Is there caffeine in tea drinks? The Complete Guide

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Tea leaves contain caffeine naturally, with the amount varying by type and processing. The answer to 'Is there caffeine in tea drinks?' is usually yes for true teas. The amount of caffeine can vary dramatically, and some infusions contain none at all.

Quick Summary

The caffeine content in tea depends on the tea plant type, its processing, and brewing methods. While black, green, white, and oolong teas have caffeine, herbal infusions are naturally caffeine-free.

Key Points

Source Matters: Most teas from the Camellia sinensis plant contain caffeine, while herbal infusions are naturally caffeine-free.
Black Tea has Most Caffeine: Black tea generally has more caffeine than green, white, or oolong, but levels can overlap.
Brewing Controls Caffeine: Hotter water and longer steeping times extract more caffeine.
Decaf Isn't Zero Caffeine: Decaffeinated tea has had most, but not all, of its caffeine removed and contains trace amounts.
Matcha is High Caffeine: Matcha is made from powdered whole tea leaves, resulting in a potent caffeine boost.
Leaf Age and Type Affects It: Younger leaves and buds often contain more caffeine, and the tea plant's varietal influences caffeine levels.

Understanding Caffeine in Tea

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in more than 60 plant species, including the Camellia sinensis plant, from which true teas (black, green, white, and oolong) come. The caffeine level in a cup is not fixed. It depends on factors like the specific plant varietal and the brewing method. The caffeine in tea is often released more slowly than in coffee. It interacts with tannins and L-theanine, promoting calm, sustained alertness.

Factors Influencing Tea's Caffeine Content

Several variables determine how much caffeine ends up in a brew. Understanding these can help control intake.

Tea Type and Plant Varietal

The tea type is the most important factor. True teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant, but different varietals have varying caffeine levels. The Camellia sinensis var. assamica, from India, usually has more caffeine than the Camellia sinensis var. sinensis from China.

Processing and Leaf Age

How tea leaves are processed also matters. Black tea leaves are fully oxidized, making the caffeine more available for extraction. Green and white teas are minimally processed and have lower caffeine levels. Younger leaves and buds have more caffeine than older leaves.

Brewing Method

The brewing method affects caffeine content. Higher water temperatures and longer steeping times extract more caffeine. Black tea, brewed with boiling water for several minutes, often has more caffeine than green tea, brewed at cooler temperatures for a shorter time.

Tea Form

The form of the tea also matters. Tea bags often contain broken leaf pieces. These have a larger surface area and release caffeine more quickly than whole loose-leaf tea. An exception is matcha. This powdered green tea uses the entire leaf, resulting in a much higher caffeine dose.

Caffeine Comparison: Tea vs. Coffee

Here's a comparison of the average caffeine content in different beverages. Figures for tea vary based on the factors mentioned above.


Beverage	Average Caffeine (mg per 8 oz serving)	Notes
Brewed Coffee	95–165	Typically has the highest caffeine content.
Black Tea	40–70	Highest of the 'true' teas.
Matcha Green Tea	60–70+	Higher due to whole leaf consumption.
Oolong Tea	30–50	Varies depending on oxidation.
Green Tea	20–45	Generally lower than black tea.
White Tea	15–30	Lowest of the 'true' teas.
Herbal Infusions	0	Naturally caffeine-free.

Tips for Reducing or Managing Caffeine in Tea

If sensitive to caffeine or trying to limit intake, use these strategies:

Shorten the steeping time: Steep for 1-2 minutes for a lower-caffeine cup.
Use cooler water: When brewing green or white tea, using water at lower temperatures (160-180°F) will extract less caffeine.
Choose lower-caffeine teas: Opt for white tea, or roasted green teas like Hojicha, which has lower caffeine due to the roasting process.
Switch to herbal infusions: Herbal 'teas' or 'tisanes' are naturally caffeine-free. Choose from chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, and hibiscus.

The Difference Between 'True Tea' and Herbal Infusions

It is important to distinguish between 'true tea' and herbal infusions. True teas, such as black, green, white, and oolong, come from the Camellia sinensis plant and have caffeine naturally. Herbal infusions, or tisanes, steep other plants, herbs, or fruits in hot water. Because they do not contain any Camellia sinensis leaves, they are naturally caffeine-free. This category includes chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos tea.

Decaffeinated Tea: How It Works and What to Expect

Decaffeinated tea is true tea that has undergone a process to remove most of its caffeine. It is never 100% caffeine-free but contains low levels (around 2-10 mg per serving). The main methods are the natural carbon dioxide (CO2) process, which retains most of the flavor, and the solvent-based method. If you want the flavor of black or green tea without the jitters, decaf is a good option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question, is there caffeine in tea drinks? is not a simple yes or no, but a spectrum. Most teas from the Camellia sinensis plant do contain caffeine. The amount varies based on the type, processing, and brewing method. By understanding these factors, you can make informed choices to manage caffeine intake. For a caffeine-free option, herbal infusions offer a wide range of flavors. There is a tea for every preference. For additional health information, consult a reliable source such as the Mayo Clinic on caffeine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black tea generally has the highest caffeine content among traditional teas, typically 40–70 mg per 8-ounce serving. Matcha often has higher levels.

Yes, herbal infusions, or tisanes, are naturally caffeine-free because they are made from herbs, spices, or fruits, not the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Examples include chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos.

Typically, yes. Green tea usually has less caffeine than black tea, with averages around 20–45 mg per 8-ounce cup compared to black tea's 40–70 mg. However, high-grade or shade-grown green teas can sometimes have higher levels.

Reduce caffeine by using cooler water, shortening the steeping time, or choosing teas with naturally lower caffeine, such as white tea. You can also opt for decaffeinated versions.

Yes, steeping time is a key factor. The longer tea leaves steep in hot water, the more caffeine will be extracted into the cup.

Decaffeinated teas are not entirely caffeine-free but have significantly low levels, typically 2–10 mg of caffeine per serving after processing.

No, rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free. It is an herbal infusion made from the leaves of the South African red bush plant, not the Camellia sinensis plant.