Coffee Leaves Can Be Brewed Like Tea — Here’s Why

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck choosing between coffee and tea — maybe wanting the energy boost without the jitters, or the calm without the blandness — there may be another option you haven’t considered. Scientists have discovered that coffee leaves, often overlooked, can be brewed into a unique beverage that sits intriguingly between coffee and tea.

Coffee leaf tea contains less caffeine than both coffee and traditional tea, and it has been found to deliver higher levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. That could make it a better daily choice for those managing conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

What Is Coffee Leaf Tea?

Coffee leaf tea isn’t made from coffee beans — it’s brewed from the actual leaves of the coffee plant. While most coffee farming focuses solely on harvesting the beans, the leaves have long been ignored. But researchers have recently turned their attention to these leaves as a potential beverage source, especially in regions like Ethiopia and Indonesia where coffee plants grow abundantly.

What the Research Found

A collaborative study between British and French scientists revealed that coffee leaf tea contains significantly lower caffeine compared to both regular coffee and black or green tea. More importantly, it showed higher levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These properties are believed to help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Why Coffee Leaves Were Overlooked

For generations, the coffee industry has prioritized the bean — the seed inside the coffee cherry — as the sole valuable product. The leaves, despite covering the same plants, were seen as agricultural waste or at best, animal fodder. This oversight meant that the potential health and sensory benefits of coffee leaves remained unexplored for centuries. Only recently have researchers begun investigating their properties in detail.

How Coffee Leaf Compares Nutritionally

According to the study, coffee leaf tea has:

• Less caffeine than both coffee and traditional tea
• Higher antioxidant content than coffee or tea
• More anti-inflammatory compounds than both beverages

These factors suggest it could offer a gentler, yet still beneficial, alternative for regular coffee or tea drinkers.

How to Brew Coffee Leaf Tea

While the study didn’t specify exact brewing parameters, coffee leaves can be prepared similarly to herbal or black tea. Typical methods include:

• Steeping 1–2 teaspoons of dried coffee leaves in 250ml of hot water (around 90–95°C)
• Brewing for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength
• Straining and serving without milk or sugar for the purest taste

The resulting brew is described as mild, with earthy and slightly grassy notes — different from both coffee and traditional tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really brew tea from coffee plant leaves?

Yes. The leaves of the coffee plant can be harvested and steeped in hot water to make a beverage similar to tea. This is not a new practice in some traditional communities, but it has only recently gained scientific attention.

Is coffee leaf tea lower in caffeine than coffee?

Yes. According to research by UK and French scientists, coffee leaf tea contains less caffeine than both regular coffee and traditional tea varieties, making it a milder option for those sensitive to stimulants.

Does coffee leaf tea have health benefits?

Preliminary studies suggest that coffee leaf tea is richer in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds than both coffee and tea, which may help reduce risks related to inflammation, diabetes, and heart disease.

What does coffee leaf tea taste like?

Coffee leaf tea is typically described as having mild, earthy, and slightly grassy flavours. It doesn’t taste like coffee or traditional tea, but sits somewhere in between with a unique profile.

Where can I get coffee leaves to try this myself?

Coffee leaves are not yet widely commercialised, but in regions where coffee is grown, some farmers or specialty suppliers may offer dried coffee leaves. They are not yet a common retail product in most countries.

Is coffee leaf tea better than coffee or tea for health?

It may offer certain advantages, particularly due to its higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content and lower caffeine. However, more research is needed to confirm long-term health impacts compared to coffee or tea.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffees for Low-Caffeine Sipping

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for a naturally sweet and floral cup with low bitterness — ideal if you want coffee flavour without heavy stimulation. For something closer to tea, their Yirgacheffe offers bright citrus and light body, perfect for gentle caffeine intake. Both are single-origin coffees with smooth profiles, roasted lightly to preserve clarity. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.