Is there more caffeine in tea or coffee in Australia?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, coffee beans contain 0.9–2.6% caffeine, while tea leaves have up to 4%, but this doesn't mean tea has more caffeine per cup. Discover the real answer to whether there is more caffeine in tea or coffee in Australia.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caffeine content of tea and coffee, detailing how brewing methods, bean and leaf types, and serving sizes affect caffeine levels in Australia. It compares various preparations, examines the role of L-theanine, and provides tips for managing intake.

Key Points

Coffee contains significantly more caffeine than tea per average cup brewed.
Brewing method and variety heavily influence caffeine levels in both tea and coffee. Longer steep times for tea and hotter water for coffee increase caffeine extraction.
Tea contains L-theanine, which modulates caffeine's effects, providing a calmer, more sustained energy boost compared to coffee's rapid hit.
Robusta coffee beans contain almost double the caffeine of Arabica beans, while black tea typically has more caffeine than green or white tea.
Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, offering a clear alternative for those seeking to avoid caffeine altogether.
Monitoring serving sizes is crucial for managing caffeine intake; a larger cup of either beverage contains more caffeine.
Australia's coffee culture includes a range of preparations, from high-caffeine espresso shots to lower-caffeine instant coffee options.
Ultimately, a typical café-bought coffee in Australia will have a substantially higher caffeine content than a standard cup of tea.

Comparing Caffeine: Tea vs. Coffee in Australia

While the Australian coffee and tea culture is robust, many consumers are still surprised to learn that a typical cup of brewed coffee contains significantly more caffeine than a cup of tea. This is because, despite tea leaves having a higher caffeine concentration by dry weight, more ground coffee is used per serve, and the brewing process is far more efficient at extracting the caffeine. The average 250ml cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 80mg of caffeine, while a similar-sized cup of tea holds around 27mg. However, these are just averages, and several factors can drastically alter the final caffeine level in your mug.

The Impact of Brewing Method and Variety

The preparation of your beverage plays a critical role in its final caffeine content. For coffee, an espresso shot might be highly concentrated, with a single 30ml shot containing around 63-75mg of caffeine. A double-shot latte, common in Australian cafes, would therefore contain around 120-150mg. Filter or drip coffee, using a longer brew time, can range from 95-165mg per 240ml cup. Instant coffee, a staple in many Australian homes, has a more modest 65-100mg per 250ml serve. The type of coffee bean also matters, with Robusta beans containing nearly double the caffeine of Arabica varieties.

For tea, the variables are also numerous. The length of steeping time, water temperature, and leaf size all influence extraction. Black tea, which is more oxidized, typically has a higher caffeine content (40-70mg) than green tea (25-45mg) or white tea (15-30mg). Speciality teas like matcha, a powdered green tea, can be surprisingly high, with one serving delivering around 70mg of caffeine. Herbal teas, derived from plants other than Camellia sinensis, are generally caffeine-free.

A Different Kind of Stimulant: The Role of L-theanine

Tea offers a unique experience due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that regulates the absorption of caffeine. This results in a more gradual, sustained release of energy and can also induce a calming effect, contrasting with the more intense, and sometimes jittery, jolt that coffee can provide. This fundamental difference in how the stimulant is processed by the body is a key distinction between the two beverages, beyond just the overall quantity of caffeine.

Caffeine Comparison: Coffee vs. Tea


Beverage (250ml serving)	Average Caffeine Content (mg)	Factors Influencing Level
Brewed Coffee	80–165	Bean type (Robusta vs Arabica), grind size, brewing time.
Instant Coffee	60–100	Brand strength, preparation method.
Espresso (Double Shot)	120–150	Type of bean, extraction pressure.
Black Tea	40–70	Steeping time, water temperature, leaf size.
Green Tea	25–45	Steeping time, water temperature.
Matcha Tea	~70 (per serving)	Powdered leaf concentration.
Herbal Tea	0	Not made from Camellia sinensis plant.

Practical Tips for Managing Caffeine Intake

For those looking to moderate their caffeine consumption, understanding the variations between these drinks is essential. A simple tip for tea drinkers is to reduce the steeping time or use cooler water, as this extracts less caffeine. Coffee lovers can opt for a decaf version or switch to a half-caf blend. Being mindful of cup size also makes a difference; a larger serving naturally contains more caffeine. Health professionals generally recommend a daily caffeine intake of no more than 400mg for most healthy adults, equivalent to about four cups of brewed coffee.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the answer to the question, "Is there more caffeine in tea or coffee in Australia?" is definitively coffee, when comparing average-sized servings. While factors like variety and preparation play a significant role, the typical brewed coffee, espresso, or even instant coffee contains a much higher concentration of the stimulant than a cup of black, green, or white tea. However, the unique properties of L-theanine in tea mean that the physiological effect of the caffeine differs, providing a gentler boost. For consumers, the choice depends on their preference for a quick, strong hit or a calmer, more sustained lift, but coffee consistently holds the caffeine crown in the battle of the brews.

Here is an excellent resource from the Australian government regarding caffeine consumption and health guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a standard cup of instant coffee (around 60-100mg per 250ml) generally has a higher caffeine content than a cup of black tea (typically 40-70mg).

Most cafe lattes in Australia are made with a double shot of espresso, which can contain between 120-150mg of caffeine, making it significantly higher than a standard cup of tea.

No, a standard cup of green tea contains far less caffeine (25-45mg) than an average cup of coffee (80-165mg). However, matcha, a powdered green tea, can be high in caffeine.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that promotes relaxation. It helps to regulate caffeine absorption in the body, providing a smoother, more sustained energy boost compared to the faster hit from coffee.

To reduce the caffeine in your tea, you can use cooler water or steep the tea leaves for a shorter amount of time. The longer the steeping time, the more caffeine is extracted.

No, decaffeinated coffee is not entirely caffeine-free. It has a significantly reduced caffeine content, often containing 2-6mg per 250ml, but not zero.

Robusta coffee beans contain almost double the caffeine of Arabica beans. This makes Robusta-based varieties generally more potent in caffeine than their Arabica counterparts.

For most healthy adults, a daily caffeine intake of up to 400mg is generally considered safe. This is equivalent to about four standard cups of brewed coffee.