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A cup of tea is an infusion made from leaves of Camellia sinensis—unless it is “herbal tea,” which is an infusion of other plants. Green, black, oolong, and white tea all come from the same plant; their differences come from how the leaves are processed. Caffeine and health evidence vary, so the best choice depends on the tea you enjoy and your caffeine preferences.
What counts as tea?
Green, black, oolong, and white tea are made from Camellia sinensis using different methods, according to the [National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tea), whose overview was last updated in February 2020. “Herbal tea” is a common everyday term, but it is technically an infusion made from plants other than Camellia sinensis, not another type of tea leaf.
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That distinction is useful when choosing a drink: the familiar tea categories share a plant, while herbal infusions may use entirely different plants. The sources here do not establish a universal flavor ranking among the four tea types, so use your taste preference and the product’s own description rather than assuming one type is best.
How much caffeine is in a cup of tea?
The amount depends on the product and serving size, so there is no single caffeine figure that applies to every cup. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives typical values of 37 mg for a 12-fluid-ounce green tea drink and 71 mg for a 12-fluid-ounce black tea drink. Those typical figures are adapted from a 2015 study; the FDA cautions that the amount varies by product and container size. FDA guidance on caffeine was accessed October 4, 2026.
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- A premium English blend enjoyed by generations of tea lovers around the world
- Made with premium choice teas selected and blended to perfection for over 160 years
- A richer blend of our finest teas for a more aromatic and satisfying brew
- Perfect complement to your favorite tea biscuit
- Made with all natural black tea
MedlinePlus, last updated September 8, 2021, gives a broader range of 14–60 mg for an 8-ounce cup of tea. That is a general range for a different serving size, not a promise for a particular brand or preparation. Check the product information when available and account for the actual amount you drink.
Is tea good for you?
Tea should not be treated as a proven treatment or a guaranteed way to prevent disease. NCCIH reports that human studies on tea or tea polyphenols and cancer have been inconclusive, and that green tea has not been shown effective for weight loss. Limited evidence suggests green and black tea might affect some heart-disease risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, but that is not the same as established prevention or treatment.
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Rank #2
- ENGLISH BREAKFAST BLACK TEA – Loose leaf black tea made with 100% China Keemun tea leaves.
- 100% CHINA KEEMUN – Smooth, full-bodied black tea with a balanced flavor that can be enjoyed plain or with milk and sugar.
- 4 OZ LOOSE LEAF TEA TIN – One 4 oz decorative tin of loose leaf Keemun tea, brewing approximately 30–40 cups.
- CAFFEINATED BLACK TEA – Traditional English Breakfast black tea made with 100% China Keemun tea. Contains caffeine.
- 1% FOR THE PLANET - Harney & Sons donates 1% of sales to environmental nonprofits working to protect and restore our planet
How to choose a tea
- Choose by tea type and taste: Green, black, oolong, and white are all made from Camellia sinensis, but the sources do not establish a precise flavor hierarchy. Start with the type whose description appeals to you.
- Choose by convenience: Tea bags are straightforward to prepare; loose leaves are another option. An infuser or teapot is optional if you choose loose tea.
- Choose by caffeine preference: Serving size and product matter. If you want less caffeine, look for decaffeinated tea, while remembering it is not caffeine-free.
- Follow the package for preparation: Recommendations can differ by product. Use the tea maker’s directions rather than assuming a universal steeping time, temperature, or leaf-to-water ratio.
Caffeine limits and decaf tea
The FDA says 400 mg of caffeine per day is an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults, but individual sensitivity varies. This is general guidance, not a personal target or guarantee. Pregnancy, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding, some health conditions, and medications can affect whether someone should limit caffeine. Ask a health professional about your own circumstances; MedlinePlus also advises people with certain conditions or medication concerns to seek professional guidance.
Decaffeinated tea contains less caffeine than its regular counterpart, but the FDA notes that it still contains some. If you are tracking caffeine closely, include decaf tea rather than counting it as caffeine-free.
Quick Recap
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- This tea produces a rich, golden liquor that is full of character and brightness with a brisk, refreshing character.
- Ingredients: Black tea.
- For the perfect cup measure 1 tsp of loose leaf tea. Pour 7-9 oz of freshly boiled water over the tea leaves and infuse for 4-5 minutes. Serve with milk or lemon.
- One 8.8 ounce bag of loose tea.
- Taylors of Harrogate is Carbon Neutral Certified, a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, and Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Rank #4
- English Breakfast (Loose Leaf) offers a base of robust Assam black tea. Davidson's English Breakfast (Loose Leaf) is a full-bodied black tea with a malty finish.
- LEAF TO CUP: From our farms in India to your family, Davidson’s Organics is a vertically integrated provider of premium teas at affordable prices. We grow, import, blend, package, and sell - overseeing the entire journey of our tea from the leaf cuttings to the infusion in your cup.
- ALWAYS ORGANIC: Davidson’s Organics is a 3rd generation organic tea grower delivering on its promise of providing top-notch USDA certified organic teas. Our teas are grown non-GMO & free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. We are responsibly sourced and sustainably farmed. We believe in the holistic health of our farms, farmers, plants & animals.
- A CUP OF WELLNESS: Davidson’s offers a diverse selection of tea blends for the most discerning palates. From loose leaves to tea bags & iced, and from ayurvedic to herbal, our organic teas deliver the perfect pick me up or a restful respite. Enjoy our balanced tea blends for optimal health and sipping pleasure.
- TRUST OUR TEA: Davidson's Organics was the first purveyor of fine organic teas. Since 1976, we’ve worked tirelessly to develop blends that are true reflections of their names, while being committed to sourcing healthy ingredients grown by generations of skilled small farmers. Enjoy Davidson's Organics, the organic tea that sets the standards for the highest quality.
Rank #3
- Positively Tea, Organic Assam TGFOP Black Tea, Loose Leaf, 16 Ounce. USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Loose Leaf Black Tea, Contains Caffeine, Kosher, 1 lb Bag.
- USDA Organic, Non-GMO
- Black Tea
- Loose Leaf
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