Caffeine Content Guide for Coffee and Tea

If you’re sensitive to caffeine or simply trying to manage your intake, being aware of the caffeine content in your favorite beverages is important. Different types of coffee and tea vary significantly in their caffeine levels, which can affect how much of a boost—or jitter—you might feel. This guide provides a breakdown of the caffeine content in coffee, espresso, and various teas, helping you make informed choices to suit your preferences and sensitivities.

Quick Glance: Most to Least Caffeinated

1. Cold Brew Coffee (150-240 mg)
2. Drip Coffee/Brewed Coffee (95-200 mg)
3. French Press Coffee (80-135 mg)
4. Espresso (Single Shot) (63-75 mg)
5. Black Tea (40-70 mg)
6. Instant Coffee (30-90 mg)
7. Oolong Tea (30-50 mg)
8. Green Tea (20-45 mg)
9. White Tea (15-30 mg)
10. Decaf Coffee (2-15 mg)
11. Herbal Tea (0 mg)

Caffeine Content in Coffee Drinks (Per 8 oz/240 ml Serving)

1. Espresso (Single Shot – 1 oz/30 ml)
   • Caffeine: 63-75 mg
   • Espresso packs a strong caffeine punch despite its small serving size.
2. Drip Coffee/Brewed Coffee
   • Caffeine: 95-200 mg
   • The caffeine content can vary significantly depending on the strength of the brew.
3. Cold Brew Coffee
   • Caffeine: 150-240 mg
   • Cold brew is often higher in caffeine because of the extended brewing time.
4. French Press Coffee
   • Caffeine: 80-135 mg
   • The longer steeping time compared to drip coffee can result in higher caffeine levels.
5. Instant Coffee
   • Caffeine: 30-90 mg
   • Generally contains less caffeine than brewed coffee.
6. Decaf Coffee
   • Caffeine: 2-15 mg
   • Though labeled “decaf,” it still contains small amounts of caffeine.

Caffeine Content in Different Types of Tea (Per 8 oz/240 ml Serving)

1. Black Tea
   • Caffeine: 40-70 mg
   • Among teas, black tea typically has the highest caffeine content.
2. Oolong Tea
   • Caffeine: 30-50 mg
   • Falls between black and green tea in terms of caffeine levels.
3. Green Tea
   • Caffeine: 20-45 mg
   • Offers a moderate amount of caffeine, less than black tea but more than white tea.
4. White Tea
   • Caffeine: 15-30 mg
   • Generally has the least caffeine among traditional teas.
5. Herbal Tea (e.g., Chamomile, Peppermint)
   • Caffeine: 0 mg
   • Most herbal teas are caffeine-free since they aren’t made from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Understanding the caffeine levels in different beverages can make a big difference for those sensitive to caffeine or aiming to control their intake. Coffee drinks like cold brew and drip coffee tend to have higher caffeine content due to larger serving sizes, while espresso, though more concentrated, is consumed in smaller amounts. In the world of tea, black tea contains the most caffeine, followed by oolong and green teas, with white tea being the lowest. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, making them ideal for avoiding stimulants. Knowing these variations can help you choose the right drink to match your caffeine needs and preferences.

See next: Best Tea for People Who Don’t Like Tea

URL has been copied successfully!