The Bigelow Tea brand has become one of America’s most coveted tea companies and has been around since the 1940s. Their signature tea blends are known for their vibrant, earthy, and rich flavors and they have a wide assortment to choose from.
Their green tea blend is aromatic, refreshing, and fairly mild, making it one of the most popular varieties. And who doesn’t love the many health benefits that come with drinking green tea? But does Bigelow green tea have caffeine? And if so, how much? The short answer is that yes, Bigelow Green Tea contains about 25-50 mg of caffeine per cup.
Bigelow Green Tea Caffeine Content
The green tea variety by Bigelow has about 25-50 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. This means that a coffee cup size of this green tea only has about less than half of the amount of caffeine as a traditional cup of black coffee, which has about 95 mg of caffeine.
Similarly, their Oolong Black Tea option which boasts about 30 to 60 mg of caffeine. And of course, they have a decaf tea option which has about 1-8 mg per serving.
On average, most tea varieties will contain about 1/4 up to 1/2 the amount of caffeine that coffee contains. So, if you’re looking for a way to get a bit more pep in your step throughout the day, but don’t want the jitters that can sometimes come with coffee, Bigelow’s tea options may be a good substitute.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
When it comes to the health benefits of tea, green tea will definitely win the gold medal. In fact, many of its health benefits are still being studied and scientists are constantly finding new ways to use it in the pursuit of vaccines, medicine, and treatment of serious health conditions. Here’s a snapshot of the most notable benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
- Cancer prevention
- Fights heart disease
- Lowers cholesterol
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Aids in weight loss
Many of the healing powers associated with green tea are linked to catechin. Catechin is an antioxidant compound that’s often found in tea leaves and helps to protect ourselves from free radical damage.
Green tea also contains antioxidant polyphenols which also help to repair cellular damage and are known to protect against many diseases. So not only does green tea taste amazing, but it is one of the healthiest and most versatile beverages that you can enjoy throughout the day.
Potential Side Effects of Green Tea
When consumed in large amounts or by people with certain health conditions green tea can have negative side effects. For example, green tea has been known to increase the absorption of folic acid and iron.
It can also cause digestive issues, increased heart rate, and blood-clotting complications. So, if you have any cardiovascular or gastrointestinal issues, it may be best to consult with your doctor before adding green tea to your daily regimen.
Types of Green Tea
The great thing about green tea is that there is no limit on the different varieties to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones in the marketplace.
Matcha
Matcha is perhaps the most popular green tea variety, and it’s often considered the healthiest. Matcha green tea is known for its anti-cancer properties and its hands to have the highest level of antioxidants among many other green tea varieties.
You can buy loose leaf matcha tea for steeping or you can buy it in its popular powder form for quick consumption. If you want a green tea that is aromatic, flavorful, and full of nutrients, Matcha will be a great place to start. You can also combine it with milk and sweetener to make for an interesting latte beverage.
Hojicha
This green tea variety originates from Japan (like most green teas) and the leaves are roasted instead of stained. This gives the tea a reddish-brown color and increases the number of tannins that it contains.
Tea connoisseurs find that this tea has a very robust flavor and rich aroma, making it rather unique for green tea. You can enjoy this tea on its own or combine it with milk and sweetener for an afternoon latte.
Sencha
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Sencha is probably the most popular variety available in Japan. Not only is it easy to recognize due to the skinny, thin texture of its leaves, but it’s one of the most widely grown varieties in the mountains as well. It’s available at most restaurants and actually makes up close to 80% of the green tea market in Japan.
Overall, this tea variety has a fruity and almost floral aroma, which gives it a ripe and fuller flavor. It goes great as an afternoon or dessert tea but can also be consumed as the perfect morning beverage as well.
Gyokuro
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This variety is another nutrient-rich tea, thanks to its ability to grow well in shady areas. This tea is known for its high chlorophyll, catechin, and polyphenol levels, which also explains its deep green hue.
Like matcha tea, it also has a valuable amount of nutrients and natural minerals, making it another green tea powerhouse. Before it’s actually harvested, it’s covered for about 20 days, which causes it to develop a sweet flavor that stands out from any other varieties.
Gyokuro can be served alone, with desserts, or you can add milk to it with sweetener for a latte. It has a vegetal flavor with an earthy aftertaste. The tea can taste a bit astringent if you aren’t used to drinking green tea and may be best with different flavorings or milk.
Genmaicha
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Genmaicha tea is actually Sencha tea that’s combined with cooked rice kernels. When the kernels are baked or roasted, it adds a malty and toasty flavor to the tea that makes it the perfect afternoon delight. This tea goes well with lunch, for breakfast, and has the grassy, earthy flavor that is typical of most green tea varieties. So, if you’re new to green tea, you may want to flavor this variety to counter the taste or steep it for just a short amount of time.
Wrapping Things Up
So yes, Bigelow green tea does have caffeine, but only a small amount. And if you have negative reactions to caffeine you may want to opt for the brand’s decaffeinated options. Green tea is known to have several health benefits, and there are many varieties to choose from all with their own health benefits and unique flavors.
