Does Tea Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?

Introduction

Does coffee have caffeine? We think the answer to this question is not necessary. Have you ever thought that tea has caffeine? When we think about caffeine, the first thing that associates to us is coffee, of course. We drink it to wake up a bit, sometimes to relax a bit, or sometimes just for the heck of it.

But what about this one? This beverage is something we drink when we are sick for example, or some countries have a daily tradition of drinking it, such as the United Kingdom. It’s a surprise to many that there is caffeine percentage in your cup of tea as well. Here we will try to solve all mysteries and answer all of your questions: How much caffeine is in tea, which tea sorts have caffeine in them and so on.

But First…

First of all, let’s talk about coffee. They all come from one single source, one single plant. There are two varieties, Robusta and Arabica, and the taste may differentiate with all the attributes from the land it came from, roasting time or brewing or preparing method. All in all, how much caffeine is there in a cup of coffee? Well, an average 250ml (~8oz) cup of coffee contains anywhere from 90 to 160mg of caffeine in it.

What does this caffeine do to you? Well, it’s a chemical compound that breaks down in your body, giving you awesome superpowers, like not crashing in when you wake up after a beautiful sleep period. Generally, it makes you more aware of what is going on, your focus is amped up a bit, and you’re alert more than you would be without your daily caffeine dosage.

Some say that it can even boost athletic performance, help with the memory process and prevent certain illnesses such as gallbladder disease. So basically it does have some health benefits, but remember, everything is good in moderation. If you drink too much coffee or substitute your breakfast for this one drink, it can cause a lot of problems, such as stomachaches, consistent falls in energy levels, dizziness and many similar symptoms of not well-being.

General Facts:

Very similar to coffee, it all comes from one single plant, named Camellia sinensis. This drink has been known to mankind for so many centuries, and it has been consumed for as long as we’re known to have built houses or cities. The amount of it that circulates the world in any given moment is so jaw-dropping, approximately 300 million kilograms of tea is imported in the United States every year. This beverage that is so widely known and consumed, that there are countries such as England that have been recognized as one of the biggest consumers.

Now just like one same plant product is being processed with heat, so there are more varieties out there, with this one it’s the way we process the leaves, that will create unique products that will make you think that there is not only one tea plant. We are all familiar with the classic mint or chamomile, but not as many know that there exist black, green or white versions as well.

How much caffeine is in tea? The answer is by default, yes, but we will get down to specifics in a bit. Decaffeinating this liquid is an additional process if you want to make such drinks. The rule goes like this: the darker it is, the more caffeinated the drink itself is, and therefore it will have a stronger taste.

Green Tea

The first one we will talk about is green tea since it’s a bit different when you make it. All other versions need to be brewed for a few minutes, while this one doesn’t need to be brewed for more than a minute. This green tea is also very healthy since it has antioxidant properties.

This version is made by steaming the leaves. The end-product is a very delicate and subtle flavor and a light-green color. You can also add your favorite additions to complement the flavors.

This one is not scientifically proven yet, but there might be a reduction percentage of being sick with cancer if you drink this one.

Does Green Tea Have Caffeine?

Caffeine in green tea vs coffee- Coffee is significantly stronger, because the minimal amount of it is somewhere around 90mg, while this one contains anywhere from 30 to 45mg. Therefore it will give you a smaller boost, but this is great for some people who are a bit sensitive to caffeine, and it will provide you all the health benefits if you substitute this for coffee.

Black Tea

Black tea is a lot stronger than the last one we mentioned. It has a similar flavor to coffee, which many people confirmed. This beverage sort is a product of the following processes: fermenting or oxidizing. This concentrates chemical compounds inside the leaves themselves, resulting in a much darker color, and a stronger flavor.

We can say for sure that it’s the strongest one out there on the market, it will last longer than any other. It is also known to be consumed way back, and it’s popularity still shines today. Several varieties of this drink may differ in flavors, such as the Earl Grey and English Breakfast teas. Caffeine in black tea can go from 14mg to 70mg, depending on the variety, as we just mentioned.

If you prefer to try it out, the fail-safe choice that we can recommend you is the following:

Earl Grey Black Tea

This variety of these beverages is under the category of the flavored tea groups. It has been scented with fruit, flowers, oils, extracts, natural or artificial flavorings. It can be said for sure that it’s one of the most famous ones out there on the market. This one has an orange flavor hint inside of it, with little grapefruit or lime punches were thrown in there. The manufacturing of these leaves starts when they are pretty much dried up. There is not only one way to make Earl Grey, so don’t be surprised if you have drunk it a few times and it all tasted different.

Earl Grey Tea Caffeine vs. Coffee: How Much Caffeine is in a Teabag?

Just like we said a moment ago, there is not only one way of producing this brand. This can vary from cup volume, brewing time or so. Generally, the answer is somewhere around 40mg. A cup of coffee, as we said, contains anywhere from 90 to 145mg. So it’s a significantly stronger boost if you drink coffee. But think of it this way, it’s healthier, your teeth won’t begin turning dark, and it’s still a little lift in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Conclusion

Is this for you? Is this a health benefit? Is it worth it?

Of course, it is. If you have a sentimental bond to the classic morning cup of Joe than there’s no discussion. As far as you know now, it is an overall plus on all things that we consider as a morning boost. After all, some versions have pretty much the same flavor as the cup of coffee. So if not substitute, then at least try it! One morning or one whole day won’t do much but experiment a little bit.

Maybe combine both, coffee in the morning, tea over day time and night. Try out whichever variety you fancy, and add your favorite additions! A squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon of honey (or even better, both) is for sure a fail-safe option. It’s not only curing you when you have a cold, but it’s also delicious as well!