Why Green Tea Feels Less Intense Than Coffee Despite More Caffeine?

While green tea leaves contain more caffeine per gram than coffee beans, people often find they can drink more green tea without experiencing the same intense effects as they would from coffee. Here’s why:

1. Brewing Quantity and Method Differences

• Green Tea: A typical cup of green tea is brewed using about 2 to 3 grams of tea leaves. The steeping time for green tea is relatively short, usually 2 to 3 minutes, which limits the amount of caffeine released into the water.
• Coffee: On the other hand, brewing a cup of coffee typically involves around 10 grams of coffee grounds. Coffee is steeped or brewed for a longer period, usually 4 to 5 minutes, allowing more caffeine to be extracted.

2. Caffeine Content per Cup

Despite green tea leaves having more caffeine per gram, the overall caffeine content in a brewed cup of green tea is lower compared to a brewed cup of coffee. A standard 8-ounce cup of green tea contains approximately 25-40 milligrams of caffeine, whereas a similar size cup of coffee can contain 80-100 milligrams or more.

3. Presence of L-Theanine in Green Tea

Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has calming effects that counteract the stimulating effects of caffeine. This unique combination results in a smoother, more prolonged energy boost without the jitters or crashes often associated with coffee.

4. Lower Caffeine Absorption Rate

The caffeine in green tea is absorbed more slowly by the body compared to the caffeine in coffee. This slow absorption rate means that the stimulating effects of green tea are more gradual and less intense, allowing people to consume more green tea without feeling overly stimulated.

Conclusion

While green tea leaves may contain more caffeine per gram than coffee beans, the way we brew and consume these beverages results in lower caffeine intake per cup of green tea compared to coffee. Additionally, the presence of L-theanine in green tea and its slower caffeine absorption rate contribute to a gentler, more sustained energy boost, making it possible to enjoy more cups of green tea throughout the day without the same intense effects as coffee.