If your day revolves around the kettle, you're in good company.
Maybe you start with a strong breakfast tea, enjoy a green tea after lunch, then wind down with a herbal blend in the evening. Before you know it, you've had four or five cups without really thinking about it.
So, how many cups of tea a day is too much?
For most people, tea can be enjoyed every day without any issues. The answer depends on the type of tea you're drinking, how much caffeine it contains, and how your body responds to it.
Let's take a closer look.
How many cups a day by tea type
How much black tea per day?
For most people, how much black tea per day comes down to around 3 to 4 cups.
A standard cup of black tea contains around 40 to 70mg of caffeine, which means four cups are still well within the commonly referenced daily caffeine guideline of 400mg for healthy adults.
If you're someone with a higher caffeine tolerance, a fifth or even sixth cup isn't necessarily a problem. However, drinking that amount regularly may begin to affect your sleep, especially if you're enjoying tea later in the day.
If you've noticed you're lying awake after an afternoon brew, try making your last black tea a lunchtime treat instead.
Whether you're reaching for our Everyday Brew or the bold citrus notes of Earl Grey Strong, they're best enjoyed earlier in the day when you can savour every sip.
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How much green tea per day?
If you're wondering how much green tea per day is a good amount, 3 to 5 cups a day is a comfortable range for most people.
Green tea naturally contains less caffeine than black tea, usually around 20 to 45mg per cup. Because of this, many people find it easier to enjoy throughout the day without experiencing the jitters they sometimes associate with coffee or stronger black teas.
It's a lovely choice when you're after a gentle pick-me-up rather than a caffeine kick.
Our Mao Feng Green Tea is naturally smooth, slightly sweet, and made with whole leaves, making it an easy everyday green tea to enjoy.
For the best flavour, try drinking green tea in the morning or during a mid-afternoon break when its gentle lift fits naturally into your day.
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How much herbal tea per day?
Unlike black and green tea, herbal teas don't contain caffeine.
That means there isn't a caffeine-based limit to worry about, which is why many people happily enjoy 4 to 6 cups throughout the day and into the evening.
If you're asking how much herbal tea per day is too much, the best advice is to enjoy a mix of different herbal blends rather than drinking very large amounts of the same one every single day.
It also makes every cup a little more interesting.
Start the morning with the bright, zingy flavour of Lemon Ginger, enjoy Peppermint Leaves after lunch, then finish the evening with a soothing cup of Chamomile Flowers.
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Signs you might be drinking a little too much tea
Tea should leave you feeling refreshed, not wondering why you can't switch off later.
Here are a few signs it might be time to cut back on your daily cups.
It's affecting your sleep
If you regularly struggle to fall asleep after drinking black or green tea late in the day, caffeine could be playing a part.
Everyone processes caffeine differently. Some people can enjoy an evening cup without a problem, while others notice that even one late afternoon tea affects their sleep.
If that sounds familiar, try swapping your evening brew for a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea instead.
You feel restless or jittery
Tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but it still contributes to your overall daily intake.
If you're feeling restless, jittery, or unusually wired, it might be worth looking at how much tea per day you're drinking.
Sometimes replacing one or two caffeinated cups with a herbal tea is all it takes to find a better balance.
You're drinking tea instead of water
Tea is a great way to stay hydrated, and it absolutely contributes to your daily fluid intake.
That said, it shouldn't completely replace water.
Keeping a bottle or glass of water nearby and alternating between tea and water throughout the day is a simple habit that works well for many tea lovers.
So, how many cups of tea a day is too much?
For most people, there's no magic number.
A good guide looks something like this:
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Black tea: around 3 to 4 cups a day
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Green tea: around 3 to 5 cups a day
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Herbal tea: around 4 to 6 cups a day
The most important thing is paying attention to how you feel.
If you're sleeping well, staying hydrated, and enjoying your tea without any unwanted effects, your daily routine is probably working just fine.
And if you're craving another cuppa before bed, a caffeine-free herbal tea is always a comforting way to finish the day.
FAQs
How many cups of tea a day is safe?
For most healthy adults, how many cups of tea a day depends on the type of tea. Around 3 to 5 cups of caffeinated tea is a comfortable amount for many people, while herbal teas can often be enjoyed more freely because they don't contain caffeine.
Can drinking too much tea keep you awake at night?
Yes. Black tea and green tea naturally contain caffeine, so drinking several cups later in the day may affect sleep, particularly if you're sensitive to caffeine.
Is it OK to drink tea every day?
Absolutely. Tea is part of many people's daily routine. Choosing a mix of black, green, and herbal teas throughout the day can help you enjoy variety while managing your caffeine intake.
Does herbal tea count towards your daily caffeine limit?
No. Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free because they aren't made from the Camellia sinensis tea plant.
What happens if you drink too much tea in one day?
For some people, drinking a lot of caffeinated tea may lead to trouble sleeping or feeling restless. If that happens, consider reducing your coffee intake or swapping some for naturally caffeine-free herbal teas.
