Understanding the Stimulant: What Tea Has More Caffeine Than Coffee?

October 27, 2025 •

7 min read

While tea leaves naturally contain more caffeine by weight than coffee beans, the brewing process typically results in a cup of coffee having a higher caffeine concentration than a cup of tea. This makes the question, "What tea has more caffeine than coffee?" a fascinating and nuanced topic for anyone interested in nutrition and diet.

Quick Summary

This article delves into the caffeine comparison between tea and coffee, explaining why coffee often has more caffeine per cup. It examines specific high-caffeine teas like matcha and yerba mate, and factors influencing strength. It also highlights how other beneficial compounds in tea offer a different kind of energy boost, without the jitters associated with coffee.

Key Points

Caffeine Concentration Varies: On average, brewed coffee contains more caffeine per cup than brewed tea due to higher bean-to-water ratios and extraction temperatures.
Matcha is a Top Contender: As a powdered green tea where the entire leaf is consumed, matcha can have caffeine levels comparable to, or even higher than, a standard cup of coffee.
Yerba Mate is Highly Caffeinated: This South American herbal infusion is a strong source of caffeine and provides a balanced energy lift without the jittery side effects common with coffee.
L-theanine Creates Calm Focus: Tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works synergistically with caffeine to provide a smoother, more sustained energy boost and reduce feelings of nervousness.
Brewing Method is Key: Factors like water temperature, steep time, and leaf maturity are crucial for determining the final caffeine content of your tea.
Consider Nutritional Nuances: Both tea and coffee offer antioxidants, but differ in their overall nutritional profile and how they affect individuals, influencing factors like digestion and mental state.

The Surprising Truth About Tea vs. Coffee Caffeine

On a dry weight basis, some tea leaves contain more caffeine than coffee beans, but this fact can be misleading. When it comes to the final brewed beverage, the story changes dramatically. An average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains roughly 95–200 mg of caffeine, while the same amount of black tea typically has 40–70 mg. This difference is largely due to brewing methods and ratios. Coffee is generally brewed with more grounds and at higher temperatures, which extracts more of the stimulant. In contrast, a shorter steeping time and less processed leaves in most teas result in a lower concentration in the cup.

The Exception: When Tea Can Rival Coffee

While most teas fall short of coffee's caffeine punch, a few standout varieties can come surprisingly close or even match it, especially with specific preparation methods. These teas are often prepared by consuming the entire leaf, rather than steeping and discarding it.

Matcha: The clear winner among teas, matcha is a powdered green tea where the entire leaf is ingested. A standard 8-ounce serving can contain 60–80 mg of caffeine, and with a more concentrated preparation, it can easily approach or surpass the caffeine level of an average coffee. Matcha provides a more sustained, calm alertness due to its high concentration of L-theanine, an amino acid that moderates the effects of caffeine.
Yerba Mate: This South American beverage, technically an infusion from the Ilex paraguariensis shrub, contains a significant amount of caffeine. An 8-ounce serving can have around 85 mg, making it a strong contender against an average cup of coffee. It is also known for providing a balanced energy boost without the jitters, thanks to a combination of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline.
Pu-erh Tea: This fermented Chinese tea can have a caffeine range that overlaps with black tea, between 30–100 mg per 8-ounce cup, with ripe pu-erh generally containing more than raw pu-erh. It provides a sustained release of energy rather than a sudden jolt, much like matcha, though its caffeine content is usually still lower than coffee.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Content in Tea

It's not just the type of tea that matters; several other variables can significantly alter the final caffeine content in your cup. Understanding these can help you tailor your intake for your specific needs.

Leaf Age: Younger leaves and buds often contain more caffeine than mature leaves, as the plant concentrates stimulants in new growth to deter insects. This is why premium teas like Silver Needle white tea, made from young buds, can sometimes have a caffeine level comparable to black teas.
Processing: The method of processing tea leaves affects caffeine content. Black teas are fully oxidized, a process that can release more caffeine during brewing compared to minimally processed white or green teas. Matcha's powdered form, where the entire leaf is consumed, is the ultimate example of this.
Brewing Temperature and Time: Steeping tea in hotter water for a longer duration will extract more caffeine. Conversely, using cooler water or a shorter steep time will result in a less caffeinated beverage.
Serving Size and Ratio: A larger serving size or using a higher ratio of tea leaves to water will increase the total caffeine content of the drink.

Caffeine Comparison: Tea vs. Coffee (8 oz serving)


Beverage	Typical Caffeine Range (mg)	Notes
Brewed Coffee	95-200	The average cup is significantly more caffeinated.
Cold Brew Coffee	100-200+	Can have even more caffeine depending on concentration.
Matcha Tea	60-80	A strong tea, consuming the whole leaf for a sustained boost.
Yerba Mate	80-85	Strong stimulant properties, comparable to coffee's average.
Black Tea	40-70	Highest caffeine among traditional steeped teas.
Oolong Tea	30-50	Variable caffeine depending on oxidation level.
Green Tea	20-45	Lower caffeine, but contains L-theanine for calm focus.
White Tea	15-30	Generally lowest in caffeine, though depends on the cut.

Beyond the Buzz: Nutritional Considerations

Choosing between a high-caffeine tea and coffee isn't just about the stimulant; it's about the overall nutritional profile. Both beverages offer unique benefits that can complement a healthy diet.

Antioxidants: Both tea and coffee are rich in powerful antioxidants, primarily polyphenols, which help protect the body against free radical damage. Teas, especially matcha, are known for catechins like EGCG, while coffee is rich in chlorogenic acid.
L-theanine in Tea: The presence of the amino acid L-theanine is a key distinction for tea. L-theanine promotes a state of relaxed awareness and can counteract the nervous, jittery side effects that a rapid caffeine spike from coffee can cause.
Vitamins and Minerals: While tea offers a range of vitamins and minerals, yerba mate is notably packed with a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Coffee also contains some B vitamins and potassium.
Digestive Comfort: Some individuals find coffee to be more irritating to the stomach and more likely to cause acid reflux than tea. The smoother effect of caffeine in tea, aided by L-theanine, makes it a gentler option for some.

Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

Ultimately, the choice between coffee and a high-caffeine tea depends on your personal health goals and how your body responds to caffeine. If you need an immediate, strong energy jolt, a traditional cup of brewed coffee is the most reliable option. For those who seek a sustained, calm energy boost without the potential for jitters and a crash, matcha or yerba mate can be excellent alternatives.

Experimenting with brewing methods is also key. Longer steeping times for black tea can maximize its caffeine extraction, while adjusting the amount of matcha powder can give you more control over the intensity of your drink. For those with caffeine sensitivity, opting for green tea or exploring herbal, caffeine-free options like rooibos may be the best path.

For more information on the health aspects of coffee and tea, see the Harvard Health article on which is healthier: Coffee or tea?.

Conclusion

While a typical cup of coffee contains more caffeine than most teas, the answer to "What tea has more caffeine than coffee?" is not a simple no. Powders like matcha and strong infusions like yerba mate can rival or exceed the caffeine content of an average cup of coffee. The most significant differences lie not just in quantity but in the quality of the energy provided. Tea, especially matcha, offers a smoother, more sustained lift, thanks to L-theanine, while coffee delivers a rapid jolt. By understanding the factors at play, from leaf type to brewing method, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your nutritional preferences and energy needs.

Key Takeaways:

Matcha can have comparable or higher caffeine than a standard cup of coffee due to consuming the entire powdered leaf.
Yerba Mate offers a strong, balanced energy boost, similar to coffee's average caffeine content but with fewer jitters.
Brewing method and tea type are critical to caffeine content; hotter water and longer steeping increase extraction.
Tea's L-theanine provides a calm, focused energy that counters the stimulating effects of caffeine, which is not present in coffee.
Both beverages are rich in antioxidants, but offer a different nutritional profile beyond their stimulant properties.

FAQs:

Is the caffeine in tea different from the caffeine in coffee? The chemical molecule is identical, but its effects are different because of other compounds, like L-theanine in tea, which slows absorption.
Why does tea make you feel less jittery than coffee? The amino acid L-theanine in tea works to balance the effects of caffeine, promoting a state of calm alertness without the intense jitters or crash associated with coffee.
Which brewed tea has the most caffeine? Matcha, a powdered green tea where the entire leaf is consumed, consistently has the highest caffeine content among teas.
Does brewing time affect the caffeine in my tea? Yes, a longer steeping time and hotter water will extract more caffeine from the tea leaves.
Are herbal teas caffeine-free? Yes, herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free as they are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant, but rather from herbs, flowers, or roots.
Is it true that tea leaves have more caffeine than coffee beans? On a dry, unbrewed basis, yes, tea leaves contain more caffeine than coffee beans, but most of it is not extracted into the brewed cup.
Which is healthier: coffee or tea? Both offer unique health benefits, primarily from antioxidants. The best choice depends on your caffeine sensitivity and desired effect on energy and focus.

Citations:

Which Tea has the Most Caffeine? A Deep Dive into the Leaves - paperandtea.com
Comparing the Caffeine Content: Tea vs. Coffee - How Much ... - littleredcuptea.com
Coffee vs. Tea: How Much Caffeine Is in Your Cup? - tinyfootprintcoffee.com
Does Tea Have More Caffeine Than Coffee? - birdandblendtea.com
Puerh Tea Caffeine vs Coffee - teatsy.com
Complete Guide to Pu-erh Tea - borntea.com
Yerba Mate Caffeine vs Coffee: Why Natural Energy Wins - matecaps.com
Yerba Mate vs. Coffee: The Caffeine Showdown - hereticyerba.com
Does Yerba Mate Have More Caffeine Than Coffee? A ... - Matecaps - matecaps.com
Matcha vs. Coffee: Matcha Tea as a Caffeine Alternative - health-bar.com
5 Reasons to Drink Matcha Instead of Coffee (Yes, Caffeine is One of T - breakawaymatcha.com
Caffeine in Tea vs. Coffee: How Do They Compare? - Healthline - healthline.com
Which Is Healthier: Coffee Or Tea? - Prevention - prevention.com
Coffee vs. Tea: Is One Healthier Than the Other? - Healthline - healthline.com
Which tea has the most caffeine? - Medical News Today - medicalnewstoday.com
Replace Coffee With These Strong Caffeinated Teas - Sencha Tea Bar - senchateabar.com
Caffeine in Tea vs. Coffee | Tea or Coffee? Which is Better? - heychina.com.au
Differences between caffeine in tea and coffee - teixidor.com
Which is more effective for energy: caffeine in tea or coffee? - Quora - quora.com
Your Guide To Caffeine Content In Tea (vs Coffee) - adagio.com

Frequently Asked Questions

The caffeine molecule itself is chemically identical in both beverages. However, its effect is different due to the presence of other compounds in tea, particularly the amino acid L-theanine, which modulates caffeine absorption and promotes a calmer, more focused energy.

Coffee typically delivers a more concentrated dose of caffeine that is absorbed quickly, causing a rapid spike in alertness. In contrast, tea's L-theanine content slows down caffeine absorption, leading to a smoother energy boost with fewer side effects like jitters or anxiety.

Matcha, a powdered green tea where the entire leaf is consumed, generally has the highest caffeine content among all teas, potentially rivaling or exceeding a standard cup of coffee.

Yes, you can increase the caffeine content by using hotter water and allowing the tea to steep for a longer duration. Using loose-leaf tea instead of teabags can also help maximize extraction.

No, Yerba Mate is not technically a true tea because it comes from the Ilex paraguariensis shrub, not the Camellia sinensis plant. However, it is a significant source of caffeine and is often considered a tea alternative.

Decaffeinated teas are not completely caffeine-free but contain only trace amounts, typically much less than 10 mg per cup. Herbal teas, conversely, are naturally caffeine-free.

Both coffee and tea are excellent sources of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, and their levels can vary. Tea is rich in catechins and flavonoids, while coffee contains high levels of flavonoids and chlorogenic acid. The overall antioxidant content is comparable.