Thai iced tea, with its vibrant orange color and creamy sweetness, is a popular drink that many people enjoy as a refreshing treat. But how much caffeine does Thai iced tea contain? In this article, we’ll explore the caffeine content in Thai iced tea, compare it with coffee, and answer common questions like whether it can keep you awake. We’ll also dive into Thai tea’s calories, benefits, and how different types of Thai tea may impact caffeine levels.
Key Takeaways
- Thai iced tea contains caffeine, but less than coffee.
- Thai milk tea and Thai green tea have different caffeine levels.
- Thai iced tea has calories due to added milk and sugar.
- Thai tea may help with digestion and provide an energy boost.
How Much Caffeine is in a Thai Iced Tea?

Thai iced tea typically contains around 20-60 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. This amount can vary depending on the tea leaves used, the brewing method, and how concentrated the tea is.
Thai Iced Tea Caffeine vs. Coffee
To put it in perspective, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine on average, which is significantly higher than the caffeine content in Thai iced tea. Therefore, if you’re looking for a milder caffeine boost, Thai iced tea is a good option compared to coffee.
Does Thai Milk Tea Have Caffeine?
Yes, Thai milk tea does have caffeine. Thai milk tea is made with black tea, which naturally contains caffeine. However, the caffeine content in Thai milk tea is typically lower than in coffee, as it’s diluted with milk and often served with ice, which reduces the overall concentration of caffeine.
Does Thai Green Tea Have Caffeine?
Thai green tea also contains caffeine, though generally less than black tea. Thai green tea is made from green tea leaves, which have lower caffeine levels compared to black tea leaves. An 8-ounce serving of Thai green tea may contain around 15-30 milligrams of caffeine, making it a gentler option for those sensitive to caffeine.
Thai Iced Tea Calories
Thai iced tea is a high-calorie drink, primarily due to the added sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and half-and-half that give it its rich, creamy flavor. On average, a typical serving of Thai iced tea contains about 150-300 calories, depending on the recipe. Here’s a breakdown of where those calories come from:
- Sugar: Many recipes include a generous amount of sugar, adding sweetness but also increasing calorie content.
- Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk is high in calories and adds to the drink’s richness.
- Half-and-Half or Cream: This also contributes to the calorie count, making Thai iced tea a treat best enjoyed occasionally if you’re watching your calorie intake.
For those seeking a lower-calorie option, consider using unsweetened almond milk or light coconut milk and reducing the amount of sugar.
Thai Tea Benefits

While Thai iced tea is often enjoyed for its taste, it also offers some health benefits, thanks to the black tea used as its base. Let’s look at some of the potential benefits of Thai tea.
1. Antioxidant-Rich
Black tea, the primary ingredient in Thai tea, is high in antioxidants such as polyphenols and catechins. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress in the body, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.
2. Improved Digestion
Thai tea, like many black teas, may aid digestion. The tannins in black tea can help soothe the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and aiding in digestion after a meal.
3. Boosts Energy Levels
With its caffeine content, Thai iced tea can provide a moderate energy boost. Although it has less caffeine than coffee, it’s enough to give you a gentle lift without causing the jittery feeling that strong coffee might.
4. Enhances Mental Alertness
The caffeine in Thai tea can improve mental focus and alertness, helping you stay productive and attentive. If you’re looking for a moderate caffeine boost to get through the day, Thai iced tea can be a flavorful choice.
Does Thai Tea Keep You Awake?
Yes, Thai tea can keep you awake due to its caffeine content, but it’s not as strong as coffee. The caffeine in Thai iced tea stimulates the central nervous system, helping you stay alert. However, because it contains less caffeine than coffee, its effect may be less intense.
Is Thai Iced Tea Strong?
Thai iced tea is not as strong in caffeine as coffee, but its flavor is robust and full-bodied, thanks to the black tea and spices used in its preparation. Its strength in terms of flavor is complemented by the richness of condensed milk and sugar, making it a unique and satisfying drink.
FAQs About Thai Iced Tea and Caffeine
Is Thai Iced Tea High in Caffeine?
No, Thai iced tea is not considered high in caffeine compared to coffee. It contains around 20-60 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce serving, which is moderate and suitable for those looking for a milder caffeine boost.
Is Thai Iced Tea Strong?
In terms of flavor, Thai iced tea is strong and flavorful due to the black tea, spices, and sweeteners. However, in terms of caffeine content, it is not as strong as coffee.
Does Thai Milk Tea Have More Caffeine Than Green Tea?
Yes, Thai milk tea, which is made from black tea, generally has more caffeine than Thai green tea. Black tea has higher caffeine levels than green tea, so Thai milk tea typically contains more caffeine than Thai green tea.
Does Thai Iced Tea Contain Sugar?
Yes, Thai iced tea traditionally contains sugar and sweetened condensed milk, making it a high-calorie and sweet beverage. However, you can adjust the sweetness to suit your preference.
How to Make Thai Iced Tea with Less Caffeine

If you love Thai iced tea but want to reduce the caffeine content, there are a few ways to do it:
- Use Decaffeinated Black Tea: Opt for decaf black tea to enjoy the same flavors without the caffeine.
- Dilute with More Milk: Adding extra milk or cream can help lower the caffeine concentration per serving.
- Shorten the Steeping Time: Reducing the steeping time can lower caffeine levels, though it may also impact the flavor.
Thai Iced Tea Caffeine and Sleep
Since Thai iced tea contains caffeine, it may interfere with sleep if consumed too late in the day. Caffeine has a half-life of about 5 hours, meaning that half the caffeine from a beverage can still be active in your system after 5 hours. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or have trouble sleeping, consider drinking Thai iced tea earlier in the day to avoid disruption to your sleep.
Conclusion
Thai iced tea is a delightful and refreshing beverage that contains a moderate amount of caffeine, making it a great choice for those looking for a milder caffeine boost than coffee. It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with flavor, thanks to black tea and spices. While it may contain fewer calories than some high-calorie coffee drinks, traditional Thai iced tea is still rich due to the added sugar and condensed milk.
Whether you enjoy Thai milk tea, Thai green tea, or classic Thai iced tea, each variety offers a unique taste and caffeine level to suit your preference. If you’re mindful of your caffeine intake but still want an energy boost, Thai iced tea provides a balanced option. Just remember to savor this sweet treat in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake or have caffeine sensitivity.
By understanding the caffeine content, calories, and benefits of Thai iced tea, you can enjoy this delicious drink mindfully and with full awareness of its effects on your health.
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