How much caffeine does Mountain Dew contain compared to coffee. What are the health implications of consuming Mountain Dew regularly. Which beverage provides a stronger energy boost.

The Origins and Popularity of Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew, a globally renowned carbonated beverage, has an intriguing history that spans several decades. Originally conceived as a mixer for alcoholic drinks, this neon yellow soda has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, particularly among gamers seeking a quick caffeine fix. Its journey from a humble beginning to becoming a household name is a testament to its unique flavor profile and marketing strategies.

PepsiCo, the parent company of Mountain Dew, has successfully positioned the drink as more than just a soda. It’s often associated with extreme sports, video gaming, and youth culture, contributing to its widespread appeal. The brand’s ability to reinvent itself through various flavors and marketing campaigns has kept it relevant in an ever-changing beverage market.

Mountain Dew Flavor Varieties

Mountain Dew’s product line has expanded significantly over the years, catering to diverse taste preferences. Some of the popular flavors include:

• Voltage: A bold, electrifying blend with a raspberry citrus twist
• Live Wire: An orange-flavored variation of the classic Mountain Dew
• Code Red: A cherry-flavored version that has gained a dedicated following
• Major Melon: A watermelon-inspired flavor that offers a fruity twist
• Major Melon Zero Sugar: A sugar-free alternative for health-conscious consumers

Each flavor variant maintains the signature Mountain Dew taste while offering unique flavor profiles, expanding the brand’s reach to different consumer segments.

Nutritional Breakdown of Mountain Dew

Understanding the nutritional content of Mountain Dew is crucial for consumers who are mindful of their dietary intake. A standard serving size of Mountain Dew (1 cup or 227g) contains several key ingredients:

• Carbonated water: The base of the beverage
• High fructose corn syrup: The primary sweetener
• Concentrated orange juice: For flavor enhancement
• Citric acid: Adds tartness and acts as a preservative
• Natural flavors: Proprietary blend for taste
• Sodium benzoate: Preservative to maintain freshness
• Caffeine: Stimulant and flavor enhancer
• Yellow 5: Artificial coloring agent

In terms of nutritional values, a single serving of Mountain Dew provides:

• 110 calories
• 35 mg of sodium (1% of daily recommended value)
• 29 g of sugars (10% of daily recommended value)

Is the sugar content in Mountain Dew concerning? Indeed, consuming just one cup of Mountain Dew can account for a significant portion of the recommended daily sugar intake. The American Heart Association advises limiting added sugars to no more than 6% of daily calorie intake. For most American women, this translates to about 100 calories per day (6 teaspoons of sugar), while for men, it’s about 150 calories per day (9 teaspoons).

Caffeine Content: Mountain Dew vs. Coffee

When comparing the caffeine content of Mountain Dew to coffee, it’s essential to consider standardized serving sizes. A 12 fl oz. can of regular or diet Mountain Dew contains 54 mg of caffeine. In contrast, a traditional cup of coffee of similar volume typically contains about 136 mg of caffeine.

How does Mountain Dew Zero compare in terms of caffeine content? Mountain Dew Zero Sugar actually contains more caffeine than its regular counterpart, with 68 mg per 12 fl oz. can. This increase in caffeine content is likely to compensate for the removal of sugar, which can contribute to the perceived energy boost.

When examining larger serving sizes, a 20 oz. bottle of Mountain Dew contains 91 mg of caffeine. This is more than double the caffeine content of a standard can, despite not being double the volume. Mountain Dew contains approximately 4.5 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce.

Caffeine Content in Other Beverages

To put Mountain Dew’s caffeine content into perspective, let’s compare it with other popular beverages:

• Pepsi: Generally contains less caffeine than Mountain Dew
• Red Bull: Contains more caffeine than Mountain Dew but less than coffee
• Monster: Similar to Red Bull, it has more caffeine than Mountain Dew but less than coffee
• Bawls Exxtra: Holds the title for highest caffeine content among sodas, with 9.4 mg per fluid oz.
• Coke Coffee: Contains 69 mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz.
• Dr. Pepper: Contains 32 mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz.

Health Implications of Mountain Dew Consumption

While Mountain Dew can be an enjoyable treat, regular consumption may have several health implications. The high sugar content is a primary concern, as excessive sugar intake has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Can Mountain Dew impact dental health? The combination of high sugar content and citric acid in Mountain Dew can be particularly detrimental to dental health. These ingredients can erode tooth enamel and contribute to cavity formation, especially with frequent consumption.

What about the caffeine content in Mountain Dew? While lower than coffee, the caffeine in Mountain Dew can still contribute to increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in sensitive individuals or when consumed in large quantities.

Moderation and Alternatives

For those concerned about the health implications of regular Mountain Dew consumption, consider these alternatives:

1. Water: The best choice for hydration without added calories or caffeine
2. Unsweetened tea: Provides some caffeine with additional health benefits
3. Coffee: Higher caffeine content with potential health benefits when consumed without added sugars
4. Sugar-free versions: While not entirely free from health concerns, they can be a better option for those watching their sugar intake
5. Sparkling water with a splash of juice: A refreshing alternative with significantly less sugar

The Cultural Impact of Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew has transcended its status as a mere beverage to become a cultural icon. Its association with extreme sports, gaming culture, and youth-oriented marketing campaigns has cemented its place in popular culture.

How has Mountain Dew influenced gaming culture? The brand’s long-standing relationship with the gaming community has been mutually beneficial. Mountain Dew has sponsored numerous gaming events and collaborations, while gamers have embraced the beverage as a go-to energy source during long gaming sessions.

What role does Mountain Dew play in extreme sports? The brand’s “Do the Dew” slogan and sponsorship of extreme sports events have aligned Mountain Dew with a sense of adventure and adrenaline-fueled activities. This association has helped create a distinct brand identity that resonates with thrill-seekers and young adults.

Marketing Strategies and Brand Evolution

Mountain Dew’s marketing strategies have evolved over the years, adapting to changing consumer preferences and cultural trends. Some notable approaches include:

• Leveraging social media influencers to reach younger audiences
• Creating limited-edition flavors to generate buzz and collector’s interest
• Collaborating with popular brands and franchises for cross-promotional campaigns
• Engaging in cause-related marketing to appeal to socially conscious consumers

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability Efforts

As awareness of environmental issues grows, beverage companies like PepsiCo face increasing scrutiny regarding their environmental impact. Mountain Dew, as a major product line, is part of these discussions.

What steps is PepsiCo taking to address environmental concerns related to Mountain Dew? The company has implemented several initiatives:

• Increasing the use of recycled plastics in packaging
• Investing in more sustainable manufacturing processes
• Supporting recycling programs and educating consumers about proper disposal
• Exploring alternative packaging materials to reduce plastic usage

These efforts are part of a broader industry trend towards sustainability, as consumers become more environmentally conscious in their purchasing decisions.

The Future of Mountain Dew and Caffeinated Beverages

As consumer preferences and health awareness continue to evolve, what does the future hold for Mountain Dew and similar caffeinated beverages? Several trends are likely to shape the industry:

1. Increased demand for natural ingredients and reduced artificial additives
2. Growing interest in functional beverages that offer specific health benefits
3. Continued innovation in sugar-free and low-calorie options
4. Exploration of new flavor combinations to keep the product line fresh and exciting
5. Greater emphasis on sustainable packaging and production methods

How might Mountain Dew adapt to these trends? PepsiCo may focus on developing more “natural” versions of Mountain Dew, incorporating plant-based sweeteners or natural caffeine sources. They might also explore functional additives that provide additional benefits beyond energy, such as vitamins or nootropics.

The Changing Landscape of Caffeine Consumption

The way people consume caffeine is evolving, with a growing awareness of its effects and a desire for more controlled intake. This shift may lead to:

• More transparent labeling of caffeine content in beverages
• Increased popularity of customizable caffeine options
• Growing market for natural caffeine alternatives
• Development of beverages with precise, measured caffeine doses

As the beverage industry continues to evolve, Mountain Dew and its competitors will need to stay agile, adapting to changing consumer preferences while maintaining their unique brand identities.

How Much Caffeine is in Mountain Dew (vs Coffee)?

Home » How Much Caffeine is in Mountain Dew (vs Coffee)?

Mountain Dew’s history is as rich as it is yellow. Mountain Dew is a global supersweet soda sensation that started out as a knockoff mixer for alcohol to become the go-to caffeine fix for gamers. But does Mountain Dew have caffeine, and how much vs coffee?

This article answers: how much caffeine is in Mountain Dew vs coffee?

What Is Mountain Dew?

Mountain Dew, or mtn dew, is a product of PepsiCo. It is known for its characteristic citrus taste and neon yellow hue.

For a brief history of Mountain Dew, check out this YouTube video.

Mountain Dew Flavors 

Mountain Dew, like other popular softdrinks, comes in a variety of flavors. The main ones are Voltage, Live Wire, Code Red, Major Melon, and Major Melon Zero Sugar (1). 

Mountain Dew Contents

Mountain dew’s list of ingredients for a single serving size of 1 cup, or 227 g, includes carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), caffeine, sodium citrate, erythorbic acid (preserves freshness), gum arabic, calcium disodium edta (to protect flavor), brominated vegetable oil, and Yellow 5. Mountain Dew contains 110 calories per serving as well as 35 mg of sodium (1% of the daily recommended value) and 29 g of sugars (10%).

Just 1 cup or ⅔ of a 12 fluid oz. of Mountain Dew takes up all of your recommended sugar allowance for the day!

Not only is this a sweetness overload, but it is crucial to be mindful of how much sugar you have per day for your nutritional needs, weight maintenance, and heart health (2). 

The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6 percent of calories each day. For most American women, that’s no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar. For men, it’s 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons.

Natural and added sugars are found in many foods, so it is important not to overdo them.

Coffee Vs Mountain Dew: Which Has More Caffeine?

How much caffeine is in a 12 oz. Mountain Dew? There is 54 mg of caffeine in mtn dew per every 12 fluid oz. can for both regular and diet types vs about 136 mg of caffeine in a traditional cup of coffee of around the same amount. There is a greater amount of caffeine in Mountain Dew Zero than its regular counterpart at 68 mg per every 12 fluid oz. can. There is more caffeine in coffee vs Pepsi, Red Bull, and other energy drinks like Monster. However, when it comes down to the caffeine content of coffee, it depends on the type of coffee you’re drinking. 

Final Thoughts

Is there caffeine in Mountain Dew? Yes, diet and regular Mountain Dew have 54 mg of caffeine per 12 fluid oz. Mountain Dew Zero has 68 mg per 12 fluid oz. Coffee has more caffeine, with about 136 mg per 12 fluid oz, depending on the coffee used.

FAQs

Bawls Exxtra has the highest caffeine. This soda features 9.4 mg of caffeine per fluid oz., so 12 fluid oz. of Bawls Exxtra contains 113 mg of caffeine. It usually comes in a can of 16 fluid oz., bringing the total up to a whopping 150 mg of caffeine, or 1 to 1.5 full cups of coffee. Runners-up are Coke Coffee, which contains 69mg/12 fl oz, and Dr. Pepper, which contains 32mg/12 fl oz.

There is 91 mg of caffeine in a 20 oz. Mountain Dew bottle. This is more than double how much caffeine is in a can of Mountain Dew with less than double the drink amount. Mountain Dew has 4.5 mg of caffeine per fluid oz.

References

1. PepsiCo, Inc. (n.d.). Mtn Dew Flavors. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.mountaindew.com/product-categories/mtn-dew-flavors/
2. American Heart Association. (n.d.). Added Sugars. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars

Dasha Toptygina

I am a writer who delves into all manner of things related to coffee, cats, and characters. I started drinking coffee daily in university and now my entire work, life, and personality all revolve around procuring the perfect brew. I start every morning with yoga, French Press coffee, and some special creative time devoted to working on a magical cat café story… but, more on that later.

How Much Caffeine is in Mountain Dew? 2023 Breakdown

Caffeine (serving: 12 fl oz)

54 mg

Caffeine (mg / fl oz)

4.5

Calories

170

Caffeine strength

Medium

Fluid ounces (fl oz)Millilitres (ml)

Caffeine is a hot topic when it comes to coffee, but it’s just as popular in other major industries. Pre-workout supplements, chocolate, tea, and energy drinks are all products with caffeine, often touting the same caffeine benefits as coffee. Soda is another caffeine-fueled product that millions enjoy daily, especially the more popular brands like Mountain Dew. The bright green liquid is notorious for its strong caffeine content, as well as its less-than-stellar sugar content and artificial additives. But how strong is it and how much caffeine does it have?

The Short Answer

Mountain Dew contains more caffeine than many sodas — 54 mg per 12-ounce can — but less than the average cup of coffee. A similar serving of coffee would have 140 mg of caffeine!

Mountain Dew & Caffeine

How Much Caffeine Does Mountain Dew Have?

Mountain Dew is one of the many caffeinated soft drinks available, competing against Coca-Cola and a few others. It contains one of the highest levels of caffeine in the soda industry, topping out at around 54mg of caffeine per 12-oz serving. Except for Surge (68mg), Moutain Dew contains the most caffeine in a soda with sugar. The two sodas with the most caffeine, Zevia (68mg) and Pepsi Zero (69mg) are sodas made without sugar and little to no calories.

Image Credit: Shane, Unsplash

Caffeine in Mountain Dew vs Coffee & Tea

Mountain dew may have a lot of caffeine compared to other sodas, but how does it stack up against your cup of coffee or tea? It’s safe to say that most coffee will have more caffeine than Mountain Dew, so you don’t need to switch to the lime green soda for a stronger caffeine buzz.

Comparing Mountain Dew to coffee at 54mg of caffeine 12oz per serving, coffee dominates it with a whopping 136mg of caffeine. A 12oz serving of black tea still has more caffeine than Mountain Dew at around 63mg, but it’s not nearly as much as coffee. As for green tea, it only has around 45mg of caffeine per 12oz serving and isn’t as potent as Mountain Dew.

Is Mountain Dew a Good Source of Caffeine?

Although it may have a good deal of caffeine, Mountain Dew is also full of sugar, artificial flavors, food dyes, and chemicals that are not great for your health. Unless you’re in a pinch and it’s the only thing available, there are better choices and options for caffeine than Mountain Dew. Pepsi-Co, which owns Mountain Dew, has faced lawsuits over severe mouth decay allegedly caused by the drink. There are plenty of reasons why it’s bad for your health, just from the high sugar content alone.

About Mountain Dew

What is Mountain Dew?

If you’ve never seen a glass of Mountain Dew before, you may think it is radioactive and not safe to eat. That’s due to the bright neon yellow-green color (Yellow 5), which looks like it can almost glow in the dark. The flavor of Mountain Dew is hard to describe, a sweet flavor similar to lemon and citrus with a caffeine bite to it. It’s so sweet that some people can barely finish it, while others are extremely addicted to the stuff.

Image Credit: Anil Xavier, Unsplash

When was Mountain Dew invented?

Mountain Dew is one of the older sodas on the market, invented in the 1940s by Barney and Ally Hartman. It was originally meant to be a mixer for alcohol like whiskey, but the formula changed in the 1950s. When purchased by William H. Jones of the Tip Corporation, the formula was once again changed and then finally released as Mountain Dew.

By the late 1960s, Pepsi bought the formula from the Tip Corporation and expanded the distribution to the U.S. and Canada. Throughout the years, a few variations like Mountain Dew Red and Mountain Dew Livewire were released. There are also a few signature variants that are only available at certain fast-food chains, like Baja Blast at Taco Bell.

Controversies over Mountain Dew

From the unnatural coloration to its extremely high sugar content, Mountain Dew has had its controversies:

• Mountain Dew Mouth: As we discussed above, Mountain Dew Mouth became a serious controversy with the soda. The claims were that children in the Appalachian region were struggling with moderate to severe tooth decay, and the bright green soda was the common denominator. Although it’s not a proven fact that Mountain Dew is the sole cause, it’s crucial to note that any foods or beverages high in sugar can lead to decay and tooth problems.
• Mouse in the Mountain Dew Can: Fewer things could ruin someone’s day than finding a dead mouse in your soda. A man claimed to have found a dead mouse in his soda can in 2009, but a lot of back and forth led the lawsuit to be dropped eventually. The grossest part is that Pepsi said the mouse would have been dissolved by then, which makes everyone wonder just how bad Mountain Dew is. To this day, nobody is truly sure if there was a mouse or not, but the fact that Mountain Dew is strong enough to dissolve a mouse carcass is just as terrifying.

Conclusion

Mountain Dew is an iconic soda that seems to glow in the dark, but it’s as unhealthy as it gets in terms of sugar and ingredients. It does contain one of the highest levels of caffeine in soda, but it’s far from being a good source of caffeine. Between the high sugar content, unnatural colors, and artificial flavoring, Mountain Dew is a ‘once in a while’ treat and shouldn’t be an everyday caffeine source.

Read More:

• How Much Caffeine in Mountain Dew Kickstart?
• How Much Caffeine is in Mountain Dew Game Fuel?
• How Much Caffeine Is in Royal Crown Cola? Surprising Facts!

Featured Image Credit: Joseph Rai, Shutterstock

Table of Contents

Does mountain dew really reduce the amount of sperm?

2023 Posted by : Sherilyn Boyd | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-26 18:30

Tristan. If you think 3 packs of condoms cost about $5 and Mountain Dew is only $1.99 for 2 liters, so why not save $3 on your contraception, think again! Pay extra money! Mountain dew does not kill your sperm, reduce sperm count, reduce penis size, or shrink your testicles (unless ice cools and is placed directly on your testicles, then temporary shrinkage may occur).

I always like a good urban legend. I once got an employee to believe that coffee had squeezed his cock. All I had to do was use a bunch of big words in a meaningful way. (It also helps to be a paramedic, since people tend to take your medical protests more seriously and you have a larger supply of medical terms on hand. It gives you a bit of fun, I can tell you.) I didn’t think to use the medical terms he didn’t understand and BAM! He stopped drinking coffee for several weeks. He figured it out after a few weeks and never believed what I said again. I can only assume that this myth happened in a similar way. Having said that, I will never just say something without explaining why. Let’s take a look at Mountain Dew and see exactly why it doesn’t kill cum.

Mountain dew has many ingredients. The two that are mentioned the most in this myth are caffeine and No. 5 yellow paint, also known as Tartrazine.

Let’s start with caffeine. Mountain Dew contains 54 mg of caffeine in a 12-ounce container. This may seem like a lot, since coke has 34 mg for every 12 ounces, Dr. Pepper has 41, and Pepsi has 38. If caffeine is indeed the cause, then drinking coffee will also be necessary. The average cup of drip coffee has 217 mg per 12 ounces, which is about 4 times more than mountain dew! So, in comparison, Mountain Dew does not contain very much caffeine, compared to other things that many people drink frequently.

The idea that caffeine affects the chances of having a baby is correct. There have been several studies showing that women who drink 3 or more cups of coffee a day are less likely to become pregnant compared to those who don’t drink coffee. Unfortunately, the exact nature of why caffeine affects fertility rates is unknown. Because those who drink more caffeine also have unhealthy lifestyles, many of those who study the lifestyle website seem to be the cause, not necessarily the caffeine itself.

The idea that caffeine intake affects sperm in some way seems to be dose dependent. The Chemical Hazard Assessment Division of the Canadian Bureau of Chemical Safety (they really need to work on that name!) reviewed all the current research on the subject and found that they showed that if a man drank one or two cups of coffee a day, he would have a increase in its sperm motility (ability to move) and density. If you drank 4 or more cups and also smoked more than 1 pack of cigarettes a day, your motility and sperm density are decrease . The study found that only heavy smokers should worry about drinking too much coffee and sperm problems. The authors further stated that these sperm problems are not likely to affect fertility.

In the end, it looks like you’ll have to drink about eleven 12-ounce cans of Mountain Dew (or a similar number of other popular caffeinated drinks) and smoke more than 20 cigarettes before your sperm is affected. If you did, this affect would not cause fertility problems. At this point, I will be more concerned about your risk and diabetes, not to mention the impact on your heart and lungs, before I worry about your sperm.

Now let’s look at another suggested cause of sperm problems and Mountain Dew-Tartrazine (yellow dye #5). Tartrazine has been used in foods, ice creams, drugs and many other products since 1916. Most of the Tartazine you put into your body will come out in your urine. In fact, very little is actually metabolized by our bodies. The European Food Safety Authority reviewed the effects of tartazine in 2009year. They found that there was no negative effect on reproduction or development from the consumption of Tartazine. They even tested people at 1225mg/kg and found no side effects so far. So for a 175 pound person, that’s 97,443 milligrams! It would be impossible to drink enough mountain dew to exceed these levels.

Sperm aside, the FDA recommends that we consume only 5 milligrams per kilogram per day of #5 yellow dye. This has nothing to do with reproductive problems, but more about allergic reactions. There is a small percentage of the population that is allergic to paint yellow number 5 (1/10,000 causes of hives according to the FDA). The Center for Science in the Public Mind notes that Tartrazine is found in many foods, from craft pasta and cheese and doritos to shampoos and hand brands, for an average daily intake of approximately 12.75 mg per day. At these levels, there is still no need to worry about sperm problems – only allergies.

After all, Mountain Dew won’t affect you with sperm, testes, or penis size. If you want to ignore all scientific evidence to the contrary, I suggest you also have your mate stand on his head after mating. Then she can’t get pregnant!

If you enjoyed this article and the Bonus Facts below, you might also like:

• Statistically, the Pull and Pray method works as well as condoms in preventing pregnancy
• The youngest person to give birth was only 5 years ago
• The entry for most children born to 1 woman is 69
• What Causes the Signs of Birth

Bonus Facts:

• According to the World Health Organization, the average ejaculation contains approximately 100 million sperm. If you have less than 20 million per milliliter, you are at risk for infertility problems. It only takes one of these little guys to fertilize an egg.
• Unlike women who stop producing eggs after menopause, a man will be able to produce sperm throughout his life. Although the older he gets, the less sperm he can produce.
• Inside a woman’s body, a sperm cell can live up to 5 days. Outside the body it depends on the conditions. The warmer and wetter the environment, such as a bathtub or hot tub, the longer it will last. In a dry environment, such as clothing, they die quickly once the sperm has dried.
• Although mountain dew does not affect sperm, temperature does. Optimal sperm production requires specific temperatures. It is for this reason that when people get too cold, as in the case of swimming in a cold pool (“I just got out of the pool!”), your testicles are retracted back into your body. Conversely, when you get too warm, your body allows them to hang lower through the cremaster muscle. This makes them cooler. Many studies point to 35 to 36 degrees Celsius as the optimum temperature for sperm production. Your body is usually around 37 degrees C. The warmer your testicles are, the more likely your sperm will be damaged. So keep your hubcaps on your lap and your heated seats sit low!
• Whether your sperm is good or not, in some cases you may need to think twice about donating your sperm to Kansas. The state of Kansas is currently on the lookout for sperm donors to support children. (I can’t do it!) Mr. William Marotta of Topeka Kansas donated his sperm to a lesbian in 2009. Thinking he was doing his due diligence, he and the couple signed an agreement that he would not take any financial responsibility for any child they moved. Fast forward 3 years and this couple is now separated. One of them lost his job and turned to the state for support. The state then sued Mr. Marotta for supporting the child, saying that because he did not go through a doctor to donate sperm, there was no evidence that he was not the mother’s lover. They ignored the agreement he signed, saying it was not enough proof! Sketchy Kansas, Sketchy!

Lecture on Chemistry and Botany of tea. Part 1. General information and a little about caffeine

Tea botany is perhaps the most boring topic in our cycle. But, unfortunately, there is no way around it. So I suggest you breathe in, breathe out and get started.

History of chemistry.

You and I are lucky to live at a time when not all discoveries in tea have yet been made. Tea is a very popular drink, so it is logical that the eyes of many merchants are directed to the science of tea, in particular tea chemistry. Every year, scientists know more and more components of tea, so it becomes more and more likely that someday on the shelves of hypermarkets we will find an artificially synthesized drink that will not differ in taste and aroma from high-quality well-brewed tea. Buy a couple of bottles, and fly home on a backpack with a hyperdrive. Probably to Mars.

But to the point. 100 years ago, people believed that tea consisted of 5 elements, and 20 years ago, scientists managed to count about 130. Now we know 220 components that have already been identified, and another 40 are known to be in tea, but it is not clear What is their chemical formula.

Botanical Chemistry.

There are 2 types of substances in tea: soluble (dissolve in water without sediment) and insoluble (they form the “consumer” properties of the solution).

The chemical composition of tea differs in dry and brewed form. In dry form, the set of components is more diverse and more complex. In green tea, by the way, on average there are more components than in black. But that doesn’t mean green tea is better!

In the match we drink tea leaves, so we get more vitamins.

The amount of substances in a tea leaf is influenced by many factors:

• Place of growth (different raw materials give different chemical composition). For example, in mountainous areas, tea grows more slowly, the concentration of substances per leaf is higher, which means that the tea is richer.

• collection season. In the spring tea collection, as a rule, there are more essential oils and aldehydes. In the autumn – more trace elements and vitamins. From the point of view of revealing the potential of taste, spring is more correct for green teas. For oolongs and black tea – autumn.

• The degree of fermentation is one of the strongest factors affecting the chemical composition of tea. During the oxidation of the tea leaf, some substances are reborn into others. Let me remind you the degree of fermentation:

• White, green and yellow teas are closest to the living leaf.

• Oolong contains already reborn components. And it is precisely due to the fact that, in addition to the original substances, it also acquires new ones, this type of tea is the most diverse in terms of chemical composition and taste.

• Black tea is the next step in the rebirth of “green” components.

• Pu-erh of the SHU type, or post-fermented tea: fungi and bacteria are specially planted in the raw materials so that the leaves ferment. Therefore, a completely new taste is obtained.

• Production technology. The processing temperature determines which substances remained “intact” and which were reborn under the influence of temperature. The higher the “roasting” temperature, the less substance remains from the original fresh leaf.

• Storage conditions. It depends on the conditions under which tea is stored, whether fermentation continues in it or not. Favorable conditions for the continuation of fermentation are sunlight, high temperature, high humidity, and most importantly, a constant circulation of oxygen. With continued fermentation, tea does not necessarily become worse than it was originally intended: in this process, its components are reborn, the chemical composition changes, the taste is corrected, and sometimes for the better. White tea and pu-erh, for example, are specially aged. In green teas, they try by all means to stop fermentation so that the characteristic herbaceous aroma is not lost.

And then let’s go with you to specific groups of substances – because the rules are different for their different types.

Tea caffeine: sudden and controversial

I love talking to buyers. I love their stories about how they experience different teas, and I’m especially interested in what their tea habits are.

I was able to notice that people do not have a single opinion about the invigorating properties of tea: someone drinks only green tea in the morning, someone only black tea, there are people who invigorate only pu-erh. There were several TV programs and articles in some media that speculated on tea caffeine, and each bent in their own direction: someone said that there was more caffeine in tea than in coffee, someone that even hypertensive patients can drink tea . Who to believe is not clear. Therefore, I propose to turn to impartial scientists for a reconciling truth.

Botanists speak.

Tea does contain caffeine. Tea caffeine is called theine, and is found in the leaves of the tea bush, rather than in the stems. The amount of alkaloid depends on several botanical factors:

leaf size and maturity. The younger and smaller the leaf, the more caffeine it contains. That is, in tips – tea buds – the concentration of caffeine is the highest. The next in order is a flush, that is, the top 3 leaves. And the lower and looser the tea leaf, the less this alkaloid in it.

· Temperature at the place of growth. The stronger the weather changes, the more caffeine accumulates in the leaves. But if the plantation is not hot, there is little caffeine. Accordingly, “caffeinated” tea cannot grow in more northern countries.

· Light mode: the brighter the sun, the more caffeine.

Altitude: tea grows higher – each leaf grows more slowly and with great difficulty – more caffeine accumulates.

· Also, scientists have identified a pattern: the more zinc in the soil, the higher the caffeine content.

So, judging by the botany of tea, the more premium the tea, the more caffeine it contains.

Chemists speak.

Theine contains the greatest amount in a fresh leaf, tk. the alkaloid is destroyed by temperature and oxidation.

Caffeine is destroyed by temperatures above 178 degrees. Accordingly, the less time the tea was exposed to high temperatures, the more caffeine it retained.

According to scientists, the caffeine content in tea can vary up to 5-6 times, depending on the variety and age of the tea bush, collection time, fermentation duration and other factors.

White tea is dried under natural conditions: in the sun or even in the shade, respectively, it retains the maximum of theine in the leaf.

Oolongs are dried at 300 degrees in ovens, moreover, they are made from a coarser leaf. This means that there is less caffeine left than in green tea.

Black teas and post-fermented pu-erhs oxidize longer and more intensely, so caffeine is lost in them. The more tips in black tea, the more caffeine it contains.

Caffeine is extracted into the drink at a temperature of 90 degrees. In brewed tea, the caffeine content largely depends on the method of brewing (duration, water temperature) and can also differ significantly. In most cases, the caffeine content in brewed tea is in the range of 180-420 mg/l. For comparison, the caffeine content in coffee is 380-650 mg per liter of drink.

By the way, “decaffeinated” tea or coffee still contains it, but in a reduced amount. So, for example, black decaffeinated tea usually contains from 8 to 42 mg of caffeine per 1 liter of drink.

Teatester speaking.

The main influence on the amount of caffeine in your cup is the method and time of brewing tea.

White tea is high in caffeine. Black tea – less caffeine by default. And now remember that theine dissolves well in water at temperatures above 90 degrees. Let’s look at our cups again.

If all teas are brewed at a temperature of 95 degrees, like black tea, then the proportion of caffeine in the drinks will remain the same as in dry brewing. At the same time, black tea will turn out delicious, tart, but white and green teas will be mercilessly bitter: this is how caffeine manifests itself in taste.

If you keep the tea in hot water for 10-15 minutes, without letting the water cool, the caffeine will also hasten to manifest itself: you will feel a bitter taste.

At the same time, if you brew green teas and, in general, all weakly fermented varieties correctly, that is, with water of 65-75 degrees, you will feel the fullness of the taste without getting an excessive invigorating effect.

Doctors say.

Tea caffeine is in the drink in a bound form, unlike coffee caffeine. Therefore, the effect on the body of tea is softer: it acts softer, but much longer than coffee.

For example, despite the fact that dry coffee contains 2-2.5% caffeine, and tea has twice as much caffeine, the effect of coffee is brighter and manifests itself immediately.

If you drink up to 10 cups of tea per day, do not exceed the daily allowance of caffeine. But only if you do not drink strong or incorrectly brewed tea (boiled).

Caffeine as such is not dangerous (unless you have direct contraindications to excitation of the central nervous system). Guanine is dangerous, because. it is destructive to brain cells. It is released only when tea is boiled, and this is used when making chifir (in some way it is a narcotic drug, even addictive)

Speaking of boiling tea, when the Chinese “brew” pu-erh, they don’t actually boil it. “Boiling” consists only in a special way of heating water: they bring the water to a boil, create a funnel in it by spinning the water in the vessel, then pour in pu-erh, and immediately add non-boiling water! Then the drink is brewed for 2-3 minutes, but no boiling bubbles appear in the water.

At the Tea Academy, I was asked a question about that. That in the Caucasus, tea is boiled in milk – why are they not afraid of guanine? The question is interesting, but the answer is: indeed. In the Caucasus, and in Tibet, tea is brewed in milk, but A. in the mountains, the boiling point is below 100 degrees (because atmospheric pressure is lower), B. the boiling point of milk is lower than that of water, so do not be afraid of guanine extraction .