Does Earl Grey Tea Have Caffeine? Let’s Take a Look.

So, does earl grey tea have caffeine? Yes. Caffeine levels in a cup of Earl Grey tea range from 40 to 120 milligrams. However, there are different blends and bases of Earl Grey Tea. Therefore, caffeine levels may vary greatly depending on the base and other variables.

Breathtakingly fragrant and well-bodied, Earl Grey has a long history, several health advantages, and an irresistible flavor. Earl Grey tea is one of the world’s most famous tea blends, having been around since the 1800s. 

This type of tea is a beautiful blend of black tea and subtle floral aromas and tastes. It’s also suitable for any occasion or season. But, you might be one of those people wondering about its caffeine content. 

Earl Grey does contain caffeine. However, several factors affect this, like the base tea, blend, tea grade, etc.

To understand its caffeine content, you must know the basics first.

Let’s get into the specifics.

does earl grey tea have caffeine

What is Earl Grey Tea?

It might come as a surprise to you that Earl Grey tea is not a type of tea. Instead, it belongs to the flavored or blended tea category. 

Flavored teas comprise any form of tea, whether it’s green, black, or white. In tea addition, they are flavored with spices, extracts, oils, and flavorings. In the realm of flavored teas, Earl Grey may be the most well-known blend.

Black tea is the foundation of a traditional Earl Grey, which is then flavored with bergamot oil. This blend results in a flowery and light aroma. But, throughout the years, Earl Grey tea significantly evolved. Nowadays, there are more Earl Grey flavors and alternative combinations. 

Components Of Earl Grey Tea

Let’s look at the caffeine amount in black tea and bergamot. This way, you get a better idea of Earl Grey tea’s caffeine content.

Black Tea

Earl Grey tea traditionally uses black tea for its base. Black tea is a type of true tea produced from Camellia Sinensis. This type of tea also boasts the highest caffeine content compared to others. A standard 8oz cup of black tea contains an average of 47- 70 milligrams of caffeine on average.

Bergamot

Bergamot is a pear-shaped Italian citrus fruit— mainly cultivated in Calabria. The fruit is also as big as an orange and is green or yellow. 

Essentially, Earl Grey tea is black tea flavored with bergamot extract. 

There is entirely no caffeine from bergamot or its extracts. Therefore, Earl Grey Tea contains caffeine but only gets it from the black tea base and not from the bergamot. 

The Process Of Making Earl Grey Tea

The flavoring or scenting of Earl Grey tea takes place at the end of the production process, generally after drying the tea leaves. Some manufacturers and tea companies also garnish tea with flowers, herbs, and spices.

Once the black tea dries up, manufacturers apply the bergamot extract. This process enhances the tea’s taste enormously. Tea manufacturers have total control over the ratio, thus each brand’s taste profile. 

stirring earl grey tea

The Taste Of Earl Grey Tea

Each Earl Grey tea tastes unique. However, one identifiable flavor distinguishes Earl Grey from all teas — bergamot. Upon tasting a cup, bergamot should be the star of the show, with the rest of the components serving as supporting notes. You can expect a pungent taste when Earl Grey contains pure bergamot oil. 

How Much Caffeine is in Earl Grey?

Can you assume that Earl Grey tea contains an equivalent amount of caffeine as a standard cup of black tea? Not exactly. Even if it starts with a black tea base, an Earl Grey tea’s caffeine concentration might differ considerably on its brewing method. 

There are also numerous blends of Earl Grey tea that don’t use black tea as a base. So, this is another variable to keep in mind. 

Getting the specific caffeine content of a cup is almost impossible unless you know exactly how much caffeine is in each component.

Let’s Compare: Caffeine in Earl Grey vs. Other Teas

We know that black tea contains a range of 25 – 70 milligrams of caffeine. Here’s a breakdown of all the other tea types used in modern Earl Grey blends: 

  • White Tea – 28 mg
  • Green Tea – 25 mg
  • Oolong Tea – 34 mg
earl grey tea with tea leaves

The Factors That Affect The Caffeine Content in Earl Grey Tea 

Apart from the tea base, other variables also affect the caffeine levels in a cup of Earl Grey tea. 

The Brewing Method 

Earl Grey tea’s caffeine concentration may be altered by varying the water temperature, steeping duration, and water-to-leaves ratio.

The Grade and Types Of Tea 

You can determine the grade of tea depending on how intact or damaged the leaves are. Generally, more torn-up leaves result in more caffeine released. This is because torn-up leaves hold a significantly larger surface area than intact and whole leaves. With that, they deliver more caffeine to your cup. One good example of this is tea bags. 

Standard tea bags contain smaller and broken leaves. Hence, they are more potent than bigger loose leaves in terms of caffeine release. 

Another example is matcha. Matcha is a powdered type of tea. Because of this, it holds more caffeine than regular leaves. It also dissolves quicker in hot water. 

The Part Of The Plant 

Teas prepared from the plant’s buds and young leaves, such as white tea, will have a higher caffeine concentration than teas derived from the older leaves. 

Milk 

Adding milk to your tea may alter its caffeine levels. Acids in tea may be neutralized or balanced by the components in milk (specifically the proteins and calcium), which act as binding mechanisms for these acids.

glass tea pot with loose tea leaves

How Much Earl Grey Tea Is Safe For Consumption?

As you can see, there are plenty of factors that affect caffeine levers. Therefore, it’s difficult (and somewhat subjective) to specify a “healthy” quantity of consumption for Earl Grey tea. Not to mention that we are all unique beings with our individual metabolic profiles.

If you like the true black-based version of Earl Grey tea and are not caffeine-sensitive, then 4-5 cups daily should be okay. But, if you have an Earl Grey tea with a different base, check out the comparison we listed above to get a better idea of the caffeine content. 

If you are trying to lower your caffeine intake, look for decaf Earl Grey teas. 

What if you are avoiding caffeine altogether? Don’t worry. You can still have a taste of a good Earl Grey tea with herbal-based Earl Grey.

The Benefits Of Drinking Earl Grey Tea 

Earl Grey teas are undoubtedly delicious. But did you know they pack a punch in possible health benefits too? Drinking a nice cup of Earl Grey daily may provide the following: 

Boosts Energy Levels 

Caffeine levels in Earl Grey Tea are just right for a morning pick-me-up. Because of this, it’s the perfect tea to have during the day. 

May Increase Immunity 

The bergamot extract found in Earl Grey can possibly boost the immune system. Antioxidants within bergamot may neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging cells. Free radicals are essentially residues of oxidative metabolism. These are hazardous and may cause considerable harm to the system by inducing oxidative stress. 

Since Earl Grey contains bergamot (which also contains antioxidants), it may alleviate stress that can cause diseases. 

May Lower Cholesterol Levels 

To further protect the cardiovascular system from plaque and blockages, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is important. According to studies, bergamot may reduce harmful and damaging cholesterol levels. 

Weight Loss

Regular exercise and a good diet are crucial for weight loss. But, a cup of earl grey tea may speed up the process. Earl Grey Tea’s citrus ingredient, bergamot, is thought to stimulate energy consumption and control metabolic functions that lead to weight reduction.

Combats Colds

Studies show that Earl Grey is especially good at keeping colds and flu at bay. The anti-viral qualities of Earl Grey’s bergamot orange are mostly responsible for this. That’s why it’s so popular in the fall and winter, especially in Europe. Having a hot cup can loosen the sinus too!

May Ease Stress and Anxiety 

There’s nothing like a hot cup of Earl Grey tea after a long and stressful day, right? This alone ultimately feels relaxed and revitalized. 

Earl Grey has just the appropriate dose of caffeine to keep you awake and focused —  without the jitters. Rather than leaving you feeling restless and crashing afterward, it makes you feel rejuvenated and grounded.

Earl Grey tea, or any cup of tea, is a popular caffeine alternative for many people, allowing them to focus on their work or relax.

The natural caffeine components in Earl Grey tea may calm and soothe the body almost immediately, alleviating tension and delivering the same level of concentration and clarity as a cup of joe. 

It’s important to note that Earl Grey does not contain huge doses of bergamot. What’s more, you only intake an extremely small amount of it in each cup. So, drinking Earl Grey will not dramatically offer you these health benefits. 

earl grey in teapot with mint

Final Thoughts – Does Earl Grey Tea Have Caffeine? 

Earl Grey does contain caffeine. But, it’s not as strong as an espresso or an energy drink. In fact, it’s a great substitute for coffee — especially if you don’t want that caffeine crash at the end of the day. On the other hand, if you are being more watchful about your caffeine intake, you can try an herbal-based Earl Grey tea. It’s just as delicious and refreshing! 

Also, If you feel like an Earl Grey tea and have a little sweet tooth, don’t forget to add a little honey, it’s so good with the bergamot flavor!