Caffeine levels in tea and matcha vary significantly based on the plant variety, processing method, brewing time, and portion size. This guide provides reference estimates to help you compare caffeine content across brands, products, and preparation styles.
Important: These values are benchmarks. For exact figures, check the manufacturer’s nutrition information.
Explore Tea & Matcha Categories
Choose the tea style or format you want to compare. These categories cover traditional teas, powdered matcha, ready-to-drink beverages, and caffeine-free alternatives.
Quick Comparison: How Much Caffeine Is in Tea?
The table below provides reference caffeine amounts for popular tea drinks. Brewed and bottled tea values use the same 8 fl oz (237 mL) serving listed by Mayo Clinic. Matcha is listed separately by powder weight because the amount used directly affects the final caffeine content.
| Tea or Drink | Reference Serving | Approximate Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Brewed Black Tea | 8 fl oz / 237 mL | 48 mg |
| Brewed Green Tea | 8 fl oz / 237 mL | 29 mg |
| Bottled Black Tea | 8 fl oz / 237 mL | 26 mg |
| Brewed Decaf Black Tea | 8 fl oz / 237 mL | 2 mg |
| Matcha | 1–2 g powder | 13–68 mg |
These figures are not a precise ranking of every tea product. The first four are reference estimates for prepared drinks, while the matcha range comes from a separate sample survey.
What Changes the Caffeine in a Cup of Tea?
Tea type is only one part of the equation. The amount of dry tea, water volume, steeping time, temperature, and number of infusions can all affect how much caffeine ends up in the finished drink.
Black Tea
Black tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and naturally contains caffeine. Mayo Clinic lists approximately 48 mg per 237 mL as a general reference. However, breakfast blends, Earl Grey, tea bags, and loose-leaf products can have different caffeine levels.
Green Tea
Green tea also comes from Camellia sinensis. Its reference value in Mayo Clinic’s chart is approximately 29 mg per 237 mL. However, a strongly brewed cup may contain a different amount from a lightly brewed one.
White, Oolong & Pu-erh
White tea, oolong, and pu-erh are also made from the tea plant, so they should not automatically be considered caffeine-free. A 2025 laboratory study examined 68 commercial tea products across six tea types and found that tea type and brewing conditions influenced caffeine levels.
Bottled & Iced Tea
Ready-to-drink tea is a separate product category. Mayo Clinic lists approximately 26 mg per 237 mL for bottled black tea, but commercial recipes and bottle sizes vary.
Decaf & Herbal Infusions
Decaffeinated tea can still contain a small amount of caffeine. Mayo Clinic lists approximately 2 mg per 237 mL for brewed decaf black tea. Many pure herbal and fruit infusions contain no caffeine, but some blends include black tea, green tea, yerba mate, or guayusa.
Matcha vs. Brewed Green Tea
Matcha and ordinary green tea may come from the same plant, but they are prepared differently. Green tea is steeped in water and the leaves are usually removed before drinking.
The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety explains this distinction:
“With matcha, not only the infusion but the entire powder mixed into water is consumed.”
Translated from the original German report.
In its 2024 survey of 47 samples, the agency reported caffeine amounts of 13–68 mg in matcha drinks prepared with 1–2 g of powder. This makes the amount of matcha used an important factor when comparing different products.
Caffeine Intake: General Guidance
Tea contributes to your total daily caffeine intake, along with coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, supplements, and some medications. For most healthy adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers 400 mg per day an amount “not generally associated with negative effects.”
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers up to 200 mg of caffeine per day from all sources safe during pregnancy. EFSA also notes that a 100 mg dose may affect sleep in some adults, especially when consumed close to bedtime.
These figures are general guidance, not personal caffeine limits. Individual sensitivity, medications, and health conditions can affect how caffeine is tolerated. For personalized advice, consult a qualified healthcare professional and account for caffeine from all sources.
How Caffeine Find Evaluates Tea Data
We use manufacturer information, scientific research, and published references to provide reliable caffeine comparisons. Each figure is presented with its source and serving size whenever available.
Our evaluation focuses on four key points:
- Manufacturer Data: Official product pages and packaging are our preferred sources.
- Scientific Sources: Published studies and trusted health references provide additional context.
- Serving Sizes: Drink volume or matcha powder weight is included for meaningful comparisons.
- Data Accuracy: Unverified figures are labeled as estimates or marked as unavailable rather than guessed.
Unless explicitly identified as independently laboratory-tested, caffeine values are based on manufacturer information, published research, or general reference estimates. Caffeine Find does not independently laboratory-test every product.
Sources & Further Reading
The information in this guide draws on clinical reference materials, government guidance, and peer-reviewed scientific research. Each source supports a different part of the comparison, from typical caffeine amounts to measured differences in tea preparation.
- Mayo Clinic — Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda and More
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
- European Food Safety Authority — Caffeine
- Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety — Matcha Tea Investigation
- Ayakdaş & Ağagündüz (2025), Foods — Determination of L-Theanine and Caffeine Contents in Tea Infusions
Reference values are not substitutes for current product labels. Brand figures should be reviewed whenever a manufacturer changes a formula, package size, or market-specific recipe.
Editorial fact-check: October 30, 2026. This page uses published reference values and reported research. Caffeine Find does not claim to have independently laboratory-tested the products discussed above.