Does Traditional Afternoon Tea Have Caffeine?

December 21, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that after water, tea is the world's most consumed beverage? When it comes to the classic English custom, the answer to 'does traditional afternoon tea have caffeine?' is a nuanced one that depends entirely on the specific tea leaves used.

Quick Summary

Traditional afternoon tea is typically served with black tea, which is caffeinated. However, a wide array of caffeine-free herbal teas are also available. Decaffeinated versions contain trace caffeine.

Key Points

Traditional Tea contains caffeine: Classic black teas like English Breakfast, common in afternoon tea, are made from the Camellia sinensis plant and are naturally caffeinated.
Herbal options are caffeine-free: Herbal infusions (tisanes) like chamomile, rooibos, and peppermint contain zero caffeine, as they are not derived from the tea plant.
Decaf means very low, not zero: Decaffeinated black or green teas have had most caffeine removed but still retain trace amounts, typically 2–5 mg per cup.
Brewing affects caffeine levels: Steeping time, water temperature, and leaf size all influence the final caffeine content in your cup.
Caffeine effect is different: Tea's caffeine is moderated by L-theanine, promoting a state of calm, focused alertness rather than the jitters sometimes associated with coffee.
You have a choice: Modern afternoon tea settings offer a choice of caffeinated, decaffeinated, or naturally caffeine-free infusions to accommodate all preferences.

The Traditional Brew: Caffeinated Black Tea

Traditionally, the beverage served during afternoon tea is black tea. All "true" teas—including black, green, white, and oolong—are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, which naturally contains caffeine. The black tea used for classic afternoon blends, such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey, is fully oxidized, giving it a strong, robust flavor and a moderate to high caffeine content compared to green or white teas.

How Much Caffeine is in Traditional Black Tea?

The caffeine content in black tea can vary significantly. An average 8-ounce cup typically contains between 40–70 mg of caffeine, less than a cup of coffee but a substantial amount for those sensitive to stimulants. Several factors influence the final caffeine level in your cup:

Tea Variety: Some black teas, like Assam, are naturally higher in caffeine due to the cultivar (Camellia sinensis var. assamica).
Leaf Size: Teas with smaller, more broken leaves, often found in teabags, release caffeine more quickly than whole-leaf teas.
Brewing Method: Using hotter water and steeping the tea for a longer time will extract more caffeine from the leaves.

Exploring Caffeine-Free Alternatives for Afternoon Tea

For those who prefer to avoid caffeine, there are two main options: naturally caffeine-free herbal infusions and decaffeinated true teas.

Naturally Caffeine-Free Herbal Infusions Herbal teas, or tisanes, are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, they are infusions of herbs, fruits, flowers, or spices, making them naturally caffeine-free. These are an excellent choice for afternoon tea, especially in the late afternoon or evening when caffeine is best avoided.

Rooibos (Redbush)
Chamomile
Peppermint
Fruit Infusions (e.g., raspberry, elderflower)
Ginger

Decaffeinated True Teas Decaffeinated tea starts as regular tea but undergoes a process to remove most of the caffeine. It is not entirely caffeine-free, typically retaining a small amount, around 2–5 mg per cup. Different decaffeination methods, like the gentle CO₂ process, are used to preserve as much flavor as possible.

Comparison: Caffeinated vs. Decaf vs. Herbal Tea


Feature	Caffeinated Black Tea	Decaffeinated Black Tea	Herbal Infusion (Tisane)
Origin	Camellia sinensis plant	Camellia sinensis plant	Other plants (herbs, flowers)
Caffeine Level	Moderate to high (40–70 mg)	Trace amounts (2–5 mg)	None (0 mg)
Flavor Profile	Robust, malty, sometimes astringent	Generally similar to regular tea, may be milder	Wide variety, floral, fruity, minty
Best For	Morning or afternoon energy boost	Enjoying tea flavor without the jitters	Any time, especially evening
Processing	Oxidized	Decaffeinated after processing	Dried, prepared differently

The Unique Effects of Tea Caffeine

Many tea drinkers report a different feeling from the caffeine in tea compared to coffee, which can be attributed to the amino acid L-theanine, also found in tea. L-theanine works synergistically with caffeine to promote a state of calm, mindful alertness rather than the sharp jitters or crash sometimes associated with coffee. This balanced effect makes tea a popular choice for sustained focus without over-stimulation, an ideal characteristic for a leisurely afternoon. The specific combination of compounds and their interaction with an individual's body chemistry means that the overall effect of tea is more complex than just its caffeine content alone.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Afternoon Cup

In summary, traditional afternoon tea, when served with classic black tea, does have caffeine. The level can vary based on several factors, including the type of tea and brewing method. However, the tradition has evolved to include a wide range of choices to suit every preference. For those seeking a truly caffeine-free experience, herbal infusions are the best choice. For those who enjoy the taste of black tea with minimal caffeine, decaffeinated options are available. The presence of L-theanine offers a gentler stimulant effect than coffee, making tea a truly unique and relaxing beverage for any time of day. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that best suits your personal taste and dietary needs.

For more information on the nutritional aspects of tea, you can consult reliable sources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Nutrition Source at https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/tea/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all true black tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant and contains caffeine. The only exception is if the tea has been specifically labeled and processed as decaffeinated.

Absolutely. Many venues that serve afternoon tea offer a selection of naturally caffeine-free herbal infusions, such as chamomile or rooibos, as an alternative to traditional tea.

The caffeine content can vary, but an average 8-ounce cup of black tea usually contains between 40–70 mg of caffeine. This is generally about half the amount in a cup of brewed coffee.

No, decaffeinated tea is not completely caffeine-free. The decaffeination process removes most of the caffeine, but a small, trace amount remains, typically around 2–5 mg per cup.

The key difference is their origin. 'True' tea (black, green, white) comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and contains caffeine, while herbal tea (or tisane) is made from other plants and is naturally caffeine-free.

The food components like finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries are generally caffeine-free. However, items containing chocolate will have some level of caffeine.

Yes, a longer steeping time and higher water temperature will extract more caffeine from the tea leaves. To reduce caffeine, you can steep for a shorter duration.