Caffeine for Longevity: Tea, Coffee, and Recommendations [2025]

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According to some longevity experts like Bryan Johnson, “Sleep is the new caffeine.”

One key area he focuses on is caffeine intake.

In this post, we’ll explore how this biohacker uses caffeine strategically in his routine and whether he prefers coffee, tea, or an alternative.

Let’s dive in!

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Cocoa Powder: CocoaVia

Green Tea for Longevity

When it comes to caffeinated beverages, experts like Bryan Johnson prefer antioxidant green tea.

In one video showing his kitchen pantry, Johnson mentions drinking antioxidant green tea.

Yogi Super Antioxidant Green Tea cntains both caffeine for energy and antioxidants like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to fight inflammation.

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01/06/2025 12:29 am GMT

Rather than drinking coffee like many entrepreneurs, Johnson gets a moderate caffeine boost from green tea.

In one of his videos, Bryan mentions that he consumes green tea five times per day, equating to 75mg of caffeine from this source.

The EGCG and other catechins found in green tea or java tea provide additional benefits beyond caffeine. Studies show green tea antioxidants may boost brain function and fat burning.

By opting for green tea, you can get the best of both worlds – a lighter caffeine jolt plus plant compounds that enhance performance.

This aligns nicely with a self-experimentation approach to health optimization.

Cocoa Flavanols Caffeine

In addition to green tea, many longevity enthusiasts consume cocoa flavanol supplements.

Cocoa flavanols are antioxidants found naturally in chocolate that provide a mild stimulant effect.

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01/05/2025 10:13 pm GMT

You can take 1g of cocoa flavanols each day during two of meals.

This adds a very small caffeine dose of less than 5mg to complement the green tea.

Along with caffeine, cocoa flavanols enhance blood flow and may improve cognitive function according to research.

So while chocolate itself is high in sugar, the flavanols provide cognitive benefits.

By taking a supplement, you can isolate the useful compounds in chocolate.

Coffee Avoidance for Longevity

Bryan Johnson Caffeine, Green Tea

While many Silicon Valley entrepreneurs pound coffee all morning, Bryan Johnson appears to avoid it entirely.

Other Blueprint followers have reported similar adverse effects from coffee.

One Reddit user said that coffee makes him “super uneasy” when combined with the Blueprint diet

This may be due to excessive stimulation.

The cacao and green tea already supply caffeine and other stimulants like theobromine.

Related: Joe Rogan Coffee Preferences

Drinking coffee on top of these sources could overstimulate the nervous system.

By avoiding coffee, you get needed caffeine from “cleaner” sources like tea and cocoa that provide additional benefits.

This aligns nicely with his health optimization approach.

Caffeine Protocol

For longevity purposes, it appears beneficial to consume less than 100mg of caffeine per day.

Moderate caffeine intake provides energy and focus without overstimulation.

By optimizing your caffeine protocol, you can enhance your mind-body performance.

FAQ

How much caffeine does Bryan consume daily?

Bryan likely consumes around 80 to 100mg of caffeine per day from green tea and cocoa.

When does Bryan wake up and sleep?

Bryan wakes around 4-5 AM after sleeping around 8 PM, getting 9 hours of sleep per night.

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About the Author

Drew Wilkins is a fitness and nutrition expert with a Master's in Biokinesiology (emphasis in Sports Science) from the University of Southern California and over a decade of experience as a personal trainer, nutrition consultant, and wellness coach. An avid surfer and soccer player, he brings a unique perspective to his research, advocating for a balanced approach to health that includes physical fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.

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