Unless you’re some sort of psychopath superhuman who doesn’t require at least 80 milligrams of caffeine to get out of bed in the morning (must be nice), chances are your morning starts the same way as mine: with a hot, dependable cup of coffee or tea.
What you’re reaching for, though, is a personal preference. Some people are loyal to their 8 a.m. latte, and others swear by a ritual green tea . It begs the question: Which is actually better for you? The answer is a little more complex. Here’s what experts say.
Do Coffee & Tea Have The Same Effects?
Let’s be honest: People mainly reach for coffee or tea in the morning for caffeine . The natural stimulant increases activity in the brain and nervous system, making you feel more awake, alert, and focused. But too much caffeine can have negative side effects, like anxiety and jitters.
“Individuals may metabolize caffeine differently, so effects of caffeine on focus, mood, and energy will vary,” says Lisa Andrews , registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Sound Bites Nutrition. “Both coffee and tea may improve focus and energy, but they do so differently,” says Lauren Manaker , registered dietitian nutritionist.
Coffee has more caffeine, which Manaker says gives a faster, more intense burst of energy. That’s ideal for quick productivity—but it can make some people feel anxious or jittery.
Tea, on the other hand, has less caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine. Found in green and black tea, L-theanine decreases stress and anxiety. “This combination leads to a steadier and more balanced effect on mood and energy compared to coffee,” Manaker adds.
What Is The Healthiest Way To Prepare Coffee Or Tea?
Of course, how your morning drink is prepared makes a difference. “The healthiest way to enjoy coffee or tea is to keep added sugars and high-calorie ingredients, like cream or syrups, to a minimum,” Manaker says. She recommends taking your coffee black or with a splash of milk and tea as-is or with a bit of honey or lemon.
Coffee vs. Tea: Which Is Better?
“Coffee is ideal if you need a quick burst of energy and are comfortable with its caffeine levels,” Manaker says. “For a more gradual and calming pick-me-up, true teas like green tea or black tea might be better.”
How Do Coffee & Tea Stack Up Against Other Morning Staples?
Of course, coffee and tea aren’t your only options for the a.m., but they might be among the healthiest.
Juice
It doesn’t have caffeine, but it does have a lot of nutrients. “Juice is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which may help support immune function and overall health,” Manaker says. She recommends getting 100% fruit juice without added sugars. That being said, real fruit juice does still contain sugar. If you want to limit sugar intake, black coffee or tea might be a better pick; you’ll just want to go for decaf or caffeine-free varieties if you’re avoiding the stimulant.
Soda
While some might reach for a can of soda, it might not be the best option. “Coffee, tea, and fruit juice have antioxidants, while soda usually contains sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, and caffeine,” Andrews says. She added that both regular and diet soda have been linked to adverse health outcomes such as diabetes, obesity, and some cancers .
Energy Drinks
Like coffee and tea, energy drinks contain caffeine, but the amount varies. They also often contain added sugar. In a story about the health and safety of energy drinks , board-certified physician Raj Dasgupta told Delish , “In general, energy drinks are not a ‘healthy’ choice since many are loaded with sugar and artificial stuff, plus high caffeine doses.” Even for those without added sugar, he added that natural sources, like coffee and tea, are usually better.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, it really comes down to your health goals and what you like. While you might love the taste of matcha , a coffee might offer a better caffeine boost. But tea is a better option if you prefer a slower start. Whether you choose coffee or tea, just be mindful of how it’s prepared and avoid excess added sugar. “Each drink has its benefits; it’s all about matching your beverage to your needs and lifestyle,” Manaker says.
You Might Also Like
