Millions of people around the world rely on a delicious cup of black tea to get them going for the day ahead. Many also rely on another cup to soothe their souls before they bed down for the night. But how is this possible without keeping them up for hours and hours? Does black tea have caffeine? Beyond that, does black tea have more caffeine than coffee?
This question, among others about black tea, inspired us to put together this guide. Read on as your resident tea lovers and purveyors of New Zealand’s favourite tea shop online unpack everything you need to know about black tea and caffeine. We’ll break down exactly how much caffeine is in black tea, compare different varieties, and even suggest some caffeine-free alternatives for winding down in the evening.
Does black tea have caffeine?
Yup, black tea absolutely has caffeine. In fact, it has the most caffeine out of all the standard tea types (black, green, white, and oolong). But compared to coffee, it’s still a fair bit lower. In other words, it’s a great option if you’re looking for an energy boost without going overboard.
On average, a standard cup of black tea has 40–70 mg of caffeine, whereas a cup of coffee sits between 95–200 mg. That means black tea gives you energy but in a gentler, more gradual way—no crazy jitters, no big crash later (sounds pretty good to us).
Which black teas have the most caffeine?
Not all black teas pack the same punch. Depending on where they’re grown, how they’re processed, and even how long you brew them, caffeine levels can vary quite a bit. Here’s a rough guide to some popular types of black tea and their caffeine content:
- Earl Grey, which is a classic black tea with a very slight citrus twist (40 to 65mg of caffeine)
- English Breakfast, a strong full-bodied blend that’s delicious with a splash of milk (40 – 75mg of caffeine)
- Ceylon, a bold and brisk cup that’s great on its own (40 – 70mg of caffeine)
As you can see, black tea varieties have similar caffeine levels, making any of them a great way to start your day. If you prefer a stronger brew, English Breakfast is a solid choice, while Earl Grey is perfect for a light afternoon boost.
For comparison’s sake, a standard cup of black coffee can contain up to 100mg of caffeine, depending on the type and brewing method. With such a high baseline, it’s no surprise that drinking multiple cups of coffee can make it harder to fall asleep. While black tea has less caffeine, consuming several cups can still have an impact.
If you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up that won’t interfere with sleep, Earl Grey is a better option—its lower caffeine content wears off faster, giving you plenty of time to unwind before bed.
Speaking of which…
No-caffeine tea varieties to wind down with
We know there are plenty of tea fiends out there who need a cuppa before bed (in fact, heaps of them are on our team). But if you’re struggling to sleep after a cup of black tea at night, there are a few herbal tea varieties you can lean on instead. Here are some of our favourites:
- Chamomile, the ultimate chill-out tea. Perfect for relaxing before bed.
- Peppermint, which is fresh and soothing after a big dinner, and excellent for your digestion.
- Rooibos, which is the closest you’ll get to black tea, but naturally has no caffeine! You might want to skip the sugar, though.
- Lemon balm, which has built-in stress-relief thanks to that delicious citrus aroma.
These are all solid options to keep your tea habit going into the evening without risking having the jitters well into the wee hours.
Grab some bloody good black tea from your favourite tea shop online.
With these common caffeine questions answered, you won’t risk lying awake at night after enjoying one too many cups of your favourite black tea.
Chanui is New Zealand’s tea. Look for our black box in your local supermarket, or pick up a box of loose-leaf black tea online. We’re stoked to give Kiwis an easy way to access their favourite tea at the best prices, so grab a box today!