Does Sweet Tea Have Caffeine in It? The Comprehensive Guide

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While sweet tea is a beloved Southern staple, many don't realize that its caffeine content can vary widely. So, does sweet tea have caffeine in it? Yes, but the amount depends significantly on the type of tea used and how it's prepared.

Quick Summary

Sweet tea brewed from traditional black tea leaves contains a moderate amount of caffeine. The exact level is affected by the type of tea and brewing time. Decaffeinated and herbal options provide alternatives with little to no caffeine.

Key Points

Caffeine Source: Traditional sweet tea, made with black tea leaves, naturally contains a moderate amount of caffeine, typically less than coffee.
Factors Affecting Strength: The amount of caffeine can be controlled by adjusting the tea type (black vs. green), steeping time, and water temperature.
Decaf Isn't Zero Caffeine: Decaffeinated sweet tea contains only trace amounts of caffeine, as the process doesn't remove it completely.
Naturally Caffeine-Free Options: Herbal infusions like rooibos or mint are naturally caffeine-free bases for making sweet tea.
Sugar is a Concern: The primary health issue with sweet tea is not caffeine but the high sugar content, which can counteract the tea's natural antioxidant benefits.
Better Health, Same Flavor: Switching to decaf tea or herbal infusions, along with low-calorie sweeteners, provides a healthier sweet tea alternative.

The Answer: Yes, But It Depends

At its core, sweet tea is made from tea leaves, and tea leaves contain caffeine naturally. The most common variety used for sweet tea, black tea, has a moderate caffeine level. However, the notion that all sweet tea contains caffeine is misleading. The final caffeine concentration is a moving target, influenced by several factors. Understanding these elements can help you control your intake, whether you're seeking a gentle energy boost or avoiding stimulants altogether.

What Type of Tea Are We Talking About?

Sweet tea is a style of preparation, not a specific type of tea leaf. Traditional Southern sweet tea is almost always made with black tea, which is from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that produces all caffeinated tea. The level of caffeine present is largely a function of the type of tea leaf and the brewing process. Here's a quick look at how different tea types stack up:

Black Tea: The highest caffeine content among true teas. A typical 8-ounce serving can have between 40-60mg, though this can vary wildly.
Green Tea: Contains less caffeine than black tea, with an 8-ounce serving typically around 30mg.
White Tea: The least processed of the true teas, with the lowest caffeine content, around 6mg per 8-ounce serving.
Herbal Tea: These are not true teas but infusions (or 'tisanes') from other plants, such as mint, chamomile, or rooibos. They are naturally caffeine-free and are excellent for making sweet tea without any caffeine.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Content

Beyond the base tea type, several steps in the brewing process can dramatically alter the final caffeine level:

Steeping Time: The longer the tea leaves steep, the more caffeine is extracted into the water. A short, five-minute steep will result in a lower caffeine concentration than a 20-minute steep.
Water Temperature: Hotter water extracts caffeine more efficiently. While some iced tea recipes call for cold brewing, most traditional sweet tea recipes use boiling water for a strong, quick brew.
Tea-to-Water Ratio: Using more tea bags or loose leaves for a given volume of water will increase the final caffeine concentration.
Commercial vs. Homemade: The caffeine content can differ between brands. For instance, commercial sweet teas from fast-food chains might have slightly different levels than homemade versions, depending on their brewing process and portion size.

Comparison Table: Sweet Tea vs. Other Caffeinated Beverages

This table illustrates how the moderate caffeine level in sweet tea compares to other popular drinks based on a 16 fl oz serving:


Beverage	Type	Caffeine per 16 fl oz	Notes
Sweet Tea (Homemade)	Tea	~41 mg	Based on standard black tea brew.
Sweet Tea (Chick-fil-A)	Commercial	~62 mg	Higher concentration due to brand recipe.
Coffee (Average Brew)	Coffee	~90-190 mg	Significantly higher than sweet tea.
Energy Drink (Bang)	Energy Drink	300 mg	Extremely high concentration.
Green Tea (Hot)	Tea	~29 mg	Lower caffeine than black tea.

Health Considerations and Alternatives

While the caffeine content in sweet tea is generally lower than coffee, the high sugar content is a more significant health concern. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks, including sweet tea, has been linked to potential issues like weight gain and fluctuations in blood sugar. The antioxidants present in the tea leaves can provide health benefits, but for many, the added sugar can negate these effects.

For those who want to reduce their caffeine and sugar intake, there are alternatives:

Decaffeinated Tea: Using decaffeinated black or green tea bags is a great way to retain the tea flavor with very low caffeine levels. While not entirely caffeine-free, the amount is negligible for most people.
Herbal Tea: Opting for naturally caffeine-free herbal options like rooibos, hibiscus, or mint can provide a flavorful and healthy base for your sweet tea. Rooibos, in particular, offers a taste similar to black tea.
Natural Sweeteners: For sweetening, consider natural, low-calorie options like stevia, monk fruit, or allulose instead of refined sugar.
Reduce Sugar Gradually: If you're used to very sweet tea, gradually reducing the amount of sugar over time can help your palate adjust.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Sweet Tea Choice

Ultimately, the question of whether sweet tea has caffeine is answered by looking at its ingredients and preparation. Traditional sweet tea, made with black tea, does contain caffeine, though typically less than coffee. The amount can be controlled by your brewing method. However, for those seeking a truly caffeine-free version, the solution lies in switching to decaffeinated or herbal tea bases. With a deeper understanding of the brewing process and a willingness to explore alternatives, you can enjoy this refreshing beverage in a way that suits your personal health goals. For further information on the effects of caffeine, you can consult reliable health sources.

Visit the British Heart Foundation for insights on decaf beverages and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical 16-ounce glass of sweet tea, brewed from black tea, contains approximately 40-60mg of caffeine, though this can vary widely.

Yes, but only in trace amounts. The decaffeination process removes most, but not all, of the caffeine, leaving a negligible amount.

Sweet tea generally contains significantly less caffeine than coffee. An average cup of coffee can have more than double the caffeine of a 16-ounce glass of sweet tea.

Yes, you can. The best way is to use a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea, such as rooibos, hibiscus, or mint, as the base.

Yes, the longer you steep the tea bags, the more caffeine is released into the brew. Shorter steeping times will produce a less caffeinated beverage.

The main concern is the high sugar content, which can increase calorie intake and impact blood sugar levels. The sugar can also offset some of the health benefits of the antioxidants in tea.

Commercial sweet tea brands and restaurants can have varying caffeine levels. For example, some search results suggest Chick-fil-A's sweet tea is higher in caffeine than a typical homemade version.