What's the difference between black tea and green tea?

Black Tea VS Green Tea: Differences, Benefits, & Beyond

What's better than a steaming cup of antioxidant-rich green tea on a foggy spring morning? Or, maybe you prefer a mug of warm, citrusy Earl Grey black tea. Similarly, a cold, creamy matcha latte, a blended chai, or a refreshing cup of iced sweet tea can make for the perfect pick-me-up on a hot afternoon. 

There are so many reasons to love tea, both black and green! Consuming tea can boost your energy levels, calm your senses, settle your stomach, improve your heart health, and more! But which kind of tea is better, green or black?

Here, we will discuss the differences between green tea and black tea, so that you can decide which is best for your particular needs and tastes!

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What is the difference between black tea and green tea? 

In a nutshell, black tea and green tea leaves come from the same plants, but are processed differently. This can lead to variation in flavors, caffeine levels, and more. Since black tea processing involves oxidation, black tea leaves are darker in color, have more caffeine, and produce a richer, maltier taste. 

In comparison, green tea leaves are immediately heated or steamed after harvesting, which halts oxidation. As such, green tea contains more antioxidants, has a grassier, vegetal flavor, and retains higher phytonutrient levels. Green tea leaves may also produce higher polyphenol levels when steeped in liquid or ground into powder like matcha green tea. 

Black Tea VS Green Tea:

• Black tea has a richer, maltier taste
• Green tea tastes grassy or vegetal 
• Black tea has more caffeine
• Green tea has more antioxidants and polyphenols
• Black tea is oxidized and broken down during processing 
• Green tea is steamed or dried with heat to halt oxidation 

Understanding Black Tea VS Green Tea

The key difference between black tea and green tea is the processing method used to dry and preserve the tea leaves. Black tea undergoes oxidation as a method of preservation, whereas green tea is steamed or heated and then dried.

Though both types of tea can come from similar (or often, even the same) plants, their flavors, caffeine levels, and potential health benefits can vary due to their respective processing methods and also, the length of oxidation or even fermentation used to preserve the leaves so they can be dried and preserved. 

Green tea leaves are unoxidized. This is why they are lighter in color, have a grassier flavor, and contain more antioxidants. Meanwhile, black tea leaves are completely oxidized (and may even be fermented in some cases), meaning they have a darker color, deeper or richer flavors, and often, higher concentrations of caffeine. 

The Processing and Oxidation of Green Tea VS Black Tea

Green tea leaves tend to be either steamed, pan-fired, or even air-dried. This results in a brighter, Greener color. Since green tea leaves undergo comparatively less processing, they retain more of their original integrity. However, they also tend to have earthier or grassier flavors. 

In contrast, black tea leaves are rolled, withered, and broken down before being oxidized. This turns them a dark brown or black color and helps them develop maltier, richer, or more robust flavor notes. 

Health Benefits of Black and Green Tea Leaves 

The main health difference between green tea and black tea has to do with phytonutrient content and antioxidants. 

Generally, green tea is rich in antioxidants, delivers EGCG, and has a higher concentration of retained polyphenols. Polyphenols have been directly linked with health and weight loss benefits. Antioxidants also offer an array of benefits, like anti-aging, bodily health, and immune system fortification. 

Black tea also has some great nutritional benefits, especially when enjoyed straight without any cream or sweeteners. Black tea contains theaflavins and thearubigins, which are specific antioxidants formed during the oxidation process. 

Flavors of Black Tea Compared to Green Tea 

Many people describe black tea as robust, rich, or malty. In comparison, green tea is often known to have vegetal, fresh, or grassy flavors. 

Caffeine Levels of Black VS Green Tea 

Black tea leaves undergo oxidation after they have been picked and broken apart. So, they tend to have higher concentrations of caffeine. Green tea leaves are steamed or heated immediately after they have been picked, which stops oxidation and preserves more of their natural phytonutrient content. While green tea does contain caffeine, the caffeine concentration is usually lower than that of black tea. 

Black VS Green Tea FAQs

Now, here are some frequently asked questions about black tea versus green tea and how they differ.  

What is the difference in caffeine in green tea VS black tea? 

Black tea usually contains more caffeine than green tea. With that being said, the caffeine concentration difference can vary depending on how long you steep your tea, the type of green or black tea leaves you are consuming, and the oxidation or fermentation process used to dry and prepare those leaves after they have been picked. 

• Generally, black tea contains between 35 and 85 mg of caffeine in an 8-oz cup. 
• In comparison, green tea can contain anywhere from 25 to 45 mg of caffeine in an 8-oz cup. 

What kind of tea has more antioxidants, black or green?

Both types of tea offer antioxidant benefits. However, green tea tends to have slightly higher antioxidant capacities than black tea, because it is not oxidized. 

Is black tea or green tea better for you?

Black and green tea both have numerous health benefits. So, it's hard to say which one is better in a technical sense. However, green tea is considered better for those seeking to maintain a healthy weight, access boosted tea antioxidant properties, and take advantage of polyphenols. Still, black tea offers similar benefits and has slightly more caffeine. Many people also prefer the flavor of black tea. Really, it all comes down to the benefits you are seeking from your tea leaves. 

What is the difference in flavor between black tea versus green tea? 

Black tea can have an array of flavor notes, depending on the type of black tea you are steeping. Black tea flavor notes may be rich, aromatic, earthy, malty, and more. Green tea has a much earthier, grassy taste. It is often described as vegetal. Matcha tea may even be compared to grass.