How Much Caffeine is in a 16oz Milk Tea?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. However, the exact amount in a 16oz milk tea varies significantly depending on the type of tea used and how it is prepared.

Quick Summary

The caffeine in a 16oz milk tea depends on the tea base, typically ranging from 30 mg to over 100 mg. Factors like steeping time and tea type affect the final content, which is generally lower than a standard cup of coffee.

Key Points

Variable Caffeine Content: The amount of caffeine in a 16oz milk tea is not standardized, varying significantly based on the tea type and preparation.
Black Tea Base is Highest: Milk tea made with a black tea base typically has the most caffeine, averaging around 40–60 mg per 16oz serving.
Green and Oolong are Lower: Green milk tea contains 30–45 mg, while oolong milk tea has 30–50 mg, making them lower-caffeine options.
Brewing Matters: Steeping time and water temperature directly impact caffeine extraction. Longer, hotter steeps yield more caffeine.
Ask for Herbal Alternatives: Caffeine-free options exist for milk teas, especially those that use herbal or fruit-based mixes instead of traditional tea.
Customize Your Order: Many boba shops allow you to adjust the tea strength, providing a simple way to control your caffeine intake.
Less than Coffee: In a head-to-head comparison, a 16oz milk tea almost always contains less caffeine than a brewed coffee of the same size.

Understanding Caffeine in Milk Tea

For many, milk tea is a delicious and comforting beverage, but understanding its caffeine content is key for managing your daily intake. The amount can fluctuate widely, making it difficult to pinpoint a single value without knowing the specifics. While boba pearls themselves contain no caffeine, the brewed tea base is the primary source of the stimulant.

The Role of Tea Type

Different types of tea leaves contain varying amounts of caffeine, which directly impacts the final milk tea. Black tea, for example, is the most common base for milk tea and contains a higher concentration of caffeine than green or oolong tea. Here's a general guideline for the caffeine content in a typical 16oz (473ml) milk tea, based on the tea type:

Black Tea Milk Tea: Approximately 40–60 mg per 16oz serving. Common in classic boba and traditional British-style milk teas. Varieties like Assam or Ceylon are known for their robust flavor and higher caffeine content.
Green Tea Milk Tea: Typically contains 30–45 mg per 16oz serving. Used for lighter, more refreshing milk teas, with bases like matcha or jasmine green tea.
Oolong Tea Milk Tea: Falls between black and green tea, with about 30–50 mg per 16oz serving. Oolong offers a complex, balanced flavor profile that pairs well with milk.
Herbal or Fruit-Based Milk Teas: Many milk tea shops offer options without a traditional tea base. These are usually caffeine-free, relying on fruit syrups or herbal infusions for flavor.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Levels

Beyond the base tea type, several other variables play a crucial role in determining the final caffeine amount. These factors explain why the same type of milk tea can have different caffeine levels at various establishments.

1. Brewing Time and Temperature: The longer tea leaves are steeped in hot water, the more caffeine is extracted. Similarly, higher water temperatures increase the rate of extraction. Some shops intentionally steep their tea for longer to achieve a stronger flavor, which also boosts the caffeine content.

2. Tea Leaf Grade and Quantity: Tea bags often contain broken or fannings-grade tea leaves, which release caffeine more quickly than whole-leaf teas. The amount of tea leaves used relative to the water volume is also critical. A stronger brew using more leaves will naturally have more caffeine.

3. Preparation Method: The overall recipe significantly affects the caffeine concentration. For instance, Hong Kong-style milk tea involves a lengthy boiling and straining process that creates a very potent tea base, leading to a higher caffeine level. Taiwanese-style boba, on the other hand, can vary widely based on the shop's standard preparation.

4. Customization: Many modern boba shops allow for customization, including adjusting the tea strength. Opting for a "less strong" or "light" tea base will reduce the caffeine, while ordering "extra strong" will increase it. Some shops also offer decaffeinated options.

Milk Tea vs. Coffee: A Caffeine Comparison

When evaluating a 16oz milk tea's caffeine content, it's helpful to compare it to other popular caffeinated beverages. While a typical 16oz black milk tea has around 40-60mg of caffeine, a brewed coffee of the same size is almost always higher. This comparison helps contextualize milk tea as a more moderate caffeine option.

A Comparative Look at Caffeine


Beverage (16oz)	Approx. Caffeine Content (mg)	Comparison Notes
Black Milk Tea	40-60	Moderate caffeine, often less than half of a standard coffee.
Green Milk Tea	30-45	Lower caffeine content, often smoother energy boost due to L-theanine.
Brewed Coffee	95-200	Varies significantly, but generally higher than most milk teas.
Energy Drink	80-200+	Highly concentrated and variable, often with other stimulants.

How to Manage Your Caffeine Intake

For those who are sensitive to caffeine or simply want to manage their intake, there are several simple strategies to employ when ordering or making milk tea:

Choose a Milder Base: Opt for green or oolong tea instead of black tea to start with a lower caffeine base.
Request Lighter Tea: At many boba shops, you can ask for a less concentrated tea brew. This will reduce both the flavor intensity and the caffeine.
Go Herbal: If a caffeine-free option is your goal, many fruit-based or taro-flavored drinks are made without any traditional tea base. Always ask the barista to be sure.
Consider a Smaller Size: Choosing a 12oz or 8oz drink instead of a 16oz will naturally decrease your total caffeine consumption. While not always an option, it is a straightforward way to manage intake.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Milk Tea Choice

The caffeine content in a 16oz milk tea is not a fixed number but a variable range influenced by several factors, including the type of tea, brewing methods, and customization options. On average, a black milk tea will have between 40-60mg of caffeine, while green and oolong versions contain less. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your personal health and energy needs, allowing you to enjoy your favorite beverage responsibly. For most people, a 16oz milk tea represents a moderate caffeine intake well within the daily recommendation of 400mg.

For additional health insights, consider exploring the health benefits of tea and how different types compare.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the tapioca pearls (boba) themselves do not contain caffeine. The caffeine in bubble milk tea comes from the tea base used in the drink, such as black or green tea.

Milk tea typically contains less caffeine than a standard cup of coffee. A 16oz black milk tea might have 40–60mg, while a same-sized coffee often has over 95mg, sometimes much more.

Yes, many milk tea shops offer caffeine-free options. These are usually fruit-based or herbal teas that do not use a traditional tea base, so be sure to ask.

Key factors include the type of tea (black has more than green), a longer steeping time, hotter water temperatures, and using more tea leaves or tea bags during preparation.

Generally, yes. The tea leaves used for green tea contain less caffeine than those for black tea. A green milk tea base will typically result in a lower caffeine beverage.

No, adding milk does not reduce the total amount of caffeine that has been extracted from the tea leaves. It only dilutes the overall concentration of the finished drink.

The best way is to order a green tea or oolong base and ask for it to be made with a lighter tea flavor. You can also specify less tea steeping time if the shop allows.