Written By: Sherry Harris
Earl Grey tea is a globally loved black tea blend flavored with bergamot oil, known for its uplifting citrus aroma. Many people enjoy it daily but still wonder how much caffeine is in each cup. Understanding its caffeine content helps tea drinkers manage energy levels, sleep quality, and daily intake.
Table of Contents
What Makes Earl Grey Tea Unique?
Earl Grey tea is unique because it combines black tea leaves with the fragrant oil of bergamot, a citrus fruit primarily grown in Italy. This blend gives the tea its signature floral, slightly zesty aroma that distinguishes it from standard black teas. The base of Earl Grey is almost always black tea, which naturally contains caffeine due to compounds present in the Camellia sinensis plant.
Caffeine occurs naturally in tea leaves, and its concentration is influenced by factors like leaf grade, oxidation, and harvesting methods. Brewing techniques can also affect how much caffeine ends up in your cup, particularly steeping time and water temperature. Because Earl Grey uses a black-tea base, it typically falls on the higher end of the caffeine spectrum compared to green or white teas.
Does Earl Grey Tea Have Caffeine?
Yes, Earl Grey tea contains caffeine because it is made from black tea leaves, which naturally carry caffeine. Most cups of Earl Grey provide a moderate energy boost without being as strong as coffee. Its caffeine level is enough to improve focus and alertness while still offering a smoother rise in energy.
A typical 8 oz cup of Earl Grey contains between 40 and 70 mg of caffeine. Loose-leaf teas often contain slightly more caffeine than tea bags because of fresher, larger leaves. Stronger brewing or higher-quality leaves can increase the caffeine extracted into the water.
Best Earl Grey Brands and Their Caffeine
Twinings Earl Grey
Twinings is one of the most widely recognized Earl Grey brands, known for its smooth and balanced citrus flavor. Its caffeine content typically ranges from 40–60 mg per cup, depending on steeping time. Many tea drinkers appreciate Twinings for its consistent taste and mild yet energizing profile.
Stash Earl Grey
Stash Earl Grey is known for its bold bergamot aroma and slightly stronger flavor compared to classic blends. It generally contains between 45–65 mg of caffeine per cup. This makes it a popular choice for drinkers who want a more vibrant and aromatic Earl Grey experience.
Tazo Earl Grey
Tazo Earl Grey often features a richer and more intense bergamot profile, appealing to those who enjoy a punchier citrus taste. Its caffeine level typically falls between 50–70 mg per serving. Many fans choose Tazo for its modern flavor twist and stronger energy boost.
Harney & Sons Earl Grey
Harney & Sons offers a refined Earl Grey made from high-quality tea leaves and natural bergamot. Its caffeine content ranges from 40–60 mg per cup, giving it a smooth and balanced strength. Tea enthusiasts often prefer this brand for its premium taste and elegant scent.
Teavana Earl Grey
Teavana Earl Grey tends to have higher caffeine levels, usually around 55–75 mg per cup due to its full-leaf blend. It features a robust flavor with a prominent bergamot finish. Those who want a stronger and more aromatic brew often select Teavana for its intensity.
Twinings Decaf Earl Grey
Twinings Decaf Earl Grey contains only 2–6 mg of caffeine per cup, making it ideal for nighttime drinking. Despite the reduced caffeine, it retains much of the classic Earl Grey aroma. It’s a go-to option for people who want the taste without the stimulating effects.
Stash Decaf Earl Grey
Stash Decaf Earl Grey also delivers a flavorful cup with minimal caffeine, typically between 2–5 mg. Its bergamot scent remains noticeable even after the decaffeination process. Many tea lovers choose this brand for a gentle and relaxing version of Earl Grey.
| Brand | Approx. Caffeine per Cup |
|---|---|
| Twinings | 40–60 mg |
| Stash | 45–65 mg |
| Tazo | 50–70 mg |
| Harney & Sons | 40–60 mg |
| Teavana | 55–75 mg |
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How to Brew Earl Grey for Controlled Caffeine
Brewing Earl Grey with controlled caffeine levels requires paying attention to factors such as water temperature, steeping time, tea quantity, and brewing method. Each of these directly influences how much caffeine is released from the tea leaves into your cup. By adjusting these elements carefully, you can enjoy a cup of Earl Grey that suits your preferred caffeine strength—whether mild, moderate, or strong.
Water Temperature
Water temperature plays a significant role in caffeine extraction because hotter water releases caffeine more quickly. For Earl Grey, water around 200°F (93°C) is ideal if you want full flavor without excessive caffeine. Lowering the temperature slightly—to around 185–190°F (85–88°C)—can reduce caffeine extraction while still preserving the bergamot aroma and black tea body.
Shorten the Steeping Time
Caffeine is one of the first compounds to extract from tea leaves, meaning shorter steeping times can noticeably reduce caffeine strength. If you steep for 1–2 minutes, you’ll get a mild tea with reduced caffeine. A full 3–5 minute steep will give you the richest flavor and maximum caffeine release for a stronger cup.
Choose Loose-Leaf
Loose-leaf Earl Grey gives better control because the leaves are usually larger and release caffeine more slowly compared to broken leaves in tea bags. Tea bags often contain small, dusty particles that create a quicker and more intense extraction. If you want smoother flavor with moderated caffeine, loose-leaf is the better option.
Try Cold Brewing for Naturally
Cold brewing extracts flavor gently without pulling out as much caffeine or tannins. Simply place 1–2 teaspoons of Earl Grey in cold water and refrigerate for 8–12 hours. The result is a smoother, mellower tea with significantly less caffeine and no bitterness.
Comparison Earl Grey vs Other Teas
Compared to English Breakfast, Earl Grey usually has a similar caffeine level because both rely on black tea bases. Green tea contains significantly less caffeine, usually between 20–45 mg per cup. Coffee surpasses all tea varieties with 90–120 mg per cup.
English Breakfast
Earl Grey and English Breakfast both use black tea, but English Breakfast generally has a stronger and more robust flavor. Because of this intensity, English Breakfast often contains slightly more caffeine than Earl Grey. Those who prefer a bold morning tea usually choose English Breakfast, while Earl Grey offers a more aromatic and citrus-forward profile.
Green Tea
Green tea contains significantly less caffeine than Earl Grey, making it a gentler option for sensitive drinkers. While Earl Grey delivers a brisk and aromatic taste, green tea provides a lighter, grassier flavor. Many people choose Earl Grey for a stronger energy boost and green tea for all-day sipping.
Coffee
Coffee has nearly double the caffeine of Earl Grey, creating a much stronger stimulant effect. While coffee offers an intense jolt, Earl Grey delivers a smoother and more gradual rise in alertness. Those looking to reduce caffeine without sacrificing flavor often switch from coffee to Earl Grey.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos naturally contain zero caffeine. Compared to these blends, Earl Grey offers a noticeable energy lift thanks to its black tea base. Herbal tea is ideal for evenings, while Earl Grey is better suited for daytime drinking.
White Tea
White tea typically contains less caffeine than Earl Grey because it undergoes minimal processing. Earl Grey’s black tea base gives it a stronger and more robust flavor, while white tea tastes delicate and subtle. Those who want mild caffeine often choose white tea, whereas Earl Grey is enjoyed for a brighter and bolder cup.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea sits between green and black tea in caffeine content, so it can be similar to or slightly lower than Earl Grey. The flavor of oolong is smooth and complex, offering floral or roasted notes depending on the style. Earl Grey remains more predictable in taste due to its bergamot-infused black tea base.
| Beverage | Average Caffeine per 8 oz |
|---|---|
| Earl Grey Tea | 40–70 mg |
| English Breakfast Tea | 45–75 mg |
| Green Tea | 20–45 mg |
| Herbal Tea | 0 mg |
| Coffee | 90–120 mg |
Benefits of Drinking Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey provides antioxidants that support the immune system and overall wellness. The bergamot oil adds a calming aroma that many find soothing and uplifting. Its caffeine content offers a mild boost without overwhelming the body.
Caffeine in Earl Grey can improve mental alertness and boost energy levels. However, too much can cause jitteriness or affect sleep quality for some individuals. When consumed moderately, it offers antioxidant benefits alongside a gentle stimulating effect.
Who Should Limit Caffeine in Earl Grey?
Pregnant individuals, those sensitive to caffeine, and people with anxiety may need to limit Earl Grey intake. Caffeine can interact with certain medications, making consultation with a healthcare provider important. Reducing consumption helps avoid unwanted side effects like restlessness or insomnia.
Conclusion
Earl Grey offers a moderate caffeine boost that’s ideal for people who want energy without the intensity of coffee. Its bergamot-infused aroma adds a soothing balance to the stimulation of black tea. For most drinkers, it provides the perfect blend of flavor, wellness, and gentle alertness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Earl Grey keep you awake?
Earl Grey contains caffeine, so it can keep some people awake, especially if they’re sensitive to caffeine. However, it generally has much less caffeine than coffee. Many people can drink it in the afternoon without sleep issues.
Q. Is Earl Grey stronger than coffee?
In terms of caffeine content, Earl Grey is much weaker than coffee. A typical cup of Earl Grey has about one-third to one-half the caffeine of coffee. Its flavor is bold from the bergamot oil, but not “stronger” in caffeine strength.
Q. Can you drink Earl Grey before bed?
You can drink Earl Grey before bed if you’re not sensitive to caffeine, but many people do find it mildly stimulating. The bergamot aroma is calming, which helps some tea drinkers relax. Still, if you’re caffeine-sensitive, a caffeine-free or decaf version is better at night.
Q. Is Earl Grey good for energy?
Yes, Earl Grey provides a gentle energy boost thanks to its moderate caffeine content. It’s often preferred by people who want alertness without the jittery feeling from coffee. The refreshing bergamot scent can also make you feel more awake.
Q. What is the best low-caffeine Earl Grey?
Decaf Earl Grey teas are the best low-caffeine option because they retain the flavor while removing most of the stimulant. Herbal Earl Grey blends made with rooibos are naturally caffeine-free and a popular alternative. Many tea brands offer both options for those wanting a gentler cup.
