Earl Grey tea is a popular flavored tea that is typically made from black tea leaves flavored with bergamot oil. The caffeine content of Earl Grey tea depends on the type and amount of black tea used in the blend. On average, an 8 ounce (250 ml) cup of Earl Grey tea contains about 40-60 mg of caffeine, which is slightly less than a regular cup of black tea.
What is Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey tea refers to a flavored tea blend made by infusing black tea leaves with bergamot oil. Bergamot is a citrus fruit that gives Earl Grey its distinctive aroma and flavor. The tea is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who was said to have been gifted a tea flavored with bergamot oil in the 1830s. Earl Grey tea was popularized in England but is now enjoyed around the world as a flavored alternative to regular black tea.
There are a few different varieties and blends of Earl Grey tea available today. The main types include:
- Classic Earl Grey – Made with black tea and bergamot oil. This is the traditional Earl Grey blend.
- Lady Grey – Earl Grey tea with added lemon and orange peel.
- Russian Earl Grey – Contains Earl Grey tea blended with citrus fruits and Russian caravan tea.
- French Earl Grey – Black tea with bergamot and French blue cornflower petals.
The base black tea used can also affect the caffeine content. Many commercial Earl Grey teas use lower caffeine Assam black tea as the base. But others use Ceylon black tea or even higher caffeine Chinese black teas.
How Much Caffeine is in Earl Grey Tea?
The caffeine content of Earl Grey tea depends primarily on two factors:
- Type of black tea used as the base
- The proportion of black tea to flavored tea
On average, Earl Grey made from pure black tea contains around 55 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounce cup. This is considered moderate caffeine, slightly less than a typical cup of coffee.
However, many commercial Earl Grey blends use a smaller proportion of black tea diluted with flavored tea leaves or oils. The more the black tea is diluted, the lower the caffeine content. Here is the caffeine range found in different types of Earl Grey tea blends:
| Type of Earl Grey | Caffeine (per 8oz cup) |
|---|---|
| Classic Earl Grey (100% black tea) | 55 mg |
| Premium Earl Grey (80% black tea) | 45 mg |
| Commercial Earl Grey (60% black tea) | 35 mg |
| Flavored Earl Grey (40% black tea) | 25 mg |
| Decaffeinated Earl Grey | 2-5 mg |
As you can see, a strong Earl Grey made with 100% black tea contains about 55 mg of caffeine per 8 ounce serving. But lighter commercial blends can have as little as 25 mg. And decaf Earl Grey still contains trace amounts of caffeine.
Earl Grey Caffeine vs Coffee
Compared to other popular caffeinated beverages, Earl Grey tea has far less caffeine than coffee but slightly more than green or white tea. Here is how an 8oz serving of Earl Grey compares:
- Earl Grey tea (40-60mg)
- Green tea (25-40mg)
- Black coffee (95-165mg)
- Espresso (60-100mg)
As you can see, a cup of Earl Grey made with pure black tea contains about half the caffeine of a regular coffee. However lighter Earl Grey blends fall between green tea and coffee in caffeine content.
Factors that Affect Caffeine Levels
There are a several factors that can affect the caffeine content in a cup of Earl Grey tea:
Type of tea used
The base black tea determines the starting caffeine level. Teas like Assam and Ceylon contain slightly more caffeine than others. Chinese black teas tend to be highest.
Blend ratio
The proportion of black tea to flavored tea or oils can significantly alter the caffeine content. Lighter blends have less caffeine.
Brewing time
The longer Earl Grey tea is brewed, the more caffeine will be extracted into the water.
Water temperature
Hotter water temperatures allow more caffeine to be extracted during brewing.
Tea leaf grade
Finer broken grades of black tea leaves release caffeine faster than larger leaf grades.
Multiple steeps
The caffeine level declines with each subsequent steeping of the same tea leaves.
Health Benefits of Earl Grey Tea
Beyond its pleasant flavor, Earl Grey tea provides a number of potential health benefits. This is mainly due to the compounds found in black tea, including:
- Antioxidants – Rich in antioxidants called catechins that can reduce cellular damage in the body.
- Theaflavin – Black tea contains antioxidants called theaflavins, known to have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Theanine – An amino acid found in tea that may promote relaxation.
- Fluoride – Earl Grey is a natural source of fluoride, which supports dental health.
- Bergamot oil – The oil provides anti-microbial and cholesterol lowering effects.
Moderate caffeine intake from Earl Grey tea may also provide benefits such as improved alertness, cognitive function, and exercise performance.
Risks and Side Effects
Earl Grey tea contains far less caffeine than coffee, but side effects can still occur in sensitive individuals, including:
- Jitters, anxiety
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping
- Irregular heartbeat
Tea containing bergamot oil, including Earl Grey, has also been linked to muscle cramps or twitches in rare cases. Drinking on an empty stomach may worsen these effects.
Who Should Avoid or Limit Earl Grey Tea
Certain individuals should be cautious drinking Earl Grey tea, including:
- Pregnant women – Excess caffeine may affect the fetus
- Children – Caffeine effects on a child’s developing neurological system
- Those with anxiety issues
- People sensitive to caffeine
- Anyone with heart conditions, hypertension, or migraines
Decaf Earl Grey or limiting intake to 1-2 cups per day is best for those sensitive to caffeine.
Tips for Preparing Earl Grey Tea
You can easily make Earl Grey tea at home. Follow these steps for best results:
- Heat fresh, filtered water just short of boiling. Ideal is 180°F/82°C.
- Use 1 rounded teaspoon of Earl Grey leaves per 8oz cup.
- Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes.
- Strain the leaves out after steeping using a mesh strainer or infuser.
- Avoid over-steeping the tea longer than 5 minutes.
- Drink and enjoy your cup of Earl Grey tea!
You can adjust the steeping time to make a stronger or milder cup of tea. Longer steep times extract more caffeine.
How to Store Earl Grey Tea
To maintain the best flavor and caffeine content of Earl Grey tea leaves, be sure to:
- Store tea in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Keep away from direct light, heat, and moisture.
- Purchase teas with faraway expiration dates.
- Avoid storing tea for longer than 1 year for best quality.
Tea stored improperly for long periods can lose volatile essential oils including those from the bergamot flavoring.
Ready to Drink Earl Grey Tea
As an alternative to brewing Earl Grey at home, many bottled, ready-to-drink options are available:
- Iced Earl Grey tea
- Earl Grey tea bags
- Canned Earl Grey beverages
- Earl Grey tea pods or capsules
When buying ready-made Earl Grey tea, check the label for caffeine content, which can vary greatly. Also look for versions without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Earl Grey Tea Recipes
Earl Grey tea is delicious on its own but can also be used to prepare other beverages and foods. Try these creative recipes using Earl Grey:
Earl Grey Iced Tea
Brew double strength Earl Grey, cool completely, and pour over ice. Garnish with lemon or lime slices.
Earl Grey Tea Latte
Combine freshly brewed Earl Grey with heated milk and sugar for a creamy latte drink.
Earl Grey Tea Cakes
Infuse cake batter or frosting with Earl Grey tea leaves and bergamot extract.
Fruit and Earl Grey Tea Punch
Mix Earl Grey tea, fruit juices, sparkling water, sliced fruit, and ice for a refreshing punch.
Earl Grey Tea Cookies
Stir Earl Grey leaves into cookie doughs or dip baked cookies into Earl Grey frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Earl Grey tea caffeinated?
Yes, Earl Grey tea contains caffeine since it is made from black tea. But it contains slightly less caffeine than regular black tea due to the added flavors.
Is Earl Grey tea good for you?
Drinking moderate amounts of Earl Grey tea can provide health benefits associated with black tea, especially antioxidants. But be cautious about potential caffeine side effects.
Does Earl Grey tea have bergamot?
Yes, bergamot oil is what gives Earl Grey tea its unique flavor. Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit used to scent and flavor the black tea.
Is Lady Grey the same as Earl Grey?
Lady Grey tea is very similar but is generally a lighter variation of Earl Grey with added lemon and orange peel flavors.
Does Earl Grey tea have more or less caffeine than coffee?
Earl Grey tea contains significantly less caffeine than coffee. A cup of Earl Grey has about 35-60mg of caffeine compared to 95-165mg in regular brewed coffee.
The Bottom Line
Earl Grey tea is a caffeinated beverage, with an average caffeine content between 40-60mg per 8oz cup. This is less than black tea and about half the caffeine amount found in coffee. Factors like the tea blend, brewing time, and water temperature can affect the caffeine levels. Drinking moderate amounts of Earl Grey can provide a pleasant caffeine boost as well as health effects from compounds like antioxidants, but excess intake may cause side effects in some individuals.
