Quitting coffee is tough due to routine and potential side effects, but black tea, like Everest Black and Kumari Gold from Nepal Tea Collective, offers a flavorful and healthy alternative. These teas provide bold flavors, antioxidants, and potential weight loss benefits. Everest Black, from the highest tea farm globally, offers a unique taste with eucalyptus and honey notes, while Kumari Gold features caramel and honey flavors, winning awards in tea competitions. Black tea has lower caffeine, promotes focus and relaxation, protects cells, aids gut health, hydrates, and offers diverse flavors. Transition gradually, explore varieties, brew correctly, establish a ritual, and stay hydrated for a smooth switch.
We get it! Quitting coffee is hard . . . almost impossible even. We’ve all been conditioned from a young age to wake up to the warm and freshly brewed cup of joe in the morning. Some people need to fuel themselves with a cup of coffee before starting even the simplest of tasks. But we also know this wonder beverage comes with setbacks. Insomnia, nervousness, caffeine jitters, restlessness, stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting are just some of the drawbacks of coffee.
Quitting coffee is tough due to routine and potential side effects, but black tea, like Everest Black and Kumari Gold from Nepal Tea Collective, offers a flavorful and healthy alternative. These teas provide bold flavors, antioxidants, and potential weight loss benefits. Everest Black, from the highest tea farm globally, offers a unique taste with eucalyptus and honey notes, while Kumari Gold features caramel and honey flavors, winning awards in tea competitions. Black tea has lower caffeine, promotes focus and relaxation, protects cells, aids gut health, hydrates, and offers diverse flavors. Transition gradually, explore varieties, brew correctly, establish a ritual, and stay hydrated for a smooth switch.
So, if you’re looking to break the habit or just want to switch things up a bit and wash your tastebuds in new beverages, then look no further than black tea. Black tea is considered the world over to be the best coffee alternative. Let’s take a deeper look into why black tea is the perfect coffee alternative. Let’s start with the basics.
Understanding Black Tea
Black tea is the most oxidized of all tea varieties. Black teas are known for their bold and robust flavor that can stand toe to toe with even the strongest coffee. But the benefits of black tea go far beyond just the taste. It's packed to the brim with antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which can enhance glucose metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially aiding in blood sugar management, and may even help with weight loss.
And when it comes to black tea, two of the best options out there are Everest Black and Kumari Gold. These teas are sourced directly from small farms in Nepal, ensuring premium quality and flavor. Let’s get into what makes Everest Black and Kumari Gold so special.
Everest Black: A Tea From the Top of the World
Calling Everest Black a unique tea would do it a huge disservice. This black tea is harvested at the Bhakanje Tea Estate, the highest tea farm in the world, sitting at an impressive 8,786 feet. This limited-edition tea has a flavor profile that's out of this world, with notes of earthy eucalyptus and sweet honey.
Furthermore, what sets Everest Black apart is the unique growing conditions. The high altitude and cool mountain air from Mount Everest help bring out a sweetness in the tea leaves that you won't find in any other tea.
You may also be interested in: High Elevation vs. Low Elevation Teas: How Geography Can Change the Way Your Tea Tastes.
Kumari Gold: A Unique Twist on a Classic
Another excellent option for a coffee alternative is our Kumari Gold black tea. If you’re looking for a black tea with unique notes of caramel, honey, and baked fruits, then this tea is the way to go.
The secret of Kumari Gold lies in the young tea bushes that Kumari Gold is sourced from. Only the terminal bud and the one leaf following it are carefully plucked during the second flush (summer season) to make this tea. These bushes bring out a naturally sweeter taste. You'll notice hints of honey and stone fruit that balance out the robust black tea base.
Kumari Gold has bagged accolades from multiple Tea Competitions. It has won 1st place winner in the 2020 Toronto Tea Festival, 2nd Prize at the 2022 Paris Tea Competition AVPA, and got a 93/100 score at Tea Epicure from the one and only Tony Gebely.
Why Black Tea Beats Coffee Every Time
If you’re still not convinced that black tea is the superior coffee alternative? Here are a few more reasons why it comes out on top:
Lower Caffeine content: According to The Washington Post, Black tea contains about half the caffeine of coffee (98 milligrams to 47 milligrams per 8 ounce cup). This provides a gentler energy boost without the jitters. And since the caffeine hits your system slower, so you avoid the dreaded caffeine crash.
L-Theanine and Catechins: Another reason as to why tea is a great coffee alternative is because it has L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and focus, and Catechins, antioxidants with a range of potential health benefits.
Antioxidants: Black tea is packed with antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. Studies, such as the one from ResearchGate show it may even reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
Gut health: Black tea also contains compounds that can promote the increase of good gut bacteria. A healthy gut assists in better digestion, immunity, and even mental health.
Hydration: Coffee has a dehydrating effect on people. But unlike coffee, black tea can help keep you hydrated. The water content offsets the mild diuretic effect of the caffeine.
Variety of Flavors: While coffee comes in a vast array of flavors, black tea offers a much wider variety of flavors for you to choose from. You can find black teas with bold, malty, sweet and smooth flavors. There is a black tea for every taste preference.
Here is an in-depth blog on A Deeper Look Into Caffeine In Black Tea Vs Coffee.
How to Make the Switch from Coffee to Black Tea
Assuming that you’re now convinced, let us make the switch from coffee to black tea easier for you. Here are a few tips to make the transition as smooth as possible:
Starting slow does it
If you're a heavy coffee drinker, stopping abruptly could lead to withdrawal symptoms like headaches, frustration, and fatigue. So, take things slow. Gradually reduce your daily coffee intake while increasing your black tea consumption over a period of a week or two.
Experiment with the vast flavors
While black tea can compete with coffee in the flavor department, the fact remains that they will never taste the same. So, don't just stick to plain black tea. Try different varieties like Everest Black and Kumari Gold to find the ones that meet your preference best. You can also experiment with adding milk, honey, or lemon to customize the flavor.
Brew it right
If you want to bring out the best flavor, only use freshly drawn cold water and bring it to a boil. Make sure to let it simmer for a few minutes. Then pour the water over the tea leaves and let it steep for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid over-steeping to keep the tea soup from getting bitter.
Make it a habit
Turn your black tea breaks into a relaxing ritual. Take your time brewing the tea in the pot, and pour it into your favorite mug or cup. Now take a few minutes to just unwind and enjoy it. The act of preparing the black tea can be just as calming as the beverage itself.
Stay hydrated
Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to offset the mild diuretic effect of the caffeine in black tea. Aim to drink around 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water daily.
You may also want to read: Switching from Coffee to Tea: Sustaining Better Energy Levels.
If you’re looking to find a natural, healthy, and more flavorful alternative to coffee, then black tea is the way to go. And when it comes to black tea, very few teas can beat Nepal Tea Collective's Everest Black and Kumari Gold in regards to taste. These teas offer a unique twist on classic teas, with flavors that will have you wondering why you didn’t come across them sooner
FAQ’s about Black Tea vs Coffee
Does black tea have less caffeine than coffee?
Yes, black tea typically contains about half the caffeine of coffee, offering a milder energy boost without the associated jitters.
Can black tea improve focus without causing jitters?
Yes, the combination of caffeine and L-theanine in black tea promotes a state of calm alertness, enhancing focus without the nervousness that coffee can induce.
Is black tea beneficial for heart health?
Yes, regular consumption of black tea has been associated with improved heart health, including better cholesterol levels and reduced blood pressure. citeturn0search36
Can black tea aid in weight management?
While black tea alone is not a weight loss solution, its antioxidant properties and potential to improve metabolism can support weight management when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Are there any side effects of switching from coffee to black tea?
Most people transition smoothly, but some may experience mild withdrawal symptoms from reducing caffeine intake. Gradual reduction and staying hydrated can help mitigate these effects.
About the Author
Nishchal Banskota is the founder of Nepal Tea Collective, dedicated to offering the finest Nepali teas. With years of experience in the tea industry, Nishchal is passionate about sharing the culture and craftsmanship of Nepali tea with the global tea industry. Learn more about Nepal Tea Collective and explore a variety of award-winning teas that bring you closer to the heart of Nepal.
Sources:
Zhang, Y., Bian, Z., Lu, H., Wang, L., Xu, J., & Wang, C. (2023). Association between tea consumption and glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in the Shanghai High-risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) study. BMJ open diabetes research & care, 11(2), e003266. Read Full Study
