Caffeine in Drinks

Black Tea

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 17:13 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 2LB
Amazon.com Price $17.49 ($0.55 / Ounce)
(as of 17:13 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 $11.93 ($2.98 / Ounce)
(as of 17:13 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.)

See more Black Tea at Amazon.com

Ingredients in Tea (Black)

Is Black Tea high in caffeine?

Black Tea contains 5.25 mg of caffeine per fl oz (17.75 mg per 100 ml). A 8 fl oz cup has a total of 42 mg of caffeine.

Total Caffeine (mg)

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.

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