Is Tea a Drug Like Coffee? The Scientific Breakdown

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

Caffeine is the world's most widely used psychoactive substance, found naturally in both tea and coffee. This fact leads many to question: is tea a drug like coffee, or is there a fundamental difference in how they affect the human body?

Quick Summary

Both tea and coffee contain caffeine, a stimulant drug. While coffee delivers a higher, faster dose, tea's lower caffeine and L-theanine create a calmer, more focused effect with less risk of dependence.

Key Points

Caffeine is the Drug: The primary psychoactive compound in both tea and coffee is caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant.
Less Caffeine in Tea: A standard cup of tea contains significantly less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee, resulting in a milder effect.
L-theanine's Calming Effect: Tea uniquely contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes alert relaxation and counteracts the jitters associated with caffeine.
Different Energy Profiles: Coffee provides a fast, intense energy boost, while tea offers a smoother, more sustained focus due to the interaction of caffeine and L-theanine.
Addiction Risk Varies: Both beverages can lead to mild caffeine dependence, but the risk is generally lower with tea due to its reduced caffeine content.
Moderate Consumption is Key: For most healthy adults, consuming either beverage in moderation (e.g., within 400mg caffeine daily) is safe and can offer health benefits.

Caffeine: The Common Denominator

At the heart of the “is tea a drug like coffee” debate is caffeine. Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that affects the central nervous system, increasing alertness and temporarily alleviating fatigue. It is technically identical whether extracted from coffee beans or tea leaves, but the experience is different due to three key factors: the quantity, the presence of L-theanine, and the absorption rate.

Research from the National Institutes of Health confirms that caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness, in the brain. This mechanism is what gives both beverages their stimulating effect. However, the amount of caffeine extracted can vary significantly based on the brewing method. For instance, the hotter water and finer grind typically used for coffee extracts more caffeine than the cooler water and shorter steeping time used for tea.

The Unique Role of L-theanine in Tea

Beyond caffeine, tea offers another significant compound: L-theanine. This unique amino acid, found almost exclusively in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), can cross the blood-brain barrier. Studies show that L-theanine increases the formation of alpha brain waves, which are associated with alert relaxation. When combined with caffeine, L-theanine can improve attention and cognitive function while also counteracting the jitteriness and anxiety that high caffeine doses from coffee can cause. This synergistic effect is a key reason why the "buzz" from tea feels smoother and more sustained than the more abrupt, intense kick from coffee.

Tea vs. Coffee: A Comparative Look

The following table outlines the main differences in composition and effects between a standard cup of black tea and brewed coffee.


Feature	Tea (e.g., Black Tea)	Coffee (e.g., Brewed)
Primary Stimulant	Caffeine	Caffeine
Other Psychoactive Compounds	L-theanine, Theophylline, Theobromine	Theophylline, Theobromine (less prominent)
Caffeine Content (per cup)	Generally lower (approx. 20-60mg)	Generally higher (approx. 90-150mg)
Energy Sensation	Alert, relaxed, and focused due to L-theanine	Quick energy boost, more intense “wired” feeling
Addiction Potential	Lower due to less caffeine and smoother effect	Higher risk due to potent, fast caffeine delivery
Main Antioxidants	Catechins and theaflavins	Chlorogenic acids

Potential Health Benefits and Risks

Health Benefits

Tea: Rich in antioxidants like catechins and theaflavins, which may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. The presence of L-theanine can improve mental health and reduce stress.
Coffee: Also an excellent source of antioxidants, coffee has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and improved athletic performance.

Potential Risks

Caffeine Dependence: Regular, heavy consumption of either beverage can lead to dependence, with withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability if intake is suddenly stopped.
Anxiety and Jitters: High doses of caffeine, more common with coffee, can cause feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness, especially in sensitive individuals.
Sleep Disruption: Caffeine can disrupt sleep cycles by inhibiting melatonin production, which is more likely with higher consumption or intake late in the day.
Digestive Issues: The tannins in tea can cause nausea when consumed in large amounts or on an empty stomach, while coffee's acidity can cause stomach upset and acid reflux.

The Final Verdict: Is Tea a Drug?

Ultimately, answering the question “is tea a drug like coffee?” depends on your definition of a drug. If a drug is any substance that has a physiological effect on the body, then yes, both tea and coffee are drugs due to their caffeine content. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and the most widely used psychoactive substance globally.

However, the experience of consuming tea is markedly different from coffee. While coffee delivers a potent and rapid jolt, tea provides a more gentle, sustained alertness thanks to its lower caffeine concentration and the balancing effect of L-theanine. For individuals seeking a milder lift without the jitters and potential dependence associated with high caffeine intake, tea is the more benign option. Both beverages are healthy in moderation, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference for the type of stimulation they provide. For a deeper look at the various stimulants in tea, a Healthline article provides further detail on its components beyond just caffeine(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stimulants-in-tea).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both tea and coffee contain the drug caffeine, their overall physiological effects differ significantly. The higher, faster dose in coffee creates a more intense stimulant effect, while tea's lower caffeine level, paired with the unique amino acid L-theanine, promotes a state of calm, focused alertness. Both can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, but understanding these key differences allows for a more informed choice based on desired effects and caffeine sensitivity. Neither is inherently "better" or "worse"—the right choice depends on individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the caffeine molecule itself is chemically identical whether it comes from tea or coffee. However, the experience differs due to the total amount of caffeine and other compounds present in the beverage.

Yes, regular consumption of caffeinated tea can lead to a mild dependence due to the caffeine content. Symptoms like headaches and fatigue may occur during withdrawal, but the risk is generally lower than with coffee.

The primary difference in sensation is due to L-theanine, an amino acid in tea. It promotes alpha brain waves associated with relaxation, which works with the caffeine to create a state of calm, focused alertness, unlike coffee's more intense energy boost.

Excessive tea intake can potentially cause anxiety, disrupted sleep, and nausea. Due to tannins, it can also reduce iron absorption, a particular concern for those with low iron levels or on vegan diets.

The European Food Safety Authority suggests up to 400mg of caffeine per day is safe for healthy adults. Since tea has less caffeine per cup than coffee, you can typically consume more cups of tea within this limit.

No, most herbal teas (also called tisanes) are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant like true teas (black, green, white, oolong) and are naturally caffeine-free.

For a fast, powerful alertness boost, coffee is often better. However, for a more sustained, calm focus without the jitters, tea is often the better choice due to the combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine.