How Much Caffeine In Earl Grey Tea? (Explained!)

How Much Caffeine Is In Earl Grey Tea? (Most Popular Brands)

Before we start, let's clear up some common misconceptions about caffeine. Contrary to popular belief, caffeine isn't just found in coffee.

It's also present in many teas, including our beloved Earl Grey black tea.

There are so many tea manufacturers that you may not have noticed their differences. However, each brand makes a unique blend that affects the caffeine content, but more on that later.

Let's now focus on the differences in caffeine between the most popular brands. The difference in caffeine is more significant than one might think.

On average, an 8-ounce serving (typical cup) of traditional Earl Grey black tea contains 50 mg of caffeine but, for example, Twinings has almost three times less caffeine than Bigelow Earl Grey tea if steeped for the same time.

Caffeine also varies per bag sizes, so you have to know every little detail to keep your caffeine intake under control.

The following are the most popular brands:

Twinings Earl Grey Tea

Twinings is a British tea company that has existed for over 300 years, which makes it one of the most prestigious in the world.

If you have ever been to England, you know they are famous for their afternoon tea, which is why Twinings Earl Grey tea is the favorite choice of many - it just tastes fantastic.

Yet, if you drink Earl Grey black tea for caffeine, you have better choices. It is relatively low in caffeine.

Content, of course, varies on steeping time, but even if you leave it for 5 minutes, it is expected to be less than 30mg of caffeine.

Bagged Earl Grey tea releases more caffeine than its loose-leaf teas equivalent.

Stash Earl Grey Tea

This Oregon-based tea company may have a shorter history than Twinings, but they have become important in the US market in the last 50 years.

Their version of Earl Grey tea contains significantly more caffeine. After 5 minutes, 45 to 50 mg of caffeine will be in your tea cup.

A significant difference in tea's caffeine content is noticeable after one and five minutes.

Although this is perfectly normal, the difference is even greater than usual, so you can adjust the caffeine and taste to your preferences easily.

Bigelow Earl Grey Tea

Bigelow Earl Grey tea was not part of any study, nor does the manufacturer provide accurate information.

The official website indicates that a cup of Earl Grey tea caffeine content is between 30 and 60 mg, which puts it between green tea and coffee, and it is recommended to steep it for 2 to 4 minutes.

Numi Earl Grey Tea

Numi Earl Grey tea is a high-caffeine, organic product. One cup of Numi Earl Grey tea generally contains the most caffeine, around 70 milligrams.

That amount puts it at the very top of high-caffeine teas, especially considering that some types of coffee have 90-100mg per cup.

Tazo Earl Grey Tea

Tazo Early Grey tea is a bit lower in caffeine compared to Numi, but it is still rather high for a tea.

A 6-ounce cup of Tazo Earl Grey tea contains almost 60 milligrams of caffeine after 5 minutes - a really good kick is waiting for you.

Trader Joe's Earl Grey Tea

No one has provided information about the caffeine per cup content of Trader Joe's Earl Grey tea, so we can only guess.

It is best to try to steep it for a minute or two and then slowly increase the steep times if you want more caffeine. Otherwise, it may keep you awake if it is high-caffeine tea.

Starbucks Earl Grey Tea

Most of us go to Starbucks for espresso or to fight sugar cravings, but you can actually find delicious teas there.

One of them is Early Grey tea, which in a standard 8 oz serving brings 40 mg of caffeine. Grande or Venti sizes can be a coffee-like boost.[1]

Teavana Early Grey

You can buy a pack of Teavana Earl Grey tea in most Starbucks stores. One tea bag will release about 40 mg of caffeine after 5 minutes.

What Exactly Is Earl Grey Tea Anyway?

Earl Grey tea is a type of black tea flavored with oil extracted from the bergamot orange rinds.[2]

Flavoring black tea leaves with bergamot oil and bergamot peel is believed to be the idea of Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey and former British Prime Minister, who obtained the recipe from a Chinese mandarin.

The brewed black tea flavor is smoky and nutty, while bergamot extract gives it a bit of freshness. Other ingredients like dried fruit mixes may be added alongside bergamot fruit and tea base.

A pear-shaped citrus fruit, called pear lemon, is one of the citrus fruits good for tea, but it should be subtle, not the main flavor.

First-class Earl Grey teas are made from India or Sri Lanka black tea and Italian bergamot orange pure citrus oil.

Low-quality ones are flavored with synthetic bergamot (artificial flavor), and this is the tea type you should avoid.

Only natural oils made from Sicilian citrus fruit will give you potential health benefits, desired caffeine levels, taste, and aroma.

What Affects Earl Grey Tea Caffeine Content?

The caffeine content of original Earl Grey tea can be influenced by many factors, including the type of tea leaves used, the brewing time and temperature, as well as the amount of tea used per cup.

Chinese black teas have less caffeine than herbal teas grown in India (Assam black tea) and Sri Lanka (Ceylon tea), so pay attention to the origin of the tea plant too.

Next, paying attention to the steep time is important, which every tea drinker knows. It should steep for at least a minute and at most five minutes.

Every additional minute increases the caffeine level. But did you know that temperature is also a factor? The higher temperature of water translates into more caffeine.

The amount of tea leaves or bags used will also significantly affect the caffeine in the tea.

If someone uses two or even three tea bags/tea leaves spoons, it will undoubtedly be a highly potent tea compared to one bag/teaspoon with less caffeine and a milder taste.

Benefits Of Drinking Earl Grey Tea

The benefits of drinking Earl Grey teas go far beyond just the pleasant taste and caffeine boost.[3]

Lower Cholesterol

The study showed that bergamot and bergamot oil might help reduce LDL cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol.[4]

This is a logical conclusion since bergamot oil is a significant part of Earl Grey tea.

Weight Loss

Black tea, green tea, and white tea (Camellia sinensis plant) are famous weight loss aids.

Although black teas and green teas cannot do miracles without proper diet and physical activity, a cup of Earl Grey can certainly promote the fat-burning effect.

Stress is a factor that affects obesity, and most teas, including this one, reduce stress/anxiety, indirectly helping weight loss.

Cardiovascular Health

High blood pressures (hypertension) increase the risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death.

Black tea, including Earl Grey, lowers blood pressure making it a valuable ally for people with cardiovascular issues but also for healthy adults who want to prevent problems.[5]

Mental improvement

We should not forget the amino acid L-Theanine found in green and tea, which improves cognitive functions.

It works even better together with caffeine, again present in those beverages.

Caffeine In Common Drinks Compared

Because of the huge variations of caffeine content in teas and coffees, it is impossible for me to give you a 100% accurate comparison.

So, I will take the average amounts and compare them.

Earl Grey Tea Vs Coffee

Coffee is the most potent source of caffeine, so even the weakest coffee has more caffeine than the strongest traditional Earl Grey tea.

Those who are caffeine sensitive should consider drinking coffee in the morning and Earl Grey in the afternoon to maintain the night's sleep and still have enough energy.

Earl Grey Vs English Breakfast Tea

Since English Breakfast tea is a blend of a few different black teas, it is difficult to determine its average protein content.

Nevertheless, English Breakfast tea has more caffeine in most cases than Earl Grey tea, which consists of only one black tea plus bergamot oil.

Earl Grey Vs Green Tea

Earl Grey black tea is way more likely to have a higher caffeine concentration than green tea.

An 8 oz cup of green tea typically has 30 to 40 mg of caffeine, while we have seen that Earl Grey often has 50 or even 60 mg.

Related Earl Grey Tea Caffeine Content Questions

Can Earl Grey tea keep you awake?

Yes, Earl Grey tea can keep you awake due to its caffeine content. However, the amount of caffeine in Earl Grey tea is lower than that of coffee and some other teas. If you're sensitive to caffeine or concerned about sleep disruption, limit your consumption of caffeinated teas later in the day or use decaf options.

Can Earl Grey Tea be caffeine free?

There are many brands on the market offering caffeine-free Earl Grey black tea. It is made using the same black tea leaves as regular ones, but decaffeination removes most of the caffeine.

How much caffeine is in decaf Earl Grey tea?

The amount of caffeine is not zero, but it is very close. Decaffeinated Earl Grey tea contains only trace amounts of caffeine, usually less than 5 milligrams per cup. This is significantly lower than the average caffeine of 40-60 milligrams per cup.

Can you have Early Grey Tea when pregnant?

Earl Grey tea is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy since it doesn’t contain too much caffeine.[6] Still, it's always best to consult with your doctor since increased caffeine consumption has been linked to various complications during gestation. Also, blue mallow flowers and rose petals, sometimes present in tea, are of questionable safety for child-bearing women.

Conclusion

Earl Grey tea might be just the thing for you if you're looking for a pick-me-up without becoming jittery.

When it comes to caffeine intake, moderation is key. So, if you're sensitive to caffeine or simply looking for a decaf option, don't be afraid to explore the world of caffeine-free Earl Grey teas.

There are plenty of delicious options out there that still offer the same great taste and aroma to those who love Earl Grey tea.

Of course, experiment with brewing times and temperatures to find your perfect cup of Earl Grey. Whether you prefer hot or iced, with milk or without, there's no wrong way to enjoy this classic tea.

References:

1. https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/450/hot
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bergamot-tea
3. https://www.webmd.com/diet/earl-grey-tea-is-it-good-for-you
4. https://www.oatext.com/clinical-application-of-bergamot-citrus-bergamia-for-reducing-high-cholesterol-and-cardiovascular-disease-markers.php
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6512146/
6. https://www.pregnancyfoodchecker.com/earl-gray-tea-safe-pregnancy/