Is ceylon tea high in caffeine?

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

With an average 8-ounce cup of black Ceylon tea containing between 50 and 90 milligrams of caffeine, it is often perceived as a potent brew. But is ceylon tea high in caffeine compared to other beverages, and what factors truly influence its strength?

Quick Summary

The caffeine content in Ceylon tea is moderate compared to coffee, with black Ceylon varieties having the most. Its strength is heavily influenced by the tea type and brewing method.

Key Points

Black Ceylon is moderate in caffeine: An 8-ounce cup of black Ceylon tea typically contains 50–90 mg of caffeine, roughly half the amount in a similar serving of coffee.
Variety influences content: The caffeine content of Ceylon tea varies significantly by type; black tea has the most, followed by green, with white tea containing the least.
Brewing matters: Factors like water temperature, steep time, and whether you use loose leaves or tea bags can increase or decrease the caffeine extracted into your cup.
L-Theanine provides a smoother lift: Ceylon tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works with caffeine to provide a calmer, more sustained energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee.
Customizable energy: By choosing different Ceylon tea types or adjusting your brewing method, you have control over the final caffeine level to suit your personal needs.
Not a single answer: The question of whether "Ceylon tea" is high in caffeine is complex because the term covers several tea varieties with different caffeine profiles.

Understanding the Caffeine in Ceylon Tea

Ceylon tea, sourced from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), is a diverse category that includes black, green, and white teas, all from the Camellia sinensis plant. The caffeine content in your cup is not a fixed value but a dynamic one, shaped by the type of tea and how it is processed and prepared. While the black variety is the most common and highest in caffeine, the spectrum of Ceylon teas means you can find a brew to fit any preference or time of day.

The Ceylon Difference: Tea Types and Processing

Black Ceylon Tea: This is the most widely recognized Ceylon tea, known for its brisk, robust, and full-bodied flavor. The leaves are fully oxidized (or fermented) during processing, which makes the caffeine more readily available for extraction. A typical 8-ounce cup contains a moderate amount of caffeine, approximately 50–90 mg, which is about half that of an average cup of coffee.
Green Ceylon Tea: Minimally processed and unoxidized, green Ceylon tea has a fresher, nutty flavor. The lower processing level results in a milder caffeine content, generally ranging from 20 to 45 mg per cup.
White Ceylon Tea: As the least processed variety, white Ceylon tea is often hand-picked and air-dried. This minimal processing gives it the lowest caffeine level of all Ceylon types, although the amount can still vary depending on the use of younger leaves and buds. The typical range is 6 to 55 mg per cup.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Levels

Beyond the type of tea, several brewing factors can significantly alter the final caffeine level in your cup.

Brewing Time: The longer the tea leaves are steeped in hot water, the more caffeine is released. A 5-minute steep will result in a more caffeinated brew than a 2-minute steep.
Water Temperature: Hotter water extracts caffeine and other compounds more efficiently. Black tea is typically brewed with hotter water (near boiling) to maximize extraction, while green and white teas use cooler water to prevent bitterness and yield a lower caffeine level.
Leaf Size and Form: Tea bags often contain smaller, broken leaves (fannings and dust), which have a larger surface area and release caffeine more quickly than larger, loose tea leaves. This is why tea bags can sometimes produce a more caffeinated brew in a shorter time.
Tea Plant Varietal: Different varietals of the Camellia sinensis plant naturally have varying caffeine levels. For example, the assamica varietal, often used for robust black teas, is typically higher in caffeine than the sinensis varietal.

Caffeine Comparison: Ceylon Tea vs. Other Beverages

To put Ceylon tea's caffeine content into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other common beverages.


Beverage	Average Caffeine (per 8 oz cup)	Notes
Black Ceylon Tea	50–90 mg	Moderate caffeine boost, half that of coffee.
Green Ceylon Tea	30–70 mg	Lower caffeine, smoother release.
White Ceylon Tea	6–55 mg	Lowest caffeine of true teas.
Brewed Coffee	95–165 mg	Significant caffeine kick, can cause jitters.
Matcha (Green Tea)	35–88+ mg	High due to consuming the entire powdered leaf.
Oolong Tea	30–60 mg	Partially oxidized, between green and black teas.
Herbal Tea	0 mg	Naturally caffeine-free, not from Camellia sinensis.

The Balanced Buzz: L-Theanine in Ceylon Tea

One of the most interesting aspects of tea is the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that works in harmony with caffeine. While caffeine provides an energy boost, L-theanine promotes a state of calm alertness, often smoothing out the jittery effects associated with higher caffeine intake from coffee. This unique synergy allows Ceylon tea to provide sustained energy and enhanced focus without the intense peak and crash. Black Ceylon contains L-theanine, but it is often found in higher concentrations in green teas.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

So, is Ceylon tea high in caffeine? The answer is nuanced. While black Ceylon tea is relatively high in caffeine compared to green or white teas, it is still only about half the amount of an average cup of coffee. The specific caffeine content is influenced by a number of factors, including the type of tea, brewing temperature, and steeping time. For those seeking a moderate and balanced energy lift without the jitters, Ceylon tea, especially the black variety, is an excellent choice. If you prefer less caffeine, green or white Ceylon options are readily available. By understanding these variables, you can tailor your brew to your desired caffeine level and enjoy all the rich flavor and health benefits this storied tea has to offer.

For more detailed information on brewing techniques to control caffeine levels, you can refer to the extensive resources available on specialized tea websites like ArtfulTea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, black Ceylon tea, due to its longer oxidation process, contains significantly more caffeine than green Ceylon tea. An average cup of black Ceylon can have 50–90 mg of caffeine, while green Ceylon typically has 20–45 mg.

Ceylon tea has considerably less caffeine than coffee. A cup of black Ceylon tea generally has about half the caffeine of a cup of brewed coffee, which contains 95–165 mg.

Yes, you can. To reduce caffeine, use slightly cooler water and shorten the steeping time. Using loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags can also help, as the larger leaves release caffeine more slowly.

L-Theanine is an amino acid naturally present in tea leaves. It promotes a state of calm alertness and works synergistically with caffeine to provide a smoother, more balanced energy boost without the jittery side effects.

No, Ceylon white tea is the lowest in caffeine among the Ceylon varieties. As the least processed tea, it generally contains the least caffeine, though the exact amount can vary.

Tea bags often contain smaller, broken leaf particles, which have a larger surface area. This can lead to a faster and more efficient extraction of caffeine compared to whole loose-leaf tea, potentially resulting in a higher caffeine level in a shorter brewing time.

While drinking Ceylon tea in moderation is generally considered safe during pregnancy, it's recommended to limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day. Since black Ceylon tea has a moderate caffeine count, limiting consumption is advised. Always consult a healthcare provider with any concerns.