Turkish Tea
Caffeine
30–50 mg
Note: Values are averages and can vary depending on tea leaf quality, brewing time, and water temperature. Turkish tea is typically served in small glasses, but multiple servings over the day can add up to a significant caffeine intake.
| Attribute Standard Turkish Tea | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | Moderate |
| Serving Size | 100 ml |
| Caffeine | 30–50 mg |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 9–15 mg/fl oz |
Turkish tea, known locally as çay, is a cornerstone of daily life in Turkey. While it’s lighter than coffee, Turkish tea still contains caffeine — enough to provide a gentle boost without overwhelming the senses.
What is Turkish Tea?
Turkish tea is traditionally made from black tea leaves grown in the Rize province along the Black Sea coast. It’s brewed using a çaydanlık, a two-tiered kettle that allows for a concentrated tea infusion to be diluted with hot water to taste.
- Origin – Primarily from Rize, Turkey’s main tea-growing region.
- Tea Type – Usually black tea (Camellia sinensis).
- Brewing Method – Two-pot system for adjustable strength.
- Serving Style – Small tulip-shaped glasses without milk.
- Cultural Role – Symbol of hospitality and daily social life.
This brewing method produces a robust yet smooth tea that can be customized from light to very strong.
How Much Caffeine is in Turkish Tea?
The caffeine content in Turkish tea varies depending on how strong it’s brewed. Longer steeping times and higher tea-to-water ratios increase caffeine levels.
- Light Brew (per 100 ml) – 25–30 mg caffeine
- Standard Brew (per 100 ml) – 30–50 mg caffeine
- Strong Brew (per 100 ml) – 50–60 mg caffeine
- Typical Serving (110 ml glass) – 33–55 mg caffeine
- Comparison – Less caffeine than Turkish coffee (50–60 mg per 60 ml) but more than most green teas.
This places Turkish tea in the moderate caffeine range, making it suitable for multiple servings throughout the day for most people.
Calories and Sugar
Plain Turkish tea is naturally calorie-free, but sugar is often added at the table. Many Turks drink it sweetened, sometimes with multiple sugar cubes.
- Plain Brew – 0 kcal, 0 g sugar
- With 1 Sugar Cube (3 g) – 12 kcal, 3 g sugar
- With 2 Sugar Cubes (6 g) – 24 kcal, 6 g sugar
- With Honey – Calories vary depending on amount used
- Milk Additions – Rare in Turkey, but would add calories and fat.
For a healthier option, enjoy it plain or with minimal sweetener.
Ingredients Overview
Traditional Turkish tea is simple, with no additives beyond tea leaves and water. However, herbal and flavored variations exist.
- Black Tea Leaves – The sole ingredient in classic Turkish tea.
- Water – Freshly boiled for brewing.
- Sugar – Optional, added after brewing.
- Herbal Alternatives – Apple tea (elma çayı), rosehip tea (kuşburnu çayı), and other caffeine-free infusions.
- Flavored Blends – Occasionally mixed with spices or dried fruits.
This simplicity allows the natural flavor of the tea leaves to shine.