A Battle of Buzz: Coffee vs Tea vs Cold Brew


Tea, coffee, and cold brew have gained immense popularity as beverage choices, not only in offices but also among coffee enthusiasts. These beverages have become an integral part of daily routines, providing a much-needed boost of energy and enjoyment throughout the day. In office settings, tea, coffee, and cold brew have become staple choices for employees seeking a quick pick-me-up or a moment of relaxation. Whether it's a morning ritual to kickstart the day or a mid-afternoon refresher, these beverages have become synonymous with the work culture, fostering a sense of productivity and community among colleagues. Coffee’s significance as the staple corporate American beverage is still strongly represented in offices as hot coffee’s characteristics are perfect for early mornings. Cold brew coffee has gained formidable traction and has established itself as more than a trend but an expected coffee alternative with a unique freshness. Cold brew’s detail oriented steeping process allows for a greater caffeine content and more acidic taste that enthusiasts and consumers have enjoyed with tremendous satisfaction. Meanwhile, tea has had a resurgence in popularity as post-pandemic workplace trends, as well as global events, have made consumers more aware of their mental, physical, and emotional health. Consumers are now looking to health-oriented beverages, such as tea, as a consistent source of caffeine and immune support. No matter what you choose, all three beverages have a varying level of flavors and caffeine levels for everyone to enjoy!

Bean Power

Tea, coffee, and cold brew have become go-to beverages that are widely embraced by consumers that act as powerful stimulants, helping consumers overcome morning grogginess and providing a mid-day revitalization. The caffeine in tea, coffee, and cold brew has been shown to enhance alertness, improve concentration, and boost cognitive function. By fueling the mind and body, consumers can tackle tasks with increased efficiency and accuracy. Moreover, tea, coffee, and cold brew serve as comforting rituals that provide consumers with a sense of familiarity and routine amidst the demands of the busy working day. The simple act of sipping a warm cup of tea or enjoying a well-brewed cup of hot or cold coffee can provide moments of relaxation and respite, allowing individuals to recharge and reduce stress levels during the day. 

Additionally, their presence in the workplace extends beyond just satisfying caffeine cravings but plays a crucial role in boosting productivity, limiting mistakes or cognitive failures, and fostering a sense of community in office environments. The presence of tea, coffee, and cold brew in office settings goes beyond individual benefits. It contributes to an overall positive work culture and employee satisfaction. By offering these beverage options, employers demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being, fostering an environment that values their comfort and enjoyment. Finally, all three beverages are incredibly convenient for consumers to enjoy on the go in a time efficient manner. Pouring coffee or tea into a cup has never been easier with offices providing coffee services of all kinds, including Commonwealth Joe’s Nitro Cold Brew on Tap, allowing employees to use coffee as a center of social interaction and streamlined productivity.

Caffeine Content and Caution


Caffeine is a key component in tea, coffee, and cold brew, but the caffeine content can vary significantly among these beverages. Understanding the differences in caffeine levels is essential for making informed choices about consumption. Several factors, such as brewing methods, serving sizes, and the specific type of beverage, contribute to the variations in caffeine content.Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in varying amounts in tea, coffee, and cold brew. It acts on the central nervous system, providing a temporary boost of energy and alertness. According to the BetterHealth Channel, caffeine can increase the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body and in small doses has the ability to make you feel refreshed and focused. The body’s heart rate and breathing will begin to increase and depending on the individual, can last up to 12 hours. However, with caffeine consumption, large doses must be taken with caution as results include anxiety or trouble sleeping. Other serious signs of drastic caffeine consumption include dehydration, dizziness, palpitations (rapid heartbeat), and more.

Tea vs Coffee vs Cold Brew: Caffeine Showdown

When it comes to this three way showdown, tea, hot coffee, and cold brew are less competitors and more of a symbol of the variety of caffeine beverages available to consumers who can compare flavor and texture on top of caffeine levels. According to the Washington Post, a MayoClinic study revealed that an eight ounce cup of coffee has 96mg of caffeine compared to an eight ounce cup of black tea (47mg) and green tea (28mg). When it comes to hot coffee, espresso and lattes have different caffeine levels that still remain higher than tea. As mentioned, tea has also gained favor due to its health benefits and applications in the post-pandemic era. Tea can help immunity, gut health, inflammation, and more according to Penn Medicine while not compromising sleep. Some consumers also prefer the natural herbal smell and taste of tea that soothes throats and has a subtle aroma. Cold brew coffee then comes into play as its own category although being coffee at its core. Cold brew coffee’s unique steeping process of  submerging coffee grounds (similar to how one steeps tea leaves) for 12-24 hours in room temperature water or cold water, creates a rich coffee concentrate. This concentrate is then diluted with water, adding more or less water depending on the cold brew strength and caffeine levels desired. The result is a generally higher caffeine content than tea and coffee which some consumers love as the perfect amount to last them one full workday. What separates cold brew from the rest is its caffeine levels, less acidic flavors, and popularity as an alternative to hot coffee that isn’t applicable to all points of the day. For instance, as the hot summer sun heats up, customers are less inclined to enjoy hot coffee and instead colder beverages to keep them going during the midday lulls. However, iced coffee and cold brew have their differences although both being cold coffees. In the end, tea vs hot coffee vs cold brew coffee can’t just be broken down into milligrams, taste, popularity, and long-term health benefits. Whether it’s opting for traditional consumption, rising stars, or the calmer of the three, there is no wrong answer.

Coffee, cold brew, or tea are the perfect caffeine trio for a variety of consumers! Workplaces and consumers around the world consume caffeine to boost their mood and alertness and we would love to be the catalyst! To learn more about these caffeine beverages and how you can enjoy them everyday at home or in the workplace, we encourage you to get in touch with our sales team by scheduling a call, filling out a webform, or sending an email to info@commonwealthjoe.com so we can energize your company!

By: Benjamin Do

Blog post assisted by ChatGPT

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