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Caffeine in tea is fine to drink as part of a balanced diet, but it is best avoided in the afternoon to prevent any disruption to sleep. Furthermore, caffeine is considered mildly addictive, and some people may be more susceptible to developing a dependence.
Caffeine in Tea vs. Coffee: The Big Picture
However, brewing longer also releases tannins, which can make the tea taste bitter. The British Heart Foundation states that because decaf tea and coffee have almost no caffeine, they’re not considered diuretic and will not dehydrate you. So, does decaf tea have caffeine / is there caffeine in decaf tea? When people ask “does tea have more caffeine than coffee? ” the answer is usually no — a mug of coffee typically contains more caffeine than a mug of tea. For more tea guidance, explore our articles on brewing the perfect cup and understanding the six types of tea.
Myth #1: "White tea has the most caffeine because it’s the least processed"
Opting for decaffeinated tea or coffee is also a good way to enjoy these drinks without much caffeine. The preparation method greatly impacts the caffeine content of tea. Teas that steep for longer and in hotter water tend to produce a more potent cup. While technically not made from tea leaves, herbal teas are a nice caffeine-free beverage choice. Much like the length of time you steep your tea, hot water facilitates more caffeine absorption into your cup. In other words, the more tea you use and the longer you steep it, the stronger that caffeine kick will be.
The Caffeine Content Of 9 Types Of Tea, From Lowest To Highest
Oolong teas sit between green and black tea in both flavor and caffeine content. They offer a well-rounded energy profile that many enjoy for sustained focus. Unlike coffee, tea contains L-theanine — a naturally occurring amino acid that helps create a more balanced, steady energy experience.
Harney & Sons Organic White Tea
- If you order a “grande” or “medium,” you’ll leave with 45 to 55 mg of caffeine at Starbucks or roughly twice that much (99 mg) at Dunkin’.
- Just don’t assume that all kombucha is low in caffeine.
- The range comes down to leaf grade, how much you use, and water temperature.
- A typical cup (8oz / 237ml) of decaf black tea contains around ~2mg, compared with ~75mg in a mug of regular tea (UK guidance).
- The brewing method and brew time also affect caffeine levels.
This is why many tea drinkers describe tea’s caffeine as smoother and less jittery than other caffeinated beverages. Tea naturally contains caffeine, but not all teas deliver energy in the same way. The amount of caffeine in your cup depends on the type of tea, how it’s grown, and how it’s brewed. A clear, easy guide to understanding caffeine levels in tea — so you can choose the right cup for your energy needs, day or night. Herbal teas are made from various botanicals — most of which does turmeric tea have caffeine don’t produce caffeine. Some herbs do naturally produce caffeine and some herbal tea blends contain caffeine — check the label before assuming your herbal brew is caffeine-free.
Is it safe to drink tea while pregnant?
Examples include chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos tea. The brewing process plays a crucial role in determining how much caffeine is in 1 cup of tea. It’s important to note that these are just average values. Understanding these differences is key to knowing how much caffeine is in 1 cup of tea of your favorite variety. As you navigate our website, you will find details of each tea’s caffeine content presented with the tea. Caffeinecontent varies with manufacturing and growing variances as well as brewing conditions and time.
Also keep in mind that some products, such as energy drinks, may have other stimulants. So, if you’re ready to unlock the mystery of caffeine in your tea blends, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know. Caffeine is one of the only FDA-approved drugs that is present naturally and legally added to widely consumed foods. Exactly how much caffeine is there in the food and beverages you consume?
Myth #4: "You can decaffeinate tea at home by steeping for 30 seconds and discarding the water"
Electric tea kettles are available in glass, ceramic, and stainless steel. Electric kettles will heat your water quickly and keep it at temperature. These types of kettle generally don’t have an infuser.
These numbers reflect brewed tea made with hot water and a standard steep of about three to five minutes, not bottled drinks or instant mixes. Yes, steeping tea for a longer duration generally increases the caffeine content. The longer the tea leaves are in contact with hot water, the more caffeine is extracted.
