Drink tea: conquer your world with tranquil oomph
Which group do you fit into: Those who coast through the day, surviving from one caffeinated drink to the next; or those who seem to bound through their day as if running off solar power?
We are fortunate enough to meet people from both ends of this spectrum, and pleased to be able to cater to all of your thirsts, with our loose leaf teas! So, if you are in wonder about the caffeine content of our Personalitea’s, let us top up your curiosity cup.
Caffeine is a natural compound, found in a host of plant-based beverages and foods, as well as some medications. When included in small amounts daily, caffeine can give its consumer a sense of feeling revitalised and alert. Some people however prefer to limit their caffeine intake, in awareness that when consumed in larger quantities, it can increase anxiety, restlessness, breathing and heart rates, and cause gastrointestinal upset.
Typical recommendation regarding caffeine intake, for the average adult, is a maximum combined total of 400mg daily, or 3mg per kilogram of body weight.
In regards to tea, true teas – that is those prepared from the Camellia sinensis plant: Black, Green, White, Yellow, Oolong and Pu-erh teas – contain caffeine, whilst herbal teas (tisanes) and fruit fusion teas are caffeine-free.
The perk of tea as a caffeine source however, is that true teas also contain a compound known as l-theanine. This compound is said to induce calm, and so whilst caffeine is a stimulant, the balance of the two compounds together means that rather than feeling a jittery liveliness (as with caffeine alone), one is basked in a tranquil, and focussed energy.
So whether you are in need of a caffeine-kick, or are monitoring your intake, it is worth noting that the caffeine content of true teas varies due to a number of factors. The most significant variables being the level of oxidation of the tea leaves, plus the temperature and duration of which the tea is brewed.
Both Black and Oolong tea leaves are oxidised to produce a darker colour, and a more bold, sharp flavour, compared to other true teas. Coinciding with oxidation, the longer this process is allowed to take place, the higher the level of caffeine.
Regardless of oxidation level however, a true tea will release more caffeine the longer it is steeped, and the hotter the temperature of the water used.
Other influencing factors upon caffeine level include plantation, harvesting, and other processing methods, as well as leaf quality. More specifically, some green teas are grown in shade during the weeks leading to harvesting, which generates a higher caffeine content, as does harvesting leaves in spring; preparing harvested leaves via steaming or lesser-conventional fermentation processes also accounts for a higher caffeine content; and leaves which are finer or broken, and especially powdered (that being matcha) can result in a higher caffeine count as well.
For these copious reasons, it is especially difficult to determine the exact caffeine content of your cup of tea, however, our quick-reference list below outlines average levels in generic teas, and predicted range for your Personalitea.
Range of caffeine content per cup (237mL) of tea
Matcha powder: 70mg per one-teaspoon (2 gram serving)
Black tea: 47 – 90mg
Resplendent: Estimated 50 – 80mg
Oolong tea: 40 – 75mg
Repose: Estimated 40 – 60mg
Pu-erh tea: 15 – 60mg
Green tea: 30 – 50mg
Equanimity: Estimated 20 – 40mg
White tea: 15 – 55mg
Yellow tea: 18 – 32mg
Decaffeinated tea: 1 – 2mg
Tisanes and fruit fusions: Caffeine-free
Exhilarate: Caffeine-free
Valorous: Caffeine-free
Audacious: Caffeine-free
Quiescence: Caffeine-free
Sanguine: Caffeine-free
So whilst one well-known catchphrase that has always made us giggle is; “Drink coffee: do stupid things faster and with more energy”, we think an axiom to tea with its invigorating but calming power is more worthy. Perhaps, “drink tea: conquer your world with tranquil oomph”.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-in-tea-vs-coffee#bottom-line
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/caffeine
https://www.tetley.com.au/caffeine
https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/the-health-benefits-of-tea
https://artfultea.com/blogs/