One plant, many teas
Green tea, black tea, white tea and oolong all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub grown in China, Japan, India, Kenya and many other regions. The difference lies in how the leaves are processed after picking.
Green tea leaves are heated soon after harvest, by steaming in Japan or pan-firing in China, which stops oxidation and keeps the leaves green and fresh tasting.
A very old drink
Tea has been grown and enjoyed in China for thousands of years, and it spread through Japan, Central Asia and eventually the world. Many cultures have developed their own rituals around it, from the Japanese tea ceremony to the Moroccan mint tea tradition.
That long history is one reason green tea feels so familiar. For many people it is simply the comforting cup they reach for in the morning.
What catechins are
Green tea is rich in catechins, a family of natural plant compounds, of which one called EGCG is the best known. Catechins are part of the bitterness and astringency you notice in a strong cup.
Because the leaves are not oxidized, green tea retains more of these compounds than black tea does. Extracts are often described by their catechin content.
The caffeine in green tea
Green tea also contains natural caffeine. A typical cup holds roughly a third to a half of the caffeine in a cup of coffee, though it varies with the tea and how long it steeps. Green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which is often mentioned alongside it.
Because Jello Burn contains green tea and guarana, both natural caffeine sources, it is sensible to keep your total daily caffeine in mind. Our caffeine guide has easy tips.
How a leaf extract is made
Makers dry the leaves, then use water or another food-grade solvent to draw out the compounds, and finally concentrate the result into a powder or liquid. A standardized extract aims for a consistent level of catechins from batch to batch.
In a liquid supplement, a fine extract blends evenly into the formula.
Green Tea inside Jello Burn
Jello Burn lists Green Tea Leaf extract beside Chromium, African Mango Seed, Guarana Seed, Maca Root and Grape Seed extracts. The formula is positioned to support healthy weight management, a healthy metabolism, appetite and daily energy as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The brand's public description does not list individual amounts, so the bottle label is the final word on details.
Enjoying real green tea
Use water that is hot but not boiling, around 175 degrees Fahrenheit, and steep for two to three minutes. Hotter water and longer steeping make a bitter cup. Try sencha, jasmine green tea or a toasted genmaicha for variety.
Iced green tea with lemon and mint is a refreshing, unsweetened option for warm days.
Where it fits in a routine
A cup of tea can be a pleasant pause in the afternoon, but no drink replaces balanced meals, movement and sleep. Our hydration guide shows where tea fits with water and other drinks.
The complete Supplement Facts panel is printed on every bottle, so the label is the place to confirm directions and amounts.
Matcha, sencha and more
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown leaves, whisked into water so that you drink the whole leaf. Sencha is a steamed Japanese tea with a grassy, fresh flavor. Gunpowder is a rolled Chinese tea, and jasmine green tea is scented with flowers.
Each style brings a different taste, so trying a few is a pleasant way to find a favorite.
Buying and storing tea
Choose whole-leaf tea from a trusted seller, keep it in an airtight, opaque container away from heat and light and use it within a few months for the best flavor. Fresh green tea smells grassy and bright, while stale tea tastes flat.
Loose leaf and quality tea bags both work well when stored properly.
Extracts versus the cup
A cup of tea and a concentrated extract are not the same thing. The extract is more concentrated, and the cup gives you water, warmth and a short pause in the day as well.
Both can be part of a routine, as long as you keep your total caffeine in mind.
A quick summary
Green tea comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and contains catechins and natural caffeine. Jello Burn lists Green Tea Leaf extract as one of six named ingredients.
Read the other guides on this site for the whole picture.
Questions people ask
Is green tea the same as black tea? It comes from the same plant but is processed differently. Does it contain caffeine? Yes, naturally. Where can I see the amount in my supplement? On the bottle label.
These quick answers clear up the most common mix-ups.