Most people turn to coffee or energy drinks when needing a quick energy boost in the middle of the day, and with both being high in caffeine, they certainly work. However, coffee isn’t necessarily the best source of caffeine, and energy drinks are extremely high in sugar and additives which makes them a rather unhealthy option.
We don’t always think of tea when we think of caffeinated drinks, but tea does contain caffeine (although in smaller amounts than coffee).
Too much caffeine can result in restlessness, shakiness, headaches, anxiety, and insomnia but the amount in tea is just right! In this article, we’re going to look at different types of tea and how they can give you a boost of energy when you need it.
Why Drink Tea Instead Of Coffee?
Tea could potentially be a better source of energy than coffee as it offers a more balanced and sustained stimulant effect. Coffee has a high caffeine content that is quickly absorbed by the body leading to a burst of energy but can also cause jitters and crashes.
Tea, on the other hand, contains about half the amount of caffeine but it also contains the amino acid L-Theanine which slows the absorption of the caffeine, helping with sustained attention and boosting reaction time. This helps to promote a smoother and longer-lasting energy boost without spikes and crashes.
Not all teas contain caffeine though – there are some herbal options that can also improve overall health and performance, but without the caffeine hit. We’ll be taking a look at some of each in this article.
Tea is generally a gentler way to enhance alertness and productivity than coffee. Tea also contains antioxidants, such as catechins, theaflavins, and polyphenols, which contribute to improved overall well-being and focus.
Best Energizing Tea: Caffeinated Teas
Whether you’re looking for a boost of energy first thing in the morning, later on in the day to revive you as tiredness kicks in, to help with mental focus for study or work, or to increase exercise performance, a tea with caffeine is your best bet. The following are some caffeinated teas that are popular for boosting energy and focus:
Black Tea
Black tea is generally the tea with the highest caffeine content. On average, a cup of black tea contains around 40-70 milligrams of caffeine. However, this can vary significantly depending on the specific type and brand of black tea.
Made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, this tea is also rich in antioxidants. Black tea (and in particular organic black tea) is high in theaflavins and thearubigins, it supports heart health, reduces the chance of heart disease, and may help lower cholesterol levels. Its moderate caffeine content offers a sustained energy lift, making it an ideal choice for when you need a boost in productivity.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea lies between green and black tea, partially oxidized to create a unique flavor profile. A cup of oolong tea contains around 30-50 milligrams of caffeine. Packed with antioxidants like EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), it aids in digestion and metabolism regulation. Oolong’s caffeine content and amino acids promote a balanced energy boost, enhancing mental clarity and focus. It is recommended to drink oolong tea in moderate amounts – up to 4 cups of tea daily.
Green Tea
Green tea is celebrated for its abundant catechins, including EGCG, it fights free radicals, bolsters the immune system, reduces stress hormones, and supports weight management. A cup of green tea contains moderate caffeine levels and along with L-theanine gives a mild energy enhancement with relaxed focus.
Studies have shown that 1-3 cups of green tea taken daily can increase exercise performance, as not only does it increase energy but it can also reduce muscle damage and help with the recovery process.
Matcha Tea
Matcha tea, a type of green tea, has long been known as one of the best teas for boosting energy levels. Not all herbal teas contain caffeine, but matcha does. Not as much as a cup of coffee, but still enough to get a decent energy boost when necessary.
Made from green tea leaves ground to a fine, green powder, matcha tea contains approximately 70 mg of caffeine. Many people prefer it to coffee because it offers a “cleaner”, longer hit of energy than coffee, and without any jitteriness. This is because it contains the amino acid L-Theanine which slows the absorption of caffeine in the body.
Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba mate tea, derived from the South American holly plant, delivers a robust caffeine kick along with vitamins and minerals. In fact, with approximately 78 mg of caffeine per cup, it has only slightly less caffeine than black tea. It boosts energy and metabolism, aids digestion, and offers mental focus without the jitters associated with coffee.
Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea, fermented and aged, is known for aiding digestion, promoting heart health, and potentially assisting in weight loss. On average, a cup of pu-erh tea contains around 30-70 milligrams of caffeine. This puts it in a similar range to oolong tea and black tea when it comes to caffeine content. Its caffeine contributes to gentle, enduring energy, making it suitable for prolonged focus.
White Tea
White tea is a delicate and minimally processed tea variety, harvested from young tea leaves and buds from the same tea plant as black tea. It is renowned for its high level of antioxidant properties but has the lowest caffeine content of the traditional tea types (about 15-30mg).
In particular, it contains catechins, which contribute to cellular health and may aid in preventing chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer. White tea’s moderate caffeine content provides a subtle energy boost, while its soothing properties make it a calming choice.
Caffeine Free Herbal Teas For An Energy Boost
If you prefer a type of tea without caffeine the following herbal teas have plenty of health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties, and some can give a mild energy boost. However, you won’t get the same kind of noticeable energy boost that you would from caffeine.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea, derived from peppermint leaves, is a refreshing and caffeine-free tea option. It aids in digestion, alleviates discomfort, and may enhance cognitive function and boost alertness through its invigorating aroma. Though it doesn’t contain caffeine people still use it as a pick-me-up due to its revitalizing qualities. It is the perfect choice for a refreshing morning cup without the caffeine.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea (red bush), originating from South Africa, isn’t actually a tea at all but a tisane. This is an herbal tea blend made from the native Aspalathus linearis bush.
It is caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, including quercetin and aspalathin, which support immune function and may alleviate allergies. Its calming effects make it a soothing option for relaxation rather than an energy booster though.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea is caffeine-free and possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Black licorice root may aid in digestion, respiratory health, and healthy adrenal glands, indirectly contributing to sustained energy by reducing stress.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to heart health (it may help lower blood pressure) and immune support. While caffeine-free, its invigorating tartness and hydration benefits can help maintain alertness.
The beautiful color of hibiscus tea is enough to give you a mental boost in your day.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is renowned in herbal medicine circles for its calming and sleep-inducing effects, making it a poor choice for an energy boost. Its gentle nature promotes relaxation and stress reduction instead, so if you feel your stress levels are high, this tea should be your go-to.
Ginger Tea
A cup of ginger tea is caffeine-free and possesses anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. It’s particularly well known for helping with cases of upset stomach, diarrhea, and stomach pain, and can even boost brain function helping to increase memory and attention.
This tea stimulates blood circulation, which can contribute to a mild energy lift. So, while this tea has numerous health benefits overall, it’s not the first one to go to if you’re looking for energy-boosting properties.
Boost Your Energy Slump with a Cup of Tea
Lack of energy is a common problem with today’s busy lives so it’s great to be able to have a quick pick-me-up whenever you need it throughout the day. Caffeinated tea is the best option for energy although some teas have a higher amount of caffeine than others.
The best energy teas don’t just boost energy though – they have so many more health benefits too! So grab some tea bags (or one of your favorite loose-leaf teas) get the hot water on and enjoy a delicious, refreshing cup of tea. It’s a great way to start your day! Alternatively, visit a tea shop and try one of the many amazing tea types that are available today.
