The best teas for energy are green tea, particularly in its matcha form, but also black tea, oolong tea, white tea, yerba mate and ginseng tea.
Imagine this: it’s mid-afternoon, you’re feeling sluggish and you need a quick pick-me-up. Instead of reaching for a sugary soda or another cup of coffee, why not try a natural remedy like tea?
In this article, we will go through a list of the best teas for energy, delve into what energy really means and how it’s influenced, and even touch upon the pros and cons of using teas good for energy.
So, prepare your cup of tea and get ready for some reading and sipping time.
List of Teas for Energy
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s have a quick glance at some of the teas renowned for their energy-boosting capabilities.
1. Green Tea
A light and refreshing tea, green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have not undergone the oxidation process. Green tea has been traditionally used for mental alertness, weight loss, and even as a digestive aid.
When it comes to teas for energy, green tea is often recommended. It contains catechins and caffeine, which have been found to have a small positive effect on weight loss and weight maintenance (Hursel et al., 2009). It can also reduce stress, particularly when consumed as matcha, a high-quality fine-powdered green tea (Unno et al., 2019).
To enjoy, simply add a teaspoon of green tea leaves to a cup of water heated to about 175°F or 80°C, allow it to brew for 1-3 minutes, then remove the leaves and drink. If you want to know more about the other health benefits of green tea, check out our article on the health benefits of green tea!
2. Black Tea
Black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and is made of fully oxidized leaves, giving it a robust flavor and higher caffeine content compared to green or white teas. Traditionally consumed to improve mental clarity and combat fatigue, black tea is a go-to option for those needing a boost of energy. The combination of caffeine and theanine in black tea has been found to enhance attention and increase self-reported alertness (Einöther & Martens, 2013).
To prepare, add a teaspoon of black tea leaves to a cup of water at boiling point (approximately 212°F or 100°C), allow it to brew for 3-5 minutes, then remove the leaves and drink. Have a look at our article about black tea benefits if you want to learn more!
3. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is made of partially oxidized leaves, offering a flavor profile that falls between that of green and black teas. Traditionally, oolong tea has been consumed to enhance cognitive function and boost mental alertness.
Much like other teas known for their energizing properties, oolong tea contains a mix of caffeine and theanine. These compounds have been found to enhance mood and cognitive performance (Einöther & Martens, 2013).
To get the most out of your oolong tea, steep the leaves in hot water for 3-5 minutes. To learn about more of its health benefits, make sure to read our article on oolong tea benefits!

4. White Tea
White tea leaves are the least processed among all types of tea, resulting in a light, delicate flavor. Traditionally, white tea leaves have been consumed for their potential benefits to skin health and their rich antioxidant content.
Although white tea leaves contain less caffeine than their black or green counterparts, they still have enough to qualify as an option among natural teas for energy (Einöther & Martens, 2013).
To maximize the benefits, steep white tea leaves in hot water for 2-5 minutes and consider drinking up to 2 cups per day. If you want to know more about the other health benefits of white tea, check out our article on the benefits of white tea!
5. Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a traditional South American brew that’s been said to offer the “strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate.” It has been used for enhancing physical endurance and improving mood. Yerba Mate is rich in caffeine, making it one of the herbal teas for energy. While not a traditional “tea,” its caffeine content can rival that of black tea (Einöther & Martens, 2013).
To make it, half-fill a mate gourd with yerba mate leaves, slant the gourd to let the tea settle on one side almost to the brim, introduce hot (yet not boiling) water into the base, draw from a bombilla, and relish.
6. Ginseng Tea
Ginseng tea is made from the ginseng root and is often used in traditional medicine for various health benefits. Traditionally, ginseng tea has been used to improve mental clarity and reduce stress. While not a traditional tea, ginseng does contain compounds that can improve mood and energy, albeit without the caffeine found in other teas for energy (Einöther & Martens, 2013).
To prepare, steep a few slices of dried ginseng root in a cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then strain and savor. If you want to know more about the other health benefits of ginseng tea, check out our article on the benefits of ginseng tea!
We’ve examined various types of teas, each with their unique benefits, but all excellent teas for energy. Whether you prefer the robustness of black tea, the subtleness of white tea, or even the non-traditional boost from yerba mate or ginseng, you have multiple choices for enhancing your energy naturally.

What is Energy and How is it Influenced?
Energy is the capacity to do work. It’s what fuels your day, impacts your mood, and helps you perform at your best.
Factors Affecting Energy
- Diet
- Sleep
- Exercise
- Stress
People might turn to natural teas for energy as an alternative to chemical stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks, which can have negative side effects.
PROS
- Natural Stimulant
- Contains Antioxidants
- Stress Reduction
CONS
- May Contain Caffeine
- Potential for Overconsumption
- Not a Replacement for Sleep
Who Should Drink Tea for Energy
Anyone looking for a natural, less jarring alternative to coffee or energy drinks could benefit from herbal teas for energy.
Recipes and Blends
Here’s how you can make an energy-boosting tea blend using green tea, specifically matcha, as the base.
Energy-Boosting Tea Blend Recipe:
- 1 tsp of green tea leaves
- 1 tsp of dried ginseng root
- 1 tsp of yerba mate leaves
- 2 cups of water
Instructions:
- Boil the water and add everything.
- Let it steep for about 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup.
- Enjoy your energy-boosting cup of tea!

Incorporating Teas for Energy Into Your Daily Routine
Apart from making it a habit to drink herbal teas for energy, you can also incorporate a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep to optimize your energy levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tea gives the most energy?
Green tea, particularly its powdered form known as matcha, provides the most energy. This is largely because matcha contains both catechins and caffeine, which together have a synergistic effect. Catechins are antioxidants that can help sustain energy levels, while caffeine provides an immediate energy boost. This makes matcha one of the most effective teas for energy.
What is the best tea for energy and focus?
Matcha, a specialized form of green tea, stands out as the best tea for energy and focus. The reason for this is its unique ratio of caffeine to the amino acid theanine. While caffeine enhances alertness, theanine promotes relaxation without drowsiness. This combination allows for focused and sustained energy, making matcha an excellent choice for those who need to concentrate for extended periods.
Does any tea give you energy?
Yes, various types of tea can give you a moderate boost in energy and focus. This is primarily due to the caffeine content found in teas like black, green, and oolong. Even some herbal teas, like yerba mate, contain natural stimulants that can boost energy. However, the energy boost you receive from tea is generally less intense than what you’d get from coffee, making tea a good option for sustained, moderate energy levels.
What is the energy tea?
When people refer to “the energy tea,” they are often talking about green tea or its concentrated form, matcha. Both of these teas contain a combination of caffeine and other natural compounds like catechins that work together to increase and sustain energy levels. These teas are often recommended for those looking to enhance their energy levels in a more balanced and sustained manner.
What tea keeps you awake?
Green tea is often recommended for staying awake without the jitters that can come from consuming high levels of caffeine. The moderate caffeine content of green tea is enough to enhance alertness and focus, but it’s balanced by the presence of the amino acid theanine, which offers calming effects. Therefore, it is one of the best teas for energy and focus, as it can keep you awake and alert without making you feel anxious or jittery.

When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue or low energy levels despite trying natural remedies, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional.
- Constant Fatigue
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Chronic Stress
- Sleep Disorders
Conclusion
We have explored various facets of green tea, one of the best teas for energy. Whether you’re new to tea or an avid tea drinker, these options offer a natural way to boost your energy and focus. So why not give these teas for energy a try and share your experience? We’d love to hear how it helped you get through the day!
Reference
- Edirisinghe, D., Jayaweera, M., Nimthara, K., Silva, D., Rangodage, A., & Dias, S. (2023). Revolutionizing the tea industry: an exploration of technological solutions to improve efficiency in tea processing (april 2023)*.. Link Here
- Einöther, S. and Martens, V. (2013). Acute effects of tea consumption on attention and mood. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 98(6), 1700S-1708S. Link Here
- Hursel, R., Viechtbauer, W., & Westerterp-Plantenga, M. (2009). The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Obesity, 33(9), 956-961. Link Here
- Sugandi, W., Sita, K., Herwanto, T., & Habsari, S. (2022). Energy analysis on the processing of green tea. Jurnal Teknik Pertanian Lampung (Journal of Agricultural Engineering), 11(2), 206. Link Here
- Unno, K., Furushima, D., Hamamoto, S., Iguchi, K., Yamada, H., Morita, A., … & Nakamura, Y. (2019). Stress-reducing effect of cookies containing matcha green tea: essential ratio among theanine, arginine, caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate. Heliyon, 5(5), e01653. Link Here