Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but what about your morning beverage? Most people fall into one of two camps: coffee or tea. Of course, some people avoid coffee and tea altogether and might opt for an energy drink, orange juice, soda, or a simple glass of water. But what’s the best way to start the day? The answer isn’t so clear-cut.
Do Coffee & Tea Have The Same Effects?
Let’s be honest: People mainly reach for coffee or tea in the morning for caffeine. The natural stimulant increases the activity in the brain and nervous system, which can make you feel more awake, alert, and focused. But too much caffeine can have negative side effects, like anxiety and jitters.
“Individuals may metabolize caffeine differently, so effects of caffeine on focus, mood, and energy will vary,” says Lisa Andrews, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Sound Bites Nutrition. “Both coffee and tea may improve focus and energy, but they do so differently,” says Lauren Manaker, registered dietitian nutritionist.
Coffee has more caffeine, which Manaker says gives a faster, more intense burst of energy. That’s ideal for quick productivity—but it can make some people feel anxious or jittery.
Tea, on the other hand, has less caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine. Found in green and black tea, L-theanine decreases stress and anxiety. “This combination leads to a more steady and balanced effect on mood and energy compared to coffee,” Manaker adds.
What Is The Healthiest Way To Prepare Coffee Or Tea?
Of course, how your morning drink is prepared makes a difference in how healthy it is. “The healthiest way to enjoy coffee or tea is to keep added sugars and high-calorie ingredients, like cream or syrups, to a minimum,” Manaker says. She recommends taking your coffee black or with a splash of milk and tea as-is or with a bit of honey or lemon.
Coffee Vs. Tea: Which Is Better?
“Coffee is ideal if you need a quick burst of energy and are comfortable with its caffeine levels,” Manaker says. “For a more gradual and calming pick-me-up, true teas like green tea or black tea might be better.”
How Do Coffee & Tea Stack Up Against Other Morning Staples?
Of course, coffee and tea aren’t your only options for the a.m., but they might be among the healthiest.
Juice
It doesn’t have caffeine, but it does have a lot of nutrients. “Juice is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which may help support immune function and overall health,” Manaker says. She recommends getting 100% fruit juice without added sugars. That being said, real fruit juice does still contain sugar. If you want to limit sugar intake, black coffee or tea might be a better pick, you’ll just want to go for decaf or caffeine-free varieties if you’re avoiding the stimulant.
Soda
While some might reach for a can of soda, it might not be the best option. “Both coffee, tea, and fruit juice have antioxidants, while soda usually contains sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, and caffeine,” Andrews says. She added that both regular and diet soda have been linked to adverse health outcomes such as diabetes, obesity, and some cancers.
Energy Drinks
Like coffee and tea, energy drinks contain caffeine, but the amount varies. They also often contain added sugar. In a story about the health and safety of energy drinks, board-certified physician Dr. Raj Dasgupta tells Delish, “In general, energy drinks are not a ‘healthy’ choice since many are loaded with sugar and artificial stuff, plus high caffeine doses.” Even when it comes to those without added sugar, he added that natural sources, like coffee and tea, are usually better.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, it really comes down to your health goals and what you like. While I love the taste of matcha, a caffeine boost from coffee is my favorite way to start the day. But tea is another healthy option for those who might not like the taste of coffee or prefer a slower start. Whether you choose coffee or tea, just be mindful of how it’s prepared, avoiding excess added sugar. “Each drink has its benefits; it’s all about matching your beverage to your needs and lifestyle,” Manaker says.
As a Contributing Writer, and former Associate Editor, at Delish, Allie is a writer, reporter, and producer of features at the intersection of food and culture. Before Delish, Allie worked for publications including Apartment Therapy and Insider. She even spent time working in restaurants and breweries. Allie has dumpster-dived in NYC to expose food waste, reported on the invasive lionfish you can eat, and wrote about the growing trend of weed weddings. Her health and nutrition stories on hydration culture, bananas, and coffee have generated nearly 2M combined views. She loves traveling, running, and eating her way through new places and even has a thorough Google Maps ranking system for her favorite restaurants and bars! When not writing about food, she’s planning her next trip, lifting weights, or training for a race. Expertise: food & culture (Sustainability, Health, Travel) Education: M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University, B.S. in Information Science (User Experience Design) from the University of Michigan
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