Does Earl Grey Tea Have Caffeine & Is it Good For You?
Earl Grey tea is a favorite among many tea-lovers. But have you ever wondered if this dark, aromatic beverage also contains caffeine? Today, we'll take an in-depth look at the caffeine content found in Earl Grey tea so that you can make informed choices about your daily consumption. Let’s get started!
Earl Grey Tea History
Earl Grey tea is a type of black tea flavored with oil from the rind of a bergamot orange. The tea is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who was the British Prime Minister in the 1830s. According to legend, the tea was created for Earl Grey by a Chinese mandarin, as a thank you gift for saving the life of the mandarin's son. The recipe for Earl Grey tea was supposedly a closely guarded secret, and it was not until many years later that the tea became widely available to the general public.
The first recorded reference to Earl Grey tea can be traced back to 1837, when the tea was served to guests at Earl Grey's home. It is not clear exactly when the tea was first commercially available, but it is thought to have become popular in the late 19th century. Today, Earl Grey tea is enjoyed by tea lovers all over the world, and it remains one of the most popular flavored teas.
What is In Earl Grey Tea?
Originally, Earl Grey tea was only made with black tea leaves and bergamot oil, and it was scented rather than flavored with any additional ingredients.
Nowadays, there are many variations of Earl Grey tea on the market. A variety of additional ingredients are now used, including blue mallow flowers, rose petals, lavender, and other citrus fruits. The base of these blends is typically Chinese or Ceylon black tea, but other countries such as Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam also produce their own versions using local black tea leaves. Some modern Earl Grey blends may be made with other types of tea, such as rooibos, green tea, or Pu'erh tea, but all of these variations will have bergamot oil as a common ingredient.
Some Earl Grey teas are made with real bergamot oil, while others may use artificial flavoring. The flavor of each blend can vary widely, ranging from weak to overpowering. The best way to find the right Earl Grey tea for you is to try a few different blends and see which one you enjoy the most
Earl Grey Nutritional Info
Earl Grey tea is pretty healthy, because it contains minimal nutrients. This is what you can expect from one serving (8 oz)
Nutrients |
Amount |
Calories |
0 |
Sugar |
0 g |
Protein |
0 g |
Fat |
0 g |
Sodium |
0 g |
Total Carbohydrates |
0 g |
You’ll also find low concentrations of Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Riboflavin, and Folic acid in Earl Grey tea.
Does Earl Grey Tea Have Caffeine?
Yes, Earl Grey tea does have caffeine. Depending on the ingredients used, each serving of Earl Grey Tea contains anywhere from 40 to 120 milligrams of caffeine. Exceptions to this include herbal and decaf Earl Grey tea, but for the most part, you will find caffeine in your drink.
How Much Caffeine is In Earl Grey Tea?
Caffeine (6 oz) |
Caffeine Strength |
Calories |
41 mg |
Medium |
0 |
Is Earl Grey Tea Good For You?
Yes. For the most part, Earl Grey tea is good for you. The majority of brewed teas have substantial benefits, but there are some variations that aren’t as healthy. For instance, Twisted Tea and sweet tea both contain large amounts of sugar while Twisted Tea contains alcohol, hindering the effects brought on by the caffeine.
Nevertheless, Earl Grey tea still has plenty of benefits that you can reap whenever you consume this drink.
Benefits of Drinking Earl Grey Tea
The main three benefits that come with drinking Earl Grey tea are:
- Improved heart health
- Weight loss
- Lower cholesterol
Let’s take a closer look at each of these benefits.
Better Heart Health
There is evidence that black tea and other teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant may be effective in reducing blood pressure, particularly in individuals with hypertension. It’s not entirely understood how black tea lowers blood pressure. However, it is believed that the flavonoids it contains may help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Furthermore, high sugar increase can also build up blood pressure. Because Earl Grey tea has no added sugar, it's a healthier alternative to other options like Starbucks drinks and popular fast food beverages.
Weight Loss
Studies on the polyphenols in black tea suggest that it may be able to support weight loss. This could be due to a number of reasons, including the inhibition of fat digestion, the promotion of fat metabolism, and the reduction of oxidative stress, which can contribute to obesity. While further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms, these findings provide support for a connection between black tea and weight loss.
Lower Cholesterol
According to multiple studies, bergamot extract may be effective in lowering both LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Further research is needed to fully understand this mechanism and the potential benefits of bergamot extract for cholesterol management.
What Does Earl Grey Tea Taste Like?
Earl Grey tea has a medium-bodied, slightly astringent taste, with a slight bitterness that is balanced by the sweetness of the bergamot. The flavor can vary depending on the quality and type of black tea used, as well as the amount of bergamot oil added. Some variations of Earl Grey tea may also include additional flavors, such as vanilla or lavender, which can add complexity to the overall taste of the tea.
Should You Drink Earl Grey Tea?
The short answer is yes, you should drink Earl Grey tea. Earl Grey tea is one of the top teas with the most caffeine and as mentioned above, Earl Grey tea provides plenty of benefits and there’s no added sugar, fat or sodium. It’s a very healthy drink that can keep you energized and focused for extended periods of time.