Is there caffeine in tea?

Many people wonder: Is there caffeine in tea? The answer is yes – all real teas, that is, tea made from the tea plant Camellia sinensis (green, black, white, oolong, pu-erh), contain caffeine. However, the amount varies greatly, and several factors such as the type of tea, the amount of leaves and the brewing method come into play.

Caffeine in tea

Caffeine in tea works in the same way as in coffee: it stimulates the central nervous system and can increase alertness, focus, and energy. However, in tea, caffeine is combined with L-theanine, an amino acid that can have a calming effect. This combination means that many people experience a smoother, calmer energy from tea than from coffee.

How much caffeine is in tea?

The amount of caffeine in a cup of tea varies depending on the type, amount of tea and how it is brewed. We can give a very general overview of caffeine in different types of tea:

Green tea: 20–40 mg
White tea: 15–30 mg
Oolong tea: 30–50 mg
Black tea: 40–70 mg
Matcha: 60–70 mg
Pu-erh: 30–60 mg
Herbal tea: (eg rooibos , chamomile ) 0 mg

It is important to note that within green tea you will find variations in the amount of caffeine. For example, our Dragon Well which is made from First flush buds will have more caffeine than a low-grade green tea you buy at your local grocery store.

In comparison, a cup of coffee (2 dl) usually contains 80–100 mg of caffeine. So although the caffeine in tea vs. coffee varies, tea generally has a lower content – ​​and provides a more balanced effect.

Caffeine in a cup of tea – what affects the amount?

How much caffeine is in a cup of tea depends on several factors:
Type of tea leaf: Younger shoots and buds contain more caffeine than older leaves.
Amount of tea: More tea naturally provides more caffeine.
Brewing time: The longer the tea steeps, the more caffeine is extracted.
Water temperature: Warmer water extracts more caffeine.
Powdered tea: Matcha contains more caffeine because you drink the whole leaf.

Advantages and disadvantages of caffeine in tea

Benefits of caffeine:
Increased mental focus and alertness
Improved reaction time and concentration
The combination with L-theanine can provide calm energy without nervousness

Disadvantages:
May cause restlessness or sleep problems if consumed in high amounts
Should be limited during pregnancy (recommended maximum 200 mg of caffeine daily)
May cause discomfort in case of caffeine sensitivity (palpitations, sweating, restlessness)

Fortunately, there are many caffeine-free options, making it easy to enjoy tea throughout the day – even in the evening.

Caffeine-free tea

For those of you who want to avoid caffeine, whether for health reasons or because you drink tea late in the day, there are many tasty alternatives. These include naturally caffeine-free herbal teas, as well as rooibos and tea blends made without Camellia sinensis.

Some favorites are:
Botanical dream – with valerian root and passion flower
Blueberry Rooibos – sweet and round taste, perfect after dinner
Ginger & Lime – refreshing herbal tea with natural flavors
Mango Chili – an exciting fruity blend with a hint of heat
Mint and basil – invigorating without caffeine, good for digestion

These options allow you to enjoy tea all day long – without disrupting your sleep or affecting your caffeine sensitivity. See all decaffeinated blends