Caffeine naturally occurs in tea. For this reason, some believe that the stimulation between coffee and tea have similar qualities. We would argue against that. Caffeine from coffee enters the bloodstream relatively quickly and all at once, giving you a large jolt in energy. This jolt is what causes some to experiences the shakes or jitters. With caffeine from coffee you experience high highs but also, low lows, as your boost will inevitably “crash”. This crash may cause low energy and even feelings of tiredness.
The body absorbs caffeine from tea in a much different way. Caffeine from tea will enter into your bloodstream at a much slower pace, keeping you calm and steady throughout the entire day. Caffeine from tea will give you sustained energy and an increased ability to focus without the shakes or the dreaded caffeine crash.
Caffeine levels of tea vary depending on the region and climate the tealeaves were grown in, as well as the preparation process. Water temperature and infusion time will greatly influence caffeine levels. Generally, the more tea used, the hotter the water, and the longer the tea is infused, the more caffeine in your cup. This is why it is difficult to fully measure the exact amount of caffeine in each serving.
While tea generally has less caffeine than coffee, there is one exception: matcha. CitizenTea’s selection of Premium, Superior and Pinnacle Matcha teas contain the highest levels of caffeine available in tea, one cup similar to that of half a cup of coffee. This is because matcha is made from grinding the entire green tea leaf into a fine powder. When consuming matcha you are consuming the entire leaf of the plant, not just the infusion of the leaf. Because of this, you can receive up to 10 times the amount of caffeine in matcha than green tea.
Below is a chart that outlining caffeine levels in tea and coffee. Since we know that water temperature and infusion time can greatly influence the amount of caffeine in a serving, it is important to note that your cup may vary slightly.
For those who are looking to reduce or eliminate caffeine in their diet, tea offers two options: decaffeinated or caffeine-free. Decaffeinated tea is an option for those who want to reduce the amount of caffeine. Keep in mind that decaffeinated does not mean that your tea is fully caffeine-free. If you are searching for a caffeine-free drink, herbal teas contain zero caffeine and are the only alternative to an entirely caffeine-free tea.
