What Drink Has Flavonoids? Exploring Rich Beverage Sources

December 30, 2025 •

2 min read

Research has linked regular consumption of flavonoid-rich foods and drinks to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. So, what drink has flavonoids? Many beverages, particularly those derived from plants, are excellent sources of these beneficial antioxidant compounds.

Quick Summary

Numerous beverages contain high levels of flavonoids, with leading examples including various types of tea, red wine, and citrus juices. Many factors can influence the final flavonoid content, from processing methods to the specific variety of a plant.

Key Points

Tea (especially green): Rich in flavanols like catechins, green tea is a potent source due to less oxidation compared to black tea.
Red Wine: Contains flavonoids like resveratrol from grape skins, offering cardiovascular health benefits in moderation.
Dark Cocoa Drinks: Made from high-percentage cocoa powder, these beverages provide concentrated flavanols that benefit heart health.
Citrus Juices: Oranges and grapefruits are excellent sources of flavanones such as hesperidin and naringin.
Berry Juices: Drinks made from cranberries, blueberries, and pomegranates are loaded with anthocyanins.
Herbal Teas: Many herbal blends, such as chamomile, hibiscus, and rooibos, contain distinct types of flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties.
Processing Matters: The flavonoid content in beverages can be affected by factors like oxidation during processing and preparation methods.

Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant-based compounds known for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating beverages rich in these phytochemicals is an easy way to boost your daily intake. From your morning coffee to a relaxing evening tea, many popular drinks offer a wealth of flavonoids. However, the specific type and concentration can vary significantly based on processing and preparation.

Teas: A Top-Tier Source of Flavonoids

Teas from the Camellia sinensis plant—including green, black, white, and oolong—are among the most concentrated sources of flavonoids. Each type offers a unique flavonoid profile due to its specific processing method.

Green Tea vs. Black Tea

Green tea, being unoxidized, retains a high concentration of catechins. Black tea undergoes oxidation, resulting in higher levels of theaflavins and thearubigins. While green tea generally has more total flavonoids, both offer significant health benefits.

Herbal Teas with Flavonoids

Many herbal teas also contain flavonoids. Popular choices include chamomile, rich in flavones; hibiscus, high in anthocyanins; and rooibos, containing unique flavonoids like aspalathin.

Red Wine: A Convivial Source of Antioxidants

Moderate red wine consumption is linked to cardiovascular benefits. Its flavonoids, from grape skins and seeds, include flavanols and anthocyanins. They support heart health by improving blood vessel function and neutralizing free radicals. Resveratrol, a key flavonoid, may help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce clotting risk.

Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Drinks

Cocoa-based drinks are a good source of flavanols. Dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) has significantly more flavonoids than milk chocolate. Processing affects content. Hot chocolate made with dark cocoa offers flavonoids along with minerals.

Fruit Juices: Colorful and Flavonoid-Filled

100% fruit juices, while lacking fiber compared to whole fruit, provide dietary flavonoids.

Citrus Juices: Orange juice is high in hesperidin, while grapefruit juice contains naringin and narirutin.
Berry Juices: Cranberry, pomegranate, and blueberry juices are rich in colorful anthocyanins.

A Comparison of Popular Flavonoid-Containing Drinks


Beverage Type	Primary Flavonoid Subclass	Key Flavonoid Compound(s)	Notes on Content
Green Tea	Flavanols (Catechins)	Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)	High overall flavonoid content due to minimal oxidation.
Black Tea	Flavanols (Theaflavins/Thearubigins)	Theaflavins, Thearubigins	Lower catechin content than green tea, but rich in other flavonoids.
Red Wine	Anthocyanidins, Flavanols	Resveratrol, Proanthocyanidins	Flavonoids are extracted from grape skin during fermentation.
Dark Cocoa	Flavanols	Catechins, Epicatechin	Content is dependent on cocoa percentage (70%+ is ideal) and processing.
Orange Juice	Flavanones	Hesperidin, Narirutin	Content varies by cultivar and whether pulp is included.
Grapefruit Juice	Flavanones	Naringin, Narirutin	Known for its distinctive, bitter flavanone profile.

Conclusion

Many beverages offer beneficial flavonoids. Plant-derived drinks like green tea, dark cocoa, and citrus juices are strong sources, though processing and preparation influence content. To maximize intake, choose minimally processed options. A variety of these drinks supports health. Moderate consumption is key for options like red wine.

For more detailed information on flavonoid content in foods and drinks, the USDA provides extensive databases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Green tea generally has a higher total flavonoid content, primarily catechins, because it is minimally oxidized during processing. Black tea, while still rich in flavonoids, has a different profile with more theaflavins and thearubigins.

Yes, coffee contains flavonoids, and some studies have linked its consumption to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the flavonoid concentration and profile differ from that found in tea.

While 100% fruit juices still contain flavonoids, the process can lower the overall amount compared to eating the whole fruit, which also provides dietary fiber. The flavonoid concentration in juice is also affected by how much pulp is included.

Yes, dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) is a rich source of flavanols. The higher the cocoa percentage, the greater the flavonoid content.

Flavonoid-rich beverages offer numerous health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can protect against chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Yes, red wine contains significantly more flavonoids than white wine because the fermentation process for red wine involves macerating the juice with the grape skins, which are a major source of these compounds.

Most herbal teas contain some level of polyphenols and flavonoids, but the concentration varies widely. Teas like hibiscus and chamomile are particularly known for their flavonoid content.