Do Boba Teas Have Caffeine? A Detailed Breakdown

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Most boba teas contain some level of caffeine, with the amount varying significantly based on the type of tea used in the drink. The caffeine comes exclusively from the brewed tea base and not from the signature chewy tapioca pearls.

Quick Summary

The caffeine content in boba tea is determined by its tea base, with black tea having the most and herbal varieties being caffeine-free. The iconic tapioca pearls themselves contain no caffeine. Customize your order to control caffeine intake.

Key Points

Caffeine comes from the tea base: The caffeine in boba tea originates solely from the brewed tea, not the tapioca pearls.
Caffeine levels vary by tea type: Black tea has the highest caffeine content (50-90 mg), followed by matcha, oolong, and green tea, respectively.
Caffeine-free options are available: You can order boba made with herbal teas, fruit purees, or just milk and flavoring to have a completely caffeine-free drink.
Boba caffeine is often less than coffee: A standard boba with a black tea base generally contains less caffeine than an equivalent serving of coffee.
Consider sugar content: While managing caffeine is important, be mindful of the high sugar and calorie count in many boba drinks, especially when adding sweeteners and toppings.
Customization is your friend: Utilize customization options to reduce sugar levels, choose non-dairy milks, and select lower-caffeine or caffeine-free bases.

Understanding the Source of Caffeine in Boba

It's a common misconception that all boba teas have a standard caffeine level. The reality is that the caffeine content depends entirely on the base ingredient. Traditional boba is made with black, green, or oolong tea, which all naturally contain caffeine. However, many modern varieties and customizable options offer completely caffeine-free alternatives. The chewy tapioca pearls, made from the cassava root, are simply starch and do not contain caffeine at all.

The Impact of Tea Type on Caffeine Levels

Your choice of tea base is the most important factor in determining the final caffeine content of your boba drink. This is where most of the variance lies. For example, a classic milk tea made with black tea will have a higher caffeine level than a lighter green tea-based drink.

Black Tea: The most popular base for classic milk tea, black tea typically contains between 50 and 90 mg of caffeine per 16 oz serving, but this can vary depending on the variety and brewing method.
Matcha Green Tea: Made from powdered green tea leaves, matcha is more concentrated and can contain 60-70 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving, sometimes even more.
Oolong Tea: Falling between black and green tea, a cup of oolong-based boba usually has a moderate caffeine content of about 30-50 mg.
Green Tea: A lighter option, green tea has a moderate caffeine level of around 25-35 mg per cup.
Herbal Tea: Infusions made from herbs, fruits, or flowers, such as hibiscus, mint, or chamomile, are naturally caffeine-free.

Customization is Key for Managing Caffeine Intake

One of the best aspects of boba tea is its high level of customization. For those who are sensitive to caffeine or just want to enjoy a decaf treat, there are plenty of options available. When you order, you can often specify your preferences to create a drink that suits your needs perfectly.

Here are some customization tips for controlling caffeine:

Choose a caffeine-free base: Opt for drinks made with herbal teas, fruit purees, or flavored milk without a tea base, such as taro milk without added tea.
Request a different tea: Many shops offer alternative tea bases. If your preferred flavor, like taro, is typically made with black tea, you can ask if they can make it with a green tea base or with no tea at all.
Specify brewing time: If you are making boba at home, you can control the steep time. A shorter steep extracts less caffeine, while a longer one will yield a stronger, more caffeinated drink.
Check for decaf options: Though less common than in coffee shops, some boba stores may offer decaffeinated teas.

Comparison of Caffeine in Boba Tea vs. Other Drinks

To put the caffeine levels of boba tea in perspective, it is useful to compare them to other popular beverages. While a black tea boba can give you a noticeable energy boost, it is generally much lower in caffeine than an average cup of coffee.


Drink Type	Average Caffeine (per 8-16 oz serving)	Notes
Black Tea Boba	50-90 mg	Content can vary based on brewing time and tea variety.
Green Tea Boba	25-45 mg	A lighter, more moderate caffeine content. Matcha is higher.
Oolong Tea Boba	30-75 mg	Falls between green and black tea in potency.
Herbal/Fruit Boba	0 mg	Completely caffeine-free if made without a tea base.
Brewed Coffee	95 mg	A standard cup of coffee contains significantly more caffeine.
Espresso Shot	63 mg	Higher concentration per volume, but similar overall per serving to black tea boba.
Energy Drink (Standard)	80-200 mg+	Can vary widely by brand and serving size.

Potential Health Considerations Beyond Caffeine

While managing caffeine intake is one aspect of drinking boba, it is important to be mindful of other health implications, primarily related to sugar and calorie content. Boba teas are often high in sugar, especially when ordered with 100% sweetness and multiple sugary toppings. Overconsumption of sugar can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. For a healthier option, consider reducing your sugar level and choosing unsweetened milk alternatives.

The famous tapioca pearls are made of starch and soaked in sugar syrup, adding to the drink's overall calorie count. Consuming too many can also lead to temporary digestive issues for some individuals. The key to enjoying boba without compromising health goals is moderation and mindful customization. By being an informed consumer, you can strike a balance between indulgence and well-being.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Do boba teas have caffeine?"—most do, but the amount depends on the tea base, with black tea having the highest content and herbal varieties being caffeine-free. The tapioca pearls themselves are not the source of caffeine. By understanding the different components and customization options, you can easily control the caffeine level in your boba tea and enjoy this popular Taiwanese drink without any surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all boba teas contain caffeine. The caffeine comes from the tea base, so drinks made with fruit syrups, herbal teas, or milk and taro powder are often caffeine-free.

No, the tapioca pearls used in boba tea are made from cassava root starch and are completely caffeine-free.

Boba teas made with a black tea base, such as classic milk tea or Thai tea, generally have the highest caffeine content.

To order low-caffeine boba, ask for a green tea or oolong base. For no caffeine, request a fruit tea made with herbal tea or fruit puree, or a milk-based drink without a tea base.

The caffeine content in taro milk tea depends on the preparation. If it is made with a black or green tea base, it will contain caffeine. If made with only milk, flavoring, and taro powder, it is caffeine-free.

On average, a standard boba tea has significantly less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee. A typical 16 oz black milk tea may contain 50-90 mg, while a cup of coffee has around 95 mg.

The flavor itself does not determine the caffeine level; rather, it is the type of tea base used to create the flavor that matters. For instance, a mango fruit tea will have caffeine if made with a green tea base, but none if made with a fruit puree base.