Caffeine in Green Tea vs. Coffee: A Detailed Comparison

February 25, 2025

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed natural stimulants in the world, found primarily in tea, coffee, and certain other plant-based sources. Among these, green tea and coffee are two of the most popular beverages, each with its unique caffeine content, health effects, and benefits. If you're looking to understand how much caffeine is in green tea compared to coffee and how it affects your body, this comprehensive guide will provide all the details you need.

Understanding Caffeine: What It Does to Your Body

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for making you feel relaxed and drowsy, thereby increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. Caffeine is also known to boost metabolism, enhance cognitive function, and improve physical performance.

However, different beverages contain different levels of caffeine, which influences their overall effects on the body.

How Much Caffeine Is in Green Tea vs. Coffee?

The amount of caffeine in green tea and coffee can vary significantly depending on factors such as brewing method, tea variety, coffee bean type, and serving size. Here’s a breakdown of their typical caffeine content:

Beverage	Caffeine Content per 8 oz (237 ml)
Green Tea	20-50 mg
Coffee	80-120 mg

While coffee typically contains four to five times more caffeine than green tea per cup, the lower caffeine content of green tea provides a gentle, sustained energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee.

Factors Affecting Caffeine Content in Green Tea

Not all green teas contain the same amount of caffeine. The caffeine content in green tea varies depending on:

Type of Green Tea – Certain varieties, like Matcha, contain higher caffeine levels (60-70 mg per cup) compared to traditional loose-leaf green teas (20-50 mg per cup).
Brewing Time & Temperature – Steeping green tea for longer and at higher temperatures releases more caffeine.
Tea Leaf Quality – Younger, high-quality tea leaves often have more caffeine than older leaves.

For high-quality Nepali green tea options, check out:

Mt. Pumori Best Green Tea (Certified Organic) – Smooth and rich in antioxidants.
Nepal Jasmine Green Tea – A fragrant and refreshing choice.
Nepal Green Tea Leaves – Traditional and full of natural goodness.

Factors Affecting Caffeine Content in Coffee

Like green tea, the caffeine content in coffee depends on various factors:

Type of Coffee Beans – Robusta beans contain nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans.
Brewing Method – Espresso, cold brew, and French press coffee generally have higher caffeine content than drip coffee.
Serving Size – Larger cups contain more caffeine; a single espresso shot has about 63 mg of caffeine, while a standard brewed coffee cup contains around 95 mg.

Green Tea vs. Coffee: How Caffeine Affects Your Body

1. Energy Boost and Alertness

Coffee provides an immediate surge of energy, making it ideal for those who need a quick wake-up boost. However, this can lead to a crash later.
Green tea offers a smoother, more gradual energy lift thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that balances caffeine’s stimulating effects and promotes relaxation without drowsiness.

2. Caffeine Jitters and Side Effects

Due to its higher caffeine content, coffee is more likely to cause jitters, anxiety, and heart palpitations in sensitive individuals.
Green tea, on the other hand, provides caffeine in a more moderated and balanced way, making it a better choice for those who want alertness without overstimulation.

3. Metabolism and Fat Burning

Studies show that both green tea and coffee can boost metabolism and promote fat oxidation.
Green tea contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful antioxidant that enhances fat-burning and improves metabolic rate.
Coffee increases thermogenesis, helping the body burn more calories in the short term.

4. Heart Health and Blood Pressure

Coffee can temporarily increase blood pressure, though regular consumption may help lower the risk of heart disease in the long run.
Green tea is linked to better cardiovascular health, as its antioxidants help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.

5. Impact on Sleep

Coffee's high caffeine levels can disrupt sleep patterns if consumed too late in the day.
Green tea has lower caffeine levels and contains L-theanine, which promotes relaxation, making it a better choice for evening consumption.

Which One Should You Choose: Green Tea or Coffee?

For a powerful energy boost: Choose coffee.
For steady focus and relaxation: Go with green tea.
For better digestion and metabolism: Green tea is a superior choice.
For social or habitual drinking: Coffee lovers often enjoy the ritual of brewing and sipping coffee, while green tea drinkers appreciate its calming effects.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your caffeine sensitivity, lifestyle, and health goals. If you're looking for a high-quality green tea experience, explore these Nepali green teas:

FAQs

1. Does green tea have enough caffeine to replace coffee?

While green tea has caffeine, it is significantly lower than coffee. If you need a high caffeine intake, coffee is the better option. However, green tea offers a more balanced energy boost with added health benefits.

2. Can I drink both green tea and coffee in a day?

Yes, many people drink both. However, it’s essential to monitor total caffeine intake to avoid side effects like jitteriness and sleep disturbances.

3. Which is better for weight loss, green tea or coffee?

Both can aid in weight loss. Green tea, especially Matcha, contains catechins that enhance fat-burning, while coffee can increase metabolism for short periods.