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How does coffee compare with tea in caffeine content?

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Paper bags filled with roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, and instant coffee granules arranged closely together. — coffee Roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, and instant coffee in paper bags.

When comparing coffee and tea regarding caffeine content, coffee generally provides a higher concentration of the stimulant.12

On average, a cup of coffee contains approximately 100 mg of caffeine, whereas an average cup of tea contains about 40 mg. Because of this difference, coffee typically exerts a stronger stimulating effect on the central nervous system, making it a common choice for those seeking a significant energy boost. Conversely, tea offers a milder stimulation, which may be preferred by individuals who are more sensitive to caffeine or who desire a more gentle effect.12

It is important to note that while these averages provide a general guideline, the actual caffeine content in tea can vary significantly depending on the strength of the brew.2