What Teas Are High in Chromium? The Top Brews & Varieties

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Scientific studies have shown that black tea leaves generally contain the highest total concentration of chromium compared to other common varieties. This essential trace mineral, important for glucose metabolism, can also be found in certain herbal teas.

Quick Summary

Black tea contains the highest total chromium, while certain herbal teas like chamomile and licorice root also contain significant levels in their dried form. The amount of chromium that transfers to a brew is low and safe for consumption.

Key Points

Black Tea is Highest: Black tea leaves generally contain the highest total concentration of chromium compared to other common tea varieties like green or oolong.
Herbal Options Exist: Specific herbal plants frequently used for tea, such as chamomile and licorice root, also contain notably high levels of chromium in their dried form.
Low Transfer to Brew: The amount of chromium that is transferred from the tea leaves into the final brewed infusion is relatively low and not considered a health risk.
Safe Cr(III) Form: In tea infusions, chromium primarily exists as the safe and essential Cr(III) form, with the toxic Cr(VI) being very unstable in the brew.
Factors Affect Chromium: The mineral content of tea leaves is influenced by factors like the soil composition where the plant is grown and the specific manufacturing process used.
Moderate Dietary Contribution: Drinking tea contributes a modest and safe amount of chromium to the daily diet, complementing other dietary sources.

Understanding Chromium in Tea

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in the body's metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. While the total amount in any single cup of tea is relatively small and generally well below safety limits, some varieties contain more than others, making them a more notable dietary source. Most of the chromium that transfers into the tea infusion is the beneficial trivalent form, Cr(III), not the toxic hexavalent form, Cr(VI). Factors such as the tea plant's geography, soil conditions, and even processing methods can influence its mineral content.

Which Teas Have the Highest Chromium Levels?

According to numerous studies, the highest total chromium levels are typically found in black tea, especially varieties that have undergone a full fermentation process. This is often due to the processing method, which can involve stainless steel rollers that add trace amounts of chromium to the leaves. Beyond black tea, certain herbal teas also possess significant concentrations in their raw state. These plants accumulate minerals differently based on their specific growth requirements and location.

Fermented Teas with Notable Chromium Content

Fermentation is a key step in processing many types of tea, and it can influence the final mineral composition. Research has shown a clear hierarchy in chromium levels among Camellia sinensis teas:

Black Tea: Consistently ranks highest in total chromium concentration. A study of Chinese teas found black tea to have significantly more total Cr than other types. The fermentation process appears to enhance the transfer of the beneficial Cr(III) into the tea infusion.
Oolong Tea: As a semi-fermented tea, oolong typically contains chromium levels somewhere between those of black and green tea.
Pu-erh Tea: This post-fermented tea also shows measurable chromium, with some studies placing its levels in the mid-range of fermented teas.

Specific Herbal Teas for Chromium

While chromium levels in many herbal teas are undetectable or very low, specific medicinal plants have been identified as containing higher concentrations. A study analyzing medicinal plants found the highest chromium concentrations in several herbs often used for teas. The amount transferred to an infusion is still small but more significant than in some other herbal options.

Herbal varieties high in chromium in dried form include:

Chamomile: Ranked with the highest chromium levels in one study.
Licorice: Also showed a high concentration.
Melissa: Demonstrated high chromium levels.
Marestail: Possesses a significant amount of chromium.
Anise: Contains notable chromium content.

Comparison of Chromium Content in Tea Leaves

While precise figures vary depending on cultivar, origin, and study, a general comparison shows clear trends in total chromium content. The table below provides a representative overview based on research findings, highlighting the relative differences in total chromium concentrations found in the dry leaves.


Tea Variety	Processing	Representative Total Cr Range (Dry Leaf)	Notes
Black Tea	Fermented	0.28–17.60 mg/kg	Highest overall total concentration; variability depends on source.
Chamomile	Herbal	~4.21 mg/kg	One of the highest concentrations among tested herbals.
Licorice	Herbal	~2.80 mg/kg	High levels recorded in scientific analyses.
Green Tea	Non-fermented	0.22–1.30 mg/kg	Significantly lower total chromium than black tea.
Oolong Tea	Semi-fermented	0.46–1.60 mg/kg	Moderate concentration between black and green tea.
Herbal Teas	Varies	Often below detection limit	Many herbal varieties, unlike those listed, have minimal chromium.

Safety and Bioavailability

It is crucial to differentiate between the total chromium content of dried tea leaves and the amount that is actually extracted into your cup. Studies show that the transfer rate of chromium from leaf to infusion is relatively low, and the overall intake from regular tea consumption is generally considered safe and poses no health risk. Furthermore, research has established that the form of chromium that makes it into the brew is almost exclusively the non-toxic Cr(III). Therefore, while black tea leaves contain the highest total chromium, the amount you consume is modest and predominantly in its safe, beneficial form.

Conclusion

For those seeking beverages higher in chromium, black tea and certain herbal teas like chamomile, licorice, and anise are the top contenders based on scientific research. While black tea leaves have the highest total concentration, the processing method and soil conditions play a significant role. Crucially, the amount transferred to a brewed cup is small and safe, providing a minor contribution of the essential Cr(III) mineral. As with any mineral intake from food or drink, moderation and variety are key to a balanced diet.

Full article: Chromium level and intake from Chinese made tea

Frequently Asked Questions

Black tea is consistently found to have the highest total chromium concentration in its dried leaf form compared to green, oolong, or herbal teas.

No, while many herbal teas have very low or undetectable levels, some specific varieties like chamomile, licorice, melissa, and anise have been found to contain notably high concentrations in their plant material.

While tea can contribute a small amount of chromium to your diet, the overall amount transferred to the infusion is modest. It is not generally considered a major dietary source compared to food items like whole grains, nuts, and vegetables.

No, the amount of chromium consumed from brewed tea is typically very low and is predominantly in the safe, beneficial trivalent form, Cr(III). Studies have concluded that intake levels pose no health risk.

Yes, research indicates that manufacturing methods can influence chromium content. For example, the use of stainless steel rollers in the Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) process for black tea can increase the final chromium level in the leaves.

The transfer rate of chromium from tea leaves to the infusion is low, typically in the single-digit percentages. The final amount in a single cup is minimal and well within safety guidelines.

Cr(III) is the essential, non-toxic form of chromium that is primarily found in brewed tea and beneficial to human metabolism. Cr(VI) is a toxic form that is unstable in tea infusions and therefore not a concern for consumers.