Caffeine is one of the most common questions people have about tea, and Assam tea is often at the centre of that conversation.
Known for its bold flavour and deep body, Assam tea is frequently described as strong. But does that strength translate directly into caffeine, and how does it compare to other teas or even coffee?
Understanding how caffeine works in Assam tea helps you choose the right time to drink it and enjoy it with confidence rather than guesswork.
For a broader understanding of Assam tea itself, including where it comes from and why it tastes the way it does, our Ultimate Guide to Assam Tea offers the full foundation.
Does Assam Tea Contain Caffeine?
Yes, Assam tea naturally contains caffeine.
All true teas made from the camellia sinensis plant contain caffeine, and Assam tea is no exception. What makes Assam tea notable is not simply that it has caffeine, but how that caffeine is experienced in the cup.
Assam tea is produced from the assamica variety of the tea plant, which tends to have higher caffeine potential than some other varieties. Combined with its robust processing style, this contributes to the energising reputation Assam tea has earned.
How Much Caffeine Is in Assam Tea?
The exact caffeine content of Assam tea varies, but a typical cup contains around 40 to 70 milligrams of caffeine.
This places Assam tea:
- higher than most green teas
- similar to other black teas
- lower than a standard cup of coffee
What matters just as much as the number is how that caffeine is released and absorbed.
Tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that interacts with caffeine to create a slower, steadier energy curve. This is why many people find Assam tea stimulating without the sharp spikes or crashes often associated with coffee.
If you have ever wondered why Assam tea feels powerful but not jittery, this balance is a large part of the answer.
Why Assam Tea Feels Stronger Than Other Teas
Assam tea is often described as strong, but strength is not only about caffeine.
Its bold taste comes from a combination of:
- the assamica leaf variety
- the hot, humid growing conditions of Assam
- processing methods that emphasise body and depth
These elements create a tea that tastes full and satisfying, even when brewed relatively quickly.
Our article on why Assam tea tastes so strong explains how flavour, structure and leaf type work together to create this experience.
Does Brewing Style Affect Caffeine Levels?
Yes, how you brew Assam tea has a significant impact on caffeine extraction.
Longer steeping times and hotter water release more caffeine into the cup. Using more tea leaves will also increase caffeine content.
This means you have control. A shorter infusion can produce a lighter cup with less caffeine, while a longer brew delivers more intensity and energy.
If you would like to fine tune this balance, our guide on how to brew Assam tea properly and simply walks through easy adjustments that make a noticeable difference.
Is Assam Tea Stronger Than Coffee?
In terms of caffeine alone, coffee usually contains more caffeine per cup than Assam tea.
However, Assam tea often feels equally energising because the caffeine is released more gradually, due to the L-theanine amino acid contained in tea. Many people find that this slower release of caffeine makes Assam tea easier to drink throughout the day without feeling overstimulated.
This is one reason Assam tea is commonly enjoyed in the morning and early afternoon, especially with milk, which further softens the experience.
Our guide on whether Assam tea is stronger than other black teas explores this comparison in more detail.
Can You Drink Assam Tea in the Afternoon or Evening?
That depends on your sensitivity to caffeine.
Some people can enjoy Assam tea comfortably into the afternoon, while others prefer to only have it earlier in the day. Because Assam tea delivers a steady rather than sharp burst of energy, it does feel more gentle than coffee.
If you are caffeine sensitive or looking for a non-caffeinated evening option, herbal infusions may be a better choice. Our caffeine free tea collection offers naturally caffeine free alternatives that still feel satisfying at the end of the day.
Does Milk Change the Caffeine in Assam Tea?
Milk does not reduce caffeine content, but it can change how the tea feels.
By softening tannins and rounding the cup, milk can make Assam tea feel smoother and less intense, even though the caffeine level remains the same.
If you are curious about how milk interacts with Assam tea more broadly, our article on whether you can drink Assam tea with milk explores this relationship in depth.
Assam Tea and Everyday Energy
Assam tea has earned its reputation as a reliable source of energy because it offers a combination of body, flavour and balanced stimulation, making it well suited to daily routines. The experience of drinking Assam tea remains grounded and dependable, whether you drink it black or with milk, loose or in tea bags.
For many drinkers, this is what keeps Assam tea at the centre of their tea cupboard.
To see how Assam’s land, leaf and craft shape every cup, return to our Ultimate Guide to Assam Tea, where all of these elements come together.