Health & Caffeine
Caffeine in Cold Brew Tea
How much caffeine does cold brew tea have, why is it lower than hot brew, and how do you choose by time of day?
Why Cold Brew Tea Has Less Caffeine
Caffeine is water-soluble and dissolves faster at higher temperatures. Boiling water (100°C) extracts caffeine within minutes, while cold water (4–8°C) extracts it far more slowly. Even after 8 hours of cold steeping, total caffeine remains significantly lower than hot brew.
The same leaves brewed hot typically yield 1.5–2× more caffeine than cold brew. This also explains the smoother taste — bitter tannins that extract alongside caffeine are equally slow to dissolve in cold water.
Caffeine Comparison: Common Drinks
Values are mid-range estimates. Actual amounts vary by tea variety and brewing conditions.
* Per serving: espresso 30ml / coffee 240ml / tea 500ml
Caffeine by Tea Type
| Tea Type | Sosia Products | Hot Brew (240ml) | Cold Brew (500ml) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Tea | Cocoa Black, Strawberry Black | 40–70mg | 35–45mg | Best for energy |
| Oolong Tea | Coconut, Osmanthus, Honeydew Oolong | 30–50mg | 25–35mg | Balanced daily |
| Green Tea | Green Apple Green Tea | 25–45mg | 20–30mg | Evening-friendly |
Choosing by Time of Day
Advice for Caffeine-Sensitive Drinkers
For pregnant or nursing individuals and those sensitive to caffeine, the recommended daily limit is 200mg. Each Sosia Tea bag contains approximately 20–40mg caffeine — within safe limits, but consult your doctor first. For evenings, choose the green tea range (Green Apple Green Tea) for the lowest caffeine content.
For those sensitive to caffeine-induced anxiety, choose green tea cold brew (20–30mg), or reduce steeping time to 4 hours to extract even less caffeine.
Want to drink in the evening? Choose green tea and finish your cup 4–6 hours before bed. With a caffeine half-life of 5–6 hours, a low-caffeine cold brew green tea has minimal impact on sleep for most people.
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