Black Tea

Tea (Black)

Caffeine

42 mg

per 8 fl oz

MODERATE

This drink contains moderate levels of caffeine.
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Energy

Calories

Sugar

grams

The caffeine amounts in tea can vary considerably. The longer the tea (or tea bag) is steeped in water, the more caffeine will be present.

On average loose black tea has 22-28 mg of caffeine per 1 gram dried matter.

Most tea manufacturers do not list caffeine amounts on labels (one exception is Lipton regular tea listed at 55 mg per serving).

The amount listed above is an average amount taken from various laboratory tests. Originally we listed an amount (47 mg/8 fl oz brew) taken from the USDA. However more recent lab tests show this amount to be lower.

The following table lists recent lab test results for one tea bag of the various brands steeped in 6oz cups of water.

Tea	1 Min Steep Time	3 Min Steep Time	5 Min Steep Time
Lipton Decaf*	1.8 mg	2.7 mg	3.1 mg
Lipton Regular*	17 mg	38 mg	47 mg
Stash Darjeeling Black	14 mg	22 mg	27 mg
Stash Earl Grey Black	24 mg	41 mg	47 mg
Tazo Awake	59 mg	59 mg	61 mg
Tazo Earl Grey	19 mg	22 mg	29 mg
Twinings Earl Grey	19 mg	22 mg	25 mg
Twinings English Breakfast	14 mg	22 mg	25 mg
Twinings Irish Breakfast	17 mg	24 mg	30 mg
Twinings Lady Grey	14 mg	29 mg	30 mg
Twinings Prince of Wales	14 mg	26 mg	29 mg
Two Leavs and a Bud Darjeeling	19 mg	39 mg	49 mg

*Lipton Tea publishes slightly different amounts, which we have summarized here.

Zest Black Tea has 150 mg of caffeine, but it is infused with extra caffeine.

What About Herbal Teas?

So-called herbal teas aren't actually tea at all, but a collection of other herbs and flavors. Herbal teas do NOT contain caffeine.

What About Green Tea?

Green Tea contains less caffeine than black tea. However it also is affected by brew time. The longer you leave your bag in the cup, the more caffeine you will get.

See more about caffeine in green tea.

Where to buy

Organic Positively Tea Company, Assam TGFOP Black Tea, Loose Leaf, 16 Ounce

Amazon.com price $18.95 ($1.18 / Ounce)
(as of 16:07 EST More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Harney & Sons Loose Leaf Black Tea, English Breakfast, 4 Ounce

Amazon.com price $12.94 ($3.24 / Ounce)
(as of 16:07 EST More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Tea India CTC Assam Loose Leaf Black Tea Strong, Full-Bodied Flavorful Blend Of Premium Black Tea Made with Natural Ingredients Traditional Indian Tea Caffeinated Iced Tea Breakfast Tea (32 Ounce)

Amazon.com price $17.89 ($0.56 / Ounce)
(as of 16:07 EST More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ingredients in Tea (Black)

Is Black Tea high in caffeine?

Black Tea contains 42 mg of caffeine in a 8 fl oz cup.

This equates to 5.25 mg of caffeine for every fl oz and 17.75 mg for every 100 ml.

42 mg

Tea (Black)

160 mg

Monster energy

80 mg

Red bull

60 mg

Instant Coffee

35 mg

Coca-cola

Sources

From the USDA database http://www.nal.usda.gov/ and also from journal: McCusker R.R.; Goldberger B.A.; Cone E.J., Caffeine Content of Brewed Teas, Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Vol. 32, October 2008, pp 702-704. See other references.