Does Thai Tea Have Caffeine? (Full Breakdown)
The sweet and aromatic tea contains spices such as cardamom, star anise, crushed tamarind, and cinnamon mixed with condensed or evaporated milk. All of which gives Thai tea its distinct flavor and orange color.
Now, you may be wondering, does Thai tea have caffeine? And, if so, how much it contains?
The short answer is yes. Traditional Thai iced tea consists of brewed black tea, which does contain some level of caffeine. There are also non-caffeinated versions available. This version is usually made with natural herbs and spices instead of black tea leaves.
The amount of caffeine in Thai tea varies depending on how long the tea leaves have been brewed. The number of teaspoons used in making one cup of Thai iced tea also matters.
If you’re curious about the amount of caffeine in Thai tea then keep on reading!
This blog will break down how much caffeine is in Thai tea, what affects the caffeine content and how it compares to other popular teas.
What is in Thai Tea?
Thai tea, also known as cha-yen (ชาเย็น) in Thai, is a popular drink throughout Southeast Asia.
Thai tea is a sweet, aromatic drink originating from Thailand. Thai tea is made with black tea and spices. The most common spices include cardamom, star anise, crushed tamarind, and cinnamon.
Traditionally, Thai tea is mixed with condensed milk and served cold over ice. It’s the perfect thirst quencher for a hot summer day.
Does Thai Tea Have Caffeine?
So, the question many people ask is: does Thai tea have caffeine?
Yes, Thai tea contains caffeine because its primary ingredient is typically black tea, which is known for having a higher caffeine content compared to other types of tea. A standard 8 oz serving of iced Thai tea contains 20 to 60 mg of caffeine.
The caffeine content in Thai tea will depend on the type of leaves used and how long they are steeped. Black teas (Ceylon/Assam) tend to have higher levels of caffeine than other teas because they are oxidized for longer periods, increasing their caffeine content.
How Much Caffeine Does Thai Tea Have?
On average, an 8-ounce serving of brewed Thai tea may contain 20 to 60 milligrams of caffeine. The caffeine content in Thai tea can vary depending on several factors, including the type of black tea used, brewing time, and serving size.
To put that into perspective, the daily recommended caffeine intake for most adults ranges from 200 to 400 milligrams.
So, depending on your caffeine sensitivity or intake choice, you can still enjoy Thai tea without passing your daily caffeine limit.
There are types in Thailand where they use more milk than tea in a serving which may decrease the total amount of caffeine. Thai tea is steeped longer for a stronger flavor, impacting the total caffeine in a serving.
3 Key Factors That Affect Caffeine Content in Thai Tea
By taking into account these three key factors, you can better manage the caffeine content in your Thai tea to suit your needs.
1. Type of Tea Leaves
The caffeine content in Thai tea highly depends on the type of tea leaves used. Thai tea typically uses black tea as its base, which has a higher caffeine concentration compared to other tea types like oolong or green tea. However, some variations of Thai tea may use Chinese tea blends or even oolong as a substitute, which could alter the caffeine level.
2. Brewing Time
A critical factor that can impact the caffeine content in your Thai tea is the brewing time. Generally, longer brew times lead to higher caffeine levels, as more caffeine is extracted from the tea leaves. To control the amount of caffeine in your tea, try adjusting the brewing time to your preference.
3. Serving Size
Another aspect to consider is the serving size of your Thai tea. Larger servings will naturally contain more caffeine when the tea is prepared the same way. If you’re mindful of your caffeine intake, opt for a smaller serving size to reduce the overall caffeine content.
Caffeine Content In Different Thai Tea Variations
Does Thai milk tea have caffeine?
Thai milk tea, made with black tea leaves, does contain caffeine. The amount may vary depending on the tea’s strength and preparation, but on average, a cup of Thai milk tea has between 40-60 mg of caffeine.
Does Thai boba tea have caffeine?
Similar to Thai milk tea, Thai boba tea also contains caffeine due to the presence of black tea leaves. Adding tapioca pearls or boba doesn’t affect the caffeine content, so you’ll find the same approximate range, 40-60 mg of caffeine, in a cup of Thai boba tea.
Does Thai iced tea have caffeine?
Thai iced tea is yet another variation containing caffeine. This refreshing drink is made from strongly brewed black tea, which gets sweetened and mixed with ice, often containing 40-60 mg of caffeine per cup. Adding ice might slightly dilute the tea, resulting in a slightly lower caffeine content than the hot versions.
Is There Decaf Thai Tea?
Fortunately, decaffeinated versions are available for those who want to enjoy Thai tea without worrying about the high caffeine content.
Decaf Thai tea can be savored with every sip while completely free from any fears associated with high caffeine intake. Anyone can indulge without worries because decaffeinated Thai teas retain their original taste and aroma.
Caffeine In Thai Tea Vs. Coffee
When it comes to caffeine, there is a notable difference between Thai tea and coffee.
A typical 8-ounce cup of coffee contains around 95mg of caffeine. In contrast, an 8-ounce serving of Thai tea has approximately 20 to 60mg of caffeine.
Thai tea has much less caffeine than coffee, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a milder pick-me-up.
Caffeine In Thai Tea Vs. Popular Teas
Let’s compare the caffeine content in Thai tea with other popular teas:
| Type of Tea | Caffeine per 8 oz |
| Thai Tea | 20-60mg |
| Green Tea | 25-45mg |
| Black Tea | 40-70mg |
| Decaf Tea | 2-5mg |
| Milk Tea | 20-60 mg |
| Matcha Latte | 70-80 mg |
| Chai | 40-70 mg |
| Boba Tea | 30-60 mg |
Thai tea has slightly more caffeine than green tea but less than standard black tea.
It’s a great alternative for those who want to avoid the jitters associated with energy drinks or soda. If you’re looking for a drink with negligible caffeine, decaf tea might be a suitable choice.
Ingredients in Thai Tea
Thai tea is typically made with Ceylon Tea, a black tea grown in Sri Lanka. Black tea provides a deep and full-bodied flavor with notes of earthy aromas.
Depending on the recipe and the desired taste, this tea may be blended with green tea leaves for better flavor. Alternative black teas, such as Assam or Keemun can also be used. It’s important to brew a strong batch of tea.
Other ingredients used to make Thai tea include:
- Star anise
- Lime leaves
- Cinnamon sticks
- Aniseed for aroma
- Tamarind for tartness
- Vanilla extract for sweetness
- Salt for balance
- Evaporated milk, and condensed milk for texture
- Cardamom pods to add depth of flavor
In some cases, Thai tea may also be brewed with black Chinese teas such as Yunnan Souchong or Lapsang Souchong for smokier flavor profiles. But these teas are certainly not traditionally used.
Evaporated or condensed milk is used to sweeten the tea and give it an addicting taste.
One of the most common questions asked is, why is Thai tea orange? Thai tea is a bright and distinct orange color from the food coloring added to the black tea. The black tea is diluted to create its unique orange color.
5 Potential Health Benefits of Thai Tea
Thai tea is not known for its health benefits but has some nutritional qualities. These potential health benefits are attributed to tea leaves and spices.
Due to the high sugar content, it’s not recommended to drink this tea often. Nor should anyone drink Thai tea because of its health benefits.
Understanding the health benefits can help you make better decisions about your consumption.
1. Excellent Source of Antioxidants
Thai tea uses black tea, an excellent source of antioxidants, including polyphenols, catechins, and vitamins C, B2, and B6.
These antioxidants help protect cells from damage by free radicals, lower inflammation, prevent chronic diseases, and improve brand health.
According to some studies, black tea has been found to help reduce risk factors for heart disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes. It can also enhance the immune system through its antioxidant content and improve visual health by lowering eye strain levels.
2. Improves Mental Clarity
In addition to these health benefits, black tea may also help improve mental clarity and alertness due to its caffeine content. Black tea contains L-theanine, which increases alpha activity in the brain and improves focus and relaxation.
However, the exact amounts may vary depending on your choice of ingredients or preparation method.
3. Boosts Immune System Support
The tea content also has health benefits that can help boost your immune system.
Black tea offers effective support for the immune system. Antioxidants protect your body from damage due to environmental toxins as well as the aging process. Studies show that they can even prevent cancer or heart disease.
Plus, because of its caffeine and antioxidants, Thai tea can increase alertness, providing further support to immunity by improving mental clarity and fighting physical fatigue.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Another potential benefit of drinking black tea is its ability to reduce inflammation. Black tea contains theaflavin, which is responsible for its inflammation-reducing properties.
By decreasing inflammation, you can reduce the number and severity of colds. Not only that, but scientific studies suggest it may also be beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with allergies and other chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis and asthma.
5. Supports Digestive Health
Finally, Thai tea may also help support your digestive system, which helps your entire body work more efficiently – every good working part helps fuel a healthy immune system overall.
Thai tea contains tamarind, which helps healthy bacteria that promote digestion, thus making sure your whole body is functioning at its best!
Researchers believe tamarind has prebiotic functions such as anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity and helps maintain the intestinal gut barrier.
Thai Tea Nutrition
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an 8-ounce (240-mL) serving of Thai tea provides 154 calories with roughly 24 grams of sugar. Due to its high sugar level, it’s best to drink moderately.
Other nutrients include:
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 31 grams
- Fat: 2.8 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sodium: 64.8 milligrams
- Sugar: 24 grams
- Calcium: 6% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
- Iron: 2% of the RDI
Final Thoughts
Thai tea is a unique and delicious beverage from Thailand.
Thai tea does contain caffeine because this drink uses brewed black tea. The amount of caffeine in Thai tea can vary depending on the sources used. It’s also important to know the additional ingredients within the tea blend.
Generally, Thai teas contain roughly 25 to 45 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces, comparable to other caffeinated beverages like black tea.
Although it does contain caffeine, it is significantly much less than coffee. You can moderate your intake by knowing how much caffeine is in Thai tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Thai tea have a lot of caffeine?
Generally, no, Thai tea doesn’t have a lot of caffeine, especially when compared to coffee, energy drinks, or other varieties of tea. Thai tea contains 20-60 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. It has less caffeine than coffee but more than green tea. However, the amount of caffeine varies depending on the brand and preparation.
Can Thai tea be decaffeinated?
Yes, you can find decaffeinated Thai tea in the market. This allows you to enjoy the delicious flavors of Thai tea without the effects of caffeine.
Is Thai tea just black tea?
Thai tea is primarily made from black tea leaves, but it also includes additional ingredients such as spices, sugar, and milk or condensed milk. These ingredients give Thai tea its unique flavor and creamy texture.
Why does Thai tea have a distinct orange color?
The distinct orange color of Thai tea comes from the addition of food coloring during production. However, the tea’s natural color can also be influenced by the combination of black tea leaves, spices, and milk.
Does Thai tea make you poop?
Thai tea should not have a major effect on your bowel movements. However, the caffeine content in Thai tea may slightly stimulate your digestive system, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Does Thai tea keep you awake?
As Thai tea contains caffeine, it might keep you awake if consumed close to bedtime. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, try drinking Thai tea earlier in the day or opt for a decaffeinated version to avoid sleep disruptions.
