NCD Watch

Tea or Coffee?

27 March 2017 (Mon)

Many people like to have a cup of tea or coffee to kick-start the day, supplement their lunch, take breaks from work, or complement the time spent reading. After water, tea and coffee are the most popular beverages consumed in the world.

While drinking tea or coffee moderately is associated with a decreased risk of certain chronic diseases, over-consumption can pose some health risks, in particular related to their caffeine contents. Caffeine is a stimulant and diuretic. It can make the person shaky; make it hard to fall asleep; make the heart beat faster; can cause headaches, nervousness, or dizziness and can make the person dehydrated especially during a workout. Besides, addition of sugar, milk/cream or other flavourings can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity and related diseases.

In Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department conducted a study in 2006/07 to determine the nutrient contents of common non-prepackaged hot (and cold) beverages available in Hong Kong market, including tea and coffee. Results from 23 hot beverage samples showed that the energy content varied from 29 kcal per 240 ml of espresso with no added sugar, to over 200 kcal per 240 ml of bubble tea (milk tea with pearl tapioca) with two teaspoons of added sugar. Addition of sugar increased the energy content of beverages considerably. For example, addition of one teaspoon of sugar in a cup of lemon tea would increase the energy content by 44%; addition of two teaspoons of sugar in a cup of espresso would double the energy content.

Regarding the caffeine content in hot-served milk tea and coffee drinks commonly prepared in local food premises, a co-joint study by the CFS and the Consumer Council in 2013 found that milk tea and coffee drinks contained rather high caffeine content. For example, one serving of local café style milk tea contained 170 mg of caffeine on average; one serving of regular coffee contained 200 mg of caffeine on average.

Although plain tea and coffee can be incorporated in a balanced diet, they should be consumed in moderation. For meeting daily fluid needs, plain water is still the best. Individuals who are on caffeine restriction may consider the decaffeinated version of tea and coffee.

For more information about energy and nutrient contents of specific tea or coffee beverages, please visit the Nutrient Information Inquiry System of the CFS at http://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/nutrient/index.php .