Does Earl Grey Tea Have Potassium? A Detailed Look at Nutrition

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data from various manufacturers, a standard cup of brewed Earl Grey tea contains a small amount of potassium, typically around 25-37mg per 8-ounce serving. This mineral, while not present in a high concentration, contributes to the tea's overall composition and offers certain health benefits.

Quick Summary

Earl Grey tea contains a modest amount of potassium, a key mineral supporting nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and fluid balance. Its nutritional contribution depends on factors like brand and brewing method.

Key Points

Moderate Potassium: Earl Grey tea contains a small amount of potassium, typically 25-37mg per 8-ounce cup, but it is not a significant dietary source.
Source of Minerals: The potassium is primarily derived from the black tea leaves that form the base of the blend.
Supports Body Function: The mineral contributes to fluid balance, blood pressure regulation, and nerve function.
Rich in Antioxidants: Beyond potassium, Earl Grey is a good source of antioxidants and flavonoids from both the black tea and the bergamot oil.
Brewing Matters: The amount of potassium extracted can be influenced by brewing factors like steeping time and water temperature.
Not a Primary Source: For meeting daily potassium needs, it is more effective to consume whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
Other Benefits: It also provides a moderate amount of caffeine and can aid in hydration.

What is Earl Grey Tea?

Earl Grey is a classic black tea blend that has been flavored with oil of bergamot. Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit, and its oil is what gives the tea its distinctive floral and citrusy aroma. The base of this popular brew is typically black tea leaves, often sourced from regions like Sri Lanka (Ceylon) or China (Keemun). It is from these tea leaves that the minerals, including potassium, are primarily extracted during the brewing process.

Earl Grey Tea's Potassium Content: The Facts

Scientific analysis and nutrition labels confirm that brewed Earl Grey tea does contain potassium, but it is not considered a significant source for meeting daily nutritional needs. For perspective, here are some typical figures based on an 8-ounce (240ml) serving:

Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea: 37mg of potassium.
Bigelow Earl Grey Black Tea: 25mg of potassium.

This amount is a very small fraction of the recommended daily intake for an adult, which is typically around 3,400mg for men and 2,600mg for women. While the tea contributes to your overall intake, it should not be relied upon as a primary source of this essential mineral.

The Role of Potassium in the Body

Even in small amounts, the potassium present in Earl Grey tea supports vital bodily functions. Potassium is a crucial electrolyte that plays a key role in several physiological processes:

Maintaining Fluid Balance: It helps regulate the fluid and water balance both inside and outside cells.
Regulating Blood Pressure: Adequate potassium intake can help manage blood pressure by balancing out the effects of sodium, relaxing blood vessel walls.
Supporting Nerve Signals and Muscle Contractions: Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the heart.
Kidney Health: It aids the kidneys in the removal of excess sodium and may help prevent kidney stones.

Earl Grey Tea's Nutritional Profile Beyond Potassium

Beyond its modest potassium content, Earl Grey offers a range of other healthful compounds. The combination of black tea and bergamot oil provides a variety of antioxidants and flavonoids that contribute to its beneficial properties.

Other beneficial components in Earl Grey include:

Antioxidants: Black tea and bergamot are rich in antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
Flavonoids: These plant compounds have been studied for their potential to reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Caffeine: Earl Grey contains a moderate amount of caffeine, providing a gentle energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee.
Hydration: As a water-based beverage, Earl Grey contributes to overall daily hydration, with the potassium content helping to maintain fluid balance.

How Brewing Affects Mineral Content

The mineral content, including potassium, extracted from tea leaves is not static and can be influenced by several factors related to the brewing process. The longer the tea steeps, the more minerals and other compounds are typically released into the water. Using hotter water can also increase the extraction rate. Therefore, the strength of your brew directly correlates with its mineral concentration. For maximum flavor and mineral extraction, steeping for 3 to 5 minutes is often recommended. However, this will not dramatically increase the potassium levels to make it a significant dietary source.

Comparison Table: Potassium Content in Popular Beverages


Beverage	Potassium Content (mg per 8oz/cup)	Notes
Earl Grey Tea (Twinings)	~37mg	Brewed from black tea leaves and bergamot oil.
Earl Grey Tea (Bigelow)	~25mg	A different brand's typical potassium level.
Black Coffee	~116mg	Can vary based on brew strength and bean type.
Milk (low-fat)	~366mg	A much more concentrated source of potassium.
Banana	~422mg	A classic high-potassium food.

Conclusion: Is Earl Grey a Good Source of Potassium?

In conclusion, while Earl Grey tea does contain potassium, it is not considered a rich source. Its contribution to your daily potassium intake is minor, and you should rely on high-potassium foods like vegetables, fruits, and dairy to meet your nutritional needs. For more comprehensive information on potassium and its dietary sources, you can consult reputable nutrition guides such as the one from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source. The true value of Earl Grey lies in its delightful flavor profile and the antioxidants and flavonoids it provides, all contributing to a healthy lifestyle when enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

An average 8-ounce cup of brewed Earl Grey tea contains a small amount of potassium, typically ranging from 25 to 37 milligrams, depending on the brand and brewing method.

No, Earl Grey tea is not considered a good source of potassium. While it does contain the mineral, the quantity is very low compared to many foods, contributing only about 1% of the average daily value.

The potassium in Earl Grey tea is leached from the black tea leaves during the brewing process. The mineral content of the bergamot oil flavor is negligible in the final product.

Generally, coffee contains more potassium than Earl Grey tea. A typical 8-ounce cup of black coffee can contain over 100mg of potassium, significantly more than the 25-37mg found in a cup of Earl Grey.

While the potassium in Earl Grey tea can contribute to blood pressure regulation, the amount is too small to have a significant impact. You would need to consume high-potassium foods to see a noticeable effect.

Yes, steeping Earl Grey for a longer period will extract more minerals, including potassium, from the leaves into the water. However, this difference will be slight and will not make the tea a significant source of the mineral.

Much better sources of dietary potassium include fruits like bananas and oranges, vegetables such as potatoes and spinach, legumes, and dairy products.