How Much Caffeine is in a Cup of Tea?
Posted by Gaynor Birkhead on
How Much Caffeine is in a Cup of Tea?
Have you ever wondered how much caffeine is in a cup of tea? You might be surprised to learn that many other foods and beverages contain more caffeine than your favourite brew.
We all understand that caffeine is present in tea and coffee, but not everyone will be aware that products as diverse as chewing gum and weight-loss tablets have also got a caffeine content. In fact, you are probably consuming much more caffeine than you realise.
How much caffeine is in a cup of tea or coffee?
The first, and most important, thing to understand when comparing caffeine content of hot drinks is that the precise levels can vary greatly due to the brewing method, plant variety, and manufacturing process.
According to data from the International Food Information Council (IFIC), two cups of black tea roughly contains the same amount of caffeine as one cup of regular filter coffee. Other types of tea, such as green tea, have a far lower caffeine content.
Do other drinks contain caffeine?
Many fizzy soft drinks are caffeinated, with cola having about the same amount as a cup of tea. Hot chocolate has a much lower amount of caffeine. Energy drinks are the most caffeine-rich beverages available, with some brands having more than three times the caffeine level of tea.
What other products are caffeinated?
Caffeine has been cropping up in a bizarre range of foods, including sweets and potato crisps. Anything branded ‘energy’ usually contains caffeine, with some chewable mints and chocolate sweets recording extremely high levels. When Wrigley tried to launch a caffeinated chewing gum it soon ceased production over fears about consumption among children.
Fast-acting medicines often contain caffeine, so read the label before you take them.
Want to know more?
Decaffeinated, herbal, and fruit teas are a delicious alternative to traditional tea. If you want to find out more, the friendly experts at The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company are always on hand to help.