We are not saying that you shouldn't drink coffee or that all coffee is bad for you. However, we understand that many people are trying to limit their caffeine intake and make the switch, but don't know where to start or can't enjoy the flavor of tea.
In our experience, many people who have told us that they simply do not enjoy the flavor of tea, unfortunately, have had a bad experience or only see tea as what they know it to be - low-quality, almost flavorless bag tea.
Of course, not everyone enjoys the flavor of high-quality loose-leaf tea. As with expensive wine or liquor, some people just don't like the taste. But we have seen many people transform after trying a quality loose leaf, especially in a proper Gong Fu Cha setting, and from seeing this transformation, it is our big passion to introduce more of the world to this wonderful plant.
So we have been getting this question a lot - which tea is the best substitute for coffee?
We have compiled a list of teas we carry specifically for this purpose to introduce people to other options. We will not be getting into the health benefits of tea in this post, but will focus more on the caffeine levels of the following teas.
Matcha
Oh, Matcha! Based on both personal experience and numerous testimonies from former avid coffee lovers, matcha is no doubt a great coffee replacer. Because matcha is made from whole, crushed tea leaves, it has a slightly higher caffeine content, roughly half that of a black cup of coffee. (A serving of matcha is about 1-2 gr or 1 tsp).
A great thing about matcha is that you don't have to drink it straight if you don't want to, and you can still get the benefits. Make a matcha latte with milk, add it to your shakes and smoothies, or sprinkle it into your yogurt.
Black Tea
Caffeine content varies depending on brew time, infusion method, and serving size.
Our black teas with a higher caffeine content (yet below 40% of a cup of coffee) :
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Jin Jun Mei Black Tea – This tea is made entirely of buds. And generally speaking, buds contain more caffeine than lower leaves.
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Yunnan Dian Hong Black tea – Black Teas from Yunnan (called Dian Hong) are made of tea tree material, which is richer in caffeine than tea bushes.
Oolong
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Lan Gui Ren (Ginseng) Oolong Ginseng on its own is a very powerful energizer that's been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. In combination with oolong, this is a truly strong tea.
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Organic Tie Guan Yin A stronger brew of this medium-oxidized oolong can be surprisingly bold and satisfying, yet the pleasant floral and sweet notes remain ever present.
Pu-erh
There are many varieties of Pu-erh, some more robust than others. Sheng Pu-erh in particular can have a distinctive, invigorating quality – complex, clean, and lasting.
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Chun Jian GuShu Raw Pu-erh, 2012 – made of ancient tea tree material (GuShu), this tea carries a strong caffeine punch
- Lao Man'E Sheng Pu-erh – this pu-erh comes from a terroir that is really famous for its strong energy (and strong bitterness that quickly gives way to a sweet aftertaste).
And although we always recommend brewing quality loose leaf tea GongFu Cha style, if you are looking for some strong tea on the go, you can just follow our cup brewing directions (in the description of every tea). Or try a cold brew for the hotter summer days!
For a cold brew, follow the cup brewing measurements and fill a pitcher with the loose-leaf tea and cold water, then leave it in the fridge for 6-12 hours. And of course, you can always experiment for the desired strength.
