Cold Brew Tea Benefits

An Antioxidant Boost Without the Bitterness

Cold brew tea is a smart and simple way to get more antioxidants without the bitterness that sometimes comes with tea brewed in hot water. Cold brewing brings out a smooth flavor and powerful health benefits.

Cold brew tea is gaining popularity in 2025, and how it stacks up as a health drink for anyone looking to reduce inflammation, improve focus, and support heart health.

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What Is Cold Brew Tea?

Cold brew tea is made by steeping tea leaves in cold or room temperature water for 6 to 12 hours, instead of using hot water. This slow extraction process creates a lighter, sweeter flavor and preserves certain nutrients that can be damaged by heat.

Cold brewing helps preserve polyphenols and reduces tannin extraction, making tea smoother and easier on the stomach.
 

Top Cold Brew Tea Benefits

1. High in Antioxidants

Cold brewing preserves more catechins, EGCG, and flavonoids—especially in green and white tea—compared to hot brewing at high temperatures.

These compounds:

  • Fight oxidative stress

  • Support immune health

  • May reduce inflammation and cellular aging

Catechins like EGCG in green tea are associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and metabolic issues.
 

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2. Lower Caffeine, Same Focus

Cold brew extracts less caffeine than hot water, which makes it ideal for those wanting:

  • Gentle alertness without jitters

  • A calmer energy boost

  • Evening or late-afternoon sipping

Cold-brewed tea contains about 30–50% less caffeine than hot tea brewed for the same duration.
 

3. Easier on the Stomach

Less heat means fewer tannins are extracted, which reduces:

  • Stomach upset

  • Acid reflux triggers

  • Astringent or dry mouthfeel

This makes cold brew tea a great choice for sensitive stomachs or those who don’t enjoy strong, bitter teas.

4. Hydration with Benefits

Cold brew tea is hydrating and rich in electrolytes (especially when using herbal blends like hibiscus, rooibos, or mint). It can:

  • Support hydration during hot weather or workouts

  • Add variety without sugar or calories

  • Replace soda or energy drinks

Herbal teas like hibiscus and rooibos are naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants and electrolytes.

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Best Teas to Cold Brew

Here are the best teas for cold brewing and their unique benefits:

Tea Type

Cold Brew Benefits

Green Tea

High in EGCG; smooth, vegetal, energizing

White Tea

Delicate flavor; rich in antioxidants

Black Tea

Mild caffeine; malty & refreshing

Hibiscus

Vitamin C boost; great for blood pressure

Rooibos

Naturally caffeine-free; rich in minerals

Peppermint

Cooling, digestive aid, and stress-relief

How to Make Cold Brew Tea

Step-by-step:

  1. Add 1–2 teaspoons loose-leaf tea per cup of cold, filtered water.

  2. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours.

  3. Strain out the tea leaves.

  4. Enjoy over ice or plain!

Optional: Add lemon, berries, ginger, or mint to enhance flavor and benefits.

Pro tip: Cold brew tea lasts up to 3–4 days in the fridge. Prep a batch of it for the week!

A Smooth Solution

Cold brew tea is a trendy drink, but it also gives healthier, smoother, and antioxidant-rich hydration. Whether you're trying to cut caffeine, boost your antioxidant intake, or simply enjoy a more flavorful cup, cold brew tea checks all the boxes.

This brewing method continues to grow in popularity, for good reason. So grab your favorite loose-leaf tea, some cold water, and let the benefits steep in.

Sources

  1. Impact of Cold versus Hot Brewing on the Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Herbal Tea
  2. How Green Tea Can Benefit Your Health
  3. 10 Healthy Herbal Teas You Should Try
  4. Mayo Clinic – Caffeine Comparison
  5. NIH – Tea Polyphenols and Health
  6. Effects of alternative steeping methods on composition, antioxidant property and colour of green, black and oolong tea infusions