee has been ongoing for centuries, with each side having its loyal followers.
Type of Tea Leaves and Plant Variety
So a (16 oz.) grande Starbucks chai latte ends up with 95 mg of caffeine, while a 16 oz. Decaffeinated tea is another option for those who enjoy the taste and potential health benefits of traditional tea but want to reduce caffeine consumption. Regular tea is naturally caffeinated but it can be processed to remove all (or most of) the caffeine. Brewing time and water temperature also impact the caffeine levels in a cup of tea. Moderate consumption of tea is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Exploring Premium Teas with Varying Caffeine Levels
Decaffeinated tea still contains about 5–10 mg of caffeine per cup. Even when a cup of tea has a similar caffeine content to coffee, it often feels different in your body. That’s thanks to an amino acid called L-theanine, found only in tea. Decaffeinated tea is not completely caffeine-free. Decaf tea is a traditional black, green, or white tea that goes through processing to remove most of the caffeine.
Note that "Yerba Mate" is a herbal exception that does contain high levels of caffeine. Black tea leaves are oxidized (especially exposed to oxygen for a longer amount of time), while white and green tea leaves are not. This gives black tea a characteristic bold and sharp flavor. Aside from the type of tea you are steeping, there are a few other factors that will determine how much caffeine endsup in your cuppa. Using hotter water and steeping the tea for longer will extract more caffeine from the leaves.