Is there any caffeine in sweet tea?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

While the roots of tea drinking trace back to Asia, the American tradition of sweet tea is a Southern staple. The short answer to whether it contains caffeine is yes, since traditional sweet tea is typically brewed using black tea leaves, which naturally contain this stimulant.

Quick Summary

Most sweet tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine because it is traditionally made with caffeinated black tea. The exact amount varies by factors like brew time, temperature, and tea type. Decaffeinated versions offer a caffeine-free alternative.

Key Points

Yes, most sweet tea has caffeine: Traditional recipes use black tea, which naturally contains caffeine.
Caffeine content varies greatly: The exact amount depends on the tea used, brewing time, and temperature, with an 8-ounce serving typically having 20–50 mg.
Decaf sweet tea is an option: You can make or purchase decaffeinated versions for a caffeine-free experience.
Less caffeine than coffee: Sweet tea offers a milder energy boost compared to a standard cup of coffee, which contains significantly more caffeine.
DIY decaffeination is possible: A quick 30-60 second pre-steep can remove most of the caffeine from regular tea bags.
Herbal teas offer an alternative: Using naturally caffeine-free herbal tea varieties can produce a sweet tea without any caffeine.
Brewing methods impact caffeine extraction: Longer steeping and hotter water both increase the amount of caffeine released into the tea.

The Science Behind Sweet Tea's Caffeine

To understand why sweet tea contains caffeine, one must first look at its main ingredient: black tea. All tea leaves come from the evergreen shrub Camellia sinensis, which contains varying levels of the alkaloid caffeine. The amount of caffeine extracted depends on several factors, including the processing method and brewing technique. Black tea is a fully oxidized form of the leaf, which leads to a more robust flavor and makes the caffeine more readily available during the brewing process.

How Brewing Affects Caffeine Levels

Home-brewed sweet tea's caffeine content can fluctuate significantly based on the preparation method. A longer steeping time and higher water temperature will extract more caffeine from the tea leaves. This is why a strong, dark-brewed sweet tea will have a higher caffeine content than a lighter brew. For example, some sources indicate an 8-ounce serving can range from 15 to 70 milligrams of caffeine, depending on these variables. Commercial brands also differ, with some fast-food chains or bottled teas having varying levels due to their specific brewing and manufacturing processes.

Factors Influencing Caffeine in Your Cup

Tea Variety: The specific cultivar of the Camellia sinensis plant used plays a role. Assam tea, for instance, is naturally higher in caffeine than a more delicate Darjeeling.
Leaf Size: Tea bags often contain smaller, broken leaves (fannings and dust), which have a larger surface area and release caffeine more quickly than whole loose-leaf tea.
Brewing Time: Longer steeping times increase caffeine extraction. A five-minute steep will result in a more caffeinated brew than a two-minute steep.
Water Temperature: Using hotter water extracts more caffeine and other compounds from the tea leaves.

Sweet Tea vs. Other Caffeinated Drinks

For those trying to moderate their caffeine intake, understanding how sweet tea stacks up against other popular beverages is helpful. Sweet tea is generally considered to have moderate caffeine levels, falling somewhere between a standard cup of coffee and a can of cola.

Caffeine Content Comparison


Beverage	Average Caffeine (mg) per 8 oz	Notes
Brewed Coffee	95 mg	Stronger stimulant with a faster effect.
Black Sweet Tea	20–50 mg	Moderate, with factors like brewing affecting strength.
Green Tea	20–45 mg	Lower caffeine, contains L-theanine for a calmer alertness.
Decaf Sweet Tea	<10 mg	Trace amounts remain after decaffeination process.

Enjoying Sweet Tea Without the Buzz

If you love the taste of sweet tea but want to avoid caffeine, there are several straightforward solutions. The most direct approach is to use decaffeinated tea bags. Modern decaffeination methods are very effective at removing the stimulating compound while preserving the tea's flavor. Alternatively, you can create a naturally caffeine-free sweet tea by using herbal tea varieties that are inherently free of caffeine. Popular choices for this include mint, rooibos, or chamomile. The classic brewing method of sweetening the tea while hot and chilling it can be applied to any of these caffeine-free bases.

The DIY Decaffeination Method

For those using standard tea bags, a quick DIY method can reduce caffeine levels significantly. Since caffeine is highly water-soluble, you can pre-steep the tea bags in a small amount of hot water for 30-60 seconds. Discard this initial liquid, which contains most of the caffeine, and then re-steep the same tea bags in fresh hot water to brew your tea as normal. This process, while not eliminating all caffeine, can remove up to 80% of it.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Sweet Tea Choices

Ultimately, whether sweet tea contains caffeine depends on its preparation. Traditional Southern sweet tea, made with black tea leaves, is almost always caffeinated. However, consumers have complete control over their caffeine intake by choosing decaffeinated black tea bags or naturally caffeine-free herbal teas. Understanding the factors that influence caffeine extraction—like brew time, temperature, and leaf type—allows individuals to customize their sweet tea experience, enjoying its comforting taste without the stimulant effect if they prefer. For an effortless switch, commercially available decaf sweet tea products offer a simple solution. The key is to be mindful of the ingredients and brewing methods to ensure your sweet tea is exactly as you want it.

Health Considerations for Caffeine

While many people enjoy the stimulant effects of caffeine, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects, especially for those who are sensitive. High caffeine intake can lead to restlessness, anxiety, and an increased heart rate. It's recommended that healthy adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. For pregnant women, nursing mothers, or individuals with certain health conditions, consulting a doctor about caffeine intake is advisable. This flexibility in preparation, from full-strength black tea to a calming herbal option, makes sweet tea a versatile beverage for any time of day or lifestyle choice.

Visit the Mayo Clinic for more information on recommended caffeine intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sweet tea typically contains caffeine because it is traditionally made with black tea leaves, which come from the Camellia sinensis plant, a natural source of caffeine.

The amount of caffeine in sweet tea can vary, but an average 8-ounce serving brewed from black tea usually contains between 20 and 50 milligrams, depending on brew strength.

Yes, you can make sweet tea without caffeine by using decaffeinated black tea bags or by brewing a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea, such as mint or rooibos.

While the active compound is the same, the caffeine in tea is absorbed more slowly due to compounds like tannins, leading to a smoother, more sustained energy boost rather than a quick, intense jolt.

Yes, steeping time directly impacts the caffeine content. The longer you steep the tea bags, the more caffeine is released into the water, resulting in a more caffeinated beverage.

Sweet tea has significantly less caffeine than coffee (approx. 95 mg per 8oz) but more than some colas (approx. 30–40 mg per 12oz).

Individuals sensitive to caffeine should opt for decaffeinated or herbal-based sweet teas to avoid potential side effects like jitters, restlessness, or increased heart rate.

Not necessarily. While many commercial sweet teas are made with black tea, many brands also offer decaffeinated versions. Always check the product label to confirm.