Green tea, unlike traditional tea, has a reputation of being more health-friendly with a lot of health benefits while weight loss stands at the top of the list. It has replaced the “traditional” tea to a great extent because of its medicinal properties, and people also consider it trendy. However, there is a perception in people about green tea that green tea is “caffeine-free.” But, does green tea contain caffeine?
YES. Green tea contains caffeine. According to USDA, 1 cup (245mg) of brewed green tea contains approximately 29.4 mg of caffeine. However, this is not a standard proportion as it can vary from 25 mg to 50 mg per cup.
Well, if green tea is something you like and your internal system does not behave well to caffeine, you might have concerns about the presence of caffeine in green tea. In this article, we will discuss caffeine content in green tea and compare it with other caffeinated drinks. And how you can consume green tea without worrying about the caffeine.
However, before jumping to that, let’s have a general overview of caffeine and its presence in different types of green tea.
What is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural substance, a chemical that is found in beans, leaves, leaves of tea plants, fruits, and more than 50 plants. It is a stimulant that stimulates the central nervous system, and people consume caffeine in different forms to reduce the effects of fatigue and tiredness. Moreover, it is alertness booster and keeps the brain fresh and productive.
Caffeine blocks or reduces the effects of adenosine, which is a neurotransmitter. Adenosine keeps building up as the day goes on and produces a feeling of tiredness or fatigue. Caffeine has a lot of health benefits as it is a mood booster and increases brain functionality. Moreover, it fastens the metabolism and fairly helpful in improving physical activities. However, some people react differently to caffeine due to their internal sensitivity, and its excessive use can cause insomnia, restlessness, heartbeat irregularity. Â
How Much Caffeine is in Green Tea?
The amount of caffeine in green tea depends on different factors such as
- Type or variety of tea plant
- Conditions in which the plant grows
- Brewing and processing method.
For instance, younger tea leaves have a higher amount of caffeine as compared to the older tea leaves. Another factor that can be a variant in the amount of caffeine in green tea is its preparation method and type of green tea you select.
Generally, loose leaf teas have a lesser amount of caffeine as compared to bagged teas. Also, powdered green tea has a higher amount of caffeine as compared to loose or bagged green tea. Moreover, the amount of caffeine tea also depends on these two things:
- How hot is the water?
- How long have you brewed it?
Caffeine in Green Tea and its Comparison to other Caffeinated Drinks
There is a long list of beverages, including energy drinks, soft drinks, coffee, black tea, etc., which contains caffeine. Here is a comparison between caffeine in green tea and other beverages.
Note: These proportions are served in 230ml drink.
| Beverage | Proportion of caffeine |
| Green tea | 30 mg to 50 mg |
| Energy Drinks | 72 mg to 80 mg |
| Soft Drinks | 23 mg to 37 mg |
| Yerba Mates | 65 mg to 130 mg |
| Black tea | 25 mg to 110 mg |
| Expresso | 240 mg to 720 mg |
| Brewed, plain coffee | 102 mg to 200 mg |
| Instant coffee | 27 mg to 173 mg |
There is a clear reflection of the amount of caffeine in green tea and other caffeinated beverages, as green tea has the least ration of caffeine in it.
Should you worry about Caffeine in Green Tea?
Well, everything is safe if you consume it to a reasonable limit. Caffeine is a stimulant, and it is used all over the world. If you consume it in the recommended proportion, there is nothing to worry about because it is a safe substance.
The recommended consumption formula is very simple. If your age is above 19 years, up to 400 mg in a day is a safe figure. However, to be on the safer side, it is highly recommended that try not to consume more than 200 mg of caffeine at a time. Four cups (8 ounces) of green tea would mean you have consumed 200 mg, and this ratio is safe and healthy for consumption.
Bottom line
The amount of caffeine in green tea is relatively lesser as compared to many caffeinated beverages, and green tea is safer as compared to them. A recommended usage (200 to 400 mg per day) is not harmful at all. However, the experts say, rather than consuming that recommended amount of caffeine at once, it is better to consume it in divided proportions to avoid any side effects. Generally, green tea is a safe drink if consumed properly.
About the Author
Lori Bogedin is a health and wellness writer and editor of TwigsCafe.com. She is in the restaurant business since 1999. In 2016 she was named one of the "Top Women in Business" by Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal.
