How much caffeine does boba contain? Your complete guide

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

The caffeine content in a standard boba drink can vary widely, from zero in some fruit-based or herbal varieties to over 80mg in stronger black tea or matcha versions. This depends heavily on the type of tea used and how it is prepared, making it crucial for consumers to understand how to manage their intake.

Quick Summary

Boba's caffeine level is determined by its tea base and brewing method. Options range from high-caffeine black tea to moderate green tea, and many tea-free options are naturally caffeine-free.

Key Points

Caffeine Source: The caffeine in boba comes from the tea base (black, green, oolong, matcha), not the tapioca pearls.
Varying Levels: Caffeine content is not uniform, varying significantly based on the type of tea used and how it is brewed.
Lower Than Coffee: The majority of boba drinks contain considerably less caffeine than a typical cup of coffee, making it a milder option for a pick-me-up.
Caffeine-Free Options: Many popular boba drinks, such as taro milk tea, brown sugar milk, and fruit slushes without a tea base, are naturally caffeine-free.
Customization: You can customize your boba by choosing a milder tea base (like green or oolong), opting for decaf, or selecting a tea-free option to control your caffeine intake.
Brewing Impacts: Factors like steeping time and water temperature during brewing can also affect the final caffeine level of your drink.

The Source of Caffeine in Boba

The most important detail to understand about boba is that the tapioca pearls themselves are not the source of any caffeine. These chewy spheres are made from cassava root starch and are essentially carbohydrates. The energy boost you get from a bubble tea comes exclusively from the tea base used to make the drink. This includes classic black, green, and oolong teas, as well as matcha, which is a concentrated form of green tea powder. The amount of caffeine can be influenced by several factors beyond just the tea type, giving you more control over your beverage than you might think.

Tea Type Matters

The variety of tea used as the base is the most significant factor determining caffeine levels. Black tea, for example, contains more caffeine than green or oolong tea. For boba drinks, the most common bases are:

Black Tea: A classic choice for milk tea, it provides the most substantial caffeine kick among the tea varieties, with some black teas like Assam being particularly potent.
Matcha: Made from finely powdered green tea leaves, matcha contains a higher concentration of caffeine than standard green tea.
Green Tea: Offering a milder caffeine boost, green tea is a popular base for many fruit teas.
Oolong Tea: This semi-oxidized tea typically falls in the middle range of caffeine content, between black and green tea.
Herbal Tea: Certain bubble teas use herbal infusions like chamomile or ginger, which are naturally caffeine-free.

The Importance of Brewing

Beyond the tea type, the preparation method significantly impacts the final caffeine level. A few key variables are at play:

Brewing Time: The longer the tea leaves steep in hot water, the more caffeine is extracted. While most boba shops follow a standard process, you can control this when making boba at home.
Water Temperature: Hotter water temperatures tend to extract more caffeine from the tea leaves. Again, this is a factor more easily controlled in home brewing.
Serving Size: A larger drink simply contains more of the brewed tea, and therefore more total caffeine.

Boba Caffeine Levels by Tea Type

While exact figures can vary by vendor, brewing method, and size, the following table provides a general comparison of approximate caffeine levels in a standard 16-ounce (500ml) boba drink, along with a few common alternatives.


Drink Type	Approximate Caffeine (16 oz)	Notes
Black Milk Tea	40–80 mg	Higher range for strong Assam tea.
Matcha Milk Tea	25–70 mg	Varies depending on matcha grade and concentration.
Green Milk Tea	20–30 mg	Milder option, often used for fruit-flavored teas.
Oolong Milk Tea	25–50 mg	Moderate caffeine level, between black and green tea.
Classic Coffee	95–200 mg	Significantly higher than most boba teas.
Herbal/Taro/Fruit (No Tea Base)	0 mg	Caffeine-free options are widely available.

Customizing Your Boba for Lower or Zero Caffeine

If you are sensitive to caffeine or simply prefer a decaffeinated drink, you have plenty of choices when ordering boba.

Caffeine-Free Boba Options:

Taro Milk Tea: This popular, nutty-flavored drink is often made with taro powder and milk, with no tea base involved. Always confirm with your server, as some recipes may include a green tea base.
Brown Sugar Milk: A delicious trend featuring brown sugar-syrup-coated boba pearls and fresh milk, with no tea base.
Fruit Slushes and Purees: Many fruit-based drinks are made with ice, flavorings, and fruit puree, omitting the tea entirely.
Herbal Teas: Some shops offer naturally caffeine-free bases like wintermelon, hibiscus, or ginger tea.
Decaffeinated Tea: While less common than in coffee shops, some boba vendors may offer decaffeinated tea bases.

How to Request Lower Caffeine:

Choose a green tea or oolong base over black tea.
Ask for a shorter brew time, if ordering from a shop that customizes this.
Go for a smaller size, as larger servings contain more brewed tea.
Specify a caffeine-free base explicitly when ordering to avoid any confusion.

Conclusion: Boba vs. Coffee and Beyond

In conclusion, the amount of caffeine in boba depends entirely on the tea base, brewing process, and serving size, with the tapioca pearls contributing none. Most boba drinks have a moderate caffeine level, typically much lower than a standard cup of coffee. This makes boba a great choice for those seeking a less intense energy boost or for a relaxing afternoon treat. By understanding the different tea bases and their caffeine content, you can easily customize your boba drink to your preference, from a stimulating black milk tea to a completely caffeine-free fruit slush. For health-conscious consumers, options exist to reduce sugar and calories as well, further personalizing this popular beverage.

For more information on the health aspects of boba, you can visit WebMD's guide on boba tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the tapioca pearls themselves do not contain any caffeine. They are made from cassava root starch and are essentially carbohydrates. The caffeine content comes from the tea base of the drink.

Taro milk tea is often caffeine-free, as it is typically made with taro powder and milk rather than a tea base. However, it is always best to confirm with your barista, as some recipes may include a small amount of tea.

Boba tea generally has a much lower caffeine content than coffee. A standard cup of coffee contains 95mg or more, while most boba teas have between 20 and 80mg, depending on the tea type.

Boba drinks made with a black tea base, such as Classic Black Milk Tea, tend to have the most caffeine. Some variations using specific black teas like Assam can have a higher concentration.

Yes, many completely caffeine-free boba drinks are available. Look for options like taro milk, brown sugar milk, fruit slushes, or drinks made with herbal tea bases like wintermelon or hibiscus.

Yes, you can customize your order to reduce caffeine. You can choose a green or oolong tea base, ask for a shorter steeping time, or opt for a smaller drink size.

Matcha boba contains a moderate amount of caffeine, typically more than regular green tea but less than a strong coffee. A standard serving may contain anywhere from 25 to 70mg, depending on the grade and concentration of the matcha.