The caffeine content in black tea varies depending on factors like tea type, brewing method, and leaf size, but on average:
- A typical 8-ounce (237-240 ml) cup of black tea contains about 40 to 70 mg of caffeine
- Some sources specify an average of around 47-50 mg per cup, with possible ranges from 40 mg up to 90 mg depending on preparation and tea variety
- Different black teas have varying caffeine levels, for example:
- Earl Grey: 40 to 60 mg per cup
- Assam: 50 to 90 mg per cup
- Masala Chai: 40 to 60 mg per cup
- Ceylon: 50 to 70 mg per cup
- Tea bags often have slightly more caffeine than loose leaf tea due to smaller leaf size and faster caffeine release
- Compared to coffee, black tea generally contains less caffeine; coffee averages around 95-100 mg per cup, nearly double that of black tea
In summary, expect about 40-70 mg of caffeine in a standard cup of black tea, with variations based on tea type and brewing conditions.
