Which boba tea has the most caffeine? A Guide to Understanding Your Energy Kick

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 50 mg of caffeine can be found in an average 16 oz black milk tea, but the exact amount depends on the tea base and brewing method. To figure out which boba tea has the most caffeine?, you need to look beyond the tapioca pearls to the tea itself, as it's the primary determinant of your drink's energy level.

Quick Summary

A boba tea's caffeine content is determined by its tea base, with black tea varieties and concentrated matcha typically containing the most. Other factors like brewing method, serving size, and added ingredients also impact the final caffeine level. You can manage your caffeine intake by choosing different tea bases.

Key Points

Black Tea is Highest: Classic black milk tea is typically the most caffeinated boba option, with varieties like Assam being even stronger.
Matcha is Potent: Matcha can be very high in caffeine because you consume the entire tea leaf powder, making its strength highly dependent on preparation.
Oolong is Moderate: Oolong tea provides a middle-of-the-road caffeine boost, perfect for those seeking less than black tea but more than green.
Green Tea is Mild: Green tea-based boba offers a gentler energy lift, ideal for caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Caffeine-Free Options Exist: Herbal teas and flavored drinks made from powders (like taro) instead of tea are naturally caffeine-free.
Brewing and Size Matter: The total caffeine in your boba is also influenced by brewing time, water temperature, and the drink's size.

The Core Source of Caffeine in Boba

Many boba tea drinkers enjoy the chewy tapioca pearls, but these delicious balls are not the source of your drink's energy kick. The caffeine is derived entirely from the brewed tea used as the base. The tapioca pearls are made from cassava root and are naturally caffeine-free. This understanding is crucial for anyone monitoring their caffeine intake for health or dietary reasons.

The Caffeinated Contenders: From Strongest to Mildest

When ordering boba, the type of tea you choose dictates the caffeine level. Here is a breakdown of the most common tea bases, ranked by typical caffeine content.

Black Tea: The Highest Caffeine Base

Classic black milk tea and Thai iced tea, which both use black tea as a base, are generally the most caffeinated options available. A standard cup can contain an average of 40-50 mg of caffeine, but specific varieties can push that even higher. For instance, black Assam tea can provide 60-80 mg of caffeine per cup, making it a particularly strong choice for those seeking a significant boost. A large size drink will, of course, contain a higher total amount of caffeine.

Matcha: A Potent Powder with Variable Caffeine

Matcha milk tea offers a unique case. Since matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves, you consume the entire leaf, not just the water it is steeped in. This often leads to a higher caffeine content than regular steeped green tea. A single serving can contain around 70 mg of caffeine, and the amount can increase with more matcha powder. The level is variable but often ranks closely behind or even exceeds black tea depending on the preparation.

Oolong Tea: The Middle Ground

For those who want a moderate energy lift, oolong tea is a perfect choice. Its caffeine content falls neatly between black and green tea, typically ranging from 30-50 mg per cup. This makes it an excellent option for someone who finds black tea too strong but desires more than what green tea offers.

Green Tea: A Gentler Energy Boost

Boba drinks with a green tea base provide a milder caffeine experience. These drinks have a lower caffeine concentration, averaging around 20-30 mg per cup. This makes them a suitable choice for those with a lower caffeine tolerance or for an afternoon pick-me-up that won't disrupt sleep.

Factors That Affect Your Boba's Caffeine Content

Even within the same tea type, several variables can change the final caffeine concentration:

Brewing Strength: The longer the tea leaves are steeped, and the hotter the water used, the more caffeine is extracted.
Serving Size: A large-sized drink will always contain more caffeine than a small or medium-sized one, as it uses more tea.
Additional Ingredients: While the tapioca pearls are caffeine-free, some toppings can add extra caffeine. Options like coffee jelly or chocolate-flavored powders will increase the total caffeine level.

A Comparison of Popular Boba Tea Caffeine Levels


Boba Tea Type	Average Caffeine (per 16 oz)	Notes
Black Milk Tea	50–80 mg	Highest of the standard options. Varieties like Assam can be stronger.
Matcha Milk Tea	70–140 mg+	Varies significantly with the amount of matcha powder. Can exceed black tea.
Oolong Milk Tea	30–50 mg	A moderate, balanced caffeine option.
Green Milk Tea	20–45 mg	A lower caffeine choice for a milder boost.
Taro Milk Tea (no tea)	0 mg	Often made with flavored powder, not tea, and therefore caffeine-free.
Coffee Boba	95–150 mg+	Combines coffee with boba, leading to very high caffeine levels.

Tips for Managing Caffeine in Your Boba

Choose a milder base: If you are sensitive to caffeine, opt for a green tea or oolong base over black tea.
Go herbal: For a completely caffeine-free option, select a boba with an herbal tea base, like hibiscus or chamomile.
Ask about customization: Many shops offer a 'light tea' option or can prepare the drink with less tea overall, lowering the caffeine content.
Beware of coffee boba: If you're sensitive to high caffeine levels, be aware that boba with a coffee base will have a much more significant kick than any tea-based option.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice for Your Diet

While boba tea is a delicious treat, being mindful of its nutritional aspects is essential for a balanced diet. Generally, black milk tea and matcha boba contain the highest amounts of caffeine, though personalized drinks with coffee can be even higher. By understanding the caffeine differences between tea bases, you can make an informed choice that suits your energy needs and dietary goals. When in doubt, a quick question to the barista can clear up any uncertainty about your drink's strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

The caffeine in boba tea comes from the brewed tea used as the drink's base, not the tapioca pearls. The pearls themselves are made from caffeine-free cassava root.

Yes, classic black milk tea is generally the most caffeinated option among traditional tea bases like black, green, and oolong. Some varieties like black Assam tea can have an even higher concentration.

Matcha boba can have a comparable or even higher caffeine content than black milk tea, depending on how much matcha powder is used. Because you consume the whole leaf, it's often more potent than regular green tea.

For a low-caffeine option, you should order a boba tea with a green tea base. It has a significantly milder caffeine level than black or oolong tea.

Yes, many boba shops offer caffeine-free options. These include drinks made with herbal tea bases, such as hibiscus or chamomile, and some fruit-flavored or taro drinks made from caffeine-free powders.

Yes, if the boba shop offers it, a coffee boba or any drink with added coffee will contain more caffeine than a standard black tea-based boba.

Yes, the brewing method directly impacts the final caffeine content. Longer steeping times and higher water temperatures extract more caffeine from the tea leaves.

Yes, serving size is a factor. A larger drink contains more brewed tea, resulting in a higher overall caffeine content than a smaller serving of the same tea.