Thai Iced Tea and Lemon Tea are popular drinks many choose to refresh themselves during the day. However, if the goal is to stay alert longer, many wonder which drink contains more caffeine or has longer-lasting effects.
In fact, both drinks use tea leaves from the tea plant as their main ingredient, so they get caffeine from the same source. The difference lies in the fact that Thai Iced Tea contains milk and sugar, providing more energy, whereas Lemon Tea usually has no milk, resulting in fewer calories (if sugar is added at the same level).
Therefore, the caffeine content in tea drinks depends more on the type of tea leaves, the amount used, and the brewing method than on adding milk or lemon. Using similar tea leaves and brewing strength will yield similar caffeine amounts.
After drinking tea, caffeine is rapidly absorbed and reaches peak blood levels within about 30–60 minutes. The body then gradually eliminates it, taking on average 3–7 hours. This varies by age, genetics, liver function, and individual health. Thus, caffeine duration in the body does not depend on whether the drink is Thai iced tea or lemon tea.
The main reason is the milk and sugar in Thai iced tea, which add energy and promote longer satiety. This may make people feel more energized or full compared to lemon tea but does not mean caffeine acts longer.
Focusing solely on caffeine, Thai iced tea and lemon tea are not significantly different because caffeine mainly comes from tea leaves. The real difference lies in sugar and calorie content. Therefore, for a healthier tea choice, opt for less sweetness and avoid drinking near bedtime if sensitive to caffeine.
Read related articles