Does a warm cup of tea awaken you and provide better alertness? It could be a natural compound of the substance caffeine. Caffeine, which can provide you with a slight jolt of added energy and better focus-based performance. However, did you know that other tea types might have more or less caffeine? That means some teas can wake you up more than others. In this article we will break down the caffeine in various loose leaf black tea (as well as others) on the market, so that you can make an informed decision when drinking it.
Caffeine Levels (in 8 oz) of Popular Black Teas
Black tea is drank by people all over the planet and it has millions of fans. It is derived from the plant called Camellia sinensis, which makes various teas. The most popular benefit of black tea is its strong, bold flavor that many tea drinkers crave. But there are so many variations of black tea, and each one can have a different caffeine count. Some black teas are more energizing than others. For the most common black teas and their expected caffeine ranges:
English Breakfast: It is a full bodied Black tea and often prepared with Assam, Ceylon or Kenyan teas. Due to its rich taste, it is enjoyed by a number of tea sippers. It provides a minimal amounts of caffeine per cup usually ranging between 40-60 milligrams, to give you an added kick in the morning.
Earl Grey: This is probably one of the more famous flavors on this list as it has bergamot oil which gives a good aroma and taste that most people like. It is usually drank in the afternoon or as a hot beverage. Earl grey comes in at ~ 25–50 mg of caffeine per cup, which is ideal for those who desire something with a little bit less caffeine.
Darjeeling: Black tea from the Darjeeling region in India has a lighter flavor than most black teas. This one is typically savored by people that like leaner tastes. This makes Darjeeling an excellent choice for people sensitive to caffeine and it contains about 20-50 milligrams of caffeine per cup depending on how strong you brew yours.
Finding the Ideal Tea
So, with the knowledge that black tea is not all created equal in terms of caffeine levels, how should you go about selecting the perfect one for your individual situation? If you are caffeine sensitive or looking to limit your intake, select a organic black tea loose leaf from Darjeeling which contains less. Alternately, if you need an even stronger pick-me-up to keep your day moving ahead full steam, a tea such as English breakfast would be more suited to your needs. Needless to say, everyone´s metabolism to caffeine can fluctuate, so the best is always start with a small amount and see how your body is going to react. That way, you can adjust the formula just right for what works for you.
Comparing Caffeine Sources
We pause for a moment to understand how black tea stacks up against other typical caffeinated drinks. That way, you can get an idea of how much caffeine is actually in these beverages when you drink them:
Coffee: You'll find around 95 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup of regular coffee. Going through the mornings needing that rapid jolt of energy, is how many begin their day.
Energy Drinks — These drinks have a range of caffeine contained in them, usually 70 and 200 milligrams per serving. Others use these drinks as a convenient boost to their day.
Soda: 12 ounces of most types of soda have from 20 to 40 milligrams of caffeine. They contain less caffeine than coffee and energy drinks, but are still among the most common go-to.
As you have seen, in most cases black tea had less caffeine than coffee or energy drinks but it often had more caffeine compared to soda. However, it does include other health benefits such as antioxidants that are not found in coffee or soda. This makes black tea perfect for those who would prefer to drink something they enjoy anyway with the extra health benefits.
How to choose black loose leaf tea?
Given those facts, how do you go about selecting the best loose-leaf black tea to get caffeine content that works for you? Following are some tips to keep in mind:
Check the Label: Be sure to read the label on the package of tea. Back of pack – this should detail how much caffeine in that specific black owned loose leaf tea. This way, your decision will be based on knowledge.
What Do You Need: Think of what type of tea you would like to buy. If you want an extra power kick, try higher caffeine teas. Look for Lower Caffeine Teas — Consider reducing your caffeine consumption by finding teas with less caffeine.
Experiment with teas: Just as caffeine affects everyone differently, the type of tea you enjoy will depend on your own preferences. Please feel free to try different mixes and tastes until you find the one that takes you into awesome results.
Loose leaf black tea offers the possibility of caffeine content differences, depending on the blend you choose. You need to know how much caffeine you consume and choose a tea that is suitable for your needs. Use it a little practice and being open to new ideas, you are guaranteed not only the best tasting but also perfectly balanced leaf black tea that will supply you with enough caffeine to get you started in no time.