Coffee or tea? Effects, differences & in-depth decision-making aid

Coffee or tea? – Between impulse and intuition

For many, the day begins with a simple decision: coffee or tea? What initially sounds like a habit is often a conscious choice for the desired effect. In addition to taste, ritual, and culture, biochemical differences also play a key role. The question "coffee or tea?" is therefore also a question about how you want to start—or continue—your day.

Coffee: A quick caffeine boost for concentration

Coffee contains significantly more caffeine than tea—around 80 to 120 mg per cup. This works quickly and makes you feel more alert, focused, and productive. This is because caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors in the brain—suppressing fatigue and causing the body to release activating hormones like adrenaline.

For many, coffee is the classic morning drink: strong, direct, and effective. But the rapid rise is often followed by an equally rapid decline in effect—and sometimes the familiar jitters or jitters, especially with high consumption.

Tea: Caffeine with theanine – gentle energy without nervousness

Tea also contains caffeine—green tea usually contains between 20 and 50 mg per cup. The key difference lies in its interaction with another substance: L-theanine , an amino acid that occurs naturally in tea. L-theanine promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, which promote calm alertness and mental clarity.

The effect of tea is therefore slower, more consistent, and less stressful on the nervous system. It keeps you alert and focused – but without the inner tension that coffee sometimes produces. Green tea, in particular, with its high L-theanine content, is the ideal choice for many people for sustained, everyday mental energy.

Coffee or tea – which suits your lifestyle?

Coffee represents a clear start, quick decisions, and immediate results. Tea, on the other hand, invites you to slow down, drink mindfully, and focus your attention. Those who do a lot of mental work or are easily overwhelmed by stimuli often benefit from the balancing effect of tea.

The choice depends not only on taste, but also on what you need in your everyday life – energy or balance, stimulation or calm.

Why Growing Karma relies on tea

At Growing Karma, we cultivate tea consciously—because we believe not just in taste, but in effect. The Camellia sinensis, which grows on our permaculture farm, combines caffeine and theanine in precisely the natural balance that makes tea so special. We believe that tea is more than a beverage. It's a state of mind. A way to consciously arrive in the moment—while staying alert.

Drink consciously, choose consciously

Coffee or tea? There's no right or wrong—just what you need at the time. Maybe it's the clear kick of coffee in the morning, the calming power of green tea in the afternoon. Or a conscious interplay. The important thing is: Drink what's good for you. And take the time to feel it.