Tea has been enjoyed around the world for centuries, and it often provides an enjoyable, energising pick-me-up. But how much caffeine can you expect to find in a cup of tea? That all depends on the type of tea you are drinking, as well as how it was made. Let's dive into more information about caffeine content in tea!
Types of Tea and Their Caffeine Content
The amount of caffeine in coffee is generally higher than tea, but this could vary depending on the type of coffee or tea, and how it was made. On average, a cup of tea usually contains 15 – 60 mg of caffeine while a cup of coffee has 60 – 150 mg. However, there are some varieties that contain significantly more or less caffeine than this range. For example, green teas tend to have lower levels (8 - 20 mg per cup) whereas black teas generally have higher levels (30 – 70 mg per cup). Oolong teas fall somewhere in between with 20 – 55 mg per cup. If you are looking for something that is low in caffeine, herbal teas such as chamomile or rooibos do not contain any at all because they are not actually “tea” at all but rather infusions made from herbs or flowers.
Brewing and Preparation
Another factor that affects the amount of caffeine in your cup is brewing time and temperature. Generally speaking, the longer you steep your tea leaves or bags, the more caffeine will be extracted into your drink. The same goes for water temperature; hotter water will extract more caffeine than cooler water will. If you want to ensure that your cup has minimal amounts of caffeine then use cooler water and steep for a shorter period of time (3 minutes maximum). On the other hand if you are looking for an extra boost opt for hotter water and leave it to steep for up to 5 minutes.
No matter what kind of tea you prefer - black, green or herbal - chances are it contains some level of caffeine. However, by understanding what type to choose based on your preference and desired effect as well as keeping an eye on brewing time/temperature can help you control how much or little goes into each cup! So next time you're enjoying a hot cuppa don't forget to consider these elements! Enjoy!