Tea vs. Coffee — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
Tea is a beverage made from Camellia sinensis leaves; Coffee is brewed from roasted coffee beans.
Difference Between Tea and Coffee
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tea originates from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, primarily found in Asia. Coffee, on the other hand, is made from beans that come from the Coffea plant, mainly grown in tropical regions.
Both Tea and Coffee have deep cultural and historical significance. Tea ceremonies in East Asia epitomize respect and tradition, whereas Coffee houses in the Middle East and Europe were centers for socializing and intellectual discourse.
Tea usually contains lower levels of caffeine compared to Coffee. While Tea can be calming and soothing, many people drink Coffee for its stimulating effects.
Tea comes in various types like green, black, and oolong, influenced by processing and oxidation. Coffee flavors vary based on roast level, grind size, and brewing method.
Both Tea and Coffee offer health benefits and potential risks. Tea has antioxidants like catechins, while Coffee has compounds beneficial for heart health and diabetes.
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Comparison Chart
Origin Plant
Camellia sinensis
Coffea
Caffeine Content
Generally lower
Generally higher
Main Production
Asia
Tropical regions (e.g., Africa, South America)
Types/Varieties
Green, black, oolong, etc.
Light roast, dark roast, espresso, etc.
Cultural Impact
Associated with rituals and ceremonies
Linked to social gatherings and discussions
Compare with Definitions
Tea
A beverage brewed from Camellia sinensis leaves.
I love sipping green Tea in the morning.
Coffee
The Coffea plant or its fruit.
The Coffee plantations in Brazil are vast.
Tea
A slang term expressing agreement.
That's the Tea, sis!
Coffee
A term for a social gathering to drink the beverage.
Let's catch up over Coffee tomorrow.
Tea
Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured or fresh leaves of Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub native to China and East Asia. After water, it is the most widely consumed drink in the world.
Coffee
A slang term indicating someone's attractiveness.
He's hot; he's total Coffee.
Tea
A hot drink made by infusing the dried crushed leaves of the tea plant in boiling water
Katherine sipped her tea
Coffee
Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. All fruit must be further processed from a raw material—the fruit and seed—into a stable, raw product; un-roasted, green coffee.
Tea
The evergreen shrub or small tree which produces tea leaves, native to southern and eastern Asia and grown as a major cash crop.
Coffee
A hot drink made from the roasted and ground seeds (coffee beans) of a tropical shrub
A coffee pot
A cup of coffee
Tea
A light afternoon meal consisting typically of tea to drink, sandwiches, and cakes
Picnic teas
They were about to take afternoon tea
Coffee
The shrub which yields coffee seeds, native to the Old World tropics.
Tea
Drink tea or take afternoon tea
I teaed with Professor Herron
Coffee
Any of various tropical African shrubs or trees of the genus Coffea, especially C. arabica or C. canephora, widely cultivated in the tropics for their seeds that are dried, roasted, and ground to prepare a stimulating aromatic drink.
Tea
An evergreen shrub or small tree (Camellia sinensis) native to Asia, having fragrant, nodding, cup-shaped white flowers and glossy leaves.
Coffee
The beanlike seeds of this plant, two of which are found in each fruit.
Tea
The young, dried leaves of this plant, prepared by various processes and used to make a beverage, usually served hot.
Coffee
The beverage prepared from the seeds of this plant
Likes to drink coffee with breakfast.
Tea
An aromatic, slightly bitter beverage made by steeping tea leaves in boiling water.
Coffee
A serving of such a beverage
Ordered two coffees with sugar.
Tea
Any of various plants, such as New Jersey tea, having leaves that are or were formerly used to make a tealike beverage.
Coffee
A moderate brown to dark brown or dark grayish brown.
Tea
Any of various beverages made by steeping the leaves, flowers, fruits, or other parts of certain plants
Herbal tea.
Peppermint tea.
Coffee
An informal social gathering at which coffee and other refreshments are served.
Tea
Any of various beverages made by extracting an infusion from meat, especially beef.
Coffee
(uncountable) A beverage made by infusing the beans of the coffee plant in hot water.
Tea
A tea rose.
Coffee
(countable) A serving of this beverage.
Tea
An afternoon refreshment consisting usually of sandwiches and cakes served with tea.
Coffee
The seeds of the plant used to make coffee, called ‘beans’ due to their shape.
Tea
High tea.
Coffee
The powder made by roasting and grinding the seeds.
Tea
An afternoon reception or social gathering at which tea is served.
Coffee
A tropical plant of the genus Coffea.
Tea
(Slang) Marijuana.
Coffee
A pale brown colour, like that of milk coffee.
Tea
(uncountable) The tea plant (Camellia sinensis); (countable) a variety of this plant.
Darjeeling tea is grown in India.
Coffee
The end of a meal, when coffee is served.
He did not stay for coffee.
Tea
(uncountable) The dried leaves or buds of the tea plant; (countable) a variety of such leaves.
Go to the supermarket and buy some Darjeeling tea.
Not for all the tea in China.
Coffee
Of a pale brown colour, like that of milk coffee.
Tea
(uncountable) The drink made by infusing these dried leaves or buds in hot water.
Would you like some tea?
Coffee
Of a table: a small, low table suitable for people in lounge seating to put coffee cups on.
Tea
(uncountable) Any similar drink made by infusing parts of various other plants.
Camomile tea; mint tea
Coffee
(intransitive) To drink coffee.
Tea
Meat stock served as a hot drink.
Beef tea
Coffee
(transitive) To give coffee.
Tea
A cup or glass of any of these drinks, often with milk, sugar, lemon, and/or tapioca pearls.
Coffee
The "beans" or "berries" (pyrenes) obtained from the drupes of a small evergreen tree of the genus Coffea, growing in Abyssinia, Arabia, Persia, and other warm regions of Asia and Africa, and also in tropical America.
Tea
A light midafternoon meal, typically but not necessarily including tea.
Coffee
The coffee tree.
Tea
Syn of supper, the main evening meal, whether or not it includes tea.
The family were sitting round the table, eating their tea.
Coffee
The beverage made by decoction of the roasted and ground berry of the coffee tree.
They have in Turkey a drink called coffee. . . . This drink comforteth the brain and heart, and helpeth digestion.
Tea
(cricket) The break in play between the second and third sessions.
Australia were 490 for 7 at tea on the second day.
Coffee
A cup of coffee{3}, especially one served in a restaurant; as, we each had two donuts and a coffee; three coffees to go.
Tea
Syn of marijuana.
Coffee
A social gathering at which coffee is served, with optional other foods or refreshments.
Tea
Information, especially gossip.
Spill the tea on that drama, hon.
Coffee
A color ranging from medium brown to dark brown.
Tea
A moment, a historical unit of time from China, about the amount of time needed to quickly drink a traditional cup of tea. It is now found in Chinese-language historical fiction.
Coffee
A beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans;
He ordered a cup of coffee
Tea
To drink tea.
Coffee
Any of several small trees and shrubs native to the tropical Old World yielding coffee beans
Tea
To take afternoon tea (the light meal).
Coffee
A seed of the coffee tree; ground to make coffee
Tea
To give tea.
Coffee
A medium to dark brown color
Tea
The prepared leaves of a shrub, or small tree (Thea Chinensis or Camellia Chinensis). The shrub is a native of China, but has been introduced to some extent into some other countries.
Coffee
A drink made by brewing roasted beans from the Coffea plant.
She can't start her day without a cup of Coffee.
Tea
A decoction or infusion of tea leaves in boiling water; as, tea is a common beverage.
Coffee
A dark brown color resembling the drink.
He bought a Coffee-colored sofa for the living room.
Tea
Any infusion or decoction, especially when made of the dried leaves of plants; as, sage tea; chamomile tea; catnip tea.
Tea
The evening meal, at which tea is usually served; supper.
Tea
To take or drink tea.
Tea
A beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water;
Iced tea is a cooling drink
Tea
A light midafternoon meal of tea and sandwiches or cakes;
An Englishman would interrupt a war to have his afternoon tea
Tea
Dried leaves of the tea shrub; used to make tea;
The store shelves held many different kinds of tea
They threw the tea into Boston harbor
Tea
A reception or party at which tea is served;
We met at the Dean's tea for newcomers
Tea
A tropical evergreen shrub or small tree extensively cultivated in e.g. China and Japan and India; source of tea leaves;
Tea has fragrant white flowers
Tea
A meal or snack taken in the afternoon or evening.
We have Tea at 4 PM with biscuits.
Tea
A term for gossip or news.
Spill the Tea, what happened last night?
Tea
A type of plant used to produce the beverage.
The Tea plantation stretches for miles.
Common Curiosities
How does the roast affect Coffee flavor?
Roast level, from light to dark, affects Coffee's flavor, aroma, and acidity.
What plant does Tea come from?
Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Which has more caffeine, Tea or Coffee?
Generally, Coffee has more caffeine than Tea.
How many types of Tea are there?
There are several, including green, black, white, oolong, and herbal.
Where do Coffee beans originate?
Coffee beans come from the Coffea plant.
Is Coffee good for health?
In moderation, Coffee has compounds beneficial for heart health, diabetes, and more.
Are there health benefits to drinking Tea?
Yes, Tea has antioxidants and other compounds beneficial for health.
What's the best way to store Coffee beans?
Store Coffee beans in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
Can Coffee help improve concentration?
Yes, the caffeine in Coffee can enhance focus and alertness.
Can Tea help in relaxation?
Yes, certain Teas like chamomile are known for their calming effects.
What's the cultural significance of Tea ceremonies in Asia?
They symbolize respect, tradition, and social communion.
What are the main types of Coffee brews?
Espresso, drip, French press, cold brew, among others.
Are all Teas caffeinated?
No, herbal Teas are usually caffeine-free, while others vary in caffeine content.
Why are Coffee houses historically significant in Europe?
They were centers for socializing, intellectual discourse, and cultural exchange.
Can both Tea and Coffee be served cold?
Yes, both can be served as cold beverages, like iced Tea or iced Coffee.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
