ABSTRACT: In this study, partial physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of melanin from black tea leaves were studied. The results show that black tea melanin powder was dark tinted red and yellow (L*=36.47, a*=0.33, b*= 0.17). Black tea melanin solution exhibited strong optical absorbance in a wide UV-Vis spectral range and was relatively stable in the range of 25–100 °C and under natural light. Furthermore, black tea melanin exhibited a strong superoxide- and hydroxyl-radical scavenging activity. Results of the present study indicated that black tea melanin could be potentially used as a food colourant with health benefits.