Oolong vs Green Tea: Flavor, Caffeine and Brewing Compared
Share
Oolong and green tea come from the same plant, yet they land in very different places in the cup. The difference is processing: green tea is heated soon after picking to keep its fresh character, while oolong is partly oxidized and often roasted, which gives it a rounder, more layered flavor. Here is how the two compare, with an example of each from our collection. For black tea and rooibos in the same comparison, see black tea vs green tea vs oolong vs rooibos.
Oolong vs Green Tea at a Glance
| Green tea | Oolong tea | |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Heated soon after picking | Partly oxidized, often roasted |
| Flavor | Fresh, grassy, sometimes nutty | Layered: roasted, floral or creamy |
| Water temperature | About 175°F | About 195°F |
| Steep time | 2–3 minutes | 3–4 minutes |
| Caffeine | Contains caffeine | Contains caffeine |
| Re-steeping | Often good for a second cup | Often good for two or three cups |
Green Tea: Fresh and Aromatic
Green tea tends toward bright, grassy and vegetal flavors, so it suits blends built on vanilla, citrus or spice. Combray pairs organic Chinese chunmee green tea with cardamom and vanilla. It tastes like pound cake, vanilla, grass, warm hay and hazelnut. Use cooler water, around 175°F, so the leaves stay smooth rather than astringent.
Oolong Tea: Layered and Roasted
Oolong rewards attention, because its flavor shifts from the first sip to the last. Dark Iris uses Formosa oolong with dried peach, Persian pistachio, white chocolate, rose petals and lime oil, and tastes like peach, crème fraîche, iris and lime blossom. Brew 1 teaspoon per 8 oz at 195°F for 3 to 4 minutes; a splash of milk brings out pistachio and white chocolate, and cold brewing deepens the roasted peach and rose. For a brighter oolong, try Superbloom, a green jade oolong with sweet lemon and floral notes.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose green tea if you like a lighter, aromatic cup that is quick to brew. Choose oolong if you enjoy a fuller body and flavors that change as you drink. Both come in 15-cup bags ($14.99) and 70-cup bags ($44.99, about 64¢ a cup), and a 4-cup deluxe sample ($4.99) is an easy way to taste side by side. Our brewing guide covers temperature and steep time for every tea.
Pricing and Offers
The Tea Trio takes 10% off any three or more teas, applied automatically at checkout, and US orders of $45 or more ship free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between oolong and green tea?
Both come from the same plant. Green tea is heated soon after picking to keep a fresh, grassy taste; oolong is partly oxidized, which gives it a rounder, roasted or floral flavor.
Does oolong tea have more caffeine than green tea?
Both contain caffeine, and the amount depends more on the leaf and how long you steep it than on the style. Each product page states whether a blend contains caffeine.
What temperature should I use for oolong and green tea?
About 175°F for green tea and about 195°F for oolong.
Can I cold brew oolong or green tea?
Yes. Use 2 teaspoons per 8 oz of cold water and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, then strain.
