Theine and caffeine – what is the difference?
As the first rays of sunlight touch the misty hills of Sri Lanka, pickers set out to pluck the youngest leaves with reverent hands. It is within them that lies the promise of a morning filled with harmony and energy, which doesn't shout, but subtly guides us through the day. Many people wonder, why after a cup of Adalbert's Tea we feel different than after a strong espressoWhile we'll explore the scientific facts in this article, we're primarily inviting you on a journey into the world of the senses, where theine and caffeine become the key to understanding your own ritual.
Contents
What is theine?
Theine is a natural organic compound from the group of alkaloids that occurs in tea leaves and is responsible for its stimulating properties. It is found in every tea produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis tea bush.
The term originated in the 19th century, when scientists still believed that tea leaves contained a completely different substance than coffee beans. Although we now know it's the same chemical, the name has endured in the lifestyle world as a symbol of elegance and tranquility.
Are theine and caffeine the same thing?
Even though historically they were considered completely different chemical compounds, modern science confirms their identity.
From a chemical point of view, theine and caffeine are the same chemical substance with the formula C8H10N4O2Despite this, their impact on our body and mind is sometimes perceived as extremely different. The concentration of caffeine in coffee is three to four times higher than in tea, but the different effects of these drinks on the body are due to something else.
The difference in the feeling of the effects is due to the fact that caffeine contained in coffee is not related to polyphenols, so coffee works quickly, while theine in tea occurs in the company of tannins, thanks to which the energy releases slowly – without a sudden jump, but with a stimulating effect that lasts much longer.
How does theine affect the body?
The effects of theine on the human body are multi-level and depend on the regularity and quantity of the drink consumed. Below, we present the detailed mechanisms of this substance's action:
- Stimulation of systems: Theine causes active stimulation of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
- Performance and concentration: Moderate consumption of theine has a positive effect on mental performance and physical performance.
- Fatigue reduction: Thanks to the presence of theine in tea, these infusions help effectively reduce fatigue and drowsiness.
- Metabolism and digestive system support: Theine increases the secretion of gastric juice, which aids digestion, and has a diuretic effect.
How much theine does tea have?
Theine content in various teas
The theine content in tea depends on many factors, including the type of tea, growing conditions, and brewing method and time.
The theine content in black tea is about 47 mg per cup, and in green tea it is about 30 mg.
| Drink/type of tea | Caffeine content (mg / 150 ml) | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso (coffee) | 60–80 mg | The most concentrated source of caffeine in a small volume |
| Black tea | 35–60 mg | The highest caffeine content among classic teas |
| Green tea | 25–40 mg | Less caffeine than black coffee, but still stimulating |
| White tea | 30–45 mg | Caffeine content similar to green tea, depending on young buds |
| Oolong | 30–50 mg | Partially fermented tea, medium caffeine level |
| Pu-erh | 30–55 mg | Fermented tea with a caffeine content similar to black tea |
| Matcha | 60–90 mg | Whole powdered leaves are consumed - higher dose of caffeine |
- Analysis of tea infusions has shown that a cup (200 ml) of black tea contains approximately 63 mg of caffeine, green tea approximately 51 mg, and white tea approximately 49 mg¹.
- Another laboratory study found that tea infusions (green, oolong and black) contain approximately 42–43 mg of caffeine per 100 ml of infusion².
- The caffeine content in the infusion increases with the temperature and brewing time, reaching up to approximately 53 mg in 200 ml with longer brewing³.
- Furthermore, tea is one of the main sources of caffeine (methylxanthine) in the human diet, alongside coffee and other stimulant drinks⁴.
Theine content and brewing method
Tea brewed for a shorter time – up to 3 minutes – has a stimulating effect. In contrast, a longer brew (over 5 minutes) contains more tannins, which weakens the stimulating effect but allows the leaves to fully develop their flavor.
Theine – frequently asked questions
Is theine a psychoactive substance?
Yes, theine is one of the most popular psychoactive substances. It acts as a stimulant, but thanks to the tannins in tea, its effects are milder and more stable than those of coffee.
Is theine a stimulant?
Yes, theine stimulates the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Because its effects are spread over time, infusions from Camellia sinensis leaves improve concentration for longer than coffee.
Is theine healthy?
Yes, moderate consumption (100–300 mg daily) has a positive effect on mental and physical performance. Theine helps reduce fatigue and drowsiness without causing sudden spikes in blood pressure.
Is theine harmful?
No. Theine is not harmful when consumed in moderation. However, individual sensitivity to caffeine varies – people with hypersensitivity or pregnant women may experience its effects more strongly, so it's worth adjusting the number of cups to your body's needs.
What is the maximum daily dose of theine?
Safe theine consumption depends on individual sensitivity, but guidelines establish clear thresholds for healthy adults. Moderate theine consumption is considered to be between 100 and 300 mg per day.
A dose in this range has a beneficial effect on mental and physical performance and effectively reduces fatigue and drowsiness. Exceeding 500 mg per day is considered a threshold above which negative effects may occur.
What are the side effects of excess theine?
Regular consumption of more than 500 mg per day (approximately 15 cups of black tea) may result in negative effects, such as insomnia, anxiety, stomach problems, and arrhythmia. Excessive consumption can also cause the leaching of certain minerals due to its diuretic effect.
Is theine present in yerba mate?
In yerba mate (often simply called mate), caffeine is found under the name mateine. Yerba mate acts similarly to tea, offering a gradual release of energy.
How is decaffeinated tea made?
Decaffeinated teas undergo chemical processes to extract theine, but they are not completely free of it. Although the caffeine is removed through advanced extraction, a small amount (usually less than 2 mg per cup) typically remains in the finished beverage.
Bibliography:
- Shannon, E., & Abu-Ghannam, N. (2017). Polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity of white, green, black, and herbal teas: A kinetic study. Journal of Food Science, 2(1), 1–11.
- Lin, S.-D., Udompornmongkol, P., Yang, J.-H., Chen, S.-Y., & Mau, J.-L. (2014). Quality and antioxidant property of three types of tea infusions. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 38, 1401–1408.
- Ayakdaş, G., & Ağagündüz, D. (2025). Determination of L-theanine and caffeine contents in tea infusions with different fermentation degrees and brewing conditions using the chromatographic method. Foods, 14.
- Meinhart, A. D., Damin, F. M., Caldeirão, L., & Godoy, H. (2019). Methylxanthines in 100 Brazilian herbs and infusions: Determination and consumption. Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture.
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