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Coffee tends to contain more than tea
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- The amount of caffeine in tea and coffee varies, depending on the strength, variety and brewing method, but coffee tends to contain more than tea. Purely based on the assumption that caffeine equals increased alertness, coffee wins at waking us up. But some research suggests it’s not that simple.
www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/tea_versus_coffee
People also ask
Does coffee have more caffeine than tea?
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- Overview
- Why is caffeine a concern?
- Caffeine content varies by beverage type and preparation
- Which one should you drink?
- The bottom line
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While black tea, espresso, and coffee bring the most caffeine to the table, green tea packs a moderate amount as well. The content in white teas varies greatly, while herbal teas are practically caffeine-free.
Caffeine’s popularity as a natural stimulant is unparalleled.
It’s found in over 60 plant species and enjoyed across the globe, especially in coffee, chocolate, and tea.
The caffeine content in a beverage varies depending on the ingredients and how the drink is prepared.
While caffeine is considered safe, drinking too much may raise some concerns.
This article compares the caffeine contents of various teas and coffees and explores which drink you should choose.
An estimated 80% of the world’s population enjoys a caffeinated product daily.
Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) define a safe caffeine intake as up to 400 mg per day, 200 mg per single dose, or 1.4 mg per pound (3 mg per kg) of body weight (1, 2, 3).
Due to its stimulating effects, caffeine has been linked to health benefits like enhanced alertness, improved athletic performance, elevated mood, and increased metabolism (4, 5, 6, 7).
That said, consuming high amounts — such as single doses over 500 mg — may raise some concerns (2, 3).
In large doses, caffeine has been associated with anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, some studies suggest that drinking it regularly, even in moderate amounts, can cause chronic headaches and migraines (8, 9, 10).
Furthermore, caffeine is considered mildly addictive, and some people may be more susceptible to developing a dependence (9).
The amount of caffeine in tea or coffee can vary significantly depending on the origin, type, and preparation of the drink (11).
Tea leaves contain 3.5% caffeine, while coffee beans have 1.1–2.2%. However, the coffee brewing process uses hotter water, which extracts more of the caffeine from the beans. Typically, you also use more coffee beans than you’d use tea leaves for a drink (12).
Caffeine acts quickly — usually within 20 minutes to 1 hour of consumption (1).
If you’re sensitive to the effects of caffeine, consider sticking to teas lower in caffeine like white or herbal teas. You may also brew high-caffeine teas for a shorter time, such as 1 minute instead of 3.
Opting for decaffeinated tea, coffee, and espresso is also a good way to enjoy these drinks without much caffeine.
On the contrary, if you’re a fan of high-caffeine drinks, you may enjoy espresso, cold-brew coffee, and teas with higher caffeine contents, including green and black varieties.
To stay within safe amounts, drink no more than 400 mg daily, or 200 mg of caffeine at a time. This translates to no more than three to five 8-ounce (237 ml) cups of regular coffee daily, or eight 1-ounce (30-ml) shots of espresso (18).
Those who have heart disease, are prone to migraines, and take certain medications should limit their caffeine intake (8, 9, 10, 19).
How you prepare your tea and coffee affects their caffeine content.
If you’d like to cut back on caffeine, try steeping your tea for less time, and opt for decaffeinated versions of your favorite coffee- and espresso-based drinks.
Learn how caffeine content varies by tea and coffee type and preparation. Find out which drink is more caffeinated and which one is safer for your health.
Coffee has more caffeine than tea, but the amount varies depending on the type and brewing method. Learn the benefits and side effects of caffeine, and how much you should consume daily.
Sep 6, 2019 · Coffee has more caffeine than tea, but both beverages are rich in antioxidants that protect against chronic diseases. Learn how coffee and tea affect your energy levels, weight loss, and mental alertness.
Jan 13, 2023 · Tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but also has L-theanine, an amino acid that buffers the effects of caffeine and prevents jitters. Learn how tea can boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and help you avoid caffeine crash.
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Sep 25, 2023 · Tea usually contains less caffeine than coffee, but both have antioxidants and health benefits. Learn how caffeine, L-theanine, polyphenols and disease prevention affect your choice of beverage.
Apr 26, 2022 · Learn how much caffeine is in your favorite drinks and how it affects your health. Coffee has more caffeine than tea, but the amount varies depending on brewing methods and factors.
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