Does black tea have caffeine?The Complete Guide to Black Tea Caffeine

Author:Nationally certified senior tea appraiser Xu Jiahua

Black tea is one of the world’s most popular drinks, loved for its bold flavor, rich aroma, and energizing effects. If you’ve ever wondered about its caffeine—how much it has, what influences it, and how it compares to coffee or green tea—you’re in the right place. Let’s explore black tea caffeine together.

Does black tea have caffeine?

Yes, black tea naturally contains caffeine. Its caffeine acts as a gentle stimulant that helps improve alertness and concentration without the jitters often linked to stronger caffeinated drinks. 

Black tea provides a smooth energy boost, making it a great choice to stay focused and refreshed throughout the day.

How much caffeine does black tea have？

Black tea typically contains about 40 to 70 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce (240 ml) cup. The exact amount can vary depending on factors like the tea variety, how it's processed, and how long it's brewed.

How Much Caffeine is in Black Tea Per Cup?

Different black teas have varying levels of caffeine. Let’s explore how they differ.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA), most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day.You can consume caffeine within a safe range according to your personal needs.

What Factors Affect Caffeine Content in Black Tea?

Several factors influence how much caffeine ends up in your cup:

Growing Conditions

The climate, soil composition, and altitude where tea plants are cultivated can significantly influence the caffeine content in the tea leaves.

For example, tea grown at higher elevations tends to develop more concentrated flavor compounds, including caffeine, due to the cooler temperatures and slower growth rates.

Type of Black Tea

Different black tea varieties—such as Assam, Darjeeling, or Zhengshanxiaozhong—naturally vary in their caffeine levels. These differences arise from factors like the size of the tea leaves, the specific harvest season, and the unique processing methods applied to each variety.

Tea leaf Grade

Finer grades of tea, such as dust or fannings commonly used in tea bags, tend to release caffeine more quickly during brewing compared to whole-leaf teas, which generally infuse more gradually.

Water Temperature and Steeping Time

Hotter water and longer steeping times extract more caffeine. Steeping black tea at 95-100℃ for 5 minutes will yield more caffeine than brewing for 2-3 minutes.

Amount of Tea Used

The quantity of tea leaves used during brewing also affects the caffeine level in the final cup. More tea leaves generally mean more caffeine is extracted, assuming other factors like temperature and steeping time remain constant.

How to reduce caffeine content when drinking black tea?

If you want to enjoy black tea without too much caffeine, try these tips:

Shorten Steeping Time

Steep your tea for a shorter time-1 to 2 minutes instead of 3 to 5.Less steeping time means less caffeine extraction.

Use Fewer Tea Leaves

Use a smaller quantity of tea leaves per cup. Fewer leaves naturally release less caffeine into your drink, making it milder while still retaining its aroma and character.

Do a Quick Rinse Steep

Steep the leaves for 20-30 seconds and discard the liquid.Then re-steep the leaves and drink the second infusion--this can reduce caffeine by 20-40%,though not eliminate it entirely.

Brewing your tea the right way can gently lower its caffeine content. You can take a look at our article, “How to Make Loose Leaf Tea,” to see specific operations.

Choose Low-Caffeine Black Teas

Some black teas naturally have less caffeine, such as:Zhengshanxiaozhong(Lapsang Souchong)、Jinjunmei and Keemun.Opt for these over high-caffeine ones like Assam or Ceylon.

Which has more caffeine,Coffee, black tea or green tea?

Coffee vs Green tea vs black tea caffeine

Generally, black tea has more caffeine than green tea but less than coffee.Let's take a look at their specific caffeine content.

• Coffee
  Caffeine: About 95–120 mg per 8 oz cup
  Best for: Those mornings when you need a strong jolt of energy to kickstart your day. Coffee delivers a quick, intense boost that works fast.
• Green tea
  Caffeine: About 20–45 mg per 8 oz cup
  Best for: A gentle, sustained boost with a calming edge, thanks to L-theanine. Ideal for staying focused while keeping stress low.
• Black tea
  Caffeine:About 40-70 mg per 8 oz cup
  Best for: A smooth, balanced lift that keeps you alert without overwhelming your system.Perfect for sipping throughout the morning or afternoon.

Bottom line: Coffee wakes you up in a flash, black tea keeps you going with steady energy, and green tea is the slow and steady friend that keeps you calm yet alert.

You can choose the tea that best matches your caffeine needs and energy goals.

Frequently asked questions

Will black tea keep me awake?

Yes, black tea contains caffeine, which can stimulate your nervous system and help you feel more alert.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine or have trouble sleeping, it’s best to enjoy black tea earlier in the day or limit how much you drink.

Does the caffeine in black tea affect sleep?

For many people, the caffeine in black tea can interfere with sleep if consumed too close to bedtime. However, sensitivity varies—some feel little effect, while others may experience trouble sleeping.

I'm sensitive to caffeine, can I still drink black tea?

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might want to limit how much black tea you drink or avoid it later in the day. 

You could also try brewing it for a shorter time or choosing lower-caffeine teas like Zhengshanxiaozhong or Jinjunmei.

Craving Quality Black Tea? Choose Dofo Tea

Looking for a rich, flavorful black tea that brightens your day? Choose Dofo Tea. Our carefully selected leaves deliver a smooth, satisfying taste with just the right amount of caffeine to keep you energized. 

Whether you’re starting your morning or taking a relaxing afternoon break, Come and enjoy a cup of Dofo tea now.