Tea vs Coffee: The Long Awaited Debate

Welcome back, trusty caffeine hunters! We are so glad to have you back reading the latest edition of On The Hunt! This blog post is one for the books.

Now we have a question for you dear readers – when you think of a caffeinated drink, what comes to mind? Is it a warm, inviting cup of joe… or a steaming tea (maybe your pinky is up… we really can’t see what you are up to through the screen). This long awaited debate has been fought by many, with both sides being equally passionate, fiery, and HOT-headed. Regardless of what side you are on, we are here today to discuss this head-to-head matchup in a few digestible points

1.Which is healthier?

The first question usually on people’s minds – which one is better for me? To help you navigate this, we decided to use a few metrics to decide which one is better: 

• Antioxidants and fibre: Both coffee and tea are loaded with them, but tea tends to edge out slightly in this category, especially green tea, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, coffee is rich in certain antioxidants that are linked to reducing the risk of diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. 

  • Results: Tie

• Heart health: Coffee can sometimes lead to jitters and increased heart rate, while tea generally offers a gentler caffeine boost with less of a crash. Clinical trials show that regularly consuming tea, especially green tea, may slightly improve blood pressure and cholesterol. 

  • Results: Tea

• Cancer risks: According to studies conducted by the American Cancer Society, coffee contains hundreds of biologically active compounds, all of which can help reduce inflammation and help DNA repair. 

• Results: Coffee

2.What are the benefits of each?

Both coffee and tea have similar benefits, but also offer unique/specific ones too!   

• Coffee benefits: 

  • Energy Boost: Coffee is well-known for its high caffeine content, which provides a quick jolt of energy, perfect for early mornings or getting through that 3pm slump.

  • Enhanced Focus: The caffeine in coffee improves concentration, alertness, and overall mental performance, making it great for tackling tasks that require brainpower.

    • Takeaway: Perfect for those early mornings or late-night study sessions

• Tea benefits: 

  • Steady Caffeine Release: Tea generally contains less caffeine than coffee, offering a slower, more sustained energy boost over a long period of time.

  • Relaxation & Focus: Certain teas, like green tea and matcha, contain L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation while improving focus and concentration—ideal for long study sessions.

    • Takeaway: Perfect for settling in for a long-haul study session

3. A perfect blend of both exists?

We are now introducing one of our Co-Founder's top 10 drinks: The Dirty Chai. More to come on this later, but a dirty chai is a mix of both coffee and tea. This drink is usually ordered as a base Chai, and then you can add your desired shots of espresso (depending on how much caffeine you need per day). An Iced Chai on it's own will average ~90mg of coffee, but each added shot of espresso will tack on ~60mg of caffeine. So what a customizable, delicious option! We highly recommend you try it out if you are an indecisive person.

So which one should you use to effectively study?

Ultimately, this decision comes down to how your next study session looks! If you need laser focus and a quick mental boost, coffee is your friend. Its higher caffeine content will keep you alert and help you power through complex problems. However, if you’re settling in for a long-haul study session, tea might be the wiser choice. Its steadier, slower release of caffeine keeps you focused for longer without the jitters or sudden energy crashes. 

So WOW! There are the facts, readers. Despite all of our evidence and digestible points, we would love to hear what you think about this topic! Send us a DM, leave us a comment, and shout out your favourite. After all, the cup is your oyster!

Bye for now!

Xoxo, Katrina and Kat