Usually less per served cup
Dry tea leaf contains caffeine, but the practical comparison is the brewed drink. A normal serving of brewed coffee usually delivers more caffeine than a normal serving of tea.
Preparation changes the amount
Tea type, leaf quantity, particle size, temperature, steeping time and cup size all matter. A large strong tea can exceed a small coffee, and decaffeinated tea may retain a little caffeine.
Sensitivity matters
The FDA cites 400 mg per day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults, while emphasising wide variation. Pregnancy, medicines, sleep and heart conditions need individual advice.
Questions readers also ask
Does black tea contain caffeine?
Yes; the amount varies with tea and preparation.
Is decaf tea caffeine-free?
Not necessarily; a small amount can remain.
Sources and further reading
- Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, accessed 2026-09-04
- Tea Board India — Tea Board India, accessed 2026-09-04