Does Thai Green Tea Have a Lot of Caffeine?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

While standard green tea typically contains a moderate amount of caffeine (around 20-45 mg per 8-ounce cup), Thai green tea is a different blend that includes jasmine green tea and can have a caffeine level ranging from 20-30 mg per cup. This means it has a noticeable but generally moderate amount of caffeine, less than traditional Thai black tea or coffee.

Quick Summary

Thai green tea is a unique blend featuring jasmine green tea as its base, resulting in a moderate caffeine content. Factors like brewing time, water temperature, and tea-to-water ratio all impact the final caffeine level. It's generally less caffeinated than standard Thai iced tea (made with black tea) or coffee.

Key Points

Moderate Caffeine: Thai green tea contains a moderate level of caffeine, typically 20-30 mg per 8-ounce serving, notably less than coffee.
Black Tea is Higher: Traditional Thai iced tea, which uses black tea, has a higher caffeine content (40-60 mg) than the green tea version.
Brewing Matters: Steeping time, water temperature, and the tea-to-water ratio all significantly impact the final caffeine level in your cup.
L-Theanine Effect: Like other green teas, it contains L-theanine, which provides a calmer, more focused energy compared to the jittery effect of coffee.
Adjustable Intake: You can control your caffeine consumption by adjusting brewing variables like shorter steeping time, cooler water, and using less tea mix.
Milk Dilutes: Adding milk and ice, a common practice for Thai iced tea, helps dilute the total caffeine concentration in the final drink.

Understanding Thai Green Tea's Caffeine Content

Thai green tea, often seen as a vibrant green iced beverage in Thai restaurants, is a variation of the more common, orange-hued Thai iced tea (which is made from black tea). This version uses jasmine green tea as its base, along with other ingredients like pandan, vanilla, and mint, giving it a distinctive flavor profile. The caffeine level is an important consideration for many drinkers, especially those sensitive to stimulants or watching their intake.

Caffeine Comparison: Thai Green Tea vs. Other Beverages

An 8-ounce cup of Thai green tea (made with jasmine green tea) contains approximately 20-30 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, placing it in the moderate range. For comparison, an 8-ounce serving of regular brewed green tea has 25-45 mg, while Thai Iced Tea (Black Tea Base) contains 40-60 mg. Regular brewed coffee is significantly higher with 95-200 mg per 8 oz, and Matcha green tea is around 70 mg as you consume the entire tea leaf. This demonstrates that Thai green tea offers a milder energy boost than coffee and even traditional Thai black tea. The presence of L-theanine in green tea also contributes to a smoother, more focused alertness.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels

The caffeine concentration in Thai green tea is influenced by several factors, allowing for some customization of your drink.

Key Factors Affecting Caffeine Extraction:

Brewing Time: Longer steeping times extract more caffeine. A shorter steep (2-3 minutes) results in lower caffeine, while a longer one (5+ minutes) yields a higher amount.
Water Temperature: Hotter water increases caffeine extraction efficiency. Brewing with water between 160-175°F is recommended for green teas to manage both bitterness and caffeine levels.
Tea-to-Water Ratio: A higher concentration of tea leaves relative to water will increase caffeine content. Using less of a pre-packaged mix can also reduce caffeine.
Tea Leaf Quality and Form: Crushed leaves or tea bags release caffeine faster than whole leaves. Matcha, being powdered leaf, has the highest caffeine.

A Comparison of Popular Caffeinated Drinks


Beverage (8 oz serving)	Approximate Caffeine Content (mg)	Notes
Thai Green Tea	20-30	A moderate, balanced energy boost.
Thai Iced Tea (Black Tea)	40-60	Stronger caffeine kick than its green counterpart.
Standard Green Tea	25-45	Varies based on type and brewing method.
Matcha	~70	Much higher due to consuming the whole leaf.
Brewed Coffee	95-200	Varies widely based on bean and brew strength.
Energy Drink	72-80	Often includes other stimulants and high sugar.
Decaf Green Tea	<12	Very low caffeine content, for those sensitive.

How to Control Caffeine Intake in Your Thai Green Tea

To manage your caffeine consumption when preparing Thai green tea, consider these steps:

Shorten Steeping Time: Aim for 2-3 minutes instead of longer durations.
Use Cooler Water: Brew in the 160-175°F range.
Modify the Ratio: Use fewer tea leaves or less mix per cup.
Consider Cold Brewing: This method results in slower, more controlled caffeine extraction.
Dilute with Milk: Adding condensed milk and ice not only adds creaminess but also dilutes the overall caffeine concentration.

Conclusion: A Moderate and Manageable Boost

Thai green tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, generally comparable to or slightly less than regular green tea and considerably less than coffee. For most individuals, this level provides a gentle energy lift without the intensity of higher-caffeine drinks. The presence of L-theanine also contributes to a smoother, more focused energy. By adjusting brewing factors, you can easily control the caffeine level to match your preference and sensitivity. Further information on different green tea options can be found through resources like the T2 Tea website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional Thai iced tea is made with black tea and has an orange color, while Thai green tea uses jasmine green tea as its base. They have different flavor profiles and caffeine levels.

Thai green tea has significantly less caffeine than coffee. A typical 8-ounce cup contains 20-30 mg of caffeine, whereas the same amount of coffee can have 95-200 mg.

Yes, you can reduce the caffeine by using a shorter steeping time, cooler water, and a lower tea-to-water ratio when preparing it.

The moderate caffeine content (20-30 mg) is generally not enough to cause sleeplessness for most people, but individual sensitivity varies. The presence of L-theanine also contributes to a milder stimulating effect.

Both teas offer antioxidants, but the health benefits depend on the overall preparation. The black tea version is often higher in caffeine, while the green tea variant has L-theanine. However, both are typically very high in sugar and calories due to condensed milk, which can negate health benefits.

Thai green tea has considerably less caffeine than matcha. While Thai green tea has 20-30 mg per cup, matcha has around 70 mg because you consume the entire ground tea leaf.

Yes, the bright green color is often from artificial food coloring and is not a natural shade. It helps to make the drink's color stand out and remain consistent.