Caffeine content in English Breakfast Tea
An 8 oz cup of English breakfast tea has about 42 mg of caffeine when steeped for five minutes, according to Tea Forte: about 14 mg after one minute and 22 mg after three. Actual content varies by brand, leaf amount and steep time. Adults are generally advised to cap caffeine at 400 mg a day.
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In this article
How much caffeine is in English breakfast tea?
Tea Forte reports about 42 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz cup of English breakfast tea steeped for five minutes. Other brands and cup sizes will differ, because English breakfast is a blend style, not a single product, and no standard recipe exists. Treat 42 mg as a typical example, not a guarantee.
How does steep time change it?
| Steep time | Caffeine per 8 oz (Tea Forte) |
|---|---|
| 1 minute | about 14 mg |
| 3 minutes | about 22 mg |
| 5 minutes | about 42 mg |
In Tea Forte’s figures a longer steep gave more caffeine, and over-steeping can also make tea bitter.
Other things that change the amount
- Leaf quantity: a strong brew with more leaf gives more caffeine.
- Tea type: other teas, such as green or herbal, differ, so check each.
- Decaf or herbal: a decaf breakfast blend or a naturally caffeine-free herbal tisane removes most or all of it.
How does it fit a daily limit?
The FDA cites 400 mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects in adults. Tea Forte notes that this would take roughly nine cups of black tea at the 42 mg figure. Remember coffee, cola and energy drinks count too. The FDA adds that sensitivity varies widely, and that pregnant people, those trying to conceive and those breastfeeding should ask a health care provider about limits.
How to lower the caffeine in a cup
- Shorten the steep to around two or three minutes.
- Use a little less leaf.
- Switch to decaf for evening cups.
English breakfast vs coffee
The FDA says a 12 oz cup of regular brewed coffee contains about 113 to 247 mg, so even a strong cup of English breakfast tea is generally well below a cup of coffee.
This is general information; check the pack for the brand’s own figure if one is printed.
People also ask
How much caffeine is in a cup of English breakfast tea?
About 42 mg per 8 oz cup after a five-minute steep, per Tea Forte. It varies by brand and brewing.
Does steeping longer add caffeine?
Yes. About 14 mg after one minute, 22 mg after three and 42 mg after five minutes.
How many cups equal 400 mg?
Roughly nine cups at 42 mg each, though coffee and other caffeinated drinks also count.
Sources
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