How Much Coffee is in a London Fog? The surprising answer is none

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite being a popular café item, a traditional London Fog contains zero coffee, relying instead on a robust Earl Grey tea base. This creamy drink combines steeped tea with steamed milk and vanilla, offering a comforting alternative for those seeking less caffeine.

Quick Summary

A London Fog is a tea-based latte featuring Earl Grey, vanilla, and steamed milk. It contains no coffee, with its caffeine derived solely from the black tea base.

Key Points

Zero Coffee: A traditional London Fog is a tea latte and contains no coffee.
Earl Grey Base: The drink's primary ingredient is black Earl Grey tea, flavored with bergamot.
Caffeine Present: It does contain caffeine, but only from the Earl Grey tea, which is significantly less than a standard cup of coffee.
Vancouver Origin: The London Fog is believed to have originated in Vancouver, Canada, despite its name.
Dirty Fog Variation: A 'Dirty London Fog' is a variant that adds a shot of espresso for those who want coffee.
Key Ingredients: The standard components are Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup.

The London Fog: A Tea, Not Coffee, Concoction

For many, the sight of a frothy, comforting London Fog is a welcome alternative to a standard coffee-based drink. But for those asking 'how much coffee is in a London Fog?', the answer is definitively none. This beverage is an Earl Grey tea latte, its name and texture reminiscent of a cloudy day, not a coffee shop menu item.

What is in a London Fog?

At its core, a London Fog is a deceptively simple yet satisfying drink. The key components are:

Earl Grey Tea: A black tea flavored with the citrusy oil of bergamot, which gives the drink its signature floral aroma.
Steamed Milk: Whole milk or plant-based alternatives like oat milk or almond milk are used to create a rich, creamy texture and a luxurious foam topping.
Vanilla Syrup: A touch of vanilla adds a gentle sweetness that balances the boldness of the black tea and the bitterness of the bergamot.
Sweetener: While vanilla syrup adds sweetness, additional sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be added to taste.

The All-Important Caffeine Question

While there is no coffee, a London Fog does contain caffeine due to its Earl Grey black tea base. This makes it a great option for those who want a warm, energizing drink without the high caffeine content or intense flavor of espresso. The caffeine amount can vary based on several factors, including the type of tea used and how long it is steeped.

London Fog vs. Coffee: A Caffeine Comparison


Characteristic	London Fog	Typical Coffee (8 oz)
Base Ingredient	Earl Grey Tea	Espresso or Coffee
Caffeine Content (Average)	30-60 mg	95-120 mg
Caffeine Release	Smoother, more sustained energy thanks to L-theanine	Quicker energy boost, can sometimes cause jitters
Dominant Flavor	Floral bergamot, creamy vanilla	Robust, earthy roasted coffee bean
Origin of Name	Named for its foggy appearance, likely from Vancouver, Canada	Historically and geographically varied

The 'Dirty' London Fog: When Coffee is Added

For those who love the flavor profile but still want an espresso kick, there is a popular variation called the 'Dirty London Fog'. This version adds a shot of espresso to the traditional tea latte. It is important to note that this is a modification of the classic recipe and not the standard preparation.

A Simple Step-by-Step Recipe

Here is how you can make a London Fog at home:

Steep the tea: Brew 1-2 Earl Grey tea bags or loose-leaf tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor and caffeine.
Heat the milk: Warm your milk of choice in a saucepan on the stovetop or with a milk frother until hot and foamy. Avoid boiling.
Combine flavors: In your mug, add vanilla syrup and any extra sweetener to the steeped tea.
Assemble: Pour the frothed milk over the tea mixture. Add the milk foam on top and serve immediately.

This simple process demonstrates how the drink is built entirely on a tea base, with coffee nowhere in sight. For more detailed recipes, you can consult sites like Food Network.

Conclusion

In summary, the London Fog is a beloved café beverage that contains no coffee whatsoever. Its composition is based on Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup, making it a delicious, aromatic alternative to traditional coffee drinks. While it does contain caffeine, it is a milder, gentler boost than what is found in espresso. So next time you're craving a warm, comforting treat, you can confidently order a London Fog, knowing exactly what's in your cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a traditional London Fog is not made with coffee. It is a tea latte that uses Earl Grey tea as its base, along with steamed milk and vanilla syrup.

A London Fog's caffeine comes from its Earl Grey black tea base. The amount can vary but is typically between 30 and 60 mg per serving, much less than a standard cup of coffee.

A London Fog has a unique flavor profile combining the citrusy, floral notes of bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea with the creamy sweetness of vanilla and steamed milk.

A London Fog is essentially a specific type of Earl Grey latte. It includes the addition of vanilla syrup and a sweetener, which an Earl Grey latte may not necessarily have, though the terms are often used interchangeably.

Yes, you can easily make a decaf London Fog by using decaffeinated Earl Grey tea bags. This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavor without the caffeine.

A 'Dirty London Fog' is a popular variation that includes a shot of espresso in addition to the Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla, for those who want the flavor of both coffee and tea.

The London Fog is believed to have originated in Vancouver, Canada, in the early 1990s, not London, England, despite its name.