What is the Best Green Tea [Among 21 Teas] for Weight Loss

Green tea is an indispensable ally on your weight loss journey. However, not all green teas are created equal. To achieve weight loss effectively, it’s essential to choose the best variety that not only tastes good but also delivers results and leaves you feeling satisfied. If you’re on the hunt for the best green tea for weight loss, this guide has you covered.

Among the vast array of teas available, green tea is the most popular choice for weight loss, thanks to its ability to boost metabolism, detoxify the body, burn fat, reduce belly fat, and suppress appetite.

With so many options on the market, selecting the right green tea can be overwhelming. To simplify your decision, we have compiled a list of the best green teas that support weight loss.

Many of these teas are formulated with additional ingredients to enhance your weight loss efforts, aiding in fat burning, detoxification, and appetite suppression.

Green tea is also packed with antioxidants, which are crucial for combating inflammation in the body.

Best Green Tea for Weight Loss

Here’s a selection of the best green teas that you can incorporate into your weight loss diet, each offering additional health benefits.

Let’s explore some pure green teas that consist solely of tea leaves, without added ingredients.

Himalayan Green Tea

Himalayan green tea, sourced from the high altitudes of the Himalayas, is renowned for its rich medicinal properties. This tea is abundant in antioxidants, flavonoids, and essential minerals that promote metabolism and facilitate weight loss.

With detoxifying properties, Himalayan green tea purifies the blood and refreshes the mind. It offers a mellow and rich flavor profile characterized by sweet, green, and vegetal notes.

• Ingredient: Green tea leaves
• Characteristics: Low sweetness, Medium caffeine

This tea, harvested from the foothills of the Himalayas, is a powerhouse of plant nutrients, flavonoids, antioxidants, and detoxifying properties, aiding both weight management and cognitive functions.

Ooty Green Tea

Ooty green tea is crafted from finely dried long-leaf tea leaves sourced from the Nilgris region. After a natural drying process, the leaves are carefully packed to preserve their health benefits.

• Ingredients: Green tea leaves
• Characteristics: Low sweetness, High caffeine

Ooty green tea is recommended for improved digestion and weight loss. It also enhances immunity and regulates nerve function. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the risk of heart diseases and certain types of cancer.

Long Leaf Green Tea

Long leaf green tea is made from leaves in the Theaceae family native to South and Southeast Asia. These tea plants thrive in acidic conditions, and every part of the plant is beneficial.

• Ingredients: Long leaf tea
• Characteristics: Low sweetness, High caffeine

This tea aids in burning belly fat and cleansing toxins, supporting weight loss. Some studies indicate that green tea can enhance brain function and may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Antioxidants in long-leaf tea can reduce free radical damage and slow the growth of cancer cells.

Among various teas, matcha is celebrated as a top choice, especially for those aiming for weight loss.

Let’s look closely at the best matcha green tea for weight loss.

Turmeric Matcha Green Tea

Turmeric matcha green tea combines fresh vegetal notes with the spicy undertones of turmeric. This blend offers numerous health benefits. The pure and organic turmeric roots are sourced from Indian farms, while premium matcha is imported from Uji, Japan.

• Ingredients: Matcha green tea, Turmeric
• Characteristics: Low sweetness, Medium caffeine

The combination of turmeric’s antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties with EGCG found in matcha maximizes health benefits. In addition to weight loss, turmeric matcha green tea can enhance focus and concentration.

Also Read: Benefits of Turmeric Tea

Japanese Matcha Green Tea

Authentic Japanese matcha green tea is directly sourced from Shizouka, Japan, ensuring purity and quality.

This vibrant green matcha exudes a strong aroma and flavor. Unlike traditional teas, matcha powder is mixed with hot water and consumed directly. This unique preparation method elevates matcha to a leading status among green teas.

• Ingredient: Matcha green tea
• Characteristics: Low sweetness, Medium caffeine

Japanese matcha tea is mellow, featuring fresh vegetal flavors complemented by subtle sweetness and smoothness.

Like other green teas, matcha is also rich in antioxidants that protect against chronic diseases such as cancers, heart disease, and organ failures.

Also Read: Benefits of Matcha Green Tea for Weight Loss

For those who enjoy flavored teas, consider the following green teas, infused with additional ingredients for enhanced taste and benefits.

Cardamom Green Tea

Cardamom green tea blends flavorful cardamom pods with nutritious green tea leaves. Both black and green cardamom are utilized in this tea blend. Black cardamom offers a minty flavor and aroma, while green cardamom provides a high level of sweetness with spicy notes.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Cardamom
• Characteristics: Low sweetness, Medium caffeine

The combination of cardamom and green tea aids in detoxifying the body and purifying the blood. This spice also promotes dental health by preventing tooth decay and bacterial growth in the mouth.

Together, these ingredients combat harmful bacteria, viruses, and microbes.

Honey Lemon Green Tea

For those who enjoy a citrusy yet sweet flavor, honey lemon green tea is an ideal choice. This delightful blend of green tea, sweet honey, and zesty lemon creates a refreshing morning beverage.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Lemon, Honey, Stevia
• Characteristics: Sweet, Medium caffeine

Honey lemon green tea provides energy, treats colds and coughs, and boosts the immune system. It can also help combat iron deficiency. This tea fits perfectly into vegan, keto, and low-calorie diets.

The vitamin C found in lemon benefits skin and hair health, while lemon juice itself aids digestion, making the tea a fantastic morning choice.

Detox Kahwa Green Tea

Detox Kahwa green tea is a potent detox drink composed of green tea, spices, herbs, and rock salt.

This tea is inspired by the traditional Kashmiri Kahwa recipe, and its active nutrients promote digestion and hydration, among other benefits.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Ginger, Black pepper, Rock salt, Clove
• Characteristics: Low sweetness, Medium caffeine

In addition to green tea, the other components create a wholesome drink. The digestive and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger aid in treating indigestion and alleviating digestive issues.

Rock salt sourced from the Himalayan mountains is beneficial for soothing sore throats and addressing throat infections. It may also improve sleep quality.

Black pepper is rich in vitamin B, aiding digestion, detoxification, and alleviating various skin issues.

Sweet Himalayan Turmeric Green Tea

Sweet Himalayan turmeric green tea combines organic green tea leaves from Darjeeling with bergamot oil. The caffeine and bergamot make this tea an ideal morning beverage, offering a rich, mellow flavor with various aromatic and beneficial Indian spices.

It has a sweet green flavor enriched with vegetal notes.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Turmeric, Stevia, Cardamom, Ashwagandha
• Characteristics: High sweetness, Low caffeine

Green tea contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that stimulate growth hormones, making this tea beneficial for hair growth, skin health, and immune function.

The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

The natural sugar, stevia, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes.

Ashwagandha promotes calmness and mitigates stress levels.

With its sweet aroma and flavor of cardamom, this tea elevates your tea time experience.

The following green tea varieties are perfect for those who enjoy mint and ginger flavors.

Ginger Mint Green Tea

Ginger mint green tea is a refreshing blend of green tea, various mints, ginger, and lemongrass.

The calming effects of mint, combined with the digestive benefits of ginger, nourish both body and mind.

This tea boasts a medium body and a yellow hue, featuring notes of mint and ginger that are neither too spicy nor bitter.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Spearmint, Peppermint, Ginger, Lemongrass
• Characteristics: Medium sweetness, Low caffeine

This tea presents a spicy aroma of ginger alongside the vegetal notes of Himalayan green tea, complemented by its earthy flavor.

Spearmint helps reduce stress, treats indigestion, and combats bacterial infections, while peppermint relieves headaches and freshens breath.

Lemon Ginger Green Tea

Lemon ginger green tea combines zesty summer lemons, basil, ginger, and green tea to create an invigorating drink perfect for boosting energy. It provides refreshing summer flavors that rejuvenate the body.

• Ingredients: Lemon, Ginger, Green tea, Orange peel, Black pepper
• Characteristics: Low sweetness, Medium caffeine

Orange peel is abundant in vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, folate, and calcium, which help combat infections and improve digestion.

Vitamin B from black pepper supports various health benefits, including enhancing skin health and immune function.

Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which helps prevent kidney stones and aids digestion.

Chamomile Mint Citrus Green Tea

Chamomile mint green tea combines green tea with a mix of other flavorful ingredients.

This tea provides rejuvenating and calming properties, delivering uplifting fresh floral notes with a hint of citrusy flavor.

The combination of chamomile flowers, lemongrass, and fresh mint leaves makes this tea a wonderful choice for the evening.

• Ingredients: Chamomile, Green tea, Mint
• Characteristics: Medium sweetness, Low caffeine

The blend of fragrant and fresh vegetal flavors with floral hints promotes relaxation and calmness.

Chamomile is beneficial for skin health and alleviating skin issues, while peppermint helps relax muscles and the nervous system, promoting sound sleep.

Amla Ginger Green Tea

Amla ginger green tea features earthy, crunchy, and spicy aromas from green tea, ginger, and amla, with the tartness of amla adding a unique flavor.

Indian gooseberry, commonly known as amla, is rich in vitamin C, while ginger is known for its antibacterial properties.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Amla, Ginger
• Characteristics: No sweetness, Medium caffeine

You’ll enjoy the fresh vegetal notes of mountain green tea combined with the citric zing of amla and the spiciness of ginger. Amla is also high in iron, which supports hair growth and muscle development.

Mint Melody Green Tea

Mint melody green tea offers a delightful start to your day. This green tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, providing soothing effects for both body and mind.

If you struggle with morning breath, this mint tea is an excellent choice as it naturally combats bad breath and freshens your mouth.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Peppermint, Spearmint
• Characteristics: Medium sweetness, Low caffeine

The tea’s spicy aroma from ginger, complemented by the vegetal notes of Himalayan green tea, offers an earthy flavor profile.

Spearmint brings stress reduction and treats digestive issues, while peppermint enhances relaxation and freshens breath.

Peppermint Green Tea

Peppermint green tea combines peppermint leaves with green tea. Freshly grown peppermint leaves are cultivated in shaded areas to preserve their beneficial properties.

• Ingredients: Peppermint, Green tea
• Characteristics: Medium sweetness, Low caffeine

Regular consumption of peppermint green tea supports digestive health and can help alleviate stomach issues. If you experience cramps or stomach pain, peppermint tea can provide relief.

It stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, which are essential for healthy digestion. 

Menthol present in peppermint contributes to its digestive benefits, helping reduce constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhea.

For tranquility, mental clarity, and relaxation, consider trying the following green teas.

Tulsi Green Tea

Tulsi green tea is a wonderful fusion of green tea and tulsi leaves. Holy basil is native to India and recognized as a sacred plant. Its leaves have been used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine for their numerous benefits.

• Ingredients: Tulsi, Green tea
• Characteristics: High sweetness, Low caffeine

Drinking tulsi green tea regularly can enhance metabolism and promote better bowel movements, leading to healthy changes in your body, including weight loss.

Tulsi green tea detoxifies the liver, strengthens the immune system, boosts metabolism, slows aging, enhances cognitive function, and helps prevent kidney stones.

Moringa Tulsi Green Tea

Moringa and tulsi are both superfoods that, when combined with green tea, create a refreshing drink packed with herbal taste, nutrients, and minerals.

Moringa tulsi green tea features a medium body and bright yellow color, with the aroma predominantly influenced by moringa leaves. The flavor profile begins with fresh vegetal and earthy notes, concluding with the sweetness of tulsi.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Moringa, Tulsi
• Characteristics: Medium sweetness, Low caffeine

Moringa leaves are packed with vitamins such as vitamin A, B6, and B2, along with essential minerals like magnesium and iron. Moringa is known to help regulate blood sugar levels, while zinc and iron enhance energy and immunity, supporting hair growth and skin health.

If you appreciate floral hints and flavors in your green tea, look no further than these delightful options.

Chamomile Lavender Green Tea

Chamomile lavender green tea offers a soothing blend of antioxidants and minerals. The combination of green tea, lavender, and chamomile enhances detoxifying effects and calming properties, promoting restful sleep and reducing stress.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Chamomile, Lavender
• Characteristics: Medium sweetness, Medium caffeine

Each sip offers floral nuances that induce relaxation.

Chamomile lends various skin health benefits, alleviating skin conditions naturally, while lavender serves as a mood booster.

Hibiscus Apple Green Tea

Hibiscus apple green tea is an antioxidant-rich drink that provides a delightful blend of fruity, tangy, and vegetal flavors. With a low-calorie count, it’s an easily soluble option.

This tea is often recommended before workouts for an energy boost. Enjoy it iced or with natural sweeteners like cane sugar or honey.

• Ingredients: Hibiscus, Apple, Green tea, Lemon, Stevia, Lemongrass
• Characteristics: Medium sweetness, Medium caffeine

Hibiscus apple green tea reduces the risk of diabetes and chronic diseases, boosts energy, enhances metabolism, improves digestion, and lowers blood pressure.

The sweet and sour notes of hibiscus meld with the crunchy freshness of green apple for a delightful taste experience.

Jasmine Green Tea

Jasmine green tea is flavored and aromatic, incorporating jasmine flowers with green tea. It can also be enjoyed as black or white tea. The jasmine flowers are stored with tea leaves to infuse their captivating aroma.

• Ingredients: Green tea, Jasmine flowers
• Characteristics: No sweetness, Low caffeine

Jasmine tea is rich in polyphenols, plant-based compounds that confer numerous benefits, including EGCG, which supports weight loss, oral health, and heart health. Additionally, the catechins in jasmine tea help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and mouth odor caused by bacteria.

Rosemary Green Tea

Rosemary, a perennial herb from the Mediterranean region, has been used in Ayurveda. Its herbal flavor and aroma make rosemary tea particularly enjoyable.

• Ingredients: Rosemary, Green tea
• Characteristics: Medium sweetness, Low caffeine

Rosemary tea contains various beneficial plant compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, and diterpenes. Studies indicate that its caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid content may help inhibit the formation of cancer cells and promote hair growth.

Regular consumption of rosemary tea can help reduce excess fat and lower the risk of obesity.

Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea offers numerous health benefits compared to other tea varieties, primarily due to its active catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has various medicinal properties.

Some of the notable benefits of green tea, including its weight loss-promoting effects, are as follows:

Green Tea for Mental Alertness

The two components that set teas apart from other beverages are caffeine and L-theanine. Although caffeine is found in coffee, tea typically contains less of it, and L-theanine helps the body metabolize caffeine healthily.

People often consume coffee or tea in the morning for the energy boost and mental alertness it provides. Caffeine stimulates brain function, keeping us active, alert, and focused throughout the day.

In addition to caffeine, L-theanine is a unique medicinal compound in tea that facilitates blood flow to the brain by removing blockages.

L-theanine promotes the production of GABA neurotransmitters, helping to alleviate anxiety—a reason many individuals start their day with tea.

Green Tea Helps Weight Loss

It’s common for people to mention green tea when discussing weight loss. However, while research surrounding green tea’s efficacy for weight loss is ongoing, some studies indicate that its benefits can vary based on individual body types and health conditions.

Nevertheless, scientific studies have confirmed that green tea extract aids weight loss. In a study involving 25 randomized trials with 1,344 participants consuming 800 mg of green tea daily for three months, research indicated noticeable weight loss and decreased BMI.

Green Tea Helps Fight Cancer

The primary benefit of green tea stems from its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and combat free radical damage, which are essential in preventing heart disease and cancer.

Several reports suggest that individuals who regularly drink green tea have lower risks of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

Antioxidants in green tea help mitigate cell inflammation and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Green Tea Reduces the Risks of Type 2 Diabetes

Drinking green tea can help regulate blood sugar levels by boosting insulin production and lowering sugar levels.

A recent Japanese study revealed that regular green tea consumption reduced the risks of Type 2 diabetes by 40%.

What is the Best Green Tea Extract for Weight Loss?

With a plethora of green tea varieties and brands available, it’s important to know how to choose the best green tea for weight loss.

Form

Green tea is available as extracts, liquids, supplements, and pills. If you opt for a green tea extract, consult with your doctor regarding dosage and timing for consumption. Herbal or plant extracts are sometimes associated with risks, ranging from mild issues like stomach upset and constipation to more severe consequences like liver damage or increased blood pressure.

Variety

There are many varieties of green tea, some combined with additional ingredients, producing different flavors, colors, and aromas. Matcha green tea, mint green tea, and Himalayan green teas are popular options known for their unique tastes and health benefits. Most are smooth and light, with the exception of matcha, which is bold, high in caffeine, and packed with antioxidants.

Caffeine

The right amount of caffeine varies from person to person. There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for how much caffeine to consume daily. Some individuals thrive on high-caffeine teas, while others may be sensitive to it. It’s essential to find the caffeine level that feels right for you and choose your green tea accordingly.

Ingredients

If you prefer pure green tea, check the ingredients list on your selected products. Most green tea varieties now include additional ingredients for enhanced flavor and health benefits. Generally, the shorter the ingredient list, the purer the green tea.

Added Sugar

Regardless of other ingredients, check for added sugar levels in the tea powder. The CDC recommends limiting added sugar to less than 10% of your total caloric intake. For a 2000-calorie daily intake, that means a maximum of 50 grams of added sugar. Choose green teas that contain less than 5 grams of sugar per cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the right time to drink green tea for weight loss?

Due to its caffeine content, green tea may affect sleep, so it is best consumed in the morning or during earlier parts of the day. If you’re a coffee drinker, consider swapping out one cup of coffee for a cup of brewed green tea or matcha tea weekly to notice the difference. Green tea provides an energy boost without the caffeine crash associated with coffee, helping you stay active without anxiety.

If you have a workout routine, timing your green tea intake accordingly to maximize weight loss benefits can be beneficial. Consuming 3 to 6 mg of caffeine (from tea or coffee) per kilogram of body weight about an hour before exercising may yield good results.

Keep in mind that green tea can hinder the absorption of iron and minerals, so try to drink it between meals for optimal nutrient uptake.

How to drink green tea for weight loss?

There are various methods to enjoy green tea, but the most effective way is to prepare it with hot water. Green teas are light and rich in antioxidants that enhance metabolism, fat burning, and digestion, fostering weight loss. Adding sweeteners can dilute these beneficial effects, so for flavor, consider incorporating honey or lemon, which do not compromise antioxidant levels. Iced green tea also retains the same benefits and is a refreshing option for those who prefer cold beverages.

Should I drink green tea hot or cold for weight loss?

Green tea is best enjoyed at a temperature between 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This range allows optimal infusion of the tea bags or powder while enhancing flavor.

Can I get antioxidant benefits from decaffeinated green tea?

The important antioxidant compound EGCG in green tea is present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties. However, decaf green tea generally contains lower concentrations of antioxidants due to the caffeine removal process. The level of caffeine in decaf tea depends on the method used for decaffeination.

The two primary methods are chemical solvent extraction and the carbon dioxide method. It’s advisable to select a decaf green tea produced using the carbon dioxide method, as it preserves more antioxidants and polyphenols.

Is green tea low in caffeine?

Caffeine content varies among green tea products and across different tea varieties. Typically, one cup of brewed green tea (8 oz.) contains about 20 to 50 mg of caffeine, significantly less than the 80 to 100 mg found in an equivalent serving of coffee.

Matcha contains a higher caffeine level because you consume the entire powder. An 8-ounce serving of matcha can provide around 70 mg of caffeine.

The FDA suggests a safe caffeine intake limit of 400 mg per day for adults, meaning a healthy adult can enjoy up to eight cups of green tea or four cups of coffee daily.

Due to individual variations in caffeine tolerance, be aware of how much caffeine your body can effectively handle and adjust your intake accordingly.

Does green tea help with weight loss?

Some research suggests that a combination of caffeine and EGCG present in green tea may support fat oxidation and weight loss, although further studies are needed to validate these claims. Nevertheless, the benefits of green tea are clear, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet and a healthier alternative to processed sugary drinks.

It’s important to understand that green tea beverages and green tea extract supplements are not the same. The latter is not recommended by the CDC for weight loss due to potential side effects.

Focus on overall well-being rather than solely weight management by following a nutrient-rich diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

If you’re concerned about weight gain, consider lifestyle changes, such as avoiding eating out, increasing workout frequency, and ensuring adequate sleep. It’s essential to remember that diet, exercise, and sufficient sleep are critical components of long-term well-being.

What’s the best green tea for weight loss?

Weight loss cannot be achieved solely by drinking tea or following a restrictive diet; a healthy lifestyle is necessary, including regular physical activity. Depending on your weight loss goals, you can select a green tea that boosts energy, accelerates metabolism, or enhances mental clarity. For gym enthusiasts, energizing green teas are preferable, while yoga practitioners might benefit more from teas that promote calmness and appetite suppression.