Coffee vs. Tea: Which Is Healthier, According to Dietitians

Experts explain what you need to know about each popular brew.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Coffee and tea are two of the most commonly consumed beverages, but they affect the body in different ways. Dietitians explain the health and nutrition benefits of each drink, as well as when you might want to choose one over the other.

Why it matters

As two of the most popular drinks globally, understanding the unique benefits and drawbacks of coffee and tea can help people make more informed choices about their daily beverage consumption and overall health.

The details

Coffee and tea are virtually identical from a macronutrient standpoint, as they are essentially flavored water. However, they differ significantly in their caffeine content, with coffee containing about twice as much caffeine as black tea and four times as much as green tea. Coffee is a top source of antioxidants in Americans' diets and has been linked to benefits like improved cognitive function, liver protection, and a lower risk of certain diseases. But coffee's high caffeine content can also cause side effects like jitteriness, anxiety, and digestive issues for some people. Tea, especially green and black tea, is also rich in antioxidants like catechins and flavonoids that support brain, heart, and overall health. Tea offers a unique combination of gentle stimulation and calm focus due to the amino acid L-theanine. Herbal teas can also provide various health benefits depending on their specific blend of herbs and plant compounds. Both coffee and tea can be good choices for weight loss, but it's important to watch out for added sugars and creamers that can negate their health benefits.

  • The article was published on February 7, 2026.

The players

Samantha Peterson

A functional medicine dietitian and founder of Simply Wellness.

Amy Davis

A registered dietitian based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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What they’re saying

“Coffee and tea are two of the most commonly consumed beverages for energy and focus, yet they affect the body in very different ways.”

— Samantha Peterson, Functional medicine dietitian and founder of Simply Wellness

“Believe it or not, coffee is [a] top source of antioxidants in Americans' diets. It's rich in polyphenols and has been linked to a boost in cognitive function, protection of the liver, and even a lower risk of certain diseases like type 2 diabetes and depression.”

— Amy Davis, Registered dietitian

The takeaway

Both coffee and tea offer unique health benefits, and the better choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual needs. Paying attention to caffeine sensitivity, added sugars and creamers, and any potential herb-drug interactions can help people make the healthiest decisions about their daily beverage consumption.