Which is Better for Arthritis, Tea or Coffee?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Arthritis Foundation, many teas are packed with natural compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting they could benefit arthritis sufferers. This raises the question for many arthritis patients: which is better for arthritis, tea or coffee? The answer depends heavily on the type of beverage, the amount consumed, and individual sensitivities.

Quick Summary

Comparing tea and coffee reveals different impacts on arthritis symptoms, largely due to variations in antioxidant content, caffeine levels, and compounds that influence inflammation. Green tea contains potent EGCG, offering strong anti-inflammatory effects, while coffee's benefits depend on moderate consumption and individual factors. Negative impacts are often linked to high caffeine intake and sugary additives.

Key Points

Green Tea is a Top Choice: Rich in the antioxidant EGCG, green tea has strong anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect cartilage and bone.
Coffee Effects are Variable: Coffee's impact is complex; while it contains antioxidants, its high caffeine can worsen symptoms in some, and excessive intake may negatively affect cartilage.
Moderation is Key: Whether you choose tea or coffee, consuming in moderate, unsweetened amounts is crucial to maximize benefits and minimize risks like inflammation from added sugars.
Watch for Additives: Sugary syrups, creams, and other additives found in many popular coffee and tea drinks promote inflammation and should be avoided.
Herbal Teas Offer Caffeine-Free Benefits: Options like turmeric, ginger, and rooibos tea provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits without the potential downsides of caffeine.
Individual Response Varies: Pay close attention to how your body reacts to each beverage, as individual genetics and sensitivities play a significant role in the outcome.

Understanding the Anti-Inflammatory Power of Each Beverage

Both tea and coffee are rich sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can influence arthritis symptoms. However, the specific compounds and their effects differ significantly.

Tea: Rich in Potent Polyphenols

Tea, especially green tea, is celebrated for its high concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents.

Green Tea: Contains a potent antioxidant called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to reduce inflammation and even help preserve cartilage and bone. Studies, particularly on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have shown promising anti-inflammatory effects.
White and Black Tea: Also contain polyphenols with strong anti-inflammatory effects, though green tea is often cited as the most beneficial.
Herbal Teas: Turmeric and ginger teas are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to curcumin and gingerols, respectively. These can be excellent, caffeine-free alternatives.

Coffee: A Complex and Contradictory Relationship

Research on coffee's effect on arthritis is more complex and less conclusive. It also contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols, but its high caffeine content can introduce mitigating factors.

Antioxidants: Coffee boasts various antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, which can combat cellular damage and inflammation.
Variable Effects: Some studies suggest moderate consumption may have a protective effect against gout and a lower risk of developing certain chronic diseases. Conversely, other research suggests high intake, especially of decaffeinated coffee, may increase RA risk, possibly due to the decaffeination process or other factors.
Impact on Osteoarthritis: High caffeine intake has been linked to negatively affecting bone and cartilage growth, potentially increasing the risk of osteoarthritis (OA).

Potential Risks and Medication Interactions

While tea and coffee offer potential benefits, they also carry risks, especially regarding caffeine and additives.

High Caffeine Intake: Excessive caffeine can exacerbate symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and jitters, and potentially worsen RA symptoms. It can also interfere with sleep, which is vital for managing chronic pain.
Sugary Additives: Many popular coffee drinks and some flavored teas are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats from syrups and creams. High sugar intake promotes inflammation, which counteracts any anti-inflammatory benefits of the beverage itself.
Medication Interactions: Caffeine can interact with certain arthritis medications. For example, it can worsen insomnia for those taking prednisone but might help with methotrexate intolerance. Always consult a doctor about potential interactions.

Comparison: Tea vs. Coffee for Arthritis


Feature	Tea (Especially Green)	Coffee (Moderate Consumption)
Primary Anti-inflammatory	Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), catechins	Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid
Potential Benefits	Reduces inflammation, protects cartilage, potential for RA symptom relief	Fights free radicals, may protect against gout flares
Potential Risks	High caffeine in some types can interfere with sleep; additives should be avoided	High caffeine can increase anxiety and worsen sleep; potential negative effects on cartilage in OA
Caffeine Level	Generally lower, with slow, steady release	Varies widely, can be high and fast-acting
Best For	Generally a safer choice with clearer anti-inflammatory benefits, especially green or herbal varieties	Individuals with gout or those seeking a stimulant without high sensitivity, if consumed in moderation

Making the Best Choice for Your Arthritis

Ultimately, the 'better' beverage depends on individual response, type of arthritis, and the specific tea or coffee. A key takeaway is moderation and conscious consumption.

Listen to Your Body: Track your symptoms after consuming each beverage to identify any potential triggers. Some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine or other compounds.
Choose Wisely: Opt for freshly brewed, unsweetened tea or coffee. Green, ginger, and turmeric teas are particularly well-regarded for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Stay Hydrated: Water is essential for joint health and overall wellness, so regardless of your choice, ensure adequate hydration throughout the day.

Conclusion

While both tea and coffee contain beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, tea, particularly green tea and certain herbal teas, appears to offer more consistent and safer anti-inflammatory benefits for arthritis. The potential downsides of coffee, such as high caffeine content and variable research findings, make it a less certain choice, especially in higher quantities or for those with osteoarthritis. However, moderate, unsweetened consumption of either beverage can be part of a healthy diet. For personalized advice, and before making any significant dietary changes, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. For more comprehensive guidance, the Arthritis Foundation offers valuable resources on diet and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Green tea is highly recommended for its potent EGCG content. Other beneficial choices include turmeric tea (contains curcumin) and ginger tea (contains gingerols), both of which have strong anti-inflammatory effects.

For some people, especially those with osteoarthritis, high caffeine intake may negatively affect bone and cartilage growth. Additionally, excessive sugar and fat from coffee additives can promote inflammation. However, moderate consumption may be fine for others.

Moderation is generally advised. Up to 400mg of caffeine daily is often considered safe for healthy adults, but those sensitive to caffeine may experience worsening symptoms even with less. It's important to monitor your own reaction.

Decaf coffee contains beneficial polyphenols but studies show conflicting results. Some research suggests high decaf intake might increase RA risk, possibly due to the decaffeination process. The lack of caffeine may reduce some negative side effects like anxiety.

No. The anti-inflammatory effects of tea and coffee are typically counteracted by the pro-inflammatory effects of high sugar and unhealthy fats often added to sweetened versions.

Some older studies, including one from 2019, found a minimal increased risk of RA with caffeinated, non-herbal tea consumption in postmenopausal women, though most research points to tea being beneficial. The evidence is not conclusive and largely depends on individual factors.

Yes, caffeine can interact with certain medications. It can exacerbate insomnia for those on prednisone or help manage side effects for those taking methotrexate. Always consult with your doctor regarding potential interactions.