Black Tea
Caffeine in Tea varies quite a bit. The longer the tea (or tea bag) is steeped in water, the more caffeine will be present.
On average loose black tea had 22-28mg of caffeine per 1 gram dried matter.
Most tea manufacturers do not list caffeine amounts on labels (one exception is Lipton regular tea listed at 55mg per serving).
The amount listed above is an average amount taken from various laboratory tests. Originally we listed an amount (47mg/8 fl oz brew) taken from the USDA. However more recent lab tests show this amount to be lower.
The following table lists recent lab test results for one tea bag of the various brands steeped in 6oz cups of water.
| Tea | 1 Min Steep Time | 3 Min Steep Time | 5 Min Steep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lipton Decaf* | 1.8mg | 2.7mg | 3.1mg |
| Lipton Regular* | 17mg | 38mg | 47mg |
| Stash Darjeeling Black | 14mg | 22mg | 27mg |
| Stash Earl Grey Black | 24mg | 41mg | 47mg |
| Tazo Awake | 59mg | 59mg | 61mg |
| Tazo Earl Grey | 19mg | 22mg | 29mg |
| Twinings Earl Grey | 19mg | 22mg | 25mg |
| Twinings English Breakfast | 14mg | 22mg | 25mg |
| Twinings Irish Breakfast | 17mg | 24mg | 30mg |
| Twinings Lady Grey | 14mg | 29mg | 30mg |
| Twinings Prince of Wales | 14mg | 26mg | 29mg |
| Two Leavs and a Bud Darjeeling | 19mg | 39mg | 49mg |
*Lipton Tea publishes slightly different amounts, which we have summarized here.
What About Herbal Teas?
So-called herbal teas aren't actually tea at all, but a collection of other herbs and flavors. Herbal teas do NOT contain caffeine.
What About Green Tea?
Green Tea contains less caffeine than black tea. However it also is affected by brew time. The longer you leave your bag in the cup, the more caffeine you will get. See more about caffeine in green tea.
Where To Buy Black Tea
Organic Assam TGFOP Tea, Loose Leaf Bag, Positively Tea LLC. (1 LB.)
Price: $23.95 $17.95
Available from Amazon / Positively Tea
Harney & Sons Loose Leaf Black Tea, Darjeeling, 4 Ounce
Price: $7.72 $7.72
Available from Amazon / Harney & Sons
Premium Black Loose Leaf Darjeeling Tea | Pure, 2018 Prime Second Flush with Powerful Antioxidants | Brews the Perfect Probiotic Kombucha| Fillers, Gluten Free| Makes 50 Cups (3.53 ounces)
Price: $19.95 $14.95
Available from Amazon / Vahdam Teas
Original English Breakfast Black Tea Leaves (200+ Cups) STRONG, RICH & AROMATIC, Loose Leaf Tea, World's Finest Black Tea Loose Leaf - Brew Hot, Iced Tea, Kombucha Tea, FTGFOP1 Long Leaf Grade, 16oz
Price: $24.99 $24.99
Available from Amazon / VAHDAM
Pure Leaf Iced Loose Tea, Classic Black, 4.7 Ounce
Price: $6.49 $6.49
Available from Amazon / Pure Leaf
Similar Items
Arizona Iced Tea 37.5mgBazza High Energy Tea 150mg
Biggby Iced Tea 37.5mg
Brown Rice Tea 4mg
Chai Tea 50mg
Chick-fil-A Iced Tea 62mg
Crystal Light Iced Tea 11.25mg
Dunkin' Donuts Iced Tea 67mg
Caffeine Concentration
Tea (Black) contains 5.25 mgs of caffeine per fluid ounce (17.75mg/100 ml).
