The Results Of Our No Coffee Challenge...

'Why should I drink tea, not coffee?'

This January, we asked over 100 customers to take part in our No Coffee Challenge - the rule was simple - for every coffee you'd normally drink, replace with one serving of MISSION. 

Our main expected result was a positive impact on energy levels. Coffee creates huge spikes in energy (making us feel great for half an hour) but the long term effects can be significantly detrimental. Read the Annex to this blog for more info.

The results of our experiment were extremely interesting. When replacing coffee with MISSION for 14 days:

• 90% of customers reported an improvement in energy levels;
• 80% of customers reported an improvement in their overall mood;
• 55% of customers reported an improvement in sleep quality (something we hadn't considered as a positive side effect before); 
• 95% of customers reported an improvement in overall performance; 
• 91% of customers would buy MISSION again;
• 94% of customers would recommend MISSION to a friend. 

We feel the results are quite clear. We are drinking far too much coffee as part of our daily routines and, whilst drinking a coffee every now and then is not a fatal crime, we need to watch our intake. Here are a few more comments from customers who took on the challenge: 

• "After the first two hours of coffee cravings, the rest of the two weeks made me realise how little I actually need caffeine!"
• "Tastes amazing! l now drink this over all other teas and energy drinks!"
• "Better deeper sleep."
• "No dip at the end of the working day. At the end of training, my mind was much clearer/aware."

And why take MISSION over any other? We fill each tea bag or matcha with specific ingredients for a specific function. Take a look at our ingredients page for more details. 

To take on the No Coffee Challenge, visit our store now and type NCC for 10% off your order. 

Annex: The Science

Coffee (caffeine: 100-475mg)

Did you know your daily coffee could contain anywhere between 100mg and 475mg of caffeine (Starbucks)? The absolute safe limit that the NHS recommends is 400mg and people are regularly exceeding this by drinking just one or two coffees. Not only this, but by drinking coffee, you’re also taking in a much less effective form of caffeine than the available alternatives. An hour after drinking coffee, one is often left feeling jittery, then tired again, wanting another coffee. In this post, I set out why green tea, matcha, yerba mate and rooibos are much more effective alternatives for a consistent energy level throughout the day. 

Green tea (caffeine: 19mg)

Green tea’s combination of caffeine and L-theanine (not present in coffee) has a significant effect on human brain function, leading to optimal alertness and performance. While the caffeine stimulates, the amino acid, L-theanine, works to slow down the absorption of it - lengthening the period of improved focus, awareness and, ultimately, energy. In addition, L-theanine is known for amplifying alpha-waves (heightening creativity), promoting mood regulators and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. 

Green tea and matcha form the main base of our Energise and Focus teas

Matcha green tea (caffeine: 12-15mg)

Matcha is a powdered version of green tea, so instead of pouring water over the leaves and then throwing them in the bin, with matcha we’re ingesting the whole leaf. You’re therefore consuming a much greater level of L-theanine and getting a longer lasting period of energy and alertness. In addition, matcha has been found to contain 137x the amount of antioxidants that normal green tea does. 

Yerba mate (caffeine: 14mg) 

Yerba mate (pronounced yer-bah mah-tay) is a caffeinated leaf from South America and can be made in exactly the same way as normal tea. It stimulates the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Besides that, it contains the compounds theobromine and theophylline (both low in coffee). These alkaloids work together to provide unique, mild stimulant effects. Yerba mate drinkers experience a state of alert wakefulness similar to that of coffee, but for a much longer period of time and without coffee’s crash (i.e. payback time). It rarely interferes with sleep and doesn’t cause caffeine jitters. This makes it perfect to take before or during performance in the gym or at your desk, producing long lasting, sustained energy. 

Yerba mate and matcha form the main base of our Perform and Endure teas 

Rooibos (caffeine: 0mg) 

Rooibos tea is a caffeine free leaf from South Africa and can also be made in exactly the same way as traditional tea. It contains the master antioxidant glutathione. More powerful than any other antioxidant, glutathione protects against inflammation, toxins, free radicals, and pathogens. Perhaps most importantly, it offers a light pick-me-up without having to worry about your caffeine intake. 

Rooibos forms the main base of our Recover and Sleep teas (and they both have a Great Taste Award for good measure)

Why is MISSION different to normal green tea, matcha, yerba mate and rooibos?

Because we’ve added in 100% natural ingredients, specifically for the enhancement of energy, performance and recovery. Check out our full ingredient list and why each ingredient is included by clicking here. 

You can shop the full MISSION range here. Type NCC at checkout for 10% off your order.