Tea and Caffeine: everything you need to know

Tea and caffeine: everything you need to know.

Ever wondered how much caffeine there is in your cup of tea? In the blog below, we take a closer look about caffeine in tea and share tips on how to increase or decrease the amount of caffeine in your brew!

Tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant and is available in various forms like black, green, white, and oolong tea. The caffeine content in tea can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of tea, steeping time, and water temperature.

How much caffeine is in different types of tea?

Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer to this, as each tea is unique and the brewing method used can impact the amount of caffeine in your cup. For example, some white teas, which have a delicate flavour and aroma can actually contain a higher amount of caffeine than, for example a black tea, which may have a stronger taste. However, if less tea and cooler water is used when brewing a white tea, this may decrease the amount of caffeine in it compared to a black tea.

How to control the amount of caffeine in your cup.

Steeping time: The longer you steep your tea, the more caffeine it will release into the water. If you’re looking to reduce caffeine intake, consider steeping your tea for a shorter duration.

Water temperature: Hotter water tends to extract more caffeine from tea leaves. Using slightly cooler water can help moderate caffeine content.

Leaf grade: Finer tea grades, like those found in tea bags, tend to have a larger surface area because they contain small pieces of tea leaves. This means the tea brews faster and releases caffeine potentially more quickly. Whole leaf teas, often found in loose-leaf form, can have slightly less caffeine.

Looking for a caffeine-free cup of tea?

One option is to try a decaffeinated tea, which offers the full compliment of flavours of a regular brew but without the caffeine. The added benefit of decaffeinated teas is that if you have a sensitivity to caffeine, you aren’t restricted to only drinking your favourite tea at certain times of the day.

Herbal teas or infusions are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant and are therefore naturally caffeine-free. If you’re looking to avoid caffeine altogether, herbal teas made from a variety of herbs, flowers and fruits are an excellent option. Popular herbal teas include hibiscus, peppermint, and ginger.

Tea offers a healthy, tasty and cost-effective source of caffeine for those looking for a gentle energy lift without the intense jolt often associated with coffee. If you’re aiming to limit your caffeine intake, try using the tips above or opt for herbal teas or decaffeinated versions of your favourite blends Ahmad Tea Decaffeinated Teas .

Enjoy the opportunity to explore the diverse world of teas, and find the perfect type of tea, taste and method to create a cup of tea that is perfect for your needs.