On average, one 8 oz (237 mL) cup of drip coffee has 95 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, while one 8 oz cup of unsweetened black tea has 26.2 mg, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture database. Early studies, like the one in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association from 1979 titled "Caffeine content of common beverages," confirm that black tea generally has lower caffeine content (28 to 46 mg per 8 oz cup) compared to brewed filter coffee (107 to 151 mg per 8 oz cup).
A more recent peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology in 2008 by Jenna M Chin from the University of Florida College of Medicine agrees with this finding, showing that most brewed teas like black tea, green tea, and white tea contain less caffeine per serving than brewed coffee.
Similarly, a 1986 observational study by Aznan Lelo on 17 healthy adults published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics further supports this finding, showing that both instant and brewed coffee had more than twice the caffeine content of tea per serving. While the study observed a wide 5.5-fold range variability in caffeine levels in tea (suggesting that on rare occasions, one cup of tea could have more caffeine than the same size cup coffee), the average amount per serving was considerably lower than that of coffee.
So, it's clear that coffee is typically stronger than tea per milliliter, but why is this the case? Coffee beans contain a higher concentration of caffeine per gram than tea leaves. However, the claim that coffee is absorbed faster than tea because tea tannins bind to caffeine and slow down its absorption lacks substantial scientific evidence.
The differences between coffee and tea extend far beyond just caffeine content. Determining whether coffee or tea is healthier, how many cups of tea equal one coffee in terms of caffeine, or which one is ultimately better comes down to personal preference and individual needs.
How Much Caffeine Is In Green Tea vs Coffee?
Brewed coffee contains significantly more caffeine than green tea, whether homemade, store-bought, or served at popular coffee shops like Starbucks, Panera, or Dunkin Donuts. A typical 8 oz (237 mL) cup of homemade filter coffee has 94.8 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, while homemade green tea of the same size contains considerably less, averaging 29 mg, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Report.
Even before brewing, coffee beans generally contain a higher caffeine content per gram of dry weight compared to green tea leaves, according to a 2021 study by Heba Sayed Mostafa from the Cairo University. Specifically, a gram of instant coffee can have up to 24.71 mg of caffeine, whereas green tea ranges between 1.44 to 2.22 mg per gram. This difference translates to brewed coffee having a much higher caffeine content than green tea.
Matcha green tea, another popular variety, generally has a higher caffeine content than other green teas (but still lower than coffee). This is because matcha is made from the entire tea leaf, including stems and veins, which contain more caffeine than just the leaves used for other green teas. According to Ewa Jówko, an academic researcher from the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, caffeine content in matcha green tea ranges from 18.9 to 44.4 mg/g, higher than in other green teas (11.3–24.67 mg/g), yet still lower than brewed coffee.
When comparing caffeine in ready-to-drink coffee and green tea bottles, cans, or cartons, a 12 fl oz Stok cold brew contains 120-170 mg, whereas the same size Lipton green tea contains 22-24 mg, and Arizona green tea has 7.5 mg per 8-oz serving. Similarly, at popular coffee shops like Starbucks, a grande (16 fl oz/473 mL) Americano contains 225 mg of caffeine, while a grande green tea contains only 25 mg. This bar chart illustrates differences between caffeine content in green tea and coffee at Starbucks.
How Much Caffeine Is In Black Tea vs Coffee?
An average 8 oz (237 mL) cup of homemade black tea (Earl Grey) contains about 50 mg of caffeine, significantly less than an average cup of home-brewed black coffee (70–140 mg), according to the USDA. This aligns with a 2008 study by Jenna M Chin from the Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine, which compared caffeine levels in 20 commercial teas from brands like Twinings, Tazo, Lipton, and Stash.
In this study, the average caffeine content in black tea was 34.1 mg per 6 oz (177 mL) cup. The highest caffeine level was found in Tazo Awake black tea, brewed for 6 minutes, with 61 mg per 6 oz cup. This is similar to the USDA's reported caffeine content of a single shot of espresso (63.6 mg per 30 mL). The lowest caffeine level among the black teas tested was found in Stash Darjeeling black tea, with 27 mg per 6 oz (177 mL) serving, nearly twice the amount found in the average decaffeinated coffee.
In contrast, a 2019 study by Juliana Depaula from The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) found that a 6 oz cup of brewed black coffee typically contains between 41.25 to 88.5 mg of caffeine, almost twice as much as the average black tea of the same serving size. Furthermore, when comparing caffeine in black coffee vs black tea from Starbucks, the difference is even more profound. A 12 fl oz (347 mL) cup of Starbucks Caffè Americano has 150 milligrams of caffeine, while Starbucks Iced Black Tea with the same size has only 20 milligrams.
The following table compares the caffeine levels in 12 oz servings of Starbucks black teas and coffees.
| Type of Starbucks Beverage | Serving Size | Caffeine Content (milligrams) |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks English Breakfast Tea | 12 oz | 40 |
| Starbucks Earl Grey | 12 oz | 40 |
| Starbucks Iced Black Tea | 12 oz | 20 |
| Starbucks Iced Black Tea Lemonade | 12 oz | 20 |
| Starbucks Caffè Americano | 12 oz | 150 |
| Starbucks Caffè Latte | 12 oz | 75 |
| Starbucks Caramel Macchiato | 12 oz | 75 |
| Starbucks Caffè Mocha | 12 oz | 95 |
While studies note that caffeine content can vary significantly in both coffee and tea, depending on the variety, brewing method, and other factors, it is generally evident that black coffee contains more caffeine than black tea.
How Much Caffeine Is In Chai Tea vs Coffee?
Chai tea generally contains less caffeine than regular coffee. Chai tea, or masala chai, is a spiced tea beverage traditionally made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic herbs and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black peppercorns. An 8-ounce (237 mL) cup of chai (black tea with milk) typically has 30-50 mg of caffeine, while the same amount of brewed hot coffee can range from 70-140 mg. However, the exact caffeine content can vary depending on the specific preparation and ingredients of both chai and coffee.
How Much Caffeine Is In Decaf Tea vs Decaf Coffee?
Decaf tea and decaf coffee contain similar amounts of caffeine. The FDA mandates that tea labeled as "decaffeinated" must have less than 2.5 percent of its original caffeine level. An 8 oz cup of decaf coffee can have anywhere from 2 to 15 milligrams of caffeine. A 2008 study in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology reported that decaffeinated teas contain less than 12 mg of caffeine per serving, while herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free.
Although both decaf coffee and tea contain caffeine, the amount is always significantly less than regular caffeinated coffee. Even popular decaf brands like Nespresso, Nescafé, and Green Mountain contain trace amounts of caffeine. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology found that a large Starbucks decaf coffee had up to 13.4 mg of caffeine.
What Are the Health Effects of Caffeine in Tea vs. Coffee?
The health effects of caffeine in tea vs. coffee show significant differences between men and women. A 2018 study by Piet A. van den Brandt published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found that higher coffee intake (6+ cups per day) is associated with a 35% lower risk of overall mortality in women compared to low intake (0-1 cups per day), while men who consume moderate amounts of tea (2-3 cups per day) have the lowest mortality risk compared to non-consumers.
Substituting coffee with tea (30-50% of total intake) in men is linked to the lowest mortality rates, while in women, higher tea proportions (80-100%) are associated with increased mortality risk. However, a 2022 study suggests that moderate coffee and tea consumption is associated with reduced mortality risk for both genders. Drinking 1 cup of coffee or 3 cups of tea per day was linked to the lowest risk of all-cause mortality.
The combined consumption of <1–2 cups per day of coffee and 2–4 cups per day of tea resulted in a 24% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and a 31% lower risk of respiratory disease mortality.
How Does Caffeine Absorption Differ for Tea and Coffee?
Caffeine absorption does not differ significantly between tea and coffee, according to a 2019 study by Juliana dePaula and Adriana Farah. While tea contains tannins, claims that they significantly bind to caffeine and slow down its absorption lack substantial scientific evidence.
The study explains that approximately 20% of caffeine absorption occurs in the stomach, while the remaining 80% takes place in the small intestine. Whether from coffee or tea, caffeine is rapidly and almost completely absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion, with up to 99% absorption.
A 2002 study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics by Takeshi Kumazawa from Showa University School of Medicine compared caffeine absorption from various sources, including capsules and chewing gum. The study found that caffeine from gum was absorbed faster than from capsules. This is because caffeine can be absorbed rapidly through the oral mucosa and via enema, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. The absorption rate for coffee and tea is generally consistent, regardless of factors such as the route of administration, age, sex, health status, and the presence of alcohol, drugs, or nicotine.
Why Might Someone Choose Coffee Over Tea?
Someone might choose coffee over tea for a morning beverage because of its higher caffeine content, which provides a stronger energy boost to kickstart the day. Coffee's advantages include increased alertness, improved focus, and potential mood enhancement due to caffeine's stimulant effects. Taste-wise, coffee is generally bolder and more robust, with varying flavor profiles depending on the bean and roast, while tea tends to be lighter and more delicate.
Should I Drink Tea or Coffee In the Morning?
You should drink coffee in the morning if you want a bigger caffeine boost to start your day. Coffee typically has more than twice the caffeine than tea, making it a better choice for a stronger morning caffeine kick. Tea still contains caffeine and can provide a gentle energy boost, while offering potential health benefits due to its antioxidants. So, what is best coffee to drink in the morning? The "best" coffee is subjective and depends on individual taste. However, for a strong caffeine kick to start your day, consider a dark roast coffee like French roast or espresso from coffee brands like Allegro, Powerbean Coffee, or Starbucks, which typically contain more caffeine than lighter roasts.Does Powerbean Coffee Have More Caffeine Than a Cup of Tea?
Yes, on average, an 8 oz cup (237 mL) of java from Powerbean Coffee will have more caffeine than a cup of tea of the same size due to the higher caffeine extraction in coffee brewing and the typical use of more coffee beans than tea leaves. The single origin coffee beans from Powerbean Coffee like Colombia, Mexico, or Costa Rica typically contains significantly more caffeine than a cup of tea.
