Are you in need of a little boost in the morning? Or maybe you’re trying to steer clear of caffeine altogether? Either way, it’s important to consider the caffeine content when selecting a tea. Lucky for you, there are caffeinated teas that range from trace amounts to high levels that contain about half the caffeine of a cup of coffee. And for those who want to avoid caffeine altogether, herbal and Rooibos teas are a great option!
Did you know that real tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant? And it contains caffeine too! But have you ever heard of herbal infusions or “herbal teas”? These are not true teas, even though they look and taste like tea. They’re just a mix of boiling water and botanicals like fruits, flowers, and spices. And the best part; is they’re naturally caffeine-free (except for a few like Yerba Mate and Guayusa).
What is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant present in certain plant-based foods such as tea, coffee, cola nuts, cacao, and guarana (found in some energy drinks and bars).
Its function is to increase the speed of messages transmitted through the central nervous system to the brain, providing a temporary feeling of alertness and wakefulness.
The effects of caffeine vary from person to person, with some being sensitive to it and unable to consume it, while others can drink several cups of coffee or tea without experiencing any side effects.
Drinking tea with caffeine as part of a balanced diet is acceptable, but it is best to avoid it in the afternoon to prevent sleep disruption.
Toddlers and young children should not consume caffeine, and pregnant women should not exceed 200 mg of caffeine per day. Although the NHS does not provide direct guidance on caffeine consumption for adults, a general guideline suggests a maximum of 400mg of caffeine per day.
Caffeine Content in Tea
In general, people assume that black tea has more caffeine than white or green tea, and oolong falls somewhere in the middle. But the truth is, different teas can have very different caffeine levels, no matter what type of tea they are.
While we can estimate how much caffeine is in different teas, there are a lot of factors that can affect the final amount. For example, when the tea leaves were picked, how they were processed, and even the specific type of tea plant can all influence caffeine levels.
Did you know that the caffeine levels in loose-leaf tea can vary quite a bit? Some teas have about half the caffeine of a cup of coffee, while others have only trace amounts. Unfortunately, it can be tough to know for sure how much caffeine a particular tea has unless you’re in a lab.
Moreover, When you brew your tea, there are even more factors that can affect how much caffeine ends up in your cup. The temperature of your water, the amount of tea leaves you use, and how long you steep your tea can all make a difference. And to make things even more complicated, different people can react differently to the same amount of caffeine based on their bodies and sensitivities.
Factors that influence the caffeine content of tea
The caffeine content of tea is influenced by various factors instead of just one. All tea made from the camellia sinensis plant contains caffeine, even if it’s decaffeinated.
- The two main varietals of the plant are Camellia sinensis var. sinensis which is originally from China and Camellia sinensis var. assamica which is originally from India, with the former having lower caffeine content than the latter.
- Teas harvested in spring tend to have higher caffeine content, especially silver-tip teas.
- Shade-grown teas have more caffeine due to the stress response induced by the shading process.
- Processing methods like cutting, crushing, or tearing the tea leaves produce a more concentrated cup of tea with higher caffeine levels.
- Hot water also increases the caffeine content, with black teas having more caffeine than green or white teas that require cooler water.
- Longer steeping time leads to higher caffeine levels, with black and pu-erh teas having more caffeine than white, green, or oolong teas.
- Using more tea leaves results in a higher caffeine level while using fewer tea leaves leads to a weaker cup with lower caffeine content.
Caffeine to your body
Caffeine can be a powerful stimulant that has both positive and negative effects on the body. Some people use caffeine to help them wake up in the morning, and it can be a great way to increase alertness and energy levels. However, everyone reacts differently to caffeine, with some people being able to handle more than others.
It’s important to remember that drinking caffeine in the evening can disturb your sleep, and drinking caffeinated tea on an empty stomach can cause jitters and an increased heart rate. Even if you don’t experience any negative side effects, it’s best to consume caffeine in moderation. If you want to limit your caffeine intake, there are plenty of herbal teas available.
At T-Medley, we offer a wide variety of teas to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a highly caffeinated morning cup or a caffeine-free option. So, no matter what type of tea you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered!