Theine and caffeine – what's the difference? Expert: "They're the same chemical"
Although theine and caffeine are chemically the same substance, they differ in how they act on the human body. Why does the caffeine in coffee stimulate faster than the caffeine in tea? Where do the different names come from? And what does tannin have to do with it?
At first glance, it might seem that theine and caffeine are two different compounds. However, theine is nothing more than the caffeine found in tea . Chemically, it's the exact same substance—a natural stimulant alkaloid also found in coffee, yerba mate (where it's sometimes called mateine), and guarana (guaranine).
The difference lies not in the structure, but in the context – that is, the source from which caffeine occurs and how it interacts with other ingredients of the drink.
What's the difference between theine in tea and caffeine in coffee? As TikTok doctor and scientist Konrad Skotnicki puts it.
"It turns out, absolutely nothing. It's the same chemical compound. A standard glass of tea has about 25 mg of caffeine, and a glass of coffee can have up to five times more, but it depends on the brewing method. But if you're a tea drinker, five cups a day doesn't sound like a lot, but it is. It's the same as a strong coffee."
Caffeine from coffee is absorbed in the stomach , causing a quick but short-lived stimulation. Its effects are usually felt within a few minutes – it improves concentration, increases alertness, speeds up metabolism, and has a diuretic effect. It also increases the effectiveness of some painkillers, which is why it's often found in migraine pills.
Theine: milder and longer stimulationIn the case of tea, the situation is somewhat different. Theine, in the presence of tannins (the tannins contained in tea), forms compounds that are absorbed more slowly – only in the intestines. This delays the effects of theine, but makes them more stable and gentler on the nervous system. The stimulating effect can last longer and is not as often accompanied by a feeling of "nervousness" as after coffee.
The caffeine content in tea (or theine) depends on the type of infusion, production method, and brewing time. Here are some approximate values:
Black tea : 60–90 mg/250 ml
Green tea : 35–70 mg/250 ml
White tea : 30–55 mg/250 ml
Oolong tea : 50–75 mg/250 ml
Rooibos tea : 0 mg (no caffeine)
In comparison, a cup of coffee contains an average of 80–120 mg of caffeine. However, brewing time and water temperature significantly affect the final amount of caffeine in tea – the higher the temperature and longer the brewing time, the more caffeine is released into the brew.
Many factors influence the caffeine level in tea:
Type of tea – different leaf processing methods matter.
Growing conditions – soil, sunlight, harvest time.
Part of the plant – young shoots and leaves contain more theine.
Brewing method – higher temperature and longer time = more theine.
There's no single right answer. Caffeine from coffee works quickly and intensely , ideal for those needing an immediate pick-me-up. Theine from tea works slower but more consistently , making it a better choice for those sensitive to energy spikes or suffering from digestive issues.
| Characteristic | Caffeine (coffee) | Theine (tea) |
|---|---|---|
| Absorption time | Fast (stomach) | Slower (intestines) |
| Operating time | Short-term | Longer, more stable |
| Intensity of arousal | High | Gentle |
| The presence of tannins | Lack | Current – delays action |
| Side effect (nervousness) | More frequent | Rarer |
Updated: 31/07/2025 08:30
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