Coffee vs Tea: The Pros and Cons

All around the world, people jumpstart their days with coffee or tea. Both popular caffeinated beverages are steeped in culture, community, and history and have garnered devout followings. While they share a lot in common, they’re very distinct in some ways.

First things first—we’re not going to deny that we’re biased! Ebru Coffee is a producer, roaster, and retailer of single-origin coffees, after all. That said, we’re going to do our very best to be objective. We know that coffee isn’t for everyone, and if you’re a tea person, more power to you!

Coffee vs tea is a hot debate, so we decided to provide a comprehensive breakdown of both drinks. Points of contention will include nutrition, health, caffeine, flavors, culture, environment, ethics, cost, pairings, uses, and more! Go ahead and fill up a mug with your favorite beverage (we won’t judge!), and join us as we explore tea and coffee pros and cons.

1. Nutritional Value

While most people don’t sip coffee or tea solely for their nutritional benefits, it’s still a factor worth considering. Both beverages are often overlooked as supplements that offer a wide range of health benefits.

When it comes to coffee vs tea, both drinks are similar in their nutritional values. Both are fat-free and contain vitamins and minerals, as well as a variety of powerful antioxidants. The most prominent are the following:

Coffee:

• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B5
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Folate
• Manganese
• Phosphorus

Tea:

• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Folate
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Fluoride

2. Potential Health Benefits

Both drinks offer a wide range of health benefits—some shared and some unique. Both are rich in antioxidants that can support a healthy immune system, neutralize free radicals, and reduce inflammation, among other benefits. Studies suggest that both can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and many other health conditions. Here's a look at the unique health benefits of coffee vs tea.

Coffee:

Coffee’s higher caffeine content makes it a better choice for boosting alertness and athletic performance. Coffee is also especially noteworthy because research has shown that it’s particularly good for the liver, helping to reduce the risk of liver-related conditions.

Tea:

The health benefits of tea depend significantly on the type of tea. Tea is noteworthy because it contains L-theanine, which is an amino acid that has been shown to promote mental and emotional well-being. L-theanine also tames the effects of caffeine. That’s a big reason why tea is less stimulating (aside from the lower caffeine content overall).

3. Caffeine Content

When it comes to the caffeine content of coffee vs tea, coffee is the clear winner. If you’re researching coffee and tea pros and cons specifically to learn which drink will get you out of bed in the morning, go for Joe!

4. Origins and Flavors

One could write a novel about the various types of coffees and teas and still have room for a sequel! There are tea- and coffee-growing regions all over the world, and many have their own distinct flavors due to their unique terroirs (the environment in which the coffee cherries or tea leaves are grown). Context is everything when comparing coffee vs tea.

For example, a deep, dark Stout coffee from Brazil is going to provide a different experience than an Ethiopian coffee with fruity and floral notes. Beyond coffee bean varieties and origins, you also need to consider roast style and how the drink is prepared.

Similarly, there are countless tea varieties. A delicate tea from India is going to provide a different experience than a full-bodied tea from Kenya. A fruity herbal tea is completely different from a robust black tea.

Simply put, it’s impossible to define and pinpoint an exact, single flavor of coffee or tea. In general, coffee is richer, bolder, and more robust, while tea is usually milder, more delicate, and more herbaceous.

5. Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of coffee vs tea also varies widely by region. Both are deeply rooted in the histories, cultures, communities, and economies of places all over the world. From massive corporate entities to independent, family-owned farms, both coffee cherries and tea leaves are vital crops that have significantly shaped countless societies over thousands of years.

6. Environmental and Ethical Impact

The environmental and ethical impact of tea and coffee pros and cons also varies widely. There are major corporations with large-scale operations that wreak havoc on the planet and its people. On the other hand, there are sustainable tea and coffee plantations that directly support entire communities. Between coffee and tea, one isn’t more eco-friendly or ethical than the other—it all comes down to the individual producer.

7. Cost

When comparing the cost of coffee vs tea, it’s important to consider the work behind the scenes. Tea is generally cheaper because tea leaves are more abundant, lighter in weight, easier to grow, and more resilient to harsh weather. Processing tea leaves is also much easier, cheaper, and faster than processing coffee cherries.

8. Pairings and Uses

Although coffee and tea both can be paired with various foods, coffee’s bolder, richer flavor makes it a better option for adventurous palates. Tea’s milder flavor can complement milder foods, but it’s typically more of a palate cleanser than a focal point.

Coffee also has many culinary applications. As far as the possible uses of coffee vs tea, coffee takes the cake—in some cases, quite literally! From baking coffee-infused treats to winning chili cookoffs, many chefs use coffee as a potent ingredient with a signature flavor profile. While tea can be added to recipes, it’s not nearly as prominent in the culinary world.

A Quick Summary

We covered a lot of ground here, so let’s recap the key coffee and tea pros and cons:

Coffee Pros:

• Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Good for the liver
• Higher caffeine content (can also be a con)
• Endless varieties and styles
• Deep ties with cultures, communities, and economies
• Many culinary pairings and uses

Coffee Cons:

• Can be more expensive when comparing the typical cost of tea
• More difficult to grow and process
• Distinctive flavor profiles may not appeal to all palates

Tea Pros:

• Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• L-theanine promotes mental well-being
• Endless varieties and styles
• Deep ties with cultures, communities, and economies
• Easier to grow
• Typically more affordable

Tea Cons:

• Lower caffeine content (can also be a pro)
• Not as many culinary pairings and uses
• Mild flavor profiles may not appeal to adventurous palates

Experience Farm-to-Cup Coffees

In our opinion, if you prefer tea over coffee, it’s time to try better coffee! We believe that once you experience our small-batch coffees, you’ll find that there’s no comparison between coffee vs tea. Of course, coffee and tea pros and cons are subjective—just like personal preferences. If you’re still sticking with your tea, you have our blessing. To our fellow coffee enthusiasts, give our specialty beans a try. You won’t be disappointed. Shop now!