Caffeine in tea
After many years in the industry and through our conversations with customers, we have noticed that there can sometimes be uncertainty around caffeine in tea. We would like to contribute with our knowledge and help clarify this topic. To make it easier to grasp, we have collected some frequently asked questions along with our answers below.
What is caffeine, and how much is in tea? **
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in over 60 different plants, including tea and coffee. It works by blocking a chemical in the brain called adenosine, which makes you feel tired. Therefore, caffeine can help you feel more alert and focused.
The caffeine content in coffee is relatively easy to understand - usually between 70 and 120 mg per cup - but in tea the amount varies quite a bit. A regular cup of tea usually contains between 10 and 60 mg of caffeine, depending on the tea variety, processing and brewing. So while you may need to limit your coffee intake after a few cups, tea is usually milder when it comes to caffeine.
What is L-theanine, and how is it different from caffeine?
L-theanine is a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in tea. Unlike caffeine, which is a stimulant, L-theanine promotes relaxation without making you drowsy. It works by increasing alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a state of calm focus, similar to when you meditate. The energy boost from tea is therefore different from that from coffee. Both tea and coffee contain caffeine, but tea gives you a more gradual and sustained energy boost - thanks to the L-theanine, which slows down the absorption of the caffeine and provides a smoother energy boost.
How do caffeine and L-theanine work together in tea?
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea creates a balanced effect and a smooth and calm energy, instead of the quick rise and crash you often get from coffee. While caffeine helps increase alertness and improve cognitive function, L-theanine helps to reduce the jitters and anxiety that can sometimes occur with caffeine intake. Tea can therefore make you feel both calm and alert at the same time, making it an excellent choice for those who want focus without the jittery energy that coffee can sometimes cause.
Does tea help with both focus and relaxation at the same time?
Yes, tea is known to promote both focus and relaxation. This is mainly due to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine. While caffeine helps improve focus and mental clarity, L-theanine calms the mind and helps reduce stress. This makes tea an ideal drink for situations where you need to relax but still want to remain relaxed, like during a busy work day or when you are studying.
Which types of tea have the most caffeine and L-theanine?
The caffeine content of tea varies depending on several factors, including the type of tea, how the tea is grown, and how it is processed. In general, teas made from younger leaves and buds, such as green and black teas, tend to have higher caffeine levels. Japanese teas such as Matcha and Gyokuro, which are grown in the shade, also have higher caffeine levels. Matcha is extra high in caffeine because the tea plant is ground and the leaves are drunk whole, unlike other teas where the leaves are brewed and then removed.
L-theanine is usually higher in green teas, especially those grown in the shade. On the other hand, teas made from the lower parts of the plant, such as Oolong and some white teas, usually have less caffeine. However, there are no strict rules, and each tea is unique depending on how it is grown and processed.
The information we share about caffeine and L-theanine here is based on the most recent studies we have found. However, it is important to note that this is an evolving field, and there are no hard and fast rules. How caffeine and L-theanine affect us can vary, and the subject is very complex. For those of you who want to delve further, we have included links to the research studies and articles we reference below.
**Studies on caffeine in tea:**
● Study 4 - click here
● Study 5 - click here
● Study 6 - click here
**Possible health benefits of caffeine:**
● Health Benefits of Caffeine - click here
**Roasting and caffeine in coffee:**