Does Coffee Have More Caffeine Than Sweet Tea? The Definitive Guide

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration, a 12-ounce cup of coffee contains approximately 113 to 247 mg of caffeine, a range significantly higher than the caffeine typically found in sweet tea. For most people, the answer to 'Does coffee have more caffeine than sweet tea?' is a resounding yes, though several factors influence the final amount in your cup.

Quick Summary

Coffee generally contains significantly more caffeine per serving than sweet tea, with factors like brewing method, bean/leaf type, and portion size causing variations. Sweet tea typically has about half the caffeine of an average cup of coffee. The amino acid L-theanine in tea also creates a different physiological effect compared to coffee's rapid jolt.

Key Points

Coffee contains more caffeine: A standard 8-ounce cup of coffee has approximately 95 mg of caffeine, while a similar serving of sweet tea has 20-50 mg.
Absorption differs: Coffee delivers a rapid, intense caffeine spike, whereas tea offers a smoother, more sustained energy boost due to L-theanine.
Brewing impacts potency: The extraction method, water temperature, and amount of grounds/leaves used significantly affect the final caffeine level in both beverages.
L-theanine moderates tea's effect: This amino acid in tea counteracts the jittery side effects often associated with coffee's higher and faster caffeine absorption.
Consider sugar content: Sweet tea, while lower in caffeine, often contains significant added sugar, which should be factored into health considerations.
Individual tolerance varies: The perceived effects and recommended intake of caffeine are dependent on personal sensitivity, habits, and health conditions.

Most people correctly assume that a cup of coffee delivers a more potent caffeine dose than a glass of sweet tea. While this is true for average servings, a deeper dive reveals that the caffeine story is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The amount of caffeine in your cup is influenced by a number of factors, from the type of beans or leaves used to the brewing process and even the size of your drink.

The Raw Numbers: Coffee vs. Sweet Tea Caffeine

On average, a standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine. In contrast, an 8-ounce glass of sweet tea, which is typically brewed from black tea, contains anywhere from 20 to 50 mg of caffeine. This means an average cup of coffee has nearly twice the caffeine of a typical glass of sweet tea.

However, these are just averages. A 16-ounce serving of sweet tea from a fast-food restaurant could contain around 40 to 60 mg, whereas a 12-ounce coffee from a café can have well over 200 mg, depending on the brewing method. The comparison isn't always straightforward.

Why Coffee Gets More Caffeine from Raw Material

Interestingly, dry tea leaves actually contain more caffeine by weight than dry coffee beans. So why does the brewed result differ so much?

Concentration: A cup of coffee uses a significantly greater quantity of ground material compared to the tea leaves or bags used for a serving of tea.
Extraction: Coffee is typically brewed with hotter water for longer periods than tea. The process of brewing coffee is designed to extract a high percentage of the caffeine from the grounds, whereas much of the caffeine in tea leaves remains locked within the discarded leaves.

The Distinct Physiological Effects of Caffeine

For many, the perceived difference in the 'buzz' from coffee versus tea is more significant than the total milligrams of caffeine. This isn't just a feeling; there's a scientific reason for it. The amino acid L-theanine is found almost exclusively in tea leaves.

L-theanine works in tandem with caffeine to create a smoother, more sustained energy boost and improved focus. It counteracts the harsh, jittery side effects that coffee's faster, more intense caffeine spike can cause. This makes tea a favored option for those sensitive to caffeine or seeking calm, sustained energy.

Factors that Affect Caffeine Content in Your Cup

The caffeine content in either beverage is not fixed. The final amount depends on several variables:

Bean/Leaf Type: Arabica coffee beans have less caffeine than Robusta beans, while different types of tea leaves contain varying levels. Black tea has more than green tea, and herbal teas generally have none.
Brewing Time: For tea, a longer steeping time will extract more caffeine. Similarly, longer contact with water in a drip coffee machine results in more extraction.
Water Temperature: Hotter water extracts more caffeine. Coffee is typically brewed at high temperatures (195-205°F), while green tea is often steeped at lower temperatures (160-180°F), yielding less caffeine.
Portion Size: A 16-ounce iced sweet tea will have more total caffeine than an 8-ounce serving, and a 20-ounce coffee shop drink will contain far more than a standard 8-ounce cup.

Coffee vs. Sweet Tea: A Comparison of Key Metrics


Feature	Coffee	Sweet Tea (Black Tea)
Average Caffeine (8 oz)	95 mg	20–50 mg
Absorption Rate	Rapid and intense spike	Slower, more sustained release
Associated Jitters	More common due to rapid absorption	Less common, often described as 'calm alertness'
Key Additional Compound	None	L-theanine, an amino acid
Flavor Profile	Often bitter, nutty, or complex	Sweet, with varying tea notes
Processing Method	Roasting of beans	Oxidation of tea leaves

Health Considerations Beyond Caffeine

Both coffee and tea offer health benefits due to their antioxidant content. However, the addition of sugar to sweet tea introduces another variable. Excessive sugar intake is linked to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. While a single glass of sweet tea may have less caffeine than coffee, it can contain a significant amount of added sugar.

For most healthy adults, moderate consumption of both coffee and tea is safe and can be beneficial. A guideline of up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally considered safe, but individual tolerance varies. Pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions may need to limit their intake. For those looking to manage their caffeine intake or avoid a sudden crash, tea's slower-release profile can be a major advantage.

Conclusion: Which Beverage Reigns Supreme in Caffeine?

In a typical serving, coffee undeniably contains more caffeine than sweet tea. However, the more important question is how that caffeine affects you. Coffee provides a rapid, strong energy boost that is perfect for many who need an immediate jolt. Sweet tea, thanks to its lower caffeine content and the presence of L-theanine, offers a more gradual and sustained lift without the jitters. Ultimately, the 'better' beverage depends on your personal sensitivity to caffeine and your desired effect. By understanding these differences, you can choose the drink that best suits your energy needs throughout the day.

For more information on general caffeine safety, you can reference this article from the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, on a dry weight basis, tea leaves do contain more caffeine than coffee beans. However, because you use far fewer leaves to brew a cup of tea than you use beans to brew a cup of coffee, the final beverage has less caffeine.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that promotes a relaxed but alert state. It works with caffeine to create a smoother, less jittery energy boost by slowing down caffeine absorption.

Absolutely. For tea, a longer steeping time and hotter water will extract more caffeine. For coffee, the brewing method (e.g., drip vs. espresso vs. cold brew) and temperature significantly influence the final caffeine content.

Surprisingly, lighter roast coffees often have slightly more caffeine by weight. While dark roasts are often perceived as stronger, the longer roasting process burns off some caffeine. However, the difference is minimal in most cases.

Sweet tea (or regular black tea) is generally a better choice for those sensitive to caffeine. Its lower overall caffeine content and the presence of L-theanine result in a gentler, more sustained energy increase without the anxiety or jitters often associated with coffee.

Sweet tea is typically made with black tea, which naturally contains caffeine. However, it can be made with decaffeinated black tea or herbal tea, which would make it caffeine-free. Always check the ingredients if you are concerned about caffeine content.

The sugar in sweet tea provides a separate, rapid energy spike from glucose, which can affect your overall energy levels. This can add to the stimulating effect of the caffeine, but it is a distinct physiological process.