Breakfast Tea Vs. Afternoon Tea: A Drink For All Occasions

This article looks at the fundamental differences between breakfast tea vs. afternoon tea and describes the most popular types of tea in each category.

I never have coffee in the morning. I have tea. I not only know the difference between breakfast and afternoon tea in the abstract, but I also live it.

To many people, all tea is the same. You plop a bag of tea leaves in a pot or a cup and pour water. However, this is just like saying instant coffee is the same as a fancy latte.

The body needs different types of teas at different times of the day. Here are a few things to know when talking about breakfast tea vs. afternoon tea:

Breakfast Tea Vs. Afternoon Tea: Is There A Real Difference?

The short answer is yes. When you get up in the morning, you need a beverage that will help wake you up and make you more alert.

Breakfast teas are made to do this. They are composed of ingredients that go well with a hearty breakfast and will help give you the fuel you need to start your day.

In contrast, the afternoon is the time of day when your energy levels decrease. Serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine—the natural chemicals that make us active and alert—drop off. So afternoon tea is designed to provide a much-needed boost to get through the day.

You might also be interested in our Irish Breakfast Tea vs. English Breakfast Tea guide.

Types Of Breakfast Teas

Here are some of the best varieties of breakfast teas to help you get going in the morning:

1. English Breakfast Tea

This is a classic. It is a pure black tea that has a strong caffeine kick. The effects of English breakfast tea can be enhanced by brewing it with freshly grated ginger root. Ginger is also great for digestion and gut health.

Most people take English tea with a splash of milk.

2. Irish Breakfast Tea

Irish tea is a blend of several black teas and is distinguished by its strong fragrance. Once brewed, the color of the tea can become a deep red or brown.

This tea has high caffeine content, making it perfect for morning consumption. This breakfast tea is best drunk with a dash of honey or lemon to counterbalance the bitter taste.

3. Indian Chai

Indian Chai is made of Assam leaves. It is best consumed with cardamom or ginger root, while sugar and milk will also bring out the taste. Ginger not only enhances the flavor but allows you to capitalize on the plant’s natural digestion-aiding properties.

This is the kind of tea you want to drink if you have had a big breakfast.

Types Of AfternoonTea

Here are some of the best afternoon teas that are perfect for giving you that gentle lift when you start to flag:

1. Green tea

Green tea will help you recover your focus and alertness after a long day at work. It is also the best cure for the heaviness and lethargy that comes with a meat-filled lunch.

There are plenty of blends and brands on the market. For example, you can choose flavored green tea, detox green tea, or plain green tea.

Green tea has high caffeine levels. This means it can be a great afternoon alternative to coffee, as long as you don’t consume too much of it.

2. Infused Tea

This type of tea is for those who like fruity flavors. Infused tea is an alternative to green tea. The great news is that they will give you the same kind of afternoon energy boost that you need.

Cinnamon, ginger, cranberry, orange, mint, and turmeric are some of the many flavors of infused tea. Though infused tea is an energy booster, it does not contain caffeine. So, if you are trying to reduce or manage your caffeine intake, it may be the perfect tea for you.

Finding the infused tea that you like best is a matter of experiment and testing. New combinations are hitting the shelves all the time. Shop around and taste them all until you hit the one that is right for you.