New year - new tea habits?

A new year invites new habits. For many, that means adjusting their daily routines a bit: eating a little better, sleeping a little more, and maybe slowing down a bit. In fact, tea can play a bigger role here than many realize. Whether you want to reduce your coffee consumption, create better evening routines, or simply explore more flavors, the start of the year is the perfect time to give tea more space in your everyday life.

From coffee to tea

Many people who drink a lot of coffee experience restlessness, energy dips, or upset stomachs. Quitting coffee completely may feel drastic, but for many people, gradually replacing a few cups of coffee with tea works well.

Green, oolong and black teas naturally contain caffeine, but in lower amounts than coffee, and in combination with the amino acid L-theanine, this often provides a smoother and more stable energy, without the sudden ups and downs many people associate with coffee.

Good options for mornings and afternoons: Sencha or other Japanese green tea is fresh and invigorating. Darjeeling first flush is light and aromatic, perfect as a “morning tea”. Oolong is balanced and round, a good alternative to coffee after lunch.

A good tip is to keep one cup of coffee in the morning, and then switch to tea for the rest of the day. Many people experience better focus and less stress this way.

👉 Also read: Is there caffeine in tea? and Matcha or coffee

Better sleep starts before bedtime

Another common New Year's resolution is about sleep. Screen time, stress, and caffeine late in the day make it difficult to wind down. This is where tea can become an important part of a regular evening routine.

Replacing your evening cup of coffee or black tea with a decaffeinated tea sends a clear signal to your body that the day is coming to an end. In addition, the ritual of boiling water, choosing tea, and sitting down can be calming in itself. Popular bedtime choices: Chamomile is gentle and classic. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and has a round flavor. Botanical Dream with valerian root.

The most important thing is regularity. When the body learns that “tea = evening”, it becomes easier to calm down.

👉 Also read: Tea for sleep

Healthier drinks - less sugar

For many, New Year's is also about reducing sugar intake. Here, tea has a big advantage: good tea doesn't need sugar!

Green, white and high-quality black teas in particular have natural sweetness and complexity. If you still want a slightly rounder taste: choose teas with licorice root, vanilla or fruit. Try unsweetened iced tea, brewed with berries or citrus or explore rooibos and fruit teas that are naturally sweet.

A new year is also an opportunity to explore tea more consciously. Many people drink the same teas year after year, without realizing how great the diversity actually is. Maybe 2026 is the year you try: Single estate teas with a clear origin. Seasonal teas, like first flush in spring. Cold brewed tea as an alternative to soda and juice. Tea with food , where tea is used as a non-alcoholic accompaniment to meals.

By varying between green, white, black teas and herbal teas, you get both a greater taste experience and a better balance in your caffeine intake.

Small habits that last

The beauty of tea is that the changes don't have to be big. One cup less coffee. One regular evening tea. One new tea in the cupboard. Over time, these small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in your energy levels, sleep, and everyday peace of mind.

A new year isn't necessarily about doing everything differently, but about doing some things a little better.

Happy New Year!