Do Tetley Tea Bags Have Caffeine in Them?

November 27, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Tetley's own FAQ, a standard cup of their black tea contains 30–50mg of caffeine, while their decaffeinated blend has a minimal amount. This article explores the nuanced answer to whether Tetley tea bags have caffeine in them, examining the different varieties and factors that influence their stimulant content.

Quick Summary

Tetley's black and green teas contain caffeine, while decaffeinated and herbal versions are mostly caffeine-free. The exact amount varies by blend, preparation, and brewing time, with black tea having significantly more than decaf options. Herbal and rooibos teas are naturally caffeine-free.

Key Points

Caffeine Present in Many Tetley Teas: Standard black and green Tetley tea bags contain caffeine, sourced from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Black Tea has Moderate Caffeine: A typical cup of Tetley black tea contains 30-50mg of caffeine, less than half the amount in coffee.
Decaf and Herbal Options are Minimal or Zero Caffeine: Tetley offers decaffeinated black tea (approx. 2.5mg caffeine) and naturally caffeine-free herbal and rooibos varieties.
Brewing Method Affects Caffeine Levels: Longer steeping times, hotter water, and agitation increase caffeine extraction.
Caffeine is Not Present in All Tetley Varieties: Naturally caffeine-free options like rooibos and fruit infusions are not made from traditional tea leaves.
Ethyl Acetate Used for Decaffeination: Tetley's decaffeinated black teas use ethyl acetate to remove caffeine.

Understanding the Caffeine Content in Tetley Teas

The question, "Do Tetley tea bags have caffeine in them?", has a layered answer. The simple fact is that most Tetley tea bags contain caffeine, as they are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, the natural source of caffeine for teas. However, the amount varies significantly depending on the tea variety and how it's prepared. Tetley also offers a range of naturally caffeine-free herbal teas and specially processed decaffeinated blends for those looking to avoid the stimulant.

The Standard: Tetley Black and Green Teas

Tetley's most popular black tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, typically 30–50mg per 250ml cup. This is less than the 95–200mg in a standard cup of coffee. Tetley green tea has about 33mg per cup. Factors like brewing time, water temperature, agitation, and tea leaf size influence caffeine extraction.

The Alternatives: Tetley's Decaf, Herbal, and Rooibos Teas

Tetley Decaffeinated black tea contains only about 2.5mg of caffeine per cup, making it 99.7% caffeine-free. This is achieved using an ethyl acetate decaffeination process. Herbal and fruit-infused teas, as well as rooibos tea, are naturally caffeine-free as they are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Comparison Table: Tetley Tea Varieties and Caffeine Content


Tetley Tea Variety	Average Caffeine Content (per 250ml cup)	Source Plant	Caffeine Level	Notes
Black Tea (Classic/British Blend)	30–50mg	Camellia sinensis	Moderate	Varies with brewing time and method.
Green Tea	~33mg	Camellia sinensis	Moderate	Lower overall amount than black tea due to lighter blend.
Decaffeinated Black Tea	~2.5mg	Camellia sinensis	Minimal	Processed with ethyl acetate to remove caffeine.
Herbal/Fruit Infusions	0mg	Various Herbs & Fruits	None	Naturally caffeine-free.
Rooibos Tea	0mg	Aspalathus linearis	None	Naturally caffeine-free herbal tea.

Brewing Tips for Modulating Caffeine Intake

To control caffeine in traditional teas:

Brew for a Shorter Time: Steeping black or green tea for only one minute reduces caffeine compared to 3–5 minutes.
Avoid Squeezing the Bag: This can release more caffeine.
Opt for Alternatives: Herbal, rooibos, or decaffeinated teas are effective for reducing or eliminating caffeine.

Conclusion: Your Brew, Your Choice

Many Tetley tea bags, specifically black and green varieties, do contain caffeine, though less than coffee. The amount can be managed by brewing habits. Tetley provides decaffeinated, herbal, and rooibos options for caffeine-free choices. Understanding these differences allows for an informed decision about your tea consumption. For more on tea benefits, refer to the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 250ml cup of Tetley black tea typically contains between 30 and 50mg of caffeine, though this can vary based on the specific blend and brewing method.

No, Tetley decaffeinated tea is not 100% caffeine-free but is very low in caffeine. It is 99.7% caffeine-free, with a negligible amount of about 2.5mg per cup.

No, Tetley's herbal and fruit-infused teas are naturally caffeine-free. They are made from a blend of herbs, spices, and fruits, not from the traditional tea plant.

Tetley decaffeinates its tea using the ethyl acetate process. This method involves moistening the tea leaves and using the solvent to selectively absorb and remove the caffeine.

Yes, brewing time significantly affects the caffeine content. Steeping the tea bag for a longer period will release more caffeine, with the highest extraction occurring in the first minute.

Tetley offers several naturally caffeine-free options, including its herbal and fruit infusions, as well as its rooibos (red) tea.

The caffeine content in a cup of Tetley black tea (30-50mg) is significantly lower than a typical cup of coffee, which can contain between 95 and 200mg of caffeine.