Tim Hortons Tea: Caffeine Content and Caffeine-Free Options
A typical 240 ml cup of Tim Hortons-style steeped black tea contains approximately 47–50 mg of caffeine, depending on the blend and steeping time.
- Steeped black tea: ~47–50 mg per 240 ml (standard cup).
- Green tea: 28 mg per 240 ml; matcha is higher at 70 mg per 240 ml.
- Chai latte (spiced black tea base): 50 mg per 240 ml.
- Caffeine-free herbal teas: 0 mg per 240 ml; decaf coffee ~3 mg per 240 ml.
Caffeine in Tim Hortons steeped tea
Tim Hortons' steeped tea sold as black or English-style steeped tea will fall in the same range as generic black tea: the dataset values for black tea are 47 mg (240 ml) and English Breakfast tea 50 mg (240 ml). Those numbers come from standard beverage analyses (see USDA FoodData Central for comparable entries). If you order a standard steeped black tea at Tim Hortons expect roughly 47–50 mg per 240 ml; a medium Tim Hortons cup is often larger (295 ml for the Original Blend coffee), so serving size matters.
Green tea and matcha: lower, but know the exceptions
Green tea contains markedly less caffeine than black tea: 28 mg per 240 ml in the dataset. Matcha is different because you ingest the powdered leaf — the dataset lists matcha (1 tsp) at 70 mg per 240 ml. If you want lower caffeine, choose green tea or herbal varieties rather than matcha or chai (which use black tea).
Caffeine-free drink options at Tim Hortons
If you need zero caffeine, herbal teas are the only true 0 mg option in the dataset (herbal tea: 0 mg per 240 ml). Decaffeinated coffee is not tea, but worth noting: decaf coffee in the dataset has about 3 mg per 240 ml. Bottled iced teas and soft drinks carry low but nonzero caffeine (example: bottled iced tea 45 mg per 355 ml).
Comparing tea and coffee — quick reference table
| Drink | Serving | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Steeped black tea (typical) | 240 ml | 47 mg |
| English Breakfast tea | 240 ml | 50 mg |
| Green tea | 240 ml | 28 mg |
| Matcha (1 tsp) | 240 ml | 70 mg |
| Chai latte | 240 ml | 50 mg |
| Herbal tea (caffeine-free) | 240 ml | 0 mg |
| Tim Hortons Original Blend (coffee, medium) | 295 ml | 140 mg |
| Cold brew (concentrated) | 240 ml | 200 mg |
Chai tea and flavored tea drinks
Chai lattes are typically made from a black tea base spiced with cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. The dataset lists chai latte at 50 mg per 240 ml, the same order of magnitude as steeped black tea. Flavored iced teas and sweetened tea lattes can increase serving size — and therefore total caffeine — even if concentration is similar.
What changes the caffeine in your cup?
Key variables that move the number: serving size, steep time, water temperature, tea leaf grade (broken/CTC bags release more quickly than whole-leaf), and whether the drink uses concentrated powders (matcha) or extracts. A longer steep increases extraction; doubling the serving volume doubles the total milligrams even if concentration is unchanged.
How long caffeine lasts: half-life and concrete decay
Caffeine clearance varies, but population-average half-life is about 5.7 hours. That means caffeine roughly halves every 5.7 hours: after 3 h ≈ 69% remains, 6 h ≈ 48%, 9 h ≈ 33% and 12 h ≈ 23%.
| Initial dose | 0 h | 3 h (~69%) | 6 h (~48%) | 9 h (~33%) | 12 h (~23%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steeped black tea (47 mg) | 47 mg | 32 mg | 23 mg | 16 mg | 11 mg |
| Tim Hortons Original Blend (140 mg) | 140 mg | 97 mg | 67 mg | 46 mg | 32 mg |
Practical takeaway: a late-afternoon cup of steeped tea (47 mg) still leaves ~23 mg after six hours — enough to affect sensitive sleepers.
Health, safety and daily limits
Major authorities provide clear guidance: the FDA recommends a maximum of 400 mg/day for healthy adults; many agencies (including EFSA) have similar advice. For pregnancy most guidance suggests limiting caffeine to about 200 mg/day. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages caffeine for children and adolescents. If you have medical conditions, anxiety, or are pregnant, consult a clinician before relying on general limits.
Tracking and practical tips
If you’re monitoring intake for sleep, pregnancy, or sensitivity, track portions and milligrams — a 295 ml Tim Hortons coffee is 140 mg, while a 240 ml steeped tea is about 47–50 mg. Use an app like CoffeeLog to log cups, set daily limits, and see remaining caffeine hours based on half-life math rather than guessing.
Sources and method notes
Numbers above follow beverage analyses in common food databases (comparable to USDA FoodData Central entries) and standardized beverage samples in the dataset. Safety limits cited from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, EFSA, Mayo Clinic guidance on sensitivity and sleep, and policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics. This page is informational, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine is in Tim Hortons steeped tea?
A standard 240 ml cup of steeped black tea contains about 47–50 mg of caffeine. Exact amounts vary with blend and steep time.
Is Tim Hortons green tea low in caffeine?
Yes. Green tea in the dataset is 28 mg per 240 ml — roughly half the caffeine of a black steeped tea and much lower than coffee.
Does a Tim Hortons chai latte have caffeine?
Yes. Chai latte is made from a black-tea base and the dataset lists it at 50 mg per 240 ml, similar to steeped black tea.
What caffeine-free options does Tim Hortons offer?
Herbal (caffeine-free) teas register 0 mg per 240 ml in the dataset. Decaf coffee contains about 3 mg per 240 ml, so herbal teas are the true caffeine-free choice.
Will Tim Hortons tea keep me awake if I drink it late?
Possibly. A 47 mg cup leaves ~23 mg after six hours (population-average). Sensitive people can experience sleep disruption from smaller amounts; avoid late-day caffeine if you notice sleep issues.
Is Tim Hortons tea safe during pregnancy?
Guidance recommends limiting caffeine in pregnancy to about 200 mg/day. A single steeped tea (47–50 mg) fits under that limit, but total daily intake should be tracked and discussed with your clinician.