Is bottled green tea dangerous? Is it really bad for your health? Four crucial differences between green tea and green tea brewed in a teapot

Introduction

When you're thirsty, many people choose to drink bottled green tea, which is easy to do.

In recent years, advances in manufacturing techniques have seen the appearance of many flavorful bottled green tea varieties, and the market continues to expand.

Our perception of tea has changed dramatically from "something to brew in a teapot at home" to "something to buy and enjoy easily anytime, anywhere."

However, some people ask, "Is it true that bottled green tea is bad for your health?" or, "I've heard it's dangerous."

The bottom line is that this is not the case at all.

However, did you know that although green tea brewed in a teapot and bottled green tea may look similar, there are actually big differences in their ingredients, flavor, and health benefits?

Four differences between bottled green tea and green tea brewed in a teapot

1. Differences in tea leaves used: freshness and quality

Tea brewed in a teapot generally uses high-quality first or second-grade tea, which are picked from the tender part of the new buds. These tea leaves are fragrant, rich in nutrients, and allow you to enjoy the delicate flavor of tea itself.

On the other hand, bottled tea uses tea leaves that are picked later, such as autumn and winter bancha, due to costs and the need for a stable supply.

These teas are made from older and harder leaves than first-season tea, so while they have a milder flavor, they tend to contain less umami components such as amino acids.

2. Differences in extraction methods

When brewing tea in a teapot, the tea leaves are steeped directly into hot water to extract the tea.

Each type of tea has an appropriate temperature and extraction time, and by adjusting these, it is possible to extract all of the tea leaves' natural components, such as amino acids (such as theanine) that give the tea its umami flavor, as well as catechins and vitamin C, which have many health benefits.

The fine powdered tea leaves that sink to the bottom of the teapot are particularly rich in nutrients.

In contrast, bottled tea is often extracted at high temperatures for a short period of time for mass production, and some of the active ingredients, such as heat-sensitive vitamin C, are lost in the process.

In addition, to maintain the stability and appearance (transparency) of the product, the fine particles of the tea leaves (the sediment) are generally removed by filtration. However, it is this sediment that contains many of the nutrients in the tea.

3. Additives

Tea brewed in a teapot is made only with tea leaves and water, so it generally contains no additives. You can enjoy the natural flavor, color, and aroma of the tea leaves in their pure form.

On the other hand, bottled tea is classified as a "tea-based beverage" that belongs to the "soft drink" category, and in order to prevent deterioration and discoloration and to stabilize the flavor, vitamin C lost during heat treatment is added, as well as antioxidants (such as vitamin C), flavorings, amino acids, etc.

Legally, soft drinks are permitted to contain certain additives as long as they are labeled.

The vitamin C contained in bottled tea is not natural vitamin C, but is mainly ascorbic acid, a scientifically synthesized food additive.

Its main role is to prevent discoloration and act as an antioxidant, and it is believed that its absorption rate in the body is lower than that of natural vitamin C.

Flavorings are sometimes used to compensate for the aroma of the tea leaves that is often lost during the manufacturing process.

These additives are essential for creating products that can withstand long-term storage and distribution, but they can sometimes result in a flavor that is different from the original taste of the tea.

4. Differences in nutritional content

Tea brewed in a teapot is made using high-quality tea leaves and is extracted slowly over a long period of time, allowing you to enjoy a deep, rich flavor with a balanced taste of umami, sweetness, astringency, and bitterness.

It is especially rich in catechins and theanine, which are expected to have a variety of health benefits, including antioxidant effects, blood pressure control, fat breakdown, relaxation effects, and increased concentration.

In fact, a survey by the Kyoto Prefectural Consumer Life Science Center revealed that compared to bottled or canned green tea, sencha brewed in a teapot contains approximately 1.4 times the polyphenols, 2.5 times the catechins, three times the caffeine, 4 to 5 times the amino acids, and 2 to 3 times the potassium - a huge difference.

If you drink green tea for its health benefits, we recommend brewing it in a teapot, as you can get all of the nutrients more efficiently.

In contrast, bottled tea tends to be less bitter and astringent, and is often adjusted to have a universally appealing flavor so that it can be enjoyed by a wider range of people.

The convenience is a major advantage, but as mentioned above, there are differences in the extraction rate of nutrients and the presence or absence of additives, so in terms of health benefits it can be said to be inferior to tea brewed in a teapot.

summary

Bottled tea is convenient because you can drink it anywhere, anytime. It is extremely useful when you want to quench your thirst easily during busy days or when you are out and about.

However, tea brewed slowly in a teapot using tea leaves has a special appeal in that it brings out the natural rich flavor of high-quality tea leaves and allows you to consume more nutritional components.

In particular, tea brewed in a teapot is recommended for those who prioritize health benefits or who want to enjoy the deep, natural flavor of tea.

The choice of which to use should depend on your personal lifestyle and purpose. As the saying goes, "When you're thirsty, use a plastic bottle; when your heart is dry, use a teapot," understanding the merits of each and choosing the right tea for the occasion should enrich our lives.