Coffee vs. Tea
We used the National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference from the USDA. These figures reflect 2 cups of black coffee and 2 cups of black tea.
Calories
Coffee: 5 caloriesTea: 5 calories
When it comes to caffeine, calories hardly count, but they’re identical anyway.
Protein
Coffee: 0.6 gramsTea: 0 grams
Who knew? Coffee has a touch of protein.
Calcium
Coffee: 1% of your daily valueTea: 0% of your daily value
Even without milk, coffee contains a smidge of calcium.
Magnesium
Coffee: 4% of your daily valueTea: 4% of your daily value
Magnesium helps maintain top-notch immunity, and both hot bevs have you covered.
Phosphorus
Coffee: 1.4% of your daily valueTea: 0.5% of your daily value
Coffee packs a bit more phosphorus, a mineral essential for bone strength.
Potassium
Coffee: 7% of your daily valueTea: 5% of your daily value
Plus, it’s got more potassium, which is crucial for lowering blood pressure.
Folate
Coffee: 2% of your daily valueTea: 6% of your daily value
Don’t ditch that teacup! Black tea has more folate, which can ward off anemia.
Caffeine
Coffee: 190 milligramsTea: 95 milligrams
The Mayo Clinic defines heavy caffeine use as more than 500 mg per day, so you’re in the safe zone with 2 cups of either brew.
Choline
Coffee: 4% of your daily valueTea: 0.5% of your daily value
Coffee scalds the competition with more choline, a nutrient important for cell membranes.
So which is healthier, coffee or tea?
The winner: Coffee!
We know, we know: You’re a diehard fan of either one or the other, and a little food fight isn’t going to change that. Luckily, both coffee and tea drinkers can be proud of their chosen brews. In terms of minerals and nutrients, both deliver far more than a caffeine jolt, and the drinks are packed with antioxidants, which the USDA doesn’t measure—so neither can we, unless we go only off what companies tells us. That said, coffee is America’s #1 source of antioxidants!
What to buy:
Always go organic to avoid pesticides on coffee beans and tea leaves.
