Which Tea Has More Caffeine? White, Green, or Black?

Sip Smarter: Why Tea Caffeine Matters

If you’re reaching for a cup of tea to kickstart your day (or wind it down), it’s good to know what you’re sipping. Not all teas are created equal when it comes to caffeine.
Some give you a gentle lift, others deliver a full-throttle buzz.
Today, let’s quickly break down the caffeine differences between white, green, and black tea — so you can sip smarter based on what your body (and brain) need.

Spoiler: The tea you think is the lightest might not always be the lowest in caffeine!

Quick Snapshot: Average Caffeine Content

Here’s a simple look at the usual caffeine range you’ll find in each tea:

☕ Fun tip:
The way you brew your tea—like water temperature, steeping time, and how much tea you use—can easily change these numbers!

White Tea: The Gentle Energizer

White tea often wears the crown for being the "lightest" and most delicate type of tea.
It’s made from young tea leaves and buds, gently processed to keep flavors mild and fresh.

Caffeine profile:

• Typically the lowest caffeine of the three.
• Around 15–30 mg per cup, but can vary depending on the variety (like Silver Needle).

How it feels:
A soft, smooth energy boost. Perfect if you want to stay awake without feeling jittery or overly stimulated.

Best for:

• Afternoon sippers
• Light caffeine seekers
• Those sensitive to strong brews

Buy the finest White Teas from Danfe's White Tea Collection

Green Tea: Calm Focus

Green tea strikes a beautiful balance between too strong and too light.
It’s made from slightly more mature leaves than white tea, but still handled with care to preserve its green color and fresh flavors.

Caffeine profile:

• 20–45 mg per cup, depending on the type (like Sencha vs. Matcha).

Bonus:
Green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and mental focus.
That’s why green tea energy often feels calm and steady—no wild spikes or crashes.

Best for:

• Morning wake-up without coffee crash
• Focused work sessions
• Gentle metabolism boost

Buy the finest White Teas from  Danfe's Green Tea Collection

Black Tea: The Bold Booster

Black tea is the heavy-hitter in the world of true teas.
It’s fully oxidized, giving it a darker color, richer flavor—and yes, more caffeine.

Caffeine profile:

• 40–70 mg per cup, depending on how you brew it.

Some black teas, like Assam or English Breakfast, can even climb toward the higher end of the caffeine scale, nearly matching a light coffee!

How it feels:
A robust, lively energy kick that’s perfect for powering through your mornings or recharging after lunch.

Best for:

• Early mornings
• Coffee replacements
• Strong, bold flavor lovers

Buy the finest White Teas from Danfe's Black Tea Collection

Why the Caffeine Levels Can Surprise You

You might think white tea is always low and black tea is always high—but a few surprising factors can flip the script:

• Leaf Age:
  Younger buds (often used in white teas) actually have more caffeine by weight. It's just that you typically use less of them when brewing.
• Brewing Time and Temperature:
  Hotter water and longer steeping times pull more caffeine into your cup. So a strong, long-brewed white tea could have as much caffeine as a lightly brewed black tea!
• Tea Type:
  Some special green teas like Matcha (which you consume as a powder) can pack more caffeine than regular black tea!
• Serving Size:
  A giant 16-ounce mug will obviously hit harder than a dainty little teacup.

The Final Sip: Which Tea Should You Choose?

• For the lightest touch: Go for a white tea like Silver Needle or White Peony.
• For calm, clear energy: Green tea like Nepali Jasmine Green Tea or Mt. Pumori Best Green Tea is your best friend.
• For bold, bright energy: A strong black tea like 01° Ilam Loose Leaf Black Tea or 14° Mt. Pumori Organic Black Tea will have your back.

No matter what kind of lift you’re looking for, there’s a tea waiting to meet you halfway!

👉 Ready to find your perfect brew?
Check out Danfe Tea’s full collection and find the flavor (and caffeine level) that fits your vibe

FAQs

Q: Does green tea have caffeine?

A: Yes! Green tea has moderate caffeine—enough for alertness but usually less than black tea.

Q: Which tea has the least caffeine?

A: Generally, white tea. But depending on the variety and how you brew it, the numbers can overlap with green tea.

Q: Can I drink black tea at night?

A: If you're sensitive to caffeine, it’s best to avoid black tea close to bedtime. Try a caffeine-free herbal tea instead, like Spearmint Lemongrass Herbal Tea