Is There Caffeine in Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea has been enjoyed in Asia for centuries. As it increases in popularity in the west, one of the first questions many people ask is “is there caffeine in oolong tea?”.
The Caffeine Content of Oolong Tea
The good news is that oolong tea does contain caffeine, although in varying amounts depending on the type of tea you choose. Some varieties are higher in caffeine than others. Here are the approximate caffeine levels in some types of oolong tea:
- Traditional Oolong Tea: 12-55 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.
- Dark Oolong Tea: 40-55 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.
- Chinese Formosa Oolong Tea: 45-75 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.
- Taiwanese Oolong Tea: 30-60 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.
How Does Oolong Tea Compare to Other Teas?
Compared to other types of tea, oolong tea contains more caffeine than green tea and less caffeine than black tea. Specifically, 8-ounce cups of:
- Green Tea: 10-25 milligrams of caffeine.
- Black Tea: 25-48 milligrams of caffeine.
Caffeine in Tea vs. Coffee
Oolong tea has significantly less caffeine than coffee, with 8-ounce cups containing:
- Oolong Tea: 12-75 milligrams of caffeine.
- Coffee: 95-165 milligrams of caffeine.
Overall, oolong tea can provide an extra bit of energy during the day, without the jitters and crash associated with too much caffeine. As with all caffeinated beverages, however, it’s best to enjoy your oolong tea in moderation.
