Is Orange Pekoe tea caffeine? The definitive guide

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Contrary to a common misconception, Orange Pekoe is a grade of black tea, not a flavor. Because it is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, the question 'Is Orange Pekoe tea caffeine?' is answered with a definitive yes. Its caffeine levels, while moderate, can vary depending on several key factors.

Quick Summary

Orange Pekoe is a black tea grade containing moderate caffeine levels, typically less than coffee. The exact amount depends on the brewing method and the specific leaf grade.

Key Points

Caffeine Content: Yes, Orange Pekoe, as a black tea, contains a moderate amount of caffeine, typically ranging from 40-70mg per 8-ounce cup.
Grading, not Flavor: The term 'Orange Pekoe' refers to a grade of black tea, indicating whole leaves of a specific size, and has no association with orange flavor or the fruit.
Less than Coffee: An average cup of Orange Pekoe has about half the caffeine of a standard cup of coffee, providing an alert effect without the intense jitters.
Factors Affecting Caffeine: The actual caffeine amount is influenced by the tea grade (e.g., higher tip content), brewing time, water temperature, and the tea's origin.
Decaffeinated Options: For those avoiding caffeine, decaffeinated versions of Orange Pekoe are available from various tea companies.
Rich in Antioxidants: Like other black teas, Orange Pekoe is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols that offer significant health benefits, including heart health support.
Contains L-theanine: This amino acid works with caffeine to provide a focused, calm energy boost.

Understanding Orange Pekoe: The Black Tea Grade

Before diving into its caffeine content, it's crucial to understand what Orange Pekoe is. The term does not signify a flavor, as many people assume, nor does it contain any orange fruit. Instead, Orange Pekoe, or OP, is a specific grade of black tea leaves used in Western trade, primarily for teas from India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. It indicates that the tea is composed of whole, unprocessed leaves of a particular size. Higher grades, such as Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP) or Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (TGFOP), include younger leaves and buds, often yielding a more delicate flavor.

The Origins Behind the Confusing Name

The etymology of the term 'Orange Pekoe' has two popular theories. The most widely accepted theory traces the 'Orange' to the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau, who were prominent tea traders in the 17th century. The tea was supposedly branded with the family's name to denote high quality. The word 'Pekoe' is likely derived from the Chinese term 'bai hao' (or 'pak-ho'), meaning 'white down,' which refers to the fine, white hairs on the young tea buds.

The Caffeine in Orange Pekoe Tea

As a black tea, Orange Pekoe is fully oxidized, a process that influences its chemical composition, including caffeine levels. Consequently, a standard cup does contain a noticeable amount of caffeine, making it a reliable source for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up. However, its caffeine kick is often described as smoother and more stable than coffee's, thanks to the presence of the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes alertness and focus without the intense jitters.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Content

The caffeine in your cup of Orange Pekoe is not a static number. Several variables can alter the final potency:

Tea Grade: Higher grades like FOP, which contain more of the young, caffeinated buds and tips, can sometimes have a higher caffeine content than a basic OP.
Brewing Time: Steeping the tea for a longer duration allows more caffeine to be extracted from the leaves. A 5-minute steep will be more potent than a 3-minute one.
Water Temperature: Using hotter water facilitates a faster and more complete extraction of caffeine. Optimal brewing temperature for black tea is just off the boil.
Leaf Size: Broken-leaf grades (e.g., BOP) have a larger surface area, leading to a faster and more intense caffeine release compared to whole-leaf OP grades.
Serving Size: The amount of tea used per cup directly impacts the caffeine concentration. More tea leaves or a larger cup will naturally contain more caffeine.

Orange Pekoe Caffeine vs. Other Beverages

While Orange Pekoe provides a stimulant effect, its caffeine content is generally moderate when compared to coffee. For an 8-ounce cup, Orange Pekoe tea typically contains 40-70 mg of caffeine, about half the amount found in a similar-sized cup of black coffee. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a less intense caffeine experience. The caffeine content also varies when compared to other teas originating from the Camellia sinensis plant.


Beverage	Typical Caffeine Content (8 oz)	Notes
Orange Pekoe Tea	40-70 mg	Black tea grade, moderate oxidation.
Black Coffee	80-185 mg	Stronger stimulant effect, often quicker onset.
Green Tea	20-45 mg	Less oxidized, lower caffeine content.
White Tea	15-30 mg	Least processed, often lowest caffeine of traditional teas.
Decaffeinated Black Tea	1-5 mg	Very low, processed to remove most caffeine.

Health Benefits of Orange Pekoe Tea

Beyond the caffeine, Orange Pekoe, like other black teas, is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds are potent antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radicals and support overall wellness.

Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption of black tea has been linked to improved heart health, including reduced blood pressure and lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol.
Enhanced Focus: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in black tea can improve alertness and focus without the nerviness often caused by coffee.
Digestive Aid: Its natural astringent properties may aid digestion and soothe minor stomach issues.
Immune System Support: Black tea contains antimicrobial properties that may help boost the immune system.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question "Is Orange Pekoe tea caffeine?" is yes, as it is a type of black tea derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, the term refers to a specific grading of the whole leaf, not a flavor. The caffeine content is moderate, typically providing a gentle lift in energy without the intense jitters of coffee. A wide range of factors, including the specific grade and brewing method, can affect the final caffeine level in your cup. This combination of moderate caffeine, health benefits from antioxidants, and a smooth flavor profile makes Orange Pekoe a perennial favorite for tea drinkers worldwide.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the name refers to the Dutch royal House of Orange and the coppery color of the tea, not the fruit or its flavor.

Orange Pekoe is a specific grade within the black tea category, designating whole leaves of a certain size. Not all black teas are Orange Pekoe, but all Orange Pekoe teas are black teas.

An 8-ounce cup generally contains between 40 and 70 milligrams of caffeine, but this can fluctuate based on brewing method.

Yes, many brands offer a decaffeinated option of their Orange Pekoe black tea for those who are sensitive to caffeine.

Yes, steeping for a longer period will extract more caffeine from the leaves, resulting in a more potent cup.

While both have benefits, Orange Pekoe has less caffeine than coffee and contains L-theanine, which provides a more stable energy lift without the sharp jitters often associated with coffee.

Some studies suggest the polyphenols in black tea may assist with weight management by helping regulate sugar levels, but this is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.