Which Starbucks Tea Has the Most Caffeine? I Tried Them All – Here’s What You Should Know

I’m the kind of person who needs caffeine to function, but I wanted a break from coffee jitters. So I turned to tea. Starbucks has an entire lineup of tea options, and I started wondering: Which Starbucks tea has the most caffeine? And more importantly, is it actually enough to replace my usual espresso fix?

So, I did what any curious (and slightly caffeine-obsessed) person would do I ordered every tea on their menu that promised a buzz and tested them out across a full week. From classic chai lattes to green tea lemonades, I compared not just the caffeine content but also how each one felt and tasted.

If you’ve ever stared at the Starbucks menu feeling unsure which tea will actually wake you up, this breakdown is for you. And if you're hunting for stronger teas or wondering how they stack up against coffee I've got answers backed by real experience and caffeine science.

Let’s dive in.

Caffeine in Tea vs Coffee: What You Should Know First

Before we zero in on Starbucks teas, let’s talk caffeine basics.

A standard 8 oz cup of coffee has anywhere between 80–120 mg of caffeine. It's quick, it hits hard, and sometimes let’s be honest it hits too hard. That’s why many people, myself included, start looking at tea for a gentler pick-me-up.

Now, tea’s caffeine content varies based on:

• The type of tea leaves (black > green > white/herbal)
  
• How it’s brewed (steep time + water temp = stronger kick)
  
• And in Starbucks’ case: how much tea is actually in the drink and whether it’s concentrated (like Matcha or Chai)
  

At Starbucks, even the strongest teas won’t out-caffeinate a dark roast, but some come close and with a smoother ride. You won’t crash as hard, and many teas offer other perks like L-theanine (hello, focus boost) and antioxidants.

Starbucks Teas Ranked by Caffeine – From Highest to Lowest

I went through Starbucks' official nutrition info, cross-checked it with barista tips, and—yes—taste-tested each one myself. Here’s how the most caffeinated teas at Starbucks stack up (based on a grande size, 16 oz):

1. Matcha Tea Latte – ~80 mg caffeine

Surprised? Don’t be. Matcha is powdered green tea, meaning you’re drinking the entire leaf. It’s smooth, earthy, and packs almost as much caffeine as a small coffee—plus it gives you that calm alertness thanks to L-theanine.

2. Chai Tea Latte – ~70 mg caffeine

Spicy, creamy, and warming. The concentrate used at Starbucks contains black tea extract (aka caffeine central). It's one of the best-tasting energy boosts you can get.

3. Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade – ~45 mg caffeine

A sleeper hit. The green tea base adds a gentle lift, while the peach flavor keeps it refreshing. Great for an afternoon boost without overdoing it.

4. Iced Black Tea / Black Tea Lemonade – ~40 mg caffeine

Classic and straightforward. Not too strong, not too light. Add lemonade if you want a little zing.

5. Iced Green Tea / Green Tea Lemonade – ~25 mg caffeine

Lighter than you'd expect. Good for hydration with a subtle boost—but won’t replace your morning cuppa.

6. Iced Passion Tango Tea – 0 mg caffeine

This vibrant pink drink is herbal. Tastes fruity and refreshing, but it’s caffeine-free. A great evening option, but don’t expect it to wake you up.

How to Customize Your Starbucks Tea for More (or Less) Caffeine

One of the best things about Starbucks? Customization. Whether you want a strong wake-up brew or a mellow afternoon sip, you can tweak almost any tea drink to fit your needs.

Here’s how:

 Want more caffeine?

• Ask for extra matcha scoops – Each scoop adds around 27 mg of caffeine. Great for those sluggish mornings.
• Go for light ice – You’ll get more tea in your cup, which often means more caffeine.
  
• Double the tea bags – If you're ordering a hot black or green tea, ask for two bags. It’s free and gives the drink more strength.
  
• Skip the lemonade – In iced teas with lemonade, cutting it out gives you more of the actual tea (and therefore, more caffeine).
  

Want less caffeine?

• Go half pumps on lattes – For Chai or Matcha, ask for fewer pumps or scoops.
  
• Ask for decaf tea bags – Not all stores have them, but it’s worth a try.
  
• Switch to herbal – Passion Tango, Mint Majesty, or Peach Tranquility have zero caffeine and still taste amazing.
  

Bonus tip: If you're serious about tracking your intake, Starbucks' mobile app lists caffeine estimates under nutrition info. Super handy.

So, Which Starbucks Tea Has the Most Caffeine?

If you’re just here for the quick answer:
The Matcha Tea Latte is the most caffeinated tea at Starbucks, coming in at roughly 80 mg per grande. It’s smooth, satisfying, and delivers a clean, focused energy—without the jittery crash of coffee.

But depending on your taste and goals, here’s a quick recap:

• Want bold and spicy? Go for the Chai Tea Latte
  
• Prefer something cold and zesty? Try the Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade
  
• Looking for zero caffeine? Passion Tango’s your best bet
  
  

✅ Still curious about how other teas compare? Check out our full breakdown of which tea has the most caffeine — we cover black, green, herbal, and more.