❓ How much caffeine is in black tea compared to coffee?

Black tea typically contains 40-70 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, though this can vary based on several factors. This is roughly half the amount found in coffee, which usually contains 95-200 mg per cup.

The caffeine content in black tea depends on:

• Brewing time: Longer steeping (3-5 minutes) extracts more caffeine
• Water temperature: Hotter water releases more caffeine
• Tea variety: Assam and Ceylon tend to be higher in caffeine than Darjeeling
• Leaf size: Broken leaves and tea bags release caffeine faster than whole leaves

For comparison, green tea contains about 25-35 mg per cup, making black tea a moderate caffeine option. It provides a gentler energy boost than coffee, with less risk of jitters, because tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus. If you're sensitive to caffeine, you can reduce it by using cooler water or steeping for a shorter time.