If you love that sweet, creamy orange drink at Thai restaurants, you might also wonder what’s really in your cup. Especially the caffeine part.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through thai tea caffeine content in simple terms, so you know how strong it really is compared to coffee, other teas, and soda.
You’ll see how serving size, brewing time, and tea type change the caffeine level. You’ll also learn about sugar, calories, and how to adjust your drink at home, including lower-caffeine and caffeine-free options.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how Thai tea fits into your day, so you can enjoy your favorite drink with more confidence.
What is Thai Tea and Why Does It Contain Caffeine?
Thai tea, also called cha yen, is a famous drink in Thailand. It starts with strong black tea, which gives the drink its main flavor and caffeine.
The tea is mixed with sugar and milk, then poured over ice. Spices may be added too, giving it a warm and comforting smell.
Common ingredients include:
- Black tea (Ceylon, Assam, or Thai blends)
- Sugar
- Sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk
- Spices like star anise, cardamom, and tamarind
- Ice
- Orange color from modern food coloring mixes
Because the base is black tea, the drink naturally contains caffeine.
Thai Tea Caffeine Content
Here’s the simple range most people look for when asking how much caffeine is in Thai tea.
Thai tea is often served in 12–16 oz cups at restaurants, so the total caffeine can be more than a small 8-oz cup.
| Serving Size | Approx. Caffeine |
|---|---|
| 8 oz | 20–60 mg |
| 12 oz | 30–75 mg |
| 16 oz | 40–90 mg |
Numbers change because every shop brews tea differently. Some use a strong tea concentrate, others make it lighter.
At home, Thai tea usually starts with 8 oz of black tea, which has around 45–50 mg of caffeine. After adding milk, ice, and sugar, the final drink usually stays in the 20–60 mg range, based on how much it is diluted.
- Thai milk tea (orange classic): About the same caffeine as regular Thai iced tea
- Thai green tea drinks: Usually a bit lower in caffeine
- Thai tea with boba: Boba adds chew and calories, not caffeine
How Strong Is Thai Tea Compared to Coffee, Other Teas, and Soda?
Yes, Thai tea is caffeinated, but it is not as strong as coffee. Many people choose it when they want a little energy without feeling overwhelmed.
| Drink (8 oz) | Approx. Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Thai iced tea | 20–60 mg |
| Black tea | 40–70 mg |
| Green tea | 25–45 mg |
| Drip coffee | 95–200 mg |
| Espresso (1 oz) | ~63 mg |
| Cola | 24–46 mg |
Thai tea sits in the middle zone, stronger than herbal teas with zero caffeine but softer than a full cup of coffee.
Factors That Affect Caffeine in Thai Tea
Several things change how much caffeine ends up in your cup of Thai tea. From the type of tea you choose to how long you brew it, each step in the process makes a difference in the final caffeine level.
1. Type of Tea and How Much You Use
The kind of tea and the amount used both affect caffeine. Strong black tea blends naturally have more caffeine.
When more tea leaves are added to the pot or strainer, the drink becomes richer in flavor and carries more caffeine in every sip.
2. How Long and How Hot You Brew It
Brewing time and water temperature play a big role. Letting tea steep for 5–10 minutes pulls more caffeine out of the leaves.
A shorter steep of 2–3 minutes keeps the drink lighter. Hotter water brings out more caffeine, while cooler water keeps it milder.
3. Using Concentrate, Plus Milk and Ice
Many cafés start with a very strong tea concentrate, then add milk and pour it over ice. This mix makes each sip less intense because the tea is diluted.
However, the whole cup can still hold a moderate amount of caffeine, especially in larger serving sizes.
4. Low-Caffeine and No-Caffeine Choices
There are simple ways to cut caffeine in Thai-style drinks. Decaf black tea keeps most of the flavor with much less caffeine.
Rooibos and other herbal blends are naturally caffeine-free, yet still taste great with milk, sugar, and warm spices for a similar creamy feel.
Is Thai Tea Good for Your Health?
Thai tea can offer a mild energy boost, better focus, and improved alertness thanks to its caffeine content.
For most adults, one cup is usually fine, but it still adds to daily caffeine intake, and having too much may lead to jitters, restless feelings, or trouble sleeping.
The drink is also known for being high in sugar and calories. Sugar and sweetened condensed milk make it creamy and flavorful, but a 12–16 oz serving can reach 250–300 calories and 30–40 grams of sugar, which is why many people enjoy it only once in a while.
Its bright orange color often comes from food coloring, though natural versions may use turmeric, hibiscus, or rooibosfor gentler shades.
Tips to Control Thai Tea Caffeine Content at Home
Controlling the caffeine in Thai tea at home is simple when a few smart changes are made while brewing.
- Use decaf or mix teas: Pick decaf black tea, or mix half decaf and half regular to lower the caffeine.
- Shorten steeping time: For a softer drink, steep the tea for only 2–3 minutes instead of longer.
- Add more milk or ice: Extra milk or ice can make the tea taste lighter and reduce how strong it feels.
- Switch to rooibos or herbal blends: For a caffeine-free Thai-style tea, use rooibos or herbal tea with Thai spices.
- Choose bold tea and longer steeping for more caffeine: If a stronger boost is wanted, use Assam or Ceylon, steep for 5–7 minutes, and keep the tea more concentrated.
In most cases, a freshly brewed 8-oz black tea base has around 40–50 mg of caffeine, and these tips help adjust the final drink to match personal comfort levels.
Special Cases: Pregnancy, Kids, & Caffeine Sensitivity
Before wrapping up, it helps to see how Thai tea fits different situations, like pregnancy, kids, and people who are sensitive to caffeine. Here’s a simple guide:
| Situation | What to Know | Safer Choices / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Thai tea has caffeine and sugar. Many guidelines suggest about 200 mg/day of caffeine during pregnancy. One cup (around 30–60 mg) usually fits under this limit. | Check with a doctor, count caffeine from all sources, and limit Thai tea to small or occasional servings. |
| Kids | Sweet and fun, but high in sugar and contains caffeine, so it’s better as a rare treat. | Use a caffeine-free Thai-style drink made with rooibos and spices instead of black tea. |
| Caffeine sensitivity | Even small amounts of caffeine may cause jitters, a fast heartbeat, or poor sleep. | Choose smaller sizes, ask for more milk and less tea, pick decaf or herbal versions, and avoid drinking Thai tea late in the day. |
These points make it easier to decide when Thai tea fits well and when a lighter, decaf, or herbal version is the better choice.
Final Takeaway
By now, you have a clear idea of how Thai tea is made, how strong it can be, and what affects thai tea caffeine content. You also saw how serving size, brewing time, sugar, and milk change what ends up in your glass.
When you order or make Thai tea next time, you can match it to your own limits. Want a light boost? Go for smaller cups or shorter brew times. Need to cut back? Try decaf, rooibos, or a herbal Thai-style drink.
If this helped you feel more sure about your drink, I’d love for you to stick around and check out my other blogs for ideas, tips, and simple help with your choices.
