How Much Caffeine is in Sweet Tea?
Caffeine is a stimulant found in many drinks and foods, including sweet tea. But how much caffeine is in sweet tea, exactly?
Caffeine Content
The amount of caffeine in sweet tea depends on how it’s made. This includes the type of tea used, the strength of the tea, and how long it’s steeped. Generally, iced teas contain more caffeine than hot teas (about 11-14mg of caffeine per 8 oz). The following lists the approximate caffeine content of popular retail sweet and unsweetened teas:
- Unsweetened tea: 8–13mg of caffeine per 8 oz.
- Sweet tea (made with commerce black tea): 25-48mg of caffeine per 8 oz.
- Flavored tea (made with commerce black tea): 15-30mg of caffeine per 8 oz.
These figures are approximate and may vary depending on the brand and method of preparation.
Caffeine Considerations
Along with the amount of caffeine, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when drinking sweet tea:
- The type of tea and the length of time it was steeped will have an effect on the caffeine content of the final drink.
- More sugar has been added to sweet tea, which can increase the absorption rate of caffeine in the body.
- Flavored teas, such as herbal teas, may contain less caffeine than regular tea.
- The caffeine content can vary depending on where you buy the tea, as different companies may add different amounts of caffeine.
What About Decaf Sweet Tea?
Some commercial brands offer “decaf” or “low caffeine” sweet tea. These teas will still generally contain some caffeine. Generally, decaf teas contain about 5-10 mg of caffeine per 8 oz. cup, though it can vary depending on the brand and method of preparation.
In conclusion, the amount of caffeine in sweet tea depends on several factors, including the type of tea used and how it was made. It’s best to check the labels or ask your barista if you’re looking for lower levels of caffeine.
