Black tea vs Cola: which has more caffeine?
Black tea and cola have similar caffeine per cup (a difference of under 20%).
Per 100 ml the caffeine is similar.
| Black tea | Cola | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per cup | 14–48 mg | 33 mg |
| Volume | 237 ml | 237 ml |
| mg / 100 ml (average) | 13.1 | 13.9 |
| Cups to reach 400 mg a day (adult) | 12 | 12 |
Frequently asked questions
Which has more caffeine: Black tea or Cola?
Black tea and cola have similar caffeine per cup (a difference of under 20%).
How many cups of cola equal one cup of black tea?
Using average values, one cup of black tea (31 mg) equals about 0.9 cups of cola (33 mg). This is a guide, since both drinks vary by batch and preparation.
Which is better in the evening?
Black tea has less caffeine per cup (about 31 mg versus about 33 mg for cola). After 6 hours roughly half to a third of what you drank remains, but sensitivity varies a lot.
Try it
Sources and method
- Ayakdaş & Ağagündüz, Foods 2025;14(13):2313 (68 tea samples)
- Mayo Clinic: Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more
- Caffeine Informer: brewed tea (lab averages and brew-time tests)
- EUFIC: EFSA opinion on the safety of caffeine (2015)
Data checked 2026-10-24. Ranges are shown because studies report different numbers. General information, not medical advice.