You might be surprised by how different red tea and green tea are. Read our red tea vs. green tea guide to determine which is for you.
I often drink tea when planning to cut my daily coffee intake. I didn’t know at first that most teas still have caffeine. I used to grab whatever variant I saw in the grocery store but was left wondering why I was still struggling to sleep.
If you’re cutting down on caffeine, always go for red tea since most of its variants are caffeine-free. Green tea, on the other hand, should be avoided if you’re planning to hit the sack early, as it might disrupt your sleeping pattern.
What Are Red Tea And Green Tea?
Rooibos tea is also known as “red tea” as it comes from the aspalathus linearis plant, which gives its well-known red tint. But red rose tea and hibiscus tea, among others, are considered variants of red tea. In addition, most red teas are herbal, which means their main components come from leaves, fruits, roots, and flowers of edible plants.
Our rose tea guide will help you brew red tea.
The phrase “true tea” means that the green tea came from Camellia Sinensis, commonly known as the “tea plant.” The green tea variants we enjoy, such as sencha or matcha, depend on different factors, such as when the leaves were harvested and how they were processed.
If you’d like to learn more about the contrast between these green teas, start by learning the difference between matcha powder vs tea bag!
What Red Tea And Green Tea Have In Common
Aside from the fact that they’re both teas that are easy to prepare, brew, and enjoy hot or iced, they’re both packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The correlation stops there as you’ll find there are a lot of differences between these two beverages.
Red Tea Vs. Green Tea: The Differences
| Red Tea | Green Tea |
| Comes from leaves, flowers, fruits, or barks of non-tea plants | Comes from Camellia Sinensis, and variants depend on the processing method and time of harvest |
| Most are caffeine-free | Has between 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup |
| Abundant in superoxide dismutase which helps in preventing damage to tissues. | Rich in epigallocatechin which aids in inflammation and preventing several chronic diseases. |
| Gentler, sweeter, and more floral in flavor | Stronger, nuttier, and more earthy in terms of taste |
| Cheaper compared to green tea | Pricier |
What’s Better About Red Tea?
It’s the gentler option between the two. It’s caffeine-free, so it won’t affect your sleep schedule. I love red tea’s flexibility, as you can brew different flowers, fruits, or leaves, and it will provide you with a wider array of flavors.
You might also be curious about what tea is purple.
There are other teas out there that can soothe you. Check out our list of the best teas to help you relax!
What’s Better About Green Tea?
It’s a healthier alternative to your regular cup of Joe compared to red tea, especially if you’re planning to cut down on your daily caffeine intake. Some will argue that it packs more antioxidants than the rest as it is less processed. Its strong and refreshing earthy taste simulates, to an extent, the coffee we’re accustomed to.
Who Should Get Red Tea (And Why?)
If you’re planning to quit caffeine altogether but still yearn for a flavorful hot or iced beverage, then red tea is for you. If you’re just looking for something that can lull you to sleep, this is ideal too.
Additionally, red tea can serve as a go-to for those who suffer from hyperacidity, as the caffeine in green tea might still affect you.
Who Should Get Green Tea (And Why?)
If you’re planning to moderate your caffeine intake, this is the perfect rebound beverage as it will still provide that boost of energy you need in the morning or the afternoon.
It’s also ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle since studies show it complements exercise. Its main compound, epigallocatechin, boosts metabolism, which helps you burn more calories after a tiring workout.
