OT: The Great Caffeine Showdown: Coffee vs Tea

[XXtwindad]

Really intrigued by my buddy Waldo’s Herculean efforts to climb 1,000,000 feet this year - all while fueled by a caffeine substitute. AKA “tea.” I’m aware that some tea has more concentrated caffeine than coffee, but still, I’m need that uber-strong cup of joe to get me revved up.

I carry my own coffee while on vacation, just in case the hotel/breakfast spot has coffee that’s too weak. (And they often do) Add in just the right amount of Half and Half and the day is off to a very good start. So, I’m firmly in the coffee camp.

Others feel the same/differently?

[beartrapper]

I've yet to find any tea that comes close to a cup of strong black coffee. Maybe I've just not had the right stuff?

[Tickdoc]

I used tea to wean myself off caffeine the two times I did that in my life. Tea definitely hits different.

[Toddtwenty2]

Tea makes me energized in a stable, calm way... particularly green tea.

Coffee makes me energized in a more anxious way, but I think it tastes much better.

I usually drink coffee.

[buckfifty]

maybe try yerba mate?

[Seamus]

In general, in America, we don't know how to make tea, so this poll is probably going to be skewed.

I like them both.

[retropean]

Caffeine ritual/habit/addiction free for almost 2 years. Herbal tea is much more enjoyable than decaf coffee. Back when I drank, you couldn’t beat a good light roasted coffee, but I did like Earl Greys.

[Blown Reek]

Originally Posted by Seamus

In general, in America, we don't know how to make tea

Heaping scoops yield better results than the recommended amount.

[Seamus]

The good stuff!

[jkbrwn]

In my experience.

Proper English tea will get you suitably buzzed:



American tea will not:



And nor will any other tea's like green, lemongrass, camomille etc as many of them are decaffeinated anyway.

But, if I really need a kick I'll drink an espresso. I can't ride my bike if I have a full cup of filter coffee - it just doesn't sit well with me.

[Ozz]

I watched some History Channel (or the like) show about tea....interesting stuff...most popular drink in the world, and all that.

What stuck with me is that it is both a stimulant and a relaxant....quick Google turned up this that explains it: Tea's Janus Effect on the Brain

I like tea, but prefer coffee in the AM

[Mark McM]

All the sugar and twice the caffeine!

[FlashUNC]

I just skip to truckerspeed.

[reuben]

Originally Posted by Mark McM

All the sugar and twice the caffeine!

As I recall, the full slogan was "All the sugar and twice the caffeine! Inspired by the need for a better tasting soda."

The first part was true. The second part was an acquired, and addictive, taste.

[zzy]

Hah as a teen I loved 'BAWLS'

I drink both but coffee has far more caffeine. The average cup of tea has 20-30mg, while a large Starbucks can hit over 200mg. Tea is nice with 'biscuits' or something to eat, but I find it bland on its own. Coffee is far more effective and interesting to drink. All black teas taste about the same to me (and I love loose leaf tea) while I find far more variety in coffee taste profiles, and processes. I have been drinking green teas with a touch of honey and ginger - great at night.