Do you ever wonder how much caffeine is in your favorite cup of Lipton Tea? If so, you're not alone.
As someone who enjoys a good cup of tea (or three) every morning, I can totally relate to these concerns.
So, does Lipton Tea have caffeine? Yes, but the amount is not the same in every type of tea. For example, green tea usually has less caffeine than black tea.
So how much, then? And what about decaf tea? I'm here with all the answers!
Does Lipton Tea Contain Caffeine? (The Quick Answer)
Yes, Lipton tea does contain caffeine, and in most cases, it is somewhere between 20 and 55 mg per tea bag. I know this is not a small range, but more on the exact caffeine amount of different types of Lipton herbal teas in the next part.
Lipton black teas typically have the highest caffeine content, followed by green teas, while red tea's caffeine content is the lowest, excluding decaf options.
Caffeine Content Of Lipton Tea Varieties
I did all the heavy lifting for you by singling out each Lipton tea variety's caffeine amount per tea bag.
I didn't include Lipton iced tea mixes since iced tea caffeine content is often close to zero, plus iced tea is not always natural tea.
This table will help you track your daily caffeine consumption. Also, you can use it when deciding which Lipton tea to drink when you need an energy boost and which one in the evening.
Lipton Tea Variety | Caffeine Amount |
|---|---|
Lipton Black Tea | 55 mg |
Lipton Black Tea Decaf | 5 mg |
Lipton Cold Brew Tea Bags | 55 mg |
Lipton Decaf Green Tea (all flavors) | 4 mg |
Lipton Green Tea | 35 mg |
Lipton Green Tea Acai Blueberry (all superfruits) | 22 mg |
Lipton Green Tea and Honey To Go Packets | 10 mg |
Lipton Green Tea Citrus | 25 mg |
Lipton Green Tea Honey | 20 mg |
Lipton Green Tea Lemon Ginseng | 30 mg |
Lipton Green Tea Mixed Berry | 20 mg |
Lipton Green Tea Pomegranate/ Cranberry | 25 mg |
Lipton Pyramid Black Tea Pearl | 30 mg |
Lipton Pyramid Black Tea Tuscan Lemon | 25 mg |
Lipton Pyramid Black Tea Vanilla Caramel Truffle | 20 mg |
Lipton Pyramid Black Tea Wild Berry | 20 mg |
Lipton Pyramid Green Tea | 30 mg |
Lipton Red Tea | 10 mg |
Lipton Tea and Honey Decaf To-Go Packets | 0 mg |
Lipton Tea and Honey To Go Packets | 20 mg |
Lipton White Tea Blueberry Pomegranate | 25 mg |
Lipton White Tea Mango Peach Tea | 15 mg |
Caffeine In Lipton Tea Vs Popular Tea Options
There are many more premium tea companies besides Lipton, such as Bigelow Tea, The Republic of Tea, Yorkshire Tea, Harney & Sons, and so on.
I decided to compare the caffeine in Lipton teas with three teas that I like to drink when I run out of Lipton black tea.
Unlike Lipton, Twinings, Harney & Sons, and Tazo do not disclose the exact caffeine content per one tea bag on their website or product packaging.
However, I still managed to calculate the approximate amount of caffeine.
Twinings Earl Grey – around 20 mg
Twinings Earl Grey is one of my two go-to options because it tastes just amazing, and the moderate amount of caffeine doesn't affect my night's sleep.
An 8 fl oz serving of brewed Twinings Earl Grey tea has 20-25 mg of caffeine per tea bag, significantly less than the amount found in Lipton tea high in caffeine.
Only those who are extremely sensitive to caffeine will feel it.
Harney & Sons Chai Tea – around 40 mg
Made with black tea and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, natural cardamom, and vanilla flavors, a single tea bag of Harney & Sons Chai tea contains approximately 40 mg of caffeine - similar caffeine content to Lipton tea. If I’m anything to go by, this amount of caffeine can give you a kick.
Still, I have to admit that while it is delicious, I only drink this hot tea from time to time because it's too spicy for my taste buds.
Tazo English Breakfast - 50 to 60 mg
The total caffeine per serving of Tazo English Breakfast is around 55 mg, similar to Lipton tea's caffeine content.
I drink this traditional breakfast-style black tea exclusively before midday, both because of the high caffeine content and its strong, bold flavor.
Caffeine In Lipton Tea Vs Other Drink Types
Coffee and energy drinks are synonymous with caffeine, so let's see how they and Coke compare to Lipton Tea.
Lipton Tea Vs Coffee
When it comes to caffeine content, coffee has the highest concentration among all the most popular beverages in the world.
A typical cup of coffee contains between 90 and 100 mg of caffeine, while the same amount of Lipton black tea has only around 55 mg of caffeine. A double espresso is even more potent - 150 mg of caffeine.
Moderate coffee consumption is crucial to get the much-needed energy boost and avoid side effects.
I rarely drink more than two coffees and almost never after 5 PM since the caffeine half-life is 6 hours, so you can do that math.
Lipton Tea Vs Coke
Coca-Cola contains caffeine, but the amount is significantly lower than coffee and tea.
A 12-ounce can of Coke has only around 30 mg of caffeine, compared to 55 mg of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup of Lipton tea.
Keep in mind that caffeine is not the only stimulant in Coke. It contains high amounts of sugar, which can cause a spike in energy levels but lead to a subsequent crash.
Lipton Tea Vs Energy Drinks
There are so many energy drinks and caffeinated beverages on the market, so it's impossible to compare them as one. The caffeine content per can varies from 80 mg to 300 mg.
RedBull, the most popular energy drink, has about 80 mg per 8-oz can, while the most potent is Bang Energy drink - a 16-ounce can of Bang contains 300 milligrams of caffeine.
In any case, whatever energy drink you choose, it contains significantly more caffeine than Lipton teas.
Does Brew Time Affect Caffeine Levels?
Brew time can indeed affect the caffeine levels in your cup of tea.
The longer you steep your tea, the more caffeine will be extracted from the tea leaves into the hot water because caffeine is a water-soluble compound.
I steep both loose leaf tea leaves and Lipton tea bags for 3 to 5 minutes to achieve optimal flavor and caffeine extraction.
Brewing time is certainly not the only factor that affects the exact amount of caffeine. Here are some more:
Brief History Of The Lipton Tea Brand
Sir Thomas Lipton, a Scottish entrepreneur, founded the brand.[1]
He opened his first small grocery store near Glasgow, Scotland, in 1871.
Sir Lipton noticed that the tea sold in his store was of poor quality and often too expensive for the average consumer.
He decided to take matters into his own hands and began sourcing tea directly from tea gardens in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to offer high-quality tea at an affordable price.
Sir Lipton's dedication to quality and affordability quickly paid off. By the turn of the century, Lipton Tea had become one of the most popular tea brands in the world.
The brand's success was partly due to Sir Lipton's innovative marketing techniques, including advertisements and signature yellow label. How cool is that?
Today, Lipton Tea is owned by Ekaterra and remains one of the world's most beloved and recognizable tea brands.
Common Lipton Tea Questions
Is drinking Lipton tea good for you?
Drinking Lipton tea can be good for you as it contains antioxidants (especially green tea leaves) that can help protect your cells from damage. It may also lower your risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Does Lipton tea keep you awake?
Lipton tea contains caffeine, a stimulant that can keep you awake and alert. The amount of caffeine in Lipton tea varies, but it is generally less than coffee, and most won't experience adverse effects like jitters. However, if you are sensitive to caffeine, avoid drinking Lipton tea before bedtime.
Does Lipton tea cause acid reflux?
Lipton tea is less likely to cause acid reflux than coffee and other acidic beverages. However, some people may still experience acid reflux symptoms after drinking Lipton tea. If you are prone to acid reflux, it may be best to avoid drinking tea or consult a doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.[2]
How much Lipton tea can you drink a day?
The amount of Lipton tea you can drink daily depends on your tolerance to caffeine and overall health. The FDA's recommended maximum amount of caffeine for adults is 400 mg daily, equivalent to around seven teabags of Lipton black tea. So, it is unlikely that you will consume too much caffeine just by drinking Lipton tea.[3]
Can I drink Lipton tea on an empty stomach?
You can drink Lipton tea on an empty stomach if it does not trigger digestive discomfort or nausea. If you are prone to these symptoms, drinking tea with a meal or snack is better. Additionally, remember that drinking tea on an empty stomach can increase the absorption of caffeine and make you feel jittery or anxious.
Conclusion
The levels of caffeine in Lipton tea are moderate and vary based on the type of tea and brewing method used.
Lipton's green and black tea is my choice for a pick-me-up when I'm looking for a moderate caffeine intake. It's not as potent as coffee or an energy drink, so it's usually what I go for in the afternoon.
Whether you’re looking for a Lipton tea caffeine boost or need a calming cup of decaf later in the day, this brand has you covered with a range of options.
References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Lipton
2. https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2019/01250/Association_between_tea_consumption_and.34.aspx
3. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
