How much caffeine is in tea?
All tea has caffeine in it, no matter how minute the amount may be. Many factors can alter the amount of caffeine in your cup of tea. The first is what type of tea you use. The more processed and oxidized the leaf is, the higher the caffeine content. In general, black tea typically has the most caffeine and white tea has the least. Water temperature and steeping time can also effect the amount of caffeine released into your cup of tea. To release more caffeine, simply steep your tea at a higher temperature and for a longer amount of time. For less caffeine, use a lower temperature and a shorter amount of time.
An average 5 ounce cup of tea (Thea/camellia sinensis) can contain 10-ll0 mg, making it the next highest source of caffeine in beverages. How much caffeine is in your cup of tea will depend upon the type of tea used, the tea leaf cut, and how long it was brewed. Tea drinkers may be interested to know that besides caffeine, tea contains another stimulant–theophylline. TEA BREWING EFFECT (5-oz. cup) CAFFEINE CONTENT (mg) 1 min. brew9-33 3 min. brew20-46 5 min. brew20-50 Instant tea12-28 Iced tea (12-oz. cup)22-36 [compiled from data supplied by Consumers’ Union, the Food and Drug Administration, National Coffee Association of the U.S.A., and National Confectioner’s Association of the U.S.] Because of difference in fermentation and brewing techniques, caffeine varies by types of tea as well: TYPE OF TEA (5-oz.
Caffeine is a natural component of the tea leaf, and, unless artificially removed, it is present to some extent in all tea. By comparison, it should be noted that tea in general contains significantly less caffeine than coffee (as little as ½). Most research suggests that the more oxidized (i.e. darker) a tea is, the more caffeine it contains, but many other factors, such as leaf size, water temperature and steeping time, are just as important (making useful generalizations about the content and effect of caffeine in tea nearly impossible). It can be said, however, that unlike coffee, tea is known not only for its stimulating effect, but also for its calming and soothing properties… making the only real test of any particular tea’s caffeine potency to brew it using your preferred method and try it yourself.
