How much caffeine is in puerh tea vs coffee?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

An 8oz cup of coffee typically contains between 95 and 200 mg of caffeine, a significantly higher amount than the 30 to 100 mg found in a comparable serving of puerh tea. This difference is a primary factor for many choosing between the two beverages for their daily energy boost.

Quick Summary

Puerh tea offers a gentler, more sustained energy lift with less caffeine per cup than coffee, making it ideal for those seeking a milder stimulant. Several factors influence the final caffeine amount in both drinks.

Key Points

Caffeine Concentration: Coffee contains significantly more caffeine per cup (95-200mg) than puerh tea (30-100mg), offering a more intense energy boost.
Energy Release: Puerh tea provides a slower, more sustained release of energy, while coffee delivers a faster, more abrupt jolt.
Influencing Factors: Puerh tea's caffeine content is influenced by its age (younger is higher), processing type (ripe often higher), and brewing method.
Processing Matters: Ripe (shou) puerh tea can have higher caffeine than raw (sheng) puerh, contrary to some beliefs.
L-Theanine Effect: Puerh tea's L-theanine content moderates caffeine absorption, creating a state of focused calm that counteracts the jitters.
Coffee Variation: Coffee's caffeine level varies based on bean type (Robusta higher), roast level (lighter is higher by scoop), and brewing method.

Understanding the Core Caffeine Differences

The most prominent difference in caffeine content between puerh tea and coffee is the concentration per serving. While a standard cup of coffee is known for its quick, powerful jolt, puerh tea provides a slower, more sustained release of energy. This is partly due to the presence of L-theanine in tea, an amino acid that works to moderate the effects of caffeine, promoting a state of calm alertness without the jitters often associated with coffee.

Factors Influencing Puerh Tea Caffeine

For puerh tea, the caffeine levels are not fixed and depend heavily on a few key factors. Unlike the popular misconception that older, darker teas have more caffeine, the opposite is often true.

Processing Type: There are two main types of puerh: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou). A study noted that ripe puerh undergoes a specific microbial fermentation process that can result in higher caffeine concentrations (60-70 mg per 8oz cup) compared to raw puerh (30-45 mg per 8oz cup).
Tea Plant Age and Leaf Type: Younger leaves and buds naturally contain more caffeine as it acts as a natural insecticide. Teas from older tea trees (Gu Shu) may also have higher caffeine due to more extensive root systems.
Brewing Parameters: The way you brew your puerh has a significant impact. Steeper water temperatures and longer steeping times will extract more caffeine from the leaves.
Aging Process: As puerh tea ages, some of the caffeine can break down, meaning that younger puerh will generally have a higher caffeine content than its aged counterparts.

Factors Influencing Coffee Caffeine

Coffee's caffeine content also varies based on several elements, which is why the range is so broad.

Bean Type: The two major species of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta beans have nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans, giving blends that use them a much higher caffeine kick.
Roast Level: Lighter roasts retain more of the bean's original mass, and thus, more caffeine by scoop. Darker roasts lose some caffeine during the roasting process due to the breakdown of coffee solids.
Brewing Method: Preparation style dramatically affects the caffeine level. A quick espresso shot has a smaller total caffeine amount than a large mug of drip coffee, though the espresso's concentration is higher. A cold brew, with its extended steeping time, typically has a higher caffeine concentration than regular hot-brewed coffee.

Puerh Tea vs. Coffee Caffeine Comparison Table


Feature	Puerh Tea	Coffee
Caffeine Range (8oz cup)	30mg - 100mg	95mg - 200mg+
Energy Boost	Slower, sustained, and balanced	Faster, quicker spike, and potential crash
L-Theanine Content	High; promotes calm alertness	Low; no calming amino acids
Processing Factor	Raw (Sheng) vs. Ripe (Shou); Aging	Bean type (Arabica vs. Robusta); Roast level
Health Benefits	Aids digestion, antioxidants, gut health	Improved cognitive function, athletic performance

A Note on Personal Sensitivity and Side Effects

While averages are useful, individual reactions to caffeine differ. Some people are highly sensitive to caffeine's stimulating effects, and for them, the more gradual boost from puerh tea may be a better option than coffee. The presence of L-theanine in tea further helps mitigate the negative side effects like anxiety, jitters, and a rapid heart rate that can be triggered by high caffeine intake. Excessive consumption of either beverage can lead to adverse effects, so moderation is key. Pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions should limit or avoid caffeine altogether and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. For general guidance on healthy caffeine consumption, the National Coffee Association provides helpful resources on its website: How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between puerh tea and coffee depends on your personal preferences and energy needs. If you seek a powerful and rapid energy spike, coffee is the clear winner, with a significantly higher average caffeine content. However, if you prefer a gentler, more sustained energy lift that promotes focus without the associated jitters, puerh tea is an excellent alternative. The variation within each beverage type—from brewing methods to processing and age—also allows for significant customization to meet your specific caffeine requirements. Understanding these nuances empowers you to make an informed decision for your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, decaf versions of puerh tea are available, offering a caffeine-free alternative for those who enjoy the flavor without the stimulant effect.

L-theanine is an amino acid in tea that promotes relaxation and can mitigate the jittery side effects of caffeine, resulting in a state of focused alertness.

Yes, ripe (shou) puerh typically has a higher caffeine content than raw (sheng) puerh, though this can vary based on brewing and age.

Yes, older, more aged puerh tea tends to have lower caffeine levels, as the caffeine breaks down over time during the fermentation and aging process.

Yes, puerh tea can be steeped multiple times. The first brew often contains the highest concentration of caffeine, with subsequent brews containing less.

A single shot of espresso (approx. 63mg) may contain a similar amount of caffeine to a cup of puerh tea, but a standard brewed coffee is much higher.

To reduce caffeine, you can use a shorter steeping time, slightly lower water temperature, or use older, more aged puerh leaves. Many enthusiasts also perform a quick rinse of the leaves to wash away surface caffeine and dust before the main brew.