15 Best High Caffeine Teas in 2026: Most Caffeinated Options

High caffeine tea is a must-have for a lot of tea enthusiasts out there - they want a cup that packs more of a punch than just a great taste. They're after a proper energy boost, a robust flavor, and a day starter that doesn't mean relying on coffee or energy drinks loaded with sugar.

By 2026 high caffeine teas are turning up in all sorts of formats - black tea, green tea, oolong tea and matcha - from loose leaf mixes to sachets and powders you can just knock back. We took a closer look at best sellers, customer reviews, the quality of the ingredients and the reputation of the brands to find the best of teas with the most caffeine that deliver a stronger, more reliable cup for the many tea fans out there.

High caffeine teas normally come from the Camellia sinensis plant which has got caffeine built in - that includes black tea, green tea, oolong tea and white tea. Herbal tea is a different story, it's usually caffeine-free unless it includes actual tea leaves.

The amount of caffeine in tea depends on loads of things like the style of leaf, how much you use, how long you steep it and how hot the water is. And of course, how much of the leaf ends up in your cup as well. Matcha can feel particularly potent because you're drinking the whole leaf, not just the liquid from it, which can mean the tea's caffeine content ends up higher than with lots of other tea types.

If you're after teas with most caffeine, go for a strong black tea, a matcha or a high caffeine blend. If you want gentle energy, choose brisk black tea or a smoother green tea, then adjust how long it steeps to remove the problem of over-extraction or bitterness.

Some folk choose teas most caffeine as a coffee alternative - it depends on your personal taste and how sensitive you are to caffeine.

When people ask for the tea with the most caffeine, the answer is usually a combination of the type of tea and how it's been brewed. Some teas naturally have more oomph, especially when steeped for longer and using a stronger brew ratio.

• Matcha: One of the teas with most caffeine out there, matcha usually packs around 60 to 75 mg of caffeine per 2 grams, though the exact amount can vary depending on the product, grade and how you prepare it. Because you're consuming the whole powdered leaf, the caffeine content is more predictable per cup, although this does depend on how much you're drinking.
• Black Tea: A proper strong cup of black tea contains around 40 to 70 mg of caffeine per 8-oz cup, though this can vary depending on the tea variety and brewing method. Don't let the rich flavor fool you - the caffeine levels don't always match the taste and can vary a lot depending how much leaf you're using and how long you steep it.
• Green Tea: Even the lighter tasting green teas can still give you a decent caffeine boost, with most cups containing 25 to 45 mg of caffeine per 8-oz cup. Despite its delicate taste, some styles of green tea do pack a bit more of a punch.
• Oolong Tea: Oolong sits somewhere in the middle of green and black teas when it comes to caffeine, averaging around 30 to 50 mg per 8-oz cup. They offer a smooth caffeine kick with a layered flavor that stays enjoyable even after multiple steeps.
• White Tea: White tea is generally pretty mild, with about 15 to 30 mg of caffeine per 8-oz cup. However, some of the younger leaf styles or teas made from buds can have a bit more caffeine than some black teas - but generally they're still pretty gentle on the taste buds.

Brand Overview: At Gardenika, its all about keeping things simple and pure when it comes to their teas - USDA Organic and Kosher certified, which is the bare minimum for a brand that prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and all that comes with it. As a result, you can have total faith in their herbal and wellness teas to be wholesome, free from processing gimmicks and to line up with your values.

Flavor & Experience: You get a lovely big hit of bright citrus from the bergamot, which is then backed up by a smooth as silk black tea base and a delicate waft of lavender. The citrus lifts the whole cup and then that floral layer comes in and wraps everything up in a nice soothing blanket. The way the lavender rounds out the edges is especially nice - it creates a really balanced, pretty rich, and even elegant taste.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew a teaspoon of Earl Grey Lavender in hot water until fully infused. As you lift the cup to your nose you'll get a lovely citrusy smell, and as the tea cools a bit down its just a smooth, rounded black tea that's the perfect match for the lavender in the background which gives the whole thing a lovely soft and balanced feel that's just the right side of creamy.

Brand Overview: Harney & Sons family has been doing its thing with tea since 1983, all while trying to be as good to the planet as possible - they do the whole compostable tea bag, for example. Now they've got a dedicated following around the world and its no surprise why - they blend the old with the new with an emphasis on quality and eco-friendliness.

Flavor & Experience: This one goes big on the warming spices, with a strong black tea as its base - cinnamon hits you first, then orange peel and clove kick in with a blast of sweetness. Each of these ingredients really does its own thing, but at the end of the day its all about the spiciness that this tea just can't get enough of.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Add a scoop of Hot Cinnamon Spice into freshly heated water and allow it to steep. As the spices start to unfurl you'll be hit with a gorgeous big warm aroma, and once its all done the cinnamon will be leading the charge with the black tea body holding everything up with its nice firm structure and giving the whole thing a fantastic lingering finish.

Brand Overview: California-based, August Uncommon Tea is shaking things up in the tea world with its bold and wildly inventive blends. These guys are all about taking tea to the next level in terms of flavor, and they make a point to share their expertise with you - in the form of super-useful brewing tips that will amplify your tea-drinking experience.

Flavor & Experience: This tea is all about the deep, velvety sweetness of dark roasting - think burnt sugar, toasted grain, and this lovely hint of bourbon warmth that makes you feel all cozy inside. The black tea is the foundation, and then you've got all these extra flavors just sort of adding depth and richness to the whole experience, making it feel more like a coffee than a tea, in a really good way.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Put a teaspoon of Bourbon Sugar Black Tea into some hot water and let it steep for a bit. As it brews the liquid darkens up and you get this amazing rush of roasted sweetness and grainy goodness. It's got this really smooth, slightly chewy feel to it, and the warmth just lingers nicely on your tongue as you're drinking it.

Brand Overview: Tea with Tae has built a solid reputation on its floral-infused black teas, all with this sort of soothing, aromatic vibe going on. To top it off, they're really eco-friendly, with these mini tubes and pyramid tea bags that don't skip on quality at all.

Flavor & Experience: When you open up a sachet of Lavender Earl Grey, you get this lovely smell of purple and citrus. And once you get it in your cup, it's all about how those fragrances play off each other. Don't get me wrong, the lavender is definitely there, but it's not over-the-top or overpowering the bergamot in any way, and that Ceylon black tea base is just right. It's one of those teas where you feel like everything has come together to make a really nice cup.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Steep one sachet of Lavender Earl Grey in some hot water. You'll get that lovely lavender-bergamot going on in no time, and it smells really nice, but of course, the taste is when things get really interesting. Again, that black tea base is really where the magic happens, providing a smooth, balanced cup that just goes down really easily.

Brand Overview: Piper and Leaf is a small, family-run tea outfit down in Lacey's Spring, Alabama. They've got a real knack for making old-fashioned Southern-style tea blends using top-notch black tea and stuff like local fruits, herbs and spices to make one-of-a-kind flavors that just transport you back home to your grandma's place.

Flavor & Experience: This tea starts off with a citrusy bergamot, then opens right up into the floral side with the jasmine and has a really pleasant spearmint notes to it. The black tea is what keeps it all grounded, but those other botanicals really add some depth and a pretty cool refreshment to it all - right from the very first sip all the way through to the last drop.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Add a teaspoon of Front Porch Special to some hot water and let the leaves do their magic. The way the aroma explodes into something bright and herbal with the jasmine and mint giving the black tea a lift is just perfect. Even with all that strong flavor, it stays super refreshing and light, so you don't have to worry about it getting too overpowering.

Brand Overview: Culinary Teas is a family run tea company with a passion for making great quality loose leaf teas - and they want to make them accessible too. They're all about bringing people together one pot of tea at a time.

Flavor & Experience: You get a classic bergamot taste, but add a creamy vanilla tone and a rich black tea to the mix and you've got something really special. The citrus gives it a bit of zing, but the cream balances that right out, so it's just smooth and nice. Not too sweet either.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew a scoop of Cream Earl Grey Tea into some hot water and wait until the flavors start to come out. You'll get the citrus and vanilla at the same time and then a lovely creamy feel to the mouth. The tea itself keeps the whole thing from feeling too heavy or overpowering, just a nice and comforting cup.

Brand Overview: iLola takes the richness of traditional teas and gives it a modern twist - they're all about wellness. Using innovative, eco-friendly tea discs means you don't have to fuss with loose-leaf brewing - just a nice clean and convenient way to enjoy a cup every day.

Flavor & Experience: This tea is a real showstopper - think malty, bold, and fresh as a spring morning. It's all about the depth of traditional black teas, but with a bit of a twist thanks to the layered leaf selection. That means you get a full, rich cup that's steady and comforting - just what you need for a classic breakfast tea fix.

Brewing & Serving Notes: To get the most English Breakfast No. 11, put one of the tea discs into a cup, pour in some hot water and let it steep. As you wait, the aroma builds and you're hit with a lovely malty, bold scent. When you take a sip, you'll find the body is steady and full, with a satisfying warmth that's just perfect when served hot.

Brand Overview: Teappo is a California outfit run by a husband and wife team who have a family history that goes back a long time in the Taiwanese oolong trade - over a century in fact. They're an artisan tea company that sources their loose-leaf teas and tea powders from places like Taiwan and Japan, but they actually curate and package them here in California, with a focus on sustainability.

Flavor & Experience: This matcha is like a breath of fresh air - it's got a nice balance of nutty and sweet with a nice smooth, umami taste that's really quite vibrant. Because the leaves are powdered, you get a thicker, more intense cup of tea that's just really clean and focused - not too harsh at all.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Whisk Organic Premium Matcha powder into some hot water, get it smooth and frothy and you'll be in for a real treat. The cup is thick and vibrant, with a lovely green tea aroma and a smooth, creamy texture. All in all it's a really great feeling cup of tea, nice and clean and just really enjoyable to sip.

Brand Overview: Nepal Tea Collective is a company that was founded across the ocean by a group of immigrants - and they set out with a clear mission to keep things as transparent as possible and support local farmers. Based in the States, they specialise in bringing over some of the best organic teas from Nepal and it shows in those really distinct flavors that come from the high-altitude regions and that unique place on earth they call terroir.

Flavor & Experience: This golden black tea has got notes of caramel, baked fruits and a spoon of honey coming out in each sip, with a soft earthy finish that's just perfect. The tea leaves they use in this are top quality - and that really shows in the taste, making it feel like a proper treat as it's rich yet smooth and goes down really nicely.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Add a teaspoon of Kumari Gold to hot water and let it sit for a bit. As it steeps you'll catch the most beautiful warm honeyed aroma rising up and the tea itself will turn rich and smooth, a really nice cup to be in. The finish is all soft and refined as well.

Brand Overview: Loose Leaf Tea Company is a small craft tea outfit based in central Virginia - a tiny operation where they put real care into crafting high-quality loose leaf tea, sourced from suppliers who really look after their workers. The brand's all about showcasing the kind of artisanal blends that get made with love in a vintage airstream in a family run business.

Flavor & Experience: This black tea is no-nonsense and just as you'd expect from a classic English Breakfast - a full-on, strong brew that doesn't mess around. It's a clean and direct cup that really comes at you with a bold flavor, but somehow manages to stay silky smooth all the way through. If you're after a reliable cup to get you going in the morning this is a great choice.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Brew a teaspoon of Organic English Breakfast into some hot water and leave it until it's nice and strong - a lovely deep amber color. As it brews the flavor really opens up - all bold and black tea, with a great smoothness that just keeps going.

Brand Overview: Leafberri is a Kenyan-based tea company that was started by a tea enthusiast and pharmacist. The whole ethos behind the brand is all about celebrating heritage, drawing on some proper knowledge about wellness and making sure that small-scale farmers get a fair shake - they source all their tea from single-origin, hand-picked crops of black, yellow and purple tea.

Flavor & Experience: A nice cup of Earl Grey Spice has all the bright, zest of bergamot citrus mixed in with the comforting warmth of cardamom and cloves on top of a good old-fashioned Kenyan black tea base. The spices add depth and character to the whole blend without overpowering the main event - and that's a real nicely layered cup of tea with a lovely warm finish that just lingers in your mouth.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Place a teaspoon of Earl Grey Spice into some hot water and let it steep for a bit. What you'll notice is that the spices come to the surface first and then you get that lovely bergamot citrus flavor coming through. Underneath it all is just a solid black tea - it's a good job the spices and citrus are there because they really add some life to the cup.

Brand Overview: Aprika Life started out of a family's lifelong love of tea and their shared heritage - two things that brought them together and still drive their passion for creating the best tea blends. This small family-run tea business is all about curating premium matcha and herbal teas with love, care and attention to detail.

Flavor & Experience: Smooth, earthy taste with a gentle sweetness and just the right amount of umami to keep things interesting. When you whisk it up the finely ground leaves produce a beautiful creamy texture and a green tea flavor that's both rich and refreshing at the same time.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Blend Organic Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder into hot water until its evenly mixed. When the liquor's fully mixed it turns a vibrant green and it's got a smooth, rounded body that's just a pleasure to drink. As you sip you'll get a fresh green aroma and the flavor will feel clean, balanced and softly energizing - just what you need to get you going.

Brand Overview: Danfe Tea hails from Dallas and they're all about high-altitude loose-leaf teas, sourced directly from Nepal's Himalayas. They're passionate about giving Nepal's tea industry a bit of a leg up by importing these things in a super fair and transparent way - they want to give people a taste of what makes these teas so unique.

Flavor & Experience: This black tea is real malty, but the rose notes add a whole other level of elegance. I mean, the rose lifts the whole aroma and makes the finish go down easy - it's a really refined cup that's not too astringent and has a nice, gentle complexity.

Brewing & Serving Notes: To get the most out of 08° Rose Black Tea, try adding a teaspoon of loose-leaf to some hot water and just let the leaves unfurl - you'll start to pick up on those lovely floral notes, balanced out over a rich malty black tea base. The result is a super smooth cup that's lightly structured, with a nice rose aroma that just mutes out the finish.

Brand Overview: Beach House Tea - a family operation running out of a small town in Washington called Long Beach, with the Pacific Northwest's stunning landscapes as its inspiration. They're all about producing small-batch, handmade loose leaf teas using top-quality organic and wild-harvested ingredients - the fresher the better when it comes to their blends.

Flavor & Experience: This Earl Grey tea has a lovely creamy, citrus-forward taste. You get notes of orange, vanilla and lavender layered over a solid black tea base, which all come together to give you a smooth, beautifully-fragrant cup that's both comforting and nicely balanced, with just a hint of sweetness.

Brewing & Serving Notes: To get the best out of Fog Horn Grey, just add a teaspoon to some hot water and wait till the aroma kicks in. As the tea unfurls, you'll find the citrus, vanilla and floral notes come into their own over the black tea, creating a really silky, balanced texture that yields a very comforting cup. One that stays smooth right the way through - the kind of cup that says "elegance" but feels really easy-going.

Brand Overview: Somage was born in 2007 in Melbourne, Australia, with a passion for crafting premium organic teas, chai blends and drinking chocolates that put the spotlight on ethically sourced botanicals. The company's Curated Range really pulls out all the stops by fusing traditional methods with a modern take, the whole time keeping an eye on quality and sustainability.

Flavor & Experience: The matcha flavor of this latte is a perfect balance of vegetal depth and natural sweetness, coming together to create a smooth, indulgent cup that's more like sipping a luxurious dessert than drinking a cup of tea.

Brewing & Serving Notes: Stir Matcha Premium Green Tea Latte powder into hot water until it's all dissolved, and watch as the colors blend to create a velvety, rich drink with a gentle sweetness and creamy body that just feels like a hug in a mug. And just when you think it's getting too showy, the aroma stays soft and subtle, which just adds to the magical quality of this matcha experience

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

When it comes to high caffeine teas, the best choice really depends on the kind of energy boost you're after. If you're after a serious kick, matcha is worth a look - it's got a naturally higher caffeine content because the whole leaf is powdered and unused parts don't get left behind. But if you're after a more traditional tea feel, then bold black teas are the way to go - they offer a rich, smooth hit of caffeine that lots of people enjoy as part of their morning routine.

We've got a great selection of teas most caffeine to try, and one of the best ways to find your new favorite is to experiment with a few different styles. So why not head over to Taste of Tea today and see what you can discover? We've put together some fantastic blends especially for people who love their tea with a bit of a kick - perfect for getting you through the day!