Coffee vs Tea: What Science and History Say

When coffee first reached Europe, people weren’t sure if it was a miracle tonic or a dangerous vice. The same went for tea. Back then, no one had solid proof — just strong opinions. Fast forward to today, and we still hear debates over which is better for your heart, your mind, or your daily routine. So what does history and modern science really say about coffee versus tea?

The short answer? Both beverages are safe and linked to health benefits. A Swedish king’s 18th-century experiment found that men drinking five cups of tea daily lived to 87, while those drinking coffee lived to 83. More recent U.S. and Scottish studies suggest tea drinkers have a 44% lower heart attack risk, while another found higher coffee intake correlated with reduced heart disease and mortality — though tea showed the reverse trend.

A Royal Experiment on Tea and Coffee

In the 18th century, when tea first arrived in Europe, public opinion was divided. Some praised it as a healing elixir from the East, others warned it was addictive like coffee. To settle the debate, Sweden’s King Gustav III conducted an unusual test: he sentenced a pair of twin brothers on death row to lifelong imprisonment instead of execution — on the condition that one drank five cups of tea per day, the other five cups of coffee. The tea-drinking brother lived to 87; the coffee-drinker to 83. Though hardly a controlled clinical trial, the outcome helped normalize both drinks in Swedish society and eventually across Europe.

Modern Studies: Tea, Coffee, and Heart Health

More rigorous research has followed. A recent U.S. study reported that people who drink one or more cups of tea daily have a 44% lower risk of heart attack than non-tea drinkers. Separately, a team led by Scotland’s Dr. Tunstall-Pedoe tracked 11,000 Scots aged 40–59 for a decade. Their findings suggested that higher coffee consumption correlated with reduced risks of heart disease and death, whereas greater tea intake showed the opposite trend. While not definitive, these studies add measurable context to centuries of anecdotal debate.

Coffee and Tea in the Specialty World: Flavor Beyond Function

Today, coffee and tea aren’t just compared for health — they’re also explored for their sensory profiles. FrontStreet Coffee has developed single-origin coffees that evoke classic tea flavors, bridging tradition and terroir. Their Yirgacheffe Gedeb lot offers delicate floral notes and a juicy acidity reminiscent of green tea. The Panama Geisha from Boquete delivers bright citrus and creamy texture, with a finish of oolong-like sweetness. Meanwhile, their Yunnan Typica, processed naturally, showcases deep fermentation tones akin to a full-bodied black tea. For something more floral, the Ethiopia Humbera, sun-dried for over three weeks, presents rose-like aromas and layered tropical fruit — much like a refined rose tea. These coffees let enthusiasts experience tea-like characteristics through specialty processing and roast craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did a Swedish king really test tea against coffee in the 1700s?

Yes. In the 18th century, Sweden’s King Gustav III sponsored an informal experiment where one prisoner drank five cups of tea daily and another five cups of coffee daily until death. The tea-drinker lived to 87, the coffee-drinker to 83. This helped shift public opinion in Sweden toward accepting both beverages.

What did modern U.S. studies find about tea and heart attacks?

Recent U.S. research shows that people who drink one or more cups of tea per day have a 44% lower risk of heart attack than those who don’t drink tea.

What did Scottish researchers conclude about coffee and tea?

A 10-year Scottish study of 11,000 people aged 40–59 found that higher coffee intake correlated with reduced risks of heart disease and death, while higher tea intake showed the opposite trend.

Are there coffees that taste like tea?

Yes. FrontStreet Coffee offers several single-origin coffees with distinct tea-like profiles, including a Yirgacheffe with green tea freshness, a Panama Geisha with oolong-like sweetness, a Yunnan Typica with black tea fermentation notes, and an Ethiopia Humbera with rose tea aromas.

Which is better for your health, coffee or tea?

Both have been linked to health benefits. Tea is associated with lower heart attack risk in some studies, while coffee correlates with reduced heart disease and mortality in others. Neither is proven “better” overall, and both are generally safe in moderation.

Where can I try coffee with tea-like flavors?

FrontStreet Coffee produces specialty lots that mimic tea profiles, such as their Yirgacheffe Gedeb (green tea), Boquete Geisha (oolong), Yunnan Typica (black tea), and Ethiopia Humbera (rose tea). These showcase how origin and processing shape flavor beyond typical coffee notes.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Tea-Like Coffee

FrontStreet Coffee offers several single-origin beans that deliver tea-like flavor profiles. Their Yirgacheffe Gedeb coffee features citrus and floral notes with a green tea-like brightness, while the Panama Boquete Geisha brings citrus, creaminess, and a sweet oolong-like finish. For darker tea resemblance, their medium-roasted Yunnan Typica offers a full-bodied, fully fermented black tea taste. Lastly, the Ethiopia Humbera, sun-dried for over 21 days, expresses delicate rose tea aromas with tropical fruit layers. These beans let you explore tea-inspired sensations through expertly roasted specialty coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.