Not All Caffeine is Created Equal: Why Your Cup of Tea Might Surprise You.

Ever wondered why one cup of tea gives you a gentle lift while another feels like a bigger boost, even though they come from the same leaf? Let’s steep into the fascinating world of tea and caffeine, and find out why not all caffeine is as equal as it seems.

🍃 How Leaf Size, Oxidation, and Brew Time Affect Caffeine Release

When it comes to caffeine in tea, three main factors influence how much ends up in your cup: leaf size, oxidation, and brew time.

• Leaf Size: Smaller or broken leaves—like those in many black teas—have a greater surface area exposed to hot water, allowing caffeine to release more quickly. Whole or twisted leaves, like those in LEAFBERRI’s Purple Au Naturale or Purple Oolong, take longer to release caffeine, resulting in a slower, more sustained energy boost.

• Oxidation: The more oxidized a tea leaf is (like in black tea), the more readily it gives up its caffeine when steeped. Less oxidized teas like green or purple tea tend to release caffeine more gradually, especially when paired with whole-leaf formats.

• Brew Time: Steeping time also matters. A longer brew draws out more caffeine, regardless of tea type. So even a low-caffeine tea can feel stronger if steeped for too long, while a short brew keeps the caffeine impact milder.

This is why a cup of matcha or broken-leaf black tea can feel more energizing upfront, while whole-leaf purple tea delivers a calmer experience — even though they all belong to the Camellia sinensis family. Purple tea, however, is grown from a unique Kenyan cultivar that makes it naturally lower in caffeine and rich in anthocyanins.

Grade, Oxidation, and Brew Time

A Final Note: Making Your Tea Time Educational and Fun