Bubble Tea Caffeine
Also known as BBT and pearl drink, bubble tea is a chewy and sweet beverage that’s been around since the 1980s. It’s becoming increasingly popular in the United States and elsewhere. But the question on everyone’s mind is whether bubble tea contains caffeine?
Does Bubble Tea Contain Caffeine?
The answer is yes, bubble tea can be caffeinated. It depends on what type of bubble tea you choose to purchase. Bubble tea can be made with regular black tea, green tea, oolong tea, or even specialty teas such as matcha or yerba mate. All of these types of teas contain varying levels of caffeine.
Caffeine Content of Bubble Tea
The amount of caffeine in bubble tea depends on the type of tea used to make the beverage. Black teas typically contain higher amounts of caffeine than green teas, for example. Here’s an approximate caffeine content for different types of bubble tea:
- Black Tea – Up to 140 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup
- Green Tea – Up to 70 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup
- Oolong Tea – Up to 60 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup
- Matcha Tea – Up to 70 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup
- Yerba Mate – Up to 65 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup
One thing to keep in mind is that bubble tea is usually served in larger sized cups, ranging from 12 to 24 ounces. So if you order a large bubble tea, the caffeine content of your drink is going to be higher.
Other Sources of Caffeine in Bubble Tea
In addition to the tea base, other ingredients in bubble tea can also add to the caffeine content. Some bubble tea shops may add a caffeinated syrup or energy drink powder to the beverage, which can significantly increase the caffeine content. Coffee and chocolate-flavored bubble teas may also contain added caffeine from the flavoring.
So the next time you order bubble tea, be sure to check if it contains any added caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine or are looking for a caffeine-free option, it’s best to go for bubble teas made with herbal teas or decaffeinated teas.
