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Coffee, decaf vs Black tea, decaf: caffeine compared

Coffee, decaf and Black tea, decaf carry the same caffeine per serving: 2 mg each. Per fluid ounce they are about the same: 0.2 mg/oz versus 0.2 mg/oz.

Coffee, decafBlack tea, decaf
Serving8 oz8 oz
Caffeine per serving2 mg2 mg
Per fl oz0.2 mg0.2 mg
Share of 400 mg/day0%0%
Servings to reach 400 mg200.0200.0
Hours until under 50 mgalready underalready under
Last one for an 11 PM bedtime · standard (50 mg)11:00 PM11:00 PM
Last one for an 11 PM bedtime · sensitive (25 mg)11:00 PM11:00 PM
Share of the 200 mg pregnancy limit1%1%

One serving of each, over 16 hours

01020304050600h2h4h6h8h10h12h14h16h50 mg bedtime limitCoffee, decaf · 2 mgBlack tea, decaf · 2 mg

Common questions

Which has more caffeine, Coffee, decaf or Black tea, decaf?

Neither: both have about 2 mg per serving.

Which is stronger per ounce, Coffee, decaf or Black tea, decaf?

About the same: 0.2 mg per fl oz for Coffee, decaf and 0.2 mg for Black tea, decaf. The difference per can or cup comes from serving size.

When should I stop drinking Coffee, decaf or Black tea, decaf before bed?

For an 11 PM bedtime with a 50 mg limit and a 5-hour half-life: last Coffee, decaf by 11:00 PM, last Black tea, decaf by 11:00 PM. Half-life varies from about 1.5 to 9.5 hours between people.

Method

Caffeine per labeled serving, from the same drink table every calculator here uses (FDA/USDA reference amounts and manufacturer labels; see caffeine content of every drink). Brewed drinks vary batch to batch, so read these as typical values. Decay uses a 5-hour average half-life with a 45-minute absorption ramp; cutoff = bedtime − 5 h × log₂(dose ÷ limit). Percentages use the FDA's 400 mg/day figure for healthy adults and the 200 mg/day limit ACOG gives for pregnancy.

Source — Coffee, decaf: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy 171889), checked 2026-10-13. 1 mg per 100 g × 237 g ≈ 2 mg.

Source — Black tea, decaf: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy 174871), checked 2026-10-13. 1 mg per 100 g × 237 g ≈ 2 mg.

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