Coffee or Tea - Which One Has More Caffeine?

Does coffee or tea have more caffeine?

Most people would probably say that coffee has more caffeine. But, this may not be true.

The quantity of caffeine in tea or coffee depends on different things. For instance, if you talk about the quantity of raw caffeine in tea leaves or coffee beans, you may be surprised to learn that tea leaves have more caffeine than coffee beans.

In their raw form, tea leaves generally contain 3.5 percent caffeine while it is 2 percent for coffee beans.

But, it is not as simple as that.

It is important to understand that the amount of caffeine in your coffee or tea depends on various factors such as the variety and origin of the tea leaves or coffee beans – and how you prepare tea or coffee.

When brewing tea or coffee, it is safe to say that, generally speaking, there is more caffeine in a cup of coffee because a larger quantity of coffee is used and it is brewed a higher temperature.

But, let’s dig a little deeper…

How much caffeine is in brewed tea?

The caffeine in tea varies between white, green and black tea, as well as their processing method and even time of harvesting.

So, black tea has between 47 and 90 milligram of caffeine

Then, green tea has between 20 and 45 milligram of caffeine.

Finally, white tea has between 6 and 60 milligram of caffeine.

Then brewing time and temperature have to be considered. For example, if you brew black tea for one minute, it will have 40 milligram of caffeine. But, if you brew the same black tea for 3 minutes, it will have 60 milligrams of caffeine.

How much caffeine is in coffee?

Caffeine levels in coffee depends on the quantity of coffee, grind level and the brew temperature, as well as the coffee variety.

So, a single dose of espresso has 65 milligrams of caffeine, instant coffee has 100 milligrams of caffeine, a cappuccino has 125 milligrams of caffeine and cold brew coffee has 200 milligrams of caffeine.

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