Sip This or That: Tea & Coffee, Vietnamese Style

In Vietnam, mornings hum with the clink-clink of phin coffee filters dripping into glasses heavy with sweet condensed milk. Afternoons, though? That’s when tea steals the spotlight -lotus-scented, green, oolong, or even wild shan tuyết from misty mountain slopes.

We drink both here. We love both here. But when it comes to your health - should you be a bean person or a leaf person? Let’s sip our way to the answer.

1. Nutritional Value – Leaf Energy vs. Bean Buzz

According to the database of USDA Food Data Centre [1] [2], with an amount of 100g of products, the nutritional value of tea and coffee is as follows:

From this detailed table about the nutritional facts of each drink, we have some advice for you.

• In general, there is more caffeine in coffee than tea. If you want to get a small amount of caffeine, take Vietnamese tea. In contrast, if you like large doses of caffeine, drink coffee.
• For people who have high blood pressure, enjoy tea instead of coffee, as tea helps lower blood pressure.
• Coffee gives you an immediate kick, whereas tea gives you a slighter boost.
• Tea and coffee both help you lose weight. Coffee is rich in vitamins, lower in sugar but contains more fat than tea. So if you are on a low-fat diet, you may drink tea. Otherwise, you can enjoy coffee if you are on a low-carb diet.

2. Advantages & Side Effects – Let’s Be Honest

2.1. Vietnamese tea

Besides water, tea is among the most commonly consumed in Vietnam. Today, with the introduction of many types of tea, and the appearance of many teahouses, more and more young people like to drink tea. Tea from Vietnam has varieties of benefits to your health.

Tea Advantages

• Gentle, steady energy without the crash
• Great for heart health & digestion
• Hydrating and calorie-free when plain
• Can sip all day without a caffeine overload

Tea Side Notes: Too much can cause mild insomnia or stomach upset in sensitive folks

"So, a daily tea serving of 400-500ml (1-2 cups) is sensible, don’t over consume to maintain good health."

2.2. Vietnamese coffee

Vietnamese coffee is also healthful based on the high quantities of antioxidants and other elements. Regular coffee users have a lower risk of developing dangerous diseases.

Bazan VietNam's finest specialty coffee

Coffee Advantages:

• Quick, bold energy
• Boosts mental sharpness & workout performance
• A rich, comforting ritual (especially cà phê sữa đá!)

Coffee Side Notes:

• Can cause jitters, anxious vibes, or a racing heart
• May mess with sleep if you sip too late
• Can irritate sensitive stomachs

3. How to Choose – The LostinTea Way

Choosing between Vietnamese tea and coffee isn’t about declaring a winner - it’s about listening to what your body and mood are asking for in the moment. In Vietnam, it’s common to start the day with one and end it with the other, because both drinks have their own magic.

Ask yourself:

What kind of energy do I need right now?

• If you want gentle focus, steady energy, and a calm mind, go for tea.
• If you need a fast, powerful jolt - say you're facing a tight deadline or a long drive - coffee's your friend
  

How sensitive is my body to caffeine?

• If you get jitters, anxiety, or heart palpitations, tea will likely be kinder.
• If you handle caffeine well, you might enjoy coffee’s strong buzz - just keep it before noon.

What’s my stomach saying?

• Tea is generally gentler, especially green or herbal teas.
• Coffee can be acidic and may trigger discomfort on an empty stomach.

Do I want hydration, too?

• Tea doubles as a hydrating drink, especially if you enjoy it without added sugar.
• Coffee can be mildly dehydrating, so balance it with water.

What’s my ritual?

• Brewing tea can be a slow, mindful act - a moment of self-care.
• Brewing coffee is its own kind of ceremony, rich in aroma and anticipation.

"You don’t have to pick a side forever. Some mornings call for the bold kick of Vietnamese cà phê sữa đá. Some afternoons beg for the quiet grace of a lotus-scented green tea. Life’s too short for just one brew - let your mood choose your cup." - LostinTea

LostinTea’s Take

Coffee wakes you up. Tea wakes you up and keeps you steady.

For everyday wellness, we lean into tea - especially our herbal and highland green blends. They hydrate, heal, and connect you to a slower, calmer rhythm. But hey! This is Vietnam. Sometimes the right choice is… BOTH.

One cup to awaken, one cup to unwind - that’s the Vietnamese way.

LostinTea – Timeless Remedies