Many people wonder if theine and caffeine are the same thing, whether green tea contains theine , how much caffeine is in coffee, or whether rooibos contains theine . In this article, we'll help you understand everything: what caffeine is , what theine is , what effects they have on the body, and why chai or rooibos can be natural and balanced alternatives to coffee.
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, cocoa, some energy drinks, and medications such as Biodramine with caffeine . It acts on the central nervous system and can:
- Increase alertness and concentration
- Reduce the feeling of tiredness
- Slightly accelerate your heart rate
Although caffeine is safe to consume in moderation, it is still a psychoactive drug , so it can cause dependence, nervousness, insomnia, or discomfort if abused.
What is theine and what is it used for?
Theine is exactly the same as caffeine , but it's called that when it's in tea. The difference lies in how it works :
- In tea , caffeine is released more slowly because it is combined with tannins and L-theanine , which moderates its effect.
- Therefore, theine has a milder and more prolonged effect , without the energy spikes or sudden drops that coffee can cause.
- In addition, it usually generates less nervousness and helps calm concentration.
Which has more caffeine, tea or coffee?
One of the most common questions is: what has more caffeine, tea or coffee?
The quick answer is: coffee. But it depends on the variety and preparation:
|
Drink |
Estimated amount of caffeine per cup (200 ml) |
|
Filtered coffee |
90–120 mg |
|
Espresso coffee |
80–100 mg |
|
Matcha tea |
60–70 mg |
|
Black tea |
40–60 mg |
|
Green tea |
20–40 mg |
|
White tea |
15–30 mg |
|
Rooibos |
0 mg |
|
Herbal infusions |
0 mg |
How much caffeine can you consume per day?
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a healthy adult can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day . This is equivalent to:
3–4 cups of coffee
6–8 cups of black tea
10 cups of green tea
For pregnant women, the limit is 200 mg/day.
Official reference : EFSA Journal 2015;13(5):4102
How long does the effect of caffeine last?
The effect of caffeine can last between 4 and 6 hours , depending on the individual. This means that an afternoon coffee can disrupt your sleep if you're sensitive to stimulants.
Does chocolate have caffeine?
Yes. Cocoa contains caffeine, albeit in small doses. For example, 50 grams of dark chocolate can provide between 20 and 40 mg of caffeine .
Does decaf have caffeine?
Yes, but very little. A decaf coffee can contain between 2 and 5 mg of caffeine per cup. While it's not 100% caffeine-free, it's a good option if you're trying to cut down on caffeine .
Which teas have theine?
These are the main varieties of tea and their theine (caffeine) content :
- Black tea : yes, high content
- Green tea : yes, moderate
- White tea : yes, low
- Matcha tea : yes, high
- Rooibos : contains no caffeine
- Tisanes and infusions : they do not contain theine
Rooibos: caffeine-free tea, ideal for any time of day
Rooibos is a plant native to South Africa that doesn't come from tea, so it doesn't contain theine or caffeine . It's perfect if you want to relax or are sensitive to stimulants.
Benefits of Rooibos:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Digestive and anti-inflammatory
- Helps you fall asleep
- Suitable for pregnant women and children
If you're looking for a caffeine-free tea , this is an excellent option.
Chai masala and rooibos chai: alternatives to coffee
If you're wondering how to quit coffee without sacrificing flavor or energy , masala chai or rooibos chai are ideal.
Chai masala
- Made with black tea and a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves and cardamom.
- It has theine , but its effects are milder and more digestive .
- Perfect as a drink to start the day or to accompany a moment of pause.
Rooibos chai
- Caffeine-free alternative, ideal for the afternoon or evening.
- It retains the spicy flavor of chai, but without stimulants.
- Ideal for pregnant women , children or sensitive people.
Look for a quality blend, like ours at SOLO CHAI , made with only natural tea and spices, no added sugars or additives, and organic. Boil for 3 minutes and add milk or plant-based drink and sweetener to taste.