Facts: Does milk tea have caffeine?

Milk tea is a favorite drink because of its delicious, rich, and appealing flavor. However, some individuals experience insomnia after drinking milk tea, leading them to worry and ask, "Does milk tea have caffeine?" In this article, Zextrasure will help you find the detailed answer.

Does milk tea have caffeine?

Milk teas are usually made with black, green, or oolong teas, all of which naturally have caffeine, and the amount of caffeine in your drink depends on the type of tea, brewing time, and tea quantity. If you're wondering, "Does milk tea have caffeine?", the answer is yes, since it's often made with one of these tea bases.

Does milk tea have caffeine?

Caffeine content in milk tea variants

For those wondering “Does milk tea have caffeine?”, the answer is typically yes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the caffeine content in popular milk tea varieties:

• Black tea: This is the basic tea commonly used to make traditional milk tea. A standard cup of black tea generally has around 40-50mg of caffeine, but certain varieties like Assam can have as much as 60-80mg of caffeine. 
• Green tea: Green tea typically has a lower caffeine content than black tea, with about 20-30 mg of caffeine per cup. However, matcha - a special type of powdered green tea - has a fairly high caffeine content, reaching up to 70 mg per cup.
• Fruit tea: The caffeine level in fruit tea varies depending on the type of base tea; if black tea is used, it will contain a similar amount of caffeine as regular black tea, usually around 30-40 mg, while herbal versions made with caffeine-free ingredients will result in a caffeine-free tea.
• Herbal tea: Herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint contain no caffeine. This is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy milk tea without adding more caffeine.

Caffeine content in milk tea variants 

What affects the caffeine content in milk tea?

You already know the answer to the question "Does milk tea have caffeine?", but to avoid absorbing too much caffeine while brewing tea, you need to know the factors that affect it. Several factors, including the type of tea, the amount of tea leaves, the steeping duration, and the temperature of the water, can affect the caffeine content in your milk tea.

Type of Tea

The type of tea you select plays a key role in determining the caffeine level in your milk tea. For instance, black tea, commonly used in traditional bubble tea, can contain between 40 to 80 mg of caffeine per cup. This variation is due to different types of black tea, such as Assam, which tends to have a higher caffeine content.  

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Amount of tea leaves

The amount of tea leaves you use plays a key role in determining the caffeine content; using more leaves leads to a higher caffeine level. If you’re making milk tea at home, you can adjust this amount to suit your preference.

Steeping time

The length of time tea is steeped significantly impacts the amount of caffeine extracted, with longer steeping periods releasing more caffeine into the tea. Adjusting steeping time can help you control the caffeine content, especially if you prefer a lighter brew.

Steeping Time affects the caffeine content of the tea

Water temperature

Water temperature during steeping also affects caffeine extraction. However, it’s important to avoid overheating the water, as this can lead to bitter flavors. Controlling the water temperature properly will help you manage the caffeine content in tea effectively while preserving its flavor.

Recommended daily intake of Milk Tea

If you're asking, "Does milk tea contain caffeine?" the answer is yes, and since caffeine tolerance varies from person to person, it's important to consider your health before drinking it. For most adults, the recommended daily caffeine intake is around 400 mg, and a 304g serving of milk tea generally provides about 35.6 mg of caffeine, which is about 8.9% of the daily limit. However, this amount can vary widely based on the type of tea, brewing strength, portion size, and added ingredients.

Here are specific milk tea recommendations for each user case

• Normal person: Enjoy 1-2 cups of milk tea per week. Choose lower-sugar options to maintain a balanced diet.
• Pregnant Individuals: Limit to 1 cup of milk tea per week, preferably made with decaffeinated tea or herbal alternatives, and avoid excessive sugar.
• Individuals with Lactose Intolerance: Opt for lactose-free milk or plant-based milk alternatives (such as almond, oat, or soy milk) to enjoy milk tea without discomfort.
• Weight loss: Choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened milk tea, and consider using low-fat or non-dairy milk to reduce calories.
• Individuals with High Blood Pressure: Limit milk tea consumption to 1 cup per day, and choose low-sugar options. Herbal teas without caffeine can be great alternatives.
• Children and Adolescents: Offer milk tea as an occasional drink, limiting it to 1 cup per day and choosing low-sugar versions to promote healthy habits.

FAQs

How long does 150mg of caffeine last?

The effects of 150mg of caffeine can vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism, age, and overall health. On average, caffeine has a half-life of about 3 to 5 hours in the human body. This means that 150mg of caffeine will be reduced to around 75mg in 3 to 5 hours, and continue to decrease over time.

Generally, the stimulating effects of caffeine, such as increased alertness and energy, can last for approximately 3 to 5 hours, but the complete clearance from your system can take up to 8 to 14 hours. If you're sensitive to caffeine, you might notice its effects for a longer duration.

Can I get a milk tea without caffeine?

Yes, you can opt for a caffeine-free milk tea by choosing herbal or fruit-based teas instead of traditional black or green tea. Herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos, or peppermint are naturally caffeine-free and can be used as a base for milk tea.

Is there any way to reduce the amount of caffeine in milk tea?

To reduce the caffeine content in your milk tea, you can request decaffeinated tea, choose a smaller serving size, or ask for less tea to be used in the preparation. Additionally, you can opt for herbal or caffeine-free tea options.

The answer to the question “Does milk tea have caffeine?” is already above. Milk tea does contain caffeine, and the caffeine content can differ based on the specific recipe. However, milk tea is not considered a particularly healthy beverage, so it's best to avoid consuming it too frequently to prevent negative effects on your body.