If you've ever been to a Thai restaurant, chances are you've ordered their signature iced tea. But how much caffeine is in Thai iced tea? And is it worth the calories? In this post, we'll break down the ingredients and tell you how much caffeine is in Thai iced tea as well as the recipe you can make at home. This way, you can decide whether or not to order it next time you're out!
There's just something about Thai iced tea that makes it irresistible. You can't help but order a large one when you see it on the menu. But you may not know how much caffeine is in Thai iced tea.
It turns out there's a lot of caffeine in Thai iced tea! There's more caffeine in Thai iced tea than in coffee. So if you're looking for a pick-me-up, this is the drink for you.
But be careful - too much caffeine can be harmful. So make sure to enjoy your Thai iced tea in moderation.
What is Thai iced tea?
Thai iced tea is a refreshing and popular drink that originated in Thailand. It's made with black tea, milk, and sugar and is often spiced with cardamom, cloves, and anise seed. Thai iced tea is usually served over ice and garnished with orange blossoms or lemon grass.
Thai iced tea is often made with strong black tea, like Assam or Ceylon, which is a type of tea that originates from Sri Lanka. This tea is known for its high caffeine content. It has more caffeine than most other types of tea.
This gives the drink a robust flavor perfect for sipping on a hot day. The orange color of Thai iced tea comes from the addition of food coloring, which is often added to give the drink a more vibrant hue.
One cup of Thai iced tea can have upwards of 200 calories. That's because milk and sugar add a lot of calories to the drink.
It also has a relatively high caloric content, so if you're watching your weight this isn't the best choice.
We like our Thai iced tea with spices like cardamom, cloves, and anise seed served over crushed ice and garnished with fresh mint-yum! If you don't like these spices, feel free to leave them out. Or, if you want to make your Thai iced tea even more refreshing, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
There are many variations of Thai iced tea, so feel free to experiment until you find a recipe you love.
How is Thai iced tea made?
Thai iced tea is generally made by brewing strong black tea in boiling water and then adding spices like cardamom, cloves, and anise seed. Once the tea has steeped, sweetened condensed milk is added to taste. The mixture is then poured over ice and garnished with orange blossoms or lemon grass.
You can also use Thai tea mix, a blend of black tea and spices available at most Asian markets. If you use Thai tea mix, you'll just need to add milk and sugar to taste. Then, pour the mixture over ice and garnish with your favorite toppings.
How many calories are in Thai iced tea?
Analyzing the calories in Thai iced tea can be tricky because there are so many variables. For example, the type of milk you use, the amount of sugar you add, and whether or not you use Thai tea mix will affect the calorie count.
Let's break it down. A cup of black tea has about 2 calories. A cup (249 g) of whole milk (3.25% milkfat) has 149 calories. And a tablespoon of sugar has 49 calories. So, if you make your Thai iced tea with 1 cup of black tea, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar, you're looking at about 200 calories per cup.
But, as we mentioned before, Thai iced tea is often made with a Thai tea mix. And, as you might expect, the Thai tea mix has more calories than black tea. In fact, a cup of Thai tea mix contains about 70 calories. It's better to check the label of the Thai tea mix you're using to get an accurate calorie count.
You can use skim milk or unsweetened almond milk to make a lower-calorie Thai iced tea. And, if you want to cut back on the sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia.
Of course, you can always adjust the amount of milk and sugar to reduce the calorie count. Or, use lower-fat dairy like skim milk.
Is Thai iced tea healthy?
Antioxidants are substances that help protect your cells from damage. They've been linked to many health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and cancer. Thai iced tea is often made with strong black tea, a good source of antioxidants.
In addition, Thai iced tea contains milk, a good source of calcium and protein. Calcium is vital for bone health, and protein helps build and repair muscles. But, keep in mind that Thai iced tea is also high in sugar, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation.
So, while Thai iced tea isn't exactly healthy food, it does have some benefits. Just be sure to watch the sugar content if you're trying to limit your intake.
How many calories are in a Thai iced tea with boba?
Thai iced tea with boba has about 350 calories. This includes black tea, milk, sugar, and boba calories. Boba is made from tapioca, which is a type of starch. It's usually made into small balls and added to sweetened drinks like Thai iced tea.
It also depends on the boba size and how much is added to the drink. For example, a 16 oz Thai iced tea with ¼ cup of boba has about 350 calories. But, if you add a ½ cup of boba, the calorie count goes up to about 425 calories.
So how much caffeine is in Thai iced tea?
All teas contain caffeine, but the amount can vary depending on the type of tea and how it's brewed. Generally, Thai iced teas made with Assam or Ceylon tea will have more caffeine than other types of tea.
And since Thai iced tea is made by brewing strong black tea, it contains caffeine. One cup (8 fl oz) of black brewed tea prepared with tap water contains about 47 mg of caffeine. Thai iced tea also contains milk and sugar, adding to the calorie count.
One cup (8 fl oz) of Thai iced tea can have anywhere from 30-60 mg of caffeine. There's such a range because it depends on the type of tea, how it's brewed, and how much tea is used.
Aside from that, the drink is diluted with milk and ice, so the amount of caffeine you'll get from a cup of Thai iced tea will be less than if you were to drink a cup of black tea without any dilution.
The three main factors that contribute to the caffeine content in black tea are the type of tea, the steeping time, and the amount of tea used.
- Type of tea: Thai iced teas made with Assam or Ceylon tea will have more caffeine than other types of tea.
- Steeping time: The longer the tea steeps, the more caffeine is released into the water.
- Brewing time: Caffeine is also affected by the brewing time. It has to do with the way the tea plant is grown. The longer you brew your tea, the more caffeine it will have.
- Amount of tea: The more tea leaves that are used, the more caffeine will be present in the final cup of tea.
When it comes to caffeine, black tea generally has more than green or white tea. That's because the longer the tea leaves are oxidized, the more caffeine they contain. Black tea is fully oxidized, while green and white tea is not.
Why does Ceylon tea contain more caffeine than other tea leaves?
Ceylon tea leaves contain more caffeine than other tea leaves because of the way they are processed. Ceylon tea leaves are grown at high altitudes, which causes the leaves to grow more slowly. This slower growth process gives the leaves more time to absorb nutrients from the soil, which results in higher caffeine content.
When tea leaves are plucked, they begin to oxidize, and the caffeine content starts to break down. This process preserves the caffeine in the leaves. But Ceylon tea leaves are processed differently. They are withered indoors, rolled, and then dried in the sun.
So when you brew a cup of Ceylon tea, you're getting more of the caffeine in the leaves.
This is why Ceylon tea is often used in products like energy drinks and pre-workout supplements. It's also why Ceylon tea has more caffeine than other types of tea.
Is caffeine something to worry about?
Caffeine is a stimulant so it can have some side effects. You may experience restlessness, nervousness, and insomnia if you consume too much caffeine. You may also have an upset stomach, diarrhea, or headaches. <source><source>
Caffeine is also addictive. If you drink too much caffeine, you may feel like you need it to function. This can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue when you try to cut back.
So, how much caffeine is too much?
Most experts say that 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe for most adults. That's about four cups of coffee. But everyone metabolizes caffeine differently, so some people may be more sensitive to its effects. That being said, it's always best to moderate your intake and see how you feel.
If you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, it's best to limit your caffeine intake to 300 mg per day. And if you have a heart condition, anxiety, or high blood pressure, you should talk to your doctor about how much caffeine is safe for you.
Bottom line: Thai iced tea contains a high amount of caffeine, so it's best to moderate your intake. If you're sensitive to caffeine, you may want to limit your intake to one cup per day. And if you're trying to cut back on caffeine, it's best to do it gradually.
Is Thai iced tea safe when pregnant?
Black, green, white, matcha and oolong teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant and contain caffeine, a stimulant that can be dangerous in high doses. Herbal teas, on the other hand, do not contain caffeine. When pregnant, it's best to limit your caffeine intake to 300 mg daily (the equivalent of about two cups of coffee).
But despite its widespread use, there's not much research on caffeine's safety during pregnancy. Some studies have found that high doses of caffeine (more than 300 mg per day) may be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. Other studies have found no such association.
So, until more is known, it's safer to err on the side of caution and limit your caffeine intake during pregnancy. If you're trying to cut back on caffeine, it's smart to do it gradually. And if you're pregnant and drinking caffeinated beverages, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Thai iced tea in Thailand vs. western cultures
Thai iced tea is a popular drink in Thailand and has also become popular in western cultures in recent years. In Thailand, Thai iced tea is typically made with Ceylon tea, milk, and sugar. In western cultures, Thai iced tea is often made with a Thai tea mix packet, milk, and sugar.
The difference in ingredients can lead to a difference in taste. Thai iced tea made with Ceylon tea is typically less sweet and has a more robust flavor. Thai iced tea made with Thai tea mix is often sweeter and has a more artificial flavor.
Why is that?
It all has to do with the ingredients. Ceylon tea is a high-quality tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant. On the other hand, Thai tea mix is a lower-quality tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and other ingredients, such as artificial flavorings and colorings.
Interestingly, Thai tea mix is also higher in caffeine than Ceylon tea. So, if you're looking for a less caffeinated option, opt for Thai iced tea made with Ceylon tea.
Why is Thai tea mix higher in caffeine than Ceylon tea?
The difference in caffeine content has to do with the manufacturing process. Thai tea mix is made from lower-quality leaves, often treated with chemicals. In contrast, Ceylon tea is made from high-quality leaves that are carefully cultivated and processed.
The difference in quality means that the Thai tea mix has more caffeine-containing compounds than Ceylon tea.
The early years of westernized Thai iced tea saw the drink being made with black tea, milk, and sugar. This led to a bitter taste, as black tea is more astringent than Ceylon tea. So, the chef that created the first Thai iced tea recipe in western culture decided to add more sugar to offset the bitterness.
Nowadays, many prefer the sweeter taste of Thai iced tea made with Thai tea mix, which has become more prevalent in western cultures. This is because the mixture contains a combination of black tea, green tea, and other ingredients, which can lead to a more well-rounded flavor.
Does traditional Thai iced tea have an orange color?
Yes, Thai iced tea is typically a dark orange color. This is because the Ceylon tea used to make Thai iced tea is often high in natural caramel colorants. Thai tea mix packet, on the other hand, is often dyed with food coloring to achieve the desired color.
Why is Thai iced tea orange?
Thai iced tea is orange because it's typically made with Thai tea mix, which contains artificial colorings. The colorings are used to give the tea a more vibrant color. If you're looking for a less artificially colored option, opt for Thai iced tea made with Ceylon tea. Thai tea mix is often used because it's cheaper than Ceylon tea. It's also more readily available in western cultures.
What is Thai tea mix?
Thai tea mix is a lower-quality tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and other ingredients, such as artificial flavorings and colorings. Thai tea mix is often used to make Thai iced tea. The artificial dyes are what give Thai iced tea its orange color.
How much sugar is in Thai iced tea?
The amount of sugar in Thai iced tea varies depending on how it's prepared. The sweetness varies depending on the brand of Thai tea mix. Thai iced tea made with Thai tea mix is often sweeter than Thai iced tea made with Ceylon tea. This makes sense because Thai tea mix is often made with artificial sweeteners and flavorings. The result is a more artificially flavored and sweeter tea.
How is Thai tea different from plain black tea?
The difference between Thai tea and plain black tea is the manufacturing process. Thai tea is made from lower-quality leaves that are often treated with chemicals. On the other hand, Ceylon tea is made from high-quality leaves that are carefully cultivated and processed.
The difference in quality means that Thai tea has more caffeine-containing compounds than Ceylon tea. Unlike plain black tea, Thai tea is also often artificially flavored and colored. This gives Thai tea a more sweet, vibrant flavor. It is also infused with spices like cardamom, cloves, and star anise and sweetened with condensed milk.
You can make Thai tea differently, but the most common method is to boil the tea leaves in water and then add milk and sugar. This creates a sweet and creamy beverage that can be enjoyed hot or iced. Thai tea is also sometimes made with black tea, green tea, or a combination.
1 Plain strong black tea: This will give your Thai iced tea a bitter taste, as black tea is more astringent than Ceylon tea. You can do this by boiling loose-leaf tea leaves in water and adding milk and sugar.
2 Thai tea mix: This is a lower-quality tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and other ingredients, such as artificial flavorings and colorings. Thai tea mix is often used to make Thai iced tea. The artificial colorings are what give Thai iced tea its orange color. My favorite brand is Pantai tea mix.
3 Ceylon tea: This is a high-quality tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The tea leaves are carefully cultivated and processed, which makes for a higher-quality tea. Ceylon tea is often used to make Thai iced tea.
4 Spices: Spices like cardamom, cloves, and star anise can be added to Thai iced tea for flavor.
5 Condensed milk: Condensed milk is often used to sweeten Thai iced tea. It is sweetened and thickened milk that is made by boiling down milk to remove water.
Watch how to make Thai iced tea
How to make Thai iced tea?
These days, you can make Thai iced tea at home with various methods. The most common method is a Thai tea mix, which you can find in most Asian markets. You can check my recipe here on how to make Thai iced tea from scratch.
The following recipe is more of a westernized version of Thai iced tea. If you want a more authentic Thai iced tea, I recommend using Ceylon tea and boiling the tea leaves in water instead of a Thai tea mix.
Ingredients you'll need:
- 8 cups of water
- 1.5 cups of Thai tea mix
- 1.5 cups of palm sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk or half and half, coconut milk, whole milk
Instructions:
Step 1
Add Thai tea mix to boiling water. Pour palm sugar slowly into boiling water and stir to dissolve. Sprinkle with star anise and cinnamon stick.
Step 2
Simmer tea for about 3 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Strain out the anise and cinnamon stick.
Step 3
Let the tea steep for approximately 30 minutes, then cool it down. Thai tea tastes best when the flavor is concentrated.
Step 4
Using a cheesecloth-lined strainer, strain the Thai tea mix. Cool down or chill the Thai tea by placing it in the refrigerator.
Step 5
Add the chilled Thai tea mixture to the glass of ice (fill about ¾ of the glass). Leave enough room to fill in your milk (or other creamers).
Step 6
For an 8 oz. glass, add about 4 tablespoons of evaporated milk (or half and half) for a creamier flavor.
Full Recipe
Thai Iced Tea
Pin RecipeIngredients:
- 8 cups water
- 1½ cups Thai tea mix
- 1½ cup Palm sugar (or 8 small disc)
- 1 cup evaporated milk or half and half, coconut milk, whole milk
Optional:
- 3 pieces star anise
- 1 stick of cinnamon
Watch the Video:
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil and add the Thai tea mix. Add the star anise and cinnamon stick. Add the palm sugar and gently stir to completely dissolve sugar.
- Gently boil tea for about 3 minutes and remove from heat. Spoon out the anise and cinnamon stick.
- Allow the tea to steep for at least 30 minutes and to cool it down. The more concentrated the tea flavor, the better the Thai tea tastes.
- Strain the Thai tea mix using a fine strainer lined with cheesecloth, Set finished Thai tea aside to cool or refrigerate to chill.
- Fill glass with ice and pour in chilled Thai tea mixture (¾ of the glass) leaving enough room to fill in your milk (or other creamers).
- For an 8 oz. glass, add about 4 tablespoons of evaporated milk (or half and half) for a creamier flavor.
- You can make this ahead of time and have the Thai tea mix chilling in the fridge.
Nutrition Information:
Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
