Green Tea and Coffee are often compared for good reason. Both beverages boast centuries of tradition, are beloved worldwide, originate from plants, and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. While it’s generally accepted that coffee has a significantly higher caffeine content than tea, a quick search reveals that 100ml of coffee contains around 40mg of caffeine, while the same amount of tea has only about 11mg.
However, when it comes to caffeine levels, one type of tea stands out: green tea. The caffeine content in green tea can vary based on factors like steeping time and origin, and in some cases, it can even surpass that of other teas. To explore how this compares to coffee, I consulted with two experts. Keep reading to discover their insights on the caffeine content of Green Tea and Coffee
Understanding Green Tea Before Comparing It to Coffee
Before determining which beverage contains more caffeine, it’s important to understand what green tea is. Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is crafted using specific parts of the plant that vary depending on the type of tea.
According to Will Battle, Managing Director at Fine Tea Merchants Ltd., green tea is distinct because its enzymes are deactivated, preventing oxidation. “It’s typically steamed or pan-fried to stop the oxidation process,” he explains. “This sets it apart from other teas like black or oolong.”
Francois Mathieu, co-founder of Hojicha Co, a leading roasted green tea brand outside Japan, adds that green tea isn’t classified by its color as many believe. Instead, the methods used to preserve its “green” nature vary based on where it’s produced:
- In Japan, steaming is the most common method.
- In China, pan-firing is the traditional approach.
Both techniques ensure that the tea remains unoxidized, preventing it from turning black.
Exploring Varieties of Green Tea Before Comparing to Coffee
Green tea is a broad category with a wide range of varieties, each influenced by unique growing techniques, harvest timing, and processing methods.
Francois Mathieu, co-founder of Hojicha Co, notes that one of Japan’s most popular green teas is sencha, harvested earlier in the year from young shoots. In contrast, bancha, another Japanese tea, is harvested later and is considered of lower grade.
One type of Green Tea and Coffee that has gained global popularity is matcha. “The process for matcha is quite different,” Francois explains. “Farmers shade the tea plants for several days, triggering unique chemical reactions. After harvesting, the twigs are removed, and the leaves are ground into a fine powder, creating a distinct product.”
This variety in green teas adds complexity when comparing them to coffee, particularly regarding caffeine content.
Caffeine Content in Green Tea and Coffee: A Closer Look
Caffeine works by stimulating the nervous system, muscles, and heart through the production of neurotransmitters. These chemicals—such as theophylline, paraxanthine, and theobromine—bind to receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of adenosine, the neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. This process helps to increase alertness and delay feelings of fatigue.
In both Green Tea and Coffee, caffeine levels vary depending on factors like the type of coffee bean (with robusta beans containing more caffeine than arabica), roasting profiles, brewing methods, and even water temperature. Green tea is no different, with its caffeine content influenced by growing and processing techniques.
According to Will Battle, Managing Director at Fine Tea Merchants Ltd., “An 8oz cup of coffee typically contains 80 to 100mg of caffeine, while an 8oz cup of tea generally ranges from 30 to 50mg.” However, the ratio of liquid to solid ingredients also plays a role, further complicating the comparison.
Why Dose Matters: Caffeine in Green Tea and Coffee
Although an average cup of coffee contains more caffeine than green tea, gram for gram, green tea leaves actually have a higher caffeine concentration than unroasted coffee beans. The key difference lies in the quantity used for brewing; we typically use much more Green Tea and Coffee grounds than tea leaves.
Francois Mathieu, co-founder of Hojicha Co, notes, “There’s a graph on our website comparing Japanese green teas to coffee, and official data from the Japanese government confirms that coffee generally has higher caffeine levels than green tea.”
In coffee, caffeine content varies by species (robusta vs. arabica), roast profile, and factors like intensity, concentration, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Similarly, green tea’s caffeine levels depend on aspects like surface area and steeping time. For instance, matcha’s fine powder allows for greater chemical extraction, including caffeine, while loose tea leaves require longer steeping to achieve similar levels.
Francois also emphasizes that the part of the tea plant matters. “The younger shoots at the top of the plant, commonly used in matcha and sencha, contain higher caffeine levels. In contrast, mature leaves lower on the plant have less caffeine.” Additionally, green tea harvested early in the season tends to have more caffeine than tea from later harvests.
Beyond Caffeine: How Green Tea and Coffee Affect the Body
When comparing Green Tea and Coffee, caffeine content is only part of the equation. Will Battle points out that how our bodies absorb caffeine differs between the two. “Coffee produces a sharp, immediate spike in energy, while tea is absorbed more gradually in the intestines, providing a slower release,” he explains.
Francois Mathieu adds another layer to the discussion: L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea. Studies suggest that L-theanine has a calming effect on the brain, which can temper the stimulating impact of caffeine. Rather than focusing solely on the amount of caffeine per gram, Francois emphasizes the importance of L-theanine’s role.
“L-theanine makes you feel more relaxed, and when combined with caffeine, it can enhance cognitive performance,” he says. “This combination offers the best of both worlds—heightened alertness without the jittery or stressed feeling, allowing you to stay focused and calm simultaneously.”
The Significance of Caffeine in Green Tea: More Than Just a Comparison to Coffee
While Green Tea and Coffee is celebrated globally for its high caffeine content, green tea occupies a different niche. Will Battle explains that, much like coffee, green tea enthusiasts appreciate more than just caffeine—they enjoy its unique mouthfeel, flavor, and aroma. He also highlights the health benefits associated with green tea’s catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
“There’s a lot of promising research, especially surrounding the effects of EGCG,” Will notes. These health benefits contribute to Green Tea and Coffee strong reputation as a wellness beverage.
Francois Mathieu points out that green tea appeals to a diverse range of consumers. “Some drink green tea for its antioxidants, others for the calming yet alert feeling from the caffeine and L-theanine combination, while many simply enjoy its flavor.” The reasons for consuming green tea extend beyond caffeine alone.
Although coffee tends to have more caffeine per cup, the levels in both beverages can vary significantly due to factors like harvest timing, roasting, and brewing methods. Ultimately, as Francois and Will suggest, focusing solely on caffeine means missing out on the broader sensory and health benefits both Green Tea and Coffee offer.
