When Can I Drink Coffee or Tea?

Kids really shouldn't have coffee or tea. The main reason is because these drinks often have caffeine (say: KA-feen). Caffeine is an addictive drug, and it can be harmful for kids and teens. Even older teens should have no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine (about one small cup of coffee) each day.

It's best to wait until you are a grown-up for drinks like these!

What About Decaffeinated Coffee or Tea?

Some types of coffee and tea have a lot less caffeine in them. These are called decaffeinated (or decaf) kinds and can be safer for kids to try. But you wouldn’t want to have more than a few sips since they still have some caffeine.

What About Herbal Tea?

Most herbal teas don’t have any caffeine, and these are often safe for kids. They’re called herbal teas because they’re usually made from herbs. Chamomile (say: CAM-oh-meal) tea is an herbal tea that can help you feel calmer at the end of the day. If you like the taste of mint, you might also enjoy mint tea. For any teas, check the label information to make sure they don’t have any caffeine.