A common question for avid tea drinkers is how much caffeine does it really contain? You might be partial to a daily cup, but how about when it becomes two, three, or four throughout the day? If you're curious about how much caffeine is in your tea, read on as we take a closer look and compare all your favourite varieties. 

The average cup of black tea has about 47 mg of caffeine. This is approximately half the amount you would find in a typical cup of coffee. 

All traditional black and green tea comes from the same plant, the Camellia Sinensis plant, native to China and India. However, the caffeine content can vary depending on how the leaves are processed and prepared.

How does caffeine affect us?

Caffeine enhances the central nervous system by sending messages to the brain to help us feel, temporarily, more switched on, alert, and awake. The strength of caffeine in coffee can offer a short and intense burst of energy, whilst tea is proven to have gradual, longer-lasting energy. This is due to the lower amount of caffeine and its pairing with L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea that brings mental clarity and focus. The slower release of caffeine in tea also means you miss out on that horrid 'coffee crash' feeling. 

The truth is, caffeine affects everyone differently, with many being ultra-sensitive and others enjoying countless cups with hardly any side effects at all. Caffeine in tea is healthy to enjoy in moderation; however, it's not recommended for young children, and pregnant women should have no more than 200mg a day. 

Caffeine can also hinder your sleeping patterns, so if this is the case for you, it's best to avoid it in the afternoon to ensure you have a good night's rest. It's handy to know that the recommendation for daily caffeine intake is a maximum of 400mg a day.

Does black tea have more or less caffeine than coffee?

The average cup of black tea has approximately half as much caffeine as the average cup of coffee. A regular-sized mug of black tea typically has about 47 mg of caffeine, whereas coffee can contain 80-200 mg, depending on how it's prepared. 

Black tea, which includes English Breakfast and Earl Grey, is produced when withered Camellia sinensis tea leaves are rolled and oxidised, causing the leaves to turn black. This process gives black tea a bold and sharp flavour, increasing its caffeine content when compared to green or white tea.  

Is there caffeine in green tea?

Green tea contains less caffeine than black tea, with approximately 33 mg per cup. Green tea is produced when Camelia sinensis leaves are exposed to heat just after harvesting to stop the oxidation process, which is why the leaves retain their lovely green colour.

Do herbal teas contain caffeine?

Herbal teas don't come from the Camellia Sinensis plant (or tea plant) and are therefore naturally caffeine-free. These include Peppemint, Berry, Turmeric, and Chamomile. Be mindful, however, that if you choose infusions such as Chai or a Lime-Ginger blend, these can have black or green tea added. 

Does rooibos tea contain caffeine?

Here at Webster's, Rooibos tea is a top pick, and despite having a distinctive reddish-brown colour similar to black tea, it contains absolutely no caffeine. 

Here are 3 considerations when it comes to the caffeine content in your tea:

The more tea leaves added to your brew, the more caffeine will be released. Teabags provide a standard amount of caffeine, but you could add more or less to your teapot to adapt the caffeine levels when using loose tea leaves. Typically, 1 tsp of loose tea is equivalent to one teabag. 

The hotter your water, the higher the caffeine content in your tea. When the water temperature is higher, it acts faster to release the caffeine from the leaves. 

Consider how much time you leave your tea to brew. The longer the tea leaves sit in hot water, the more caffeine is released. We recommend sticking to the recommended brewing time (tea dependant), for a nice balance of flavour and caffeine content. 

To wrap up, we can't imagine a more beautiful beverage to sip on throughout the day, particularly if you're looking to cut back on coffee and still desire that sweet pick-me-up that tea can give. Why not jazz up your tea-drinking ritual by trying out a new and unique variety that you haven't tried before?

Browse our delicious and colourful range of teas and accessories here.