Coffee Leaf Tea: A Healthier, Milder Alternative

You’ve heard about the health benefits of coffee and tea—but what if the most nutritious part of the coffee plant has been hiding in plain sight? Recent studies suggest that coffee leaves, long overlooked, may offer a surprising range of wellness advantages over both coffee and traditional tea. This isn’t about brewing leftover foliage. It’s about a forgotten brew with real data behind it.

Researchers tested 23 coffee plant varieties and found that seven contained high levels of mangiferin—a natural antioxidant also found in mangoes. That same compound, along with other complex compounds in the leaves, may help reduce risks of diabetes and high cholesterol while protecting brain neurons. The resulting tea also has significantly less caffeine and a milder, less bitter taste than either coffee or tea.

What Is Coffee Leaf Tea?

Coffee leaf tea is not made from coffee beans—but from the actual leaves of the coffee plant. While coffee beans have long been the economic focus—valued as the world’s second-most traded commodity after crude oil—the leaves have been largely ignored. Yet certain coffee species, such as Brazil’s Arabica variety, produce leaves with nutritional profiles that surpass those of the beans themselves.

Why Haven’t We Heard More About It?

Coffee leaf tea has been consumed traditionally in parts of Africa, especially Ethiopia and South Sudan, where it remains somewhat popular. Historical reports from the 19th century noted its remarkably high antioxidant content—surpassing that of coffee, green tea, and black tea. Those same reports described immediate effects such as reduced hunger and fatigue, mental clarity, and an overall energizing effect. In the early 1900s, coffee-growing regions of Indonesia, including Sumatra and Java, also embraced coffee leaf tea. Efforts were made to introduce it to markets in Britain and Australia, but they did not succeed.

What Does Science Say Today?

According to a report published by the UK’s Daily Telegraph, researchers selected 23 different coffee plant types and analyzed their leaf composition. Seven of those varieties were found to contain substantial amounts of mangiferin. This compound, primarily known as a component of mango, functions as a natural antioxidant and has well-documented anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond mangiferin, the leaves also contain other natural compounds believed to contribute to lowering risks of diabetes and blood cholesterol, as well as offering neuroprotective benefits for the brain. Importantly, the tea brewed from these leaves contains only a small amount of caffeine and delivers a taste that is less bitter than both traditional tea and coffee.

Despite these promising findings, researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to fully understand and confirm the extent of coffee leaf tea’s health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is coffee leaf tea made from?

Coffee leaf tea is brewed from the leaves of the coffee plant, not the beans. It is a separate beverage entirely from traditional coffee or tea, and is made by steeping dried or fresh coffee leaves.

Does coffee leaf tea contain caffeine?

Yes, but in much lower amounts compared to regular coffee. The exact caffeine content can vary depending on the coffee plant variety and brewing method, but it is generally much milder.

What are the health benefits of coffee leaf tea?

Research has found that certain coffee leaves contain mangiferin, a natural antioxidant also found in mangoes. These leaves may help reduce risks of diabetes and high cholesterol, protect brain neurons, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Historical accounts also suggest it can relieve fatigue and hunger while improving mental clarity.

Why isn’t coffee leaf tea more popular?

Although coffee leaves have been used to make tea in places like Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Indonesia, global commercialization efforts in the past—such as those targeting Britain and Australia—were unsuccessful. Today, it remains an underappreciated brew despite ongoing research into its benefits.

Which coffee plant varieties contain the most mangiferin?

The study tested 23 coffee plant varieties and found that seven had high levels of mangiferin. While the specific types are not named in the report, certain Arabica varieties, such as those grown in Brazil, are noted for having particularly nutritious leaves.

How does the taste of coffee leaf tea compare to coffee or tea?

Coffee leaf tea is described as having a milder flavor with less bitterness than both coffee and traditional tea. Its taste profile is more subdued, making it a gentler option for drinkers sensitive to strong or astringent beverages.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Antioxidant Lovers

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright, citrusy notes with a hint of floral sweetness—ideal if you enjoy the mild, nuanced profile of coffee leaf tea. For something earthier, their Sumatra Mandheling offers deep herbal and spicy tones, reminiscent of traditional herbal infusions. Both beans highlight the complexity possible beyond basic brews. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.