Health Canada lists an average of about 30–50 mg of caffeine per 237 mL of brewed black or green tea. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free. Herbal tea without black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong, guarana or another caffeinated ingredient is usually caffeine-free as well.
Caffeine comparison by tea type
- Black or green tea: average 30–50 mg per 237 mL
- Instant tea: average 15 mg per 237 mL
- Tea labelled decaffeinated: Health Canada lists an average of 0 mg per 237 mL
- Rooibos: naturally caffeine-free
- Pure fruit or herbal tea: depends on the recipe; check the ingredient list
These are general averages, not laboratory results for individual Moodvera products. Tea variety, quantity, steeping time and cup size all change the amount in the finished drink.
Which Moodvera blends contain caffeine?
- Jasmine Flow: organic green tea; contains caffeine.
- Blue Fog: black tea; contains caffeine.
- Moon Calm: rooibos and herbs; caffeine-free.
- Rosé Glaze: fruit and herbal infusion; caffeine-free and contains almonds.
Does a longer steep extract more caffeine?
Steeping time, temperature and leaf quantity all affect extraction. If you want to avoid caffeine later in the day, choosing an ingredient that is naturally caffeine-free is more reliable than making black or green tea unusually weak.
Health Canada’s daily caffeine limits
Health Canada recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day for adults aged 18 and older, and 300 mg for people who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding. Guidance for children and adolescents is based on body weight. Individual sensitivity varies. Reduce your intake and speak with a healthcare professional if caffeine causes sleep problems, headaches or nervousness.
Frequently asked questions
Does caffeine-free mean the same as decaf?
No. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free. Decaf usually describes tea leaves that originally contained caffeine and then went through a caffeine-removal process.
Does green tea always have less caffeine than black tea?
Tea type alone is not enough to determine the amount. Health Canada places brewed black and green tea in the same average range; the actual result depends on the product and brewing method.
Are all herbal teas suitable during pregnancy?
No. Some herbs are not recommended during pregnancy. Check the full ingredient list and ask a qualified healthcare professional about multi-herb blends.
Sources
Health Canada: Caffeine in Foods
Public Health Agency of Canada: Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy