Think tea is just some delicate drink for quiet afternoons? Think again. It’s been fueling warriors, explorers, and hard-working men for centuries. Of course, it can be more than a little confusing to find the right tea (or right combination of teas) for you.
If you’re going to drink tea, you might as well know what you’re drinking. Different types of tea leaves offer different benefits, flavors, and levels of strength. Whether you want something bold to kickstart your morning or a smooth brew to wind down, there’s a tea leaf for every man.
Not sure what sets different types of tea leaves apart from others? Here’s what you need to know.
The Main Types of Tea Leaves
All real tea comes from one plant, Camellia sinensis. So, how do we get all those different types, like green, white, and black tea? The difference in flavor, color, and strength comes from how the leaves are processed. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Black Tea – The Strongest Brew
If you want a tea that punches like a cup of coffee, black tea is your go-to. It’s fully oxidized, giving it a bold, malty, and sometimes smoky flavor. It’s rich in caffeine, making it the perfect morning kickstarter. However, if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine for your health, you’ll want to opt for something else.
- Best picks: Assam, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, English Breakfast
- Why drink it? Boosts energy, supports heart health, and sharpens focus.
2. Green Tea – The Clean Energy Source
Green tea skips the oxidation process, keeping it fresh and packed with antioxidants. It’s got less caffeine than black tea, so it’s better suited if you’re looking to get yourself back to a normal baseline, but there’s enough to keep you alert without the jitters. Plus, it helps with metabolism and recovery.
- Best picks: Matcha, Sencha, Gunpowder, Dragon Well
- Why drink it? Enhances brain function, burns fat, and supports overall health.
3. Oolong Tea – The Balanced Warrior
Oolong is the middle ground between black and green tea. It’s partially oxidized, giving it a rich but smooth flavor. Some oolongs are roasted for a smoky taste, while others are floral and light. That diversity means there are lots of variations to try and something for everyone. It’s also a good option for digestion and metabolism.
- Best picks: Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess), Wuyi Rock, Phoenix Dan Cong
- Why drink it? Aids digestion, balances energy levels, and supports weight loss.
4. White Tea – The Subtle Powerhouse
White tea is the least processed of all, making it high in antioxidants and surprisingly strong in benefits. Remember that processing often destroys things like flavonoids and antioxidants that make tea good for the body. It’s light in flavor but packs a punch when it comes to boosting immunity and fighting inflammation.
- Best picks: Silver Needle, White Peony, Darjeeling White
- Why drink it? Supports skin health, strengthens immunity, and keeps you hydrated.
5. Pu-erh Tea – The Aged Champion
Pu-erh is fermented and aged, which gives it a deep, earthy flavor that gets better over time. It’s known for its impact on digestion and helping the body break down fats, making good post-heavy-meal drink to combat that sluggish, lethargic feeling.
- Best picks: Raw Pu-erh, Ripe Pu-erh
- Why drink it? Supports gut health, helps with weight management, and improves digestion.
Beyond the Basics: Herbal Teas (Technically Not Tea)
If you’re drinking chamomile, peppermint, or rooibos, you’re not technically drinking “tea” since they don’t come from the Camellia sinensis plant. These are herbal teas and, unless they include green, black, white, or other types of tea leaves, they won’t have any caffeine. But they still offer solid benefits and can be a great caffeine-free option if you’re looking for a boost that doesn’t necessarily amp you up. Just about any herb can be steeped in hot water to make a tea. Some of the most popular out there today include things like:
- Ashwagandha
- Horny goat weed
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Rooibos
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Guayusa
Choosing the Right Tea for You
Now that you know a bit more about the different types of tea leaves, you can make a more informed choice when it comes to what you imbibe. Remember, it’s not just about caffeine level. It’s also about flavor, roasted notes, and overall impact to your health. Here are a few quick rules to help guide your decision-making process:
- Need an energy boost? Go for black or green tea. Oolong may also work. White tea has the least caffeine. You can also look for blends that include options like Guayusa, like our Energy Blend.
- Want something smooth but strong? Oolong is your best bet. It has less caffeine than black tea, but more than green or white. Plus, the processing gives it one of the most complex flavor profiles of any types of tea leaves.
- Looking for serious health benefits? White or pu-erh tea deliver. White is relatively unprocessed, so all the flavonoids and antioxidants remain intact. Pu-erh delivers the benefits of tea plus those of fermentation.
- Avoiding caffeine? Try an herbal option. You’ll find tons of herbs out there that offer a pretty broad range of benefits and effects, all without the jitters.
Making Your Choice
Tea isn’t just a drink—it’s fuel for your mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re looking to power through your day, recover from a tough workout, or just enjoy a bold, flavorful brew, there’s a tea for you. Choose wisely from the available types of tea leaves, brew strong, and drink like a man.