Black Tea: The Bold Contender
Black tea usually has the most caffeine of the true teas, about 40–70 mg per 8 oz cup. That makes it a classic morning choice. Try our Irish Breakfast or Earl Grey Bravo.
Posted by Ricardo R. Matos, Founder of Tea The World on Apr 7th 2025
Tea is a comforting staple around the world, and one of the most common questions we hear at Tea The World is about caffeine. In this article, we’ll look at the typical caffeine content of different teas and how to choose the right tea for your day.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in tea leaves. How much ends up in your cup depends on the type of tea, the leaf and processing, how much tea you use, and how long and how hot you brew it. The ranges below are typical, and there is a lot of overlap between tea types.
Black tea usually has the most caffeine of the true teas, about 40–70 mg per 8 oz cup. That makes it a classic morning choice. Try our Irish Breakfast or Earl Grey Bravo.
Green tea typically has about 20–45 mg per 8 oz cup. Along with L-theanine, it gives many drinkers a calm, focused feeling. Try India Simply Green Tea.
Oolong usually falls between green and black tea, around 30–50 mg per 8 oz cup, with complex flavors from its partial oxidation. Try our Raspberry Hibiscus Oolong.
White tea is often around 15–30 mg per 8 oz cup, though bud-heavy white teas can contain more. It is the least processed tea, with a delicate flavor.
Herbal teas don’t come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Most, like chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos, are naturally caffeine-free, making them perfect for evenings. (Yerba mate and guayusa are exceptions.) Try Egypt Simply Chamomile.
Start your day with a robust black tea, enjoy green tea for a mid-afternoon lift, and switch to a caffeine-free herbal blend in the evening. If you are sensitive to caffeine or pregnant, keep an eye on your total daily intake from all sources.
Knowing the caffeine content of different teas helps you choose the right cup for every moment. Explore our loose leaf tea collection and find your perfect brew. Cheers to your tea journey!