How Much Caffeine Is in Iced Tea?

Iced tea is a very popular drink in summer, but does it contain caffeine? And if so, then how much? Many people assume iced tea contains less caffeine than hot tea, but that isn’t always the case.

Iced and hot teas typically contain the same amount of caffeine. The precise quantity varies based on the steeping time, and the type of tea used. Generally, a standard cup (8oz) of iced tea on black leaves contains about 47 milligrams of caffeine (1). A cup of the same size of iced tea on green leaves contains 28 mg per 8-ounce cup (2).

Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free.

Branded Iced Teas

There are lots of different kinds of iced teas that have a company’s name on them. The amount of caffeine in each one depends on which brand it is.

The caffeine content of many branded iced teas is listed below in order of descending caffeine concentration.

DrinkCaffeine mg/bottleCaffeine mg/fl oz
Turkey Hill Iced Tea (12 fl oz)645.3
Tejava Iced Tea (12 fl oz)504.2
Honest Iced Tea (16.9 fl oz)633.7
Arizona Iced Tea (16 fl oz)301.9
Nestea Iced Tea (16.9 fl oz)231.4
Crystal Light Iced Tea (8 fl oz)101.3
Lipton Iced Tea (20 fl oz)251.3
Fuze Iced Tea (24 fl oz)241
Brisk Iced Tea (12 fl oz)110.9

Coffee Chains & Fast Food

There are also some food chains and coffee shops that sell iced tea.

DrinkCaffeine mg/drinkCaffeine mg/fl oz
McDonald’s Iced Tea (21 fl oz)1255.95
Chick-fil-A Iced Tea (16 fl oz)623.9
Seattle’s Best Iced Tea (16 fl oz)452.81
Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Tea (24 fl oz)632.6
Biggby Iced Tea (16 fl oz)382.4
Jack in the Box’s Iced Tea (20 fl oz)482.4
Wendy’s Iced Tea (16 fl oz)322
Starbucks Iced Tea (16 fl oz)251.6

Which Type of Iced Tea has the Most Caffeine?

Iced Tea

Some teas have more caffeine than others.

Black Tea

The amount of caffeine in iced tea brewed on black leaves varies significantly between 14-70 milligrams. The exact figure will depend on the number of tea bags/leaves used and the time brewed. However, the most common figure found in many sources is 47mg per 8 oz.

Green Tea

Iced tea brewed with green leaves typically has less caffeine than that brewed with black leaves. Green tea generally has around 30-50mg of caffeine per cup, while black tea averages 47mg. Green tea is typically more delicate in flavor and lighter in color compared to bolder and darker black teas.

Matcha Tea

Matcha has a higher caffeine content per serving and gram than regular green teas. A standard cup of matcha can contain between 38-176 mg of caffeine (3), while an average cup of green tea contains 20-90mg.

White Tea

White tea contains less caffeine than black tea. White tea typically averages 6-55 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. However, this varies depending on numerous factors like tea brand, the size of leaves, steeping time and temperature, etc.

Despite the wide range of caffeine contents, it’s commonly considered that iced tea on white tea leaves has less caffeine than iced teas on black and green tea leaves.

How to Reduce Caffeine in Iced Tea?

Want to reduce caffeine in your drink?

You are in luck! You can decrease the caffeine content in your favorite cup of iced tea using several simple and effective methods.

Add Water

Adding water to iced tea dilutes the caffeine concentration, which can help reduce its content. Additionally, adding more water will reduce the taste strength of teas, making for a milder flavor overall.

Use Fewer Tea Leaves

Reducing caffeine in iced tea by using fewer tea leaves or fewer tea bags is one of the easiest ways to do so. Adding fewer tea leaves also means that you’ll get a weaker flavor.

Decrease Brewing Time

To make an even milder cup of iced tea, try decreasing your brewing time.

Use Decaf Tea

Using decaf tea as a base is also an option for those who want iced tea without worrying about high caffeine levels.

Make It Herbal

Using herbal teas instead of black or green is yet another great option. You can enjoy exciting iced tea flavors made with chamomile, hibiscus, or peppermint herbs.

Herbal teas have many health benefits, such as improved sleep patterns and reduced stress, due to their calming properties. These teas are often rich in antioxidants, promoting immune health, and can aid digestion. Switching to herbal teas can also potentially alleviate tinnitus symptoms in some individuals, although more research is needed.

Final Thoughts

So yes, iced tea usually contains caffeine.

The type of tea leaves used affects the caffeine content of a cup of iced tea. Other factors include how strong the beverage is brewed, how many tea leaves are added, the brewing time, and temperature. The most caffeinated type of iced tea is typically black iced tea, with an average concentration of 47mg per 8oz cup.

Also, you can decrease the caffeine in your iced tea. You can add water or use caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile.

If you prefer branded iced tea to homemade, many options are available at your local convenience store. Just remember to check the caffeine contents on the label at the back of the bottle.

FAQ

What Is Iced Tea?

Iced tea is a refreshing and flavorful beverage made by brewing loose tea leaves or tea bags in hot water. Once prepared, the tea may be served over ice or refrigerated. For better taste and sweetness of iced tea, consider adding herbs and spices such as lemon, lime, and mint. You can mix it with fruit juices to make flavored beverages.

What Has More Caffeine – Coffee or Iced Tea?

Coffee typically has more caffeine than iced tea. An eight-ounce cup of brewed coffee typically has 96mg of caffeine, while an equal size cup of black iced tea contains roughly 47mg. The brewing process, place of origin, and other factors can affect the amount of caffeine in both drinks. Decaffeinated versions have less or no caffeine depending on the method used for decaffeination.

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