How Much Caffeine Is in Tea? A Bigelow Tea Guide

Updated April 29, 2026

Caffeine in tea ranges from 0 mg in herbal blends to roughly 75 mg in high-caffeine black blends per 8 oz. cup. Black teas typically deliver 30-60 mg, green teas (including matcha) 25-50 mg, decaffeinated teas 1-8 mg, and herbal teas none. The Mayo Clinic suggests most adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day.

Key takeaways

•    Black teas contain 30-60 mg of caffeine per 8 oz. cup, green teas 25-50 mg, decaffeinated teas 1-8 mg, and herbal teas 0 mg.
•    The Mayo Clinic considers up to 400 mg of caffeine per day generally safe for most adults.
•    Decaffeinated tea still contains 1-8 mg of caffeine per cup, so it is not completely caffeine-free.
•    Herbal tea is the only truly caffeine-free option because it is made from botanicals, not tea leaves.

Caffeine is something many of us rely on to kick-start our mornings, power through the workday, or keep us focused on a busy afternoon. But with all the options available, how do you know which tea has the right amount of caffeine for your preferred speed of life? Bigelow Tea has you covered whether you’re at home relaxing or running around checking off everything on your to-do list! If you’re looking for a bold energy boost, a gentle lift, or a completely caffeine-free moment, we offer a wide range of teas to suit every tea drinking wish. Here is everything you need to know about caffeine in Bigelow teas.

What Exactly is Caffeine?

Let’s start with the basics: caffeine is a natural stimulant found in fruits, coffee beans, cacao, and guarana plants, as well as our beloved tea leaves. In moderate amounts, according to The American Heart Association caffeine can improve alertness, focus, and even memory, but too much of this good thing can lead to jitters and sleep disturbances. Thankfully, tea offers a more balanced experience than coffee or energy drinks, largely thanks to an amino acid called L-theanine, found naturally in tea. L-theanine, as described by the Journal of Medicinal Food, promotes relaxation and helps smooth out the energy boost from caffeine, making tea an ideal beverage for staying sharp without the crash.

How Much Caffeine is Safe to Consume Each Day?

The Mayo Clinic suggests that for most adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally safe. If you love sipping your tea from dawn to dusk, it is helpful to know how much caffeine you are consuming with each cup. Here is our breakdown of the approximate caffeine content per 8 oz. cup of your favorite Bigelow teas (keep in mind these amounts can vary slightly):

High-Caffeine Teas: Need a Boost?

When you are seeking long-lasting energy, Bigelow’s high-caffeine teas are the perfect choice. For an earthy boost of clarity and boldness, try Bigelow Tea Peak Energy plus Extra L-Theanine and Caffeine Black Tea, which offers ~75 mg of caffeine per serving. Want the benefits of tea but finding it hard to step away from the jolt of your morning coffee? For an extra lift, Bigelow Tea American Breakfast Black Tea packs 50% more caffeine than your average cup of tea, delivering 60-90 mg of caffeine per serving. Both blends provide a powerful energy boost, while the L-theanine ensures you don’t feel overstimulated, making it a more balanced alternative to coffee.

Classic Caffeine: Black and Green Teas

Many of our caffeinated teas fall in the mid-range when it comes to caffeine levels which allows us to play with a variety of flavor profiles while still keeping energy up. Black teas typically contain between 30-60 mg of caffeine per cup about half the amount found in a cup of coffee, while green teas contain about 25-50 mg of caffeine. Although both teas originate from the leaves of the same Camellia sinensis plant, their differences stem from how the plant’s leaves are handled in the tea-making process Interested in learning more about the differences in green and black teas? Check out our Bigelow Tea FYI for more info.

Popular black teas like Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Black Tea and Bigelow Tea “Constant Comment” Black Tea offer a delightful blend of flavor and focus to give you a boost without overwhelming your system. For a lighter caffeine experience, try a green tea like Bigelow Tea Green Tea with Lemon or Bigelow Tea Green Tea with Mint for a refreshing, revitalizing sip.

What about caffeine in matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea made by grinding high quality green tea leaves into a fine powder. Bigelow Tea groups matcha with green tea at 25-50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz. cup. Bigelow Tea’s Matcha Green Tea with Turmeric blends matcha powder with high quality green tea and turmeric for an earthy, flavorful cup.

Decaffeinated Tea: Yes, There’s Still Some Caffeine

If you’re trying to cut back on caffeine but don’t want to give up the same great flavors you know and love from Bigelow Tea, decaffeinated teas are a great choice. Contrary to popular belief, decaffeinated tea is not completely caffeine-free. Decaffeinated black and green teas typically contain 1-8mg of caffeine which is, of course, a lot less than a fully-caffeinated cup. Bigelow Tea Earl Grey Decaffeinated Black Tea or Bigelow Tea Green Tea Decaffeinated allows you to enjoy your favorite flavors with much less caffeine.

Herbal Tea: Caffeine-Free and Delightful

For those who prefer to go completely caffeine-free, Bigelow Tea’s herbal teas are the answer. Herbals like Bigelow Tea Cozy Chamomile Herbal Tea and Bigelow Tea Red Raspberry Herbal Tea contain zero caffeine because they are not made from tea leaves but rather herbs, flowers, and other botanicals. These teas are perfect for winding down at the end of the day or simply taking a break without any added stimulation. Whether it is Bigelow Tea Sweet Dreams Herbal Tea to relax before bed or Bigelow Tea Lemon Ginger Plus Probiotics Herbal Tea to support healthy digestion, herbal teas offer a comforting and flavorful experience without the caffeine.

Which tea is best before bed?

For an evening cup, herbal tea is the best caffeine-free choice because it is not made from tea leaves derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal blends use plants like chamomile, lavender, and other botanicals, so there is no caffeine in the cup. Bigelow Tea Sweet Dreams Herbal Tea and Benefits SLEEP Chamomile & Lavender Herbal Tea are two examples blended with calming ingredients. Decaffeinated tea is different. It starts with real tea leaves and then has most of the caffeine removed, leaving 1-8 mg per cup. That is much less than a fully caffeinated cup, but it is not zero, so a true caffeine-free option means choosing herbal teas.

Finding Your Perfect Brew: A Tea for Every Moment

Whether you are looking for a strong kick of energy, a gentle lift, or a soothing moment of calm, Bigelow Tea has the perfect option for you. From our high-caffeine blends to classic black and green teas, decaffeinated options, and herbal favorites, there is a tea for every need and occasion.

No matter your caffeine preference, you can enjoy each sip knowing that Bigelow Tea offers the finest, handpicked ingredients to ensure quality in every cup. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or a relaxing caffeine-free moment, Bigelow Tea has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caffeine in Tea

How much caffeine is in a cup of Bigelow tea?

It depends on the type. An 8 oz. cup of Bigelow black tea contains about 30-60 mg of caffeine, green tea contains about 25-50 mg, decaffeinated tea contains 1-8 mg, and herbal tea contains 0 mg. High-caffeine blends like Peak Energy deliver around 75 mg per cup.

Does decaf tea have caffeine?

Yes, but only a small amount. Decaffeinated tea is made from real tea leaves that have had most of their caffeine removed, leaving roughly 1-8 mg per 8 oz. cup. That is much less than a fully caffeinated cup but it is not zero. For a truly caffeine-free option, choose herbal tea.

Is tea better than coffee for caffeine sensitivity?

Many people find tea gentler than coffee. A cup of black tea has about 30-60 mg of caffeine compared to 95 mg or more in a cup of coffee. Tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that pairs with caffeine to support steady focus rather than a sharp spike.

What is the difference between herbal tea and decaffeinated tea?

Herbal teas are not made from tea leaves. They are blended from plants like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger, so they are naturally caffeine-free. Decaffeinated teas start with real Camellia sinensis leaves and have most of the caffeine removed during processing, leaving 1-8 mg per cup.

Whether you are seeking energy, balance, or a calm caffeine-free moment, Bigelow Tea has the right cup for the way you want to feel.

Ready to find your cup? Visit our Black Tea, Green Tea, Decaffeinated Tea, and Herbal Tea collections to discover your perfect brew. 

The materials referenced on this website, including those related to health information, are provided for informational and educational purposes only. Bigelow is not responsible for and does not endorse content contained in third-party studies or materials. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always consult your medical care provider with respect to any symptoms or medical condition.