While tea, coffee and soda are all sources of caffeine, the actual amount of caffeine in the beverages can differ substantially. By weight in its dry form, tea has more caffeine than coffee does. However, because it takes a relatively small amount of tea leaves to brew a drink, the average serving size of tea only provides half to one-third of the caffeine as a similarly sized coffee.
Caffeine in tea, coffee and soda (chart)
Compare the amount of caffeine in your everyday drinks.
| Drink | Caffeine per Serving (mg) | Caffeine per Ounce (mg) |
| Coffee (8 oz. cup) | 95-200 | 11-25 |
| Coca Cola (12 oz. can) | 35 | 2.90 |
| Black tea (8 oz. cup, 1 tea bag) | 40-120 | 5-15 |
| Oolong Tea (8 oz. cup, 1 tea bag) | 30 | 3.75 |
| Green tea (8 oz. cup, 1 tea bag) | 20 | 2.50 |
| White Tea (8 oz. cup, 1 tea bag) | 15 | 2.00 |
| Decaf Tea (8 oz. cup, 1 tea bag) | 2 | 0.50 |
| Herbal Tea (8 oz. cup, 1 tea bag) | 0 | 0.00 |
Is it possible to have too much caffeine?
Caption: Caffeine Molecule
While there are some studies out about the health benefits of caffeine, it’s possible to have too much fo just about anything. Tea and coffee drinkers can experience some health benefits from caffeine but should practice moderation. If you’re experiencing anxiety or headaches, it may be worthwhile to examine how much caffeine you get on a typical day. Your caffeine intake should not total more than 500 to 600 milligrams a day.
