Both Thai tea and coffee are beloved drinks with devoted fans around the world. But which one is ultimately better? Here we’ll compare and contrast these two tasty beverages across a variety of factors to help you decide which drink you should reach for next.
Origins
Coffee originated in Ethiopia, where legend has it the effects of the energizing bean were first discovered by a goat herder who noticed his goats became more energetic after eating the berries. Coffee cultivation and consumption quickly spread through the Middle East and Europe. Today Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee beans, followed by Vietnam and Colombia.
Thai tea originated in Thailand, where it is made from strongly-brewed black tea, spices, and sweetened condensed milk. Traditional Thai tea uses Ceylon black tea as its base, but Assam and other black tea varieties are sometimes substituted. The distinctive orange color comes from additions like tamarind, star anise, and red and yellow food coloring. Thai tea is hugely popular in both Thailand and neighboring countries like Laos and Myanmar.
Ingredients
Coffee’s main active ingredient is caffeine, a stimulant that blocks adenosine receptors in the brain to promote wakefulness. A typical cup of coffee contains 70-140mg of caffeine, though this can vary based on brewing method and other factors. Coffee also contains small amounts of other compounds like chlorogenic acids, melanoidins, and diterpenes that contribute to its aroma and flavor.
Thai tea contains caffeine from the black tea base, typically 30-50mg per cup. It also usually contains spices like star anise, tamarind, and orange blossom water that give it a characteristic aroma. Sweetened condensed milk is added to provide a sweet, creamy contrast to the spicy tea. The orange/red food coloring helps give Thai tea its signature vivid hue but doesn’t significantly impact the flavor.
Flavors
Coffee has an intense, aromatic flavor that can vary greatly depending on the bean variety (Arabica vs. robusta), roast level, and brewing method. It can taste fruity, floral, chocolaty, nutty, or even have hints of smoke or vanilla. Acidity and bitterness are defining characteristics of black coffee that are mellowed by the addition of milk or cream.
Thai tea has a bold, sweet and spicy flavor. The black tea imparts rich, malty notes, while the spices add fragrant orange and anise highlights. Sweetened condensed milk contributes a luscious creaminess that perfectly balances out the tea’s astringency. The overall effect is warm, comforting, and strikingly different than “regular” iced tea.
Nutritional Value
| Drink | Calories | Total Fat | Total Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black coffee (8 oz) | 2 | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Thai tea with condensed milk (8 oz) | 130 | 2g | 27g | 3g |
Coffee is almost completely calorie-free on its own, while Thai tea can pack over 100 calories per serving thanks to the added sweetened condensed milk. Coffee has trace amounts of some vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and potassium, but no significant fat, carbs, fiber, or protein. An 8oz cup of Thai tea with condensed milk provides 2g of fat, 27g of carbs, 3g of protein, and 9% of your daily calcium and vitamin A needs. So coffee wins for calorie-counters, but Thai tea offers more overall nutritional value.
Caffeine Content
The caffeine content can vary widely based on specific beverage preparations, but here are some general averages:
| Beverage | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|
| Brewed coffee (8 oz) | 95 |
| Espresso (1 oz) | 63 |
| Thai tea with condensed milk (8 oz) | 40 |
Coffee generally contains significantly more caffeine than Thai tea. A typical 8oz cup of coffee has around 95mg of caffeine, compared to 40mg in a Thai tea with milk. Coffee’s higher caffeine content makes it more energizing and stimulating, while Thai tea offers more gentle alertness. Those looking to limit caffeine intake may prefer Thai tea.
Popularity
Both drinks enjoy broad worldwide popularity, but coffee is consumed in vastly greater quantities overall. Some facts about each drink’s prevalence:
- Over 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily worldwide
- Finland has the world’s highest per capita coffee consumption at over 12kg per person annually
- Thailand is the world’s #1 consumer of Thai tea, with over 20 billion cups drunk per year
- Outside of Thailand, Thai tea is hugely popular in China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia
Coffee’s near-universal appeal makes it the more widely consumed beverage on a global scale. But for those specifically seeking an indulgent, aromatic tea experience, Thai tea has carved out a beloved niche for itself around the world.
Preparation
Brewing a perfect cup of coffee is an art that can take years to master. Specialized equipment like espresso machines, pour over drippers, French presses, and moka pots can help coffee realize its full flavor potential. The process requires precision regarding grind size, water temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, and extraction time.
Thai tea follows a simpler preparation process. Black tea is steeped in hot water to extract flavor. Spices like star anise and tamarind may be simmered separately to infuse the water. Sweetened condensed milk is mixed with the spiced tea concentrate before serving over ice. No specialized tools are required – just a pot, strainer, and mixer.
Price
| Beverage | Average Price (8 oz serving) |
|---|---|
| Home-brewed coffee | $0.20 |
| Coffee shop coffee | $2-5 |
| Home-brewed Thai tea | $0.60 |
| Thai tea cafe drink | $3-7 |
Both drinks can be prepared at home for under a dollar per serving. Coffee’s base ingredient – the beans – tends to be cheaper than the spices, tea, and condensed milk needed for Thai tea. At coffee shops and Thai restaurants, prepared drinks cost $3-7 on average depending on size and ingredients. So when dining out, the prices are comparable. But home-brewed coffee has the edge when it comes to frugality.
Health Benefits
Both drinks offer potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. Here are some of the evidenced-backed wellness advantages of each:
Coffee:
- Increased energy and focus
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Lower risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
- Reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes
- Increased fat burning
Thai Tea:
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects from tea
- Reduced blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Increased bone density
- Anti-cancer properties
Both provide a mood-boosting, energizing lift. Long-term studies correlate moderate coffee and tea consumption with decreased risk of many chronic illnesses. So the health benefits are likely a wash between these two drinks.
Drawbacks
And here are a few potential downsides to overindulgence:
Coffee:
- Jitters, headaches, and other side effects from excess caffeine
- Heartburn or upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased anxiety
Thai tea:
- Weight gain from high calorie and sugar content
- Tooth decay risk from sweetened condensed milk
- Excess caffeine can cause same side effects as coffee
Both are best enjoyed in moderation to avoid potential negative effects. Those sensitive to caffeine may tolerate Thai tea better. But excess calories in Thai tea can also be a concern for some.
Taste Preference
In the end, whether Thai tea or coffee is “better” comes down to personal preference. Here are some factors that may influence taste:
You may enjoy coffee more if you:
- Love bitter flavors
- Prefer strong, intense flavors
- Enjoy complex, aromatic flavors
- Need an early morning energy boost
You may prefer Thai tea if you:
- Like sweet and creamy flavors
- Enjoy aromatic spices like anise, vanilla, and cinnamon
- Want a soothing, comforting drink
- Have a sweeter palate
Your personal flavor preferences, desired caffeine level, and sheer mood in the moment can all help determine if coffee or Thai tea is your perfect match.
Conclusion
So what’s the verdict in the Thai tea versus coffee showdown? Well, it’s impossible to definitively crown one the “better” drink overall – it depends on your individual needs and tastes. But here are some final takeaways:
- Coffee has less calories and simpler preparation, but Thai tea offers more nutrition.
- Coffee provides more caffeine for greater energy, while Thai tea is less acidic and easier to tolerate.
- Coffee is cheaper and more globally popular, but Thai tea has cult status among tea-lovers.
- Both offer antioxidant benefits, but excess calories or caffeine can be detrimental.
- Coffee highlights bitter flavors, while Thai tea is sweet and creamy.
The truth is, both drinks can be wonderful when prepared with care and enjoyed in moderation. The choice between the two comes down to your personal preferences and needs of the moment. There’s no right or wrong – just two deliciously different options. Any time is a good time to enjoy a well-crafted cup of coffee or Thai tea.