3 ms·

Comparing caffeine content in tea vs coffee is a tricky argument to make. The caffeine content in tea varies on many factors, including oxidation level, steep t

Comparing caffeine content in tea vs coffee is a tricky argument to make. The caffeine content in tea varies on many factors, including oxidation level, steep time, and leaf agitation. On average, the amount of theine/caffeine in a cup of tea is much less than that of a cup of coffee.

silentbicycle 17y ago
Additionally, tea has other elements (l-theanine, for one) that seem to give it a different profile of side effects. Drinking green tea gradually over the day (carrying around a thermos, perhaps) seems to give most of the benefits while minimizing side effects, provided you like tea. The worst aspects of coffee & caffeine come from having a whole bunch at once, then spiking and crashing.
mdemare 17y ago
Yes, it's less (about 1/3 to 1/2), but it's significantly more than cola. Don't switch to black tea if you want to kick your caffeine habit. Here's another source: http://www.stashtea.com/caffeine.htm http://www.stashtea.com/caffeine.htm
Dove 17y ago
Furthermore, the caffeine content in tea is quite easy to manage while making it. A nice tea is good for three to seven brewings, depending the type and your brewing preferences. I understand that the amount of caffeine in the pot falls by roughly an order of magnitude with each brewing. Thus if you like the tea but are concerned about the caffeine, just throw the first pot away. Many folks think the second has the best flavor anyway . . .
- silentbicycle 17y ago
  If you just want to reduce the caffeine, steep it for just a few seconds before pouring out the first pot. The caffeine dissolves out almost immediately (it's very soluble in hot water), but you'll still have most of the tea's flavor. Herbal teas are also worth a try. I like rooibos and roasted barley. Korean grocery stores often have big bags of the latter ("barley tea"), and it's great iced. (Roasted barley is also used to add flavor to some darker beers.)

silentbicycle 17y ago

Additionally, tea has other elements (l-theanine, for one) that seem to give it a different profile of side effects. Drinking green tea gradually over the day (carrying around a thermos, perhaps) seems to give most of the benefits while minimizing side effects, provided you like tea. The worst aspects of coffee & caffeine come from having a whole bunch at once, then spiking and crashing.

mdemare 17y ago

Yes, it's less (about 1/3 to 1/2), but it's significantly more than cola. Don't switch to black tea if you want to kick your caffeine habit. Here's another source: http://www.stashtea.com/caffeine.htm http://www.stashtea.com/caffeine.htm

Dove 17y ago

Furthermore, the caffeine content in tea is quite easy to manage while making it. A nice tea is good for three to seven brewings, depending the type and your brewing preferences. I understand that the amount of caffeine in the pot falls by roughly an order of magnitude with each brewing. Thus if you like the tea but are concerned about the caffeine, just throw the first pot away. Many folks think the second has the best flavor anyway . . .

silentbicycle 17y ago
If you just want to reduce the caffeine, steep it for just a few seconds before pouring out the first pot. The caffeine dissolves out almost immediately (it's very soluble in hot water), but you'll still have most of the tea's flavor. Herbal teas are also worth a try. I like rooibos and roasted barley. Korean grocery stores often have big bags of the latter ("barley tea"), and it's great iced. (Roasted barley is also used to add flavor to some darker beers.)