Caffeine in Tea vs. Coffee

The key element of Zest Tea is that it provides an abundance of energy. We like to shout about how our teas contain up to 150mg of caffeine per serving, which is more than coffee. But how much more? And why does caffeine in tea differ from caffeine in coffee?

This brief article will take you through the science behind caffeine in tea and caffeine in coffee - and why energy tea is the superior choice.

Caffeine Levels in Tea and Coffee

The levels of caffeine in a cup of tea or a cup of coffee depend on several things. There’s the amount of caffeine in the coffee beans or tea leaves, as well as how long you brew - a long, hot brew will result in more caffeine in your cup.

Caffeine levels vary from one tea type to another, while coffee caffeine levels can vary depending on how strong the brew is.

Espresso shot (1oz) - 64mg
Drip coffee (8oz) - 96mg
Black tea (8oz) - 47mg
Green tea (8oz) - 28mg
Zest Tea (8oz) - 150mg

With the exception of Zest Tea (because we measure and verify the caffeine levels), these are all average figures. There is some natural variance - two green teas from different subvarieties, grown in different countries, brewed in different styles, will likely contain different caffeine levels.

How Caffeine Provides Energy

Caffeine is a stimulant that provides energy and alertness. When you consume caffeine, you feel wide-awake, full of energy, and ready to go. But too much caffeine (defined as 400mg or more per day by the FDA 2) leaves you with jitters, an inability to focus, restlessness, anxiety, and increased heart rate. Thankfully, even high-caffeine teas like Zest Tea are way below the limit, even though they provide a huge boost of energy. Regardless of whether you drink coffee or tea, the caffeine molecule is the same, and the way it interacts with your brain is the same.

L-Theanine in Tea Leaves

This is the amino acid that makes all the difference. This is why you may have thought caffeine in tea was different to caffeine in coffee. The caffeine molecule is the same in tea as it is in coffee, but the L-Theanine amino acid that’s found naturally in tea leaves impacts the way caffeine interacts with your body and brain.

This effect of L-Theanine and caffeine together is a synergistic relationship. And this is why tea provides a different kind of energy. While coffee is fast to hit you and gives you a sometimes uncontrollable wave of energy, tea is slower, calmer and provides a steady release of energy that you can harness into productivity.

Here’s how it works.

L-Theanine also travels through your bloodstream and passes through the blood brain barrier. In fact, in the bloodstream, L-Theanine can actually slow down the onset of caffeine and prolong the release of it.

Besides slowing down and steadying the effects of caffeine, L-Theanine also has a unique influence on your brain - it is a key element of our drinks to enhance focus.

Increases alpha brain waves, to enhance creative thinking,
Reduce anxiety, stress, and improves sleep quality,
Improves memory and cognitive functions.

Summary - Tea vs Coffee

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