From the Guidelines
Eating before driving while consuming tea is generally safe and should not cause any significant issues, as long as moderate amounts of tea are consumed at a comfortable temperature. It's actually advisable to eat a light meal before driving as it can help maintain your energy levels and concentration. Tea contains caffeine, which may provide a mild alertness boost, though the effect varies depending on the type of tea and your personal sensitivity to caffeine, with brewed tea having a lower caffeine content of 15–50 mg/8 oz or 237 mL 1. However, be cautious about drinking very hot tea while driving as it could cause burns if spilled. Also, drinking large amounts of tea might lead to increased urination, potentially causing discomfort during long drives. If you're sensitive to caffeine, tea consumption might cause mild jitteriness or anxiety in some individuals, which could be distracting, especially in children and adolescents who metabolize caffeine more rapidly than adults 1. For optimal driving safety, consume moderate amounts of tea at a comfortable temperature, and consider using a spill-proof travel mug to prevent accidents while on the road. Some key points to consider when consuming tea while driving include:
- Moderate tea consumption, defined as three to five 8-oz (237 mL) servings per day or ∼400 mg caffeine/d, can be incorporated into healthy eating patterns, according to the DGA 1
- The European Food Safety Authority advises that pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to 200 mg/d 1
- Children and adolescents should limit their caffeine intake to <2.5 mg · kg body weight–1 · d–1, which is equivalent to 1 or 2 cups of tea or 1 small cup of coffee daily 1
- Be aware of the potential risks of caffeine consumption, including anxiety and withdrawal symptoms, especially in children and adolescents 1
From the Research
Effects of Caffeine and Tea on Driving
- The provided studies do not directly address the effects of eating and then driving after consuming tea.
- However, studies have investigated the effects of caffeine, a key component of tea, on blood pressure, heart rate, and cognitive performance 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Caffeine has been shown to increase blood pressure and heart rate, but theanine, a compound found in tea, may antagonize these effects and promote relaxation 2.
- Moderate caffeine intake may have health benefits, but excessive consumption can lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, migraine, and addiction 3.
- The impact of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on blood pressure and heart rate has been studied, with no significant differences found between the two 4.
- A critical review of caffeine and blood pressure highlights the importance of considering methodological aspects and confounding factors when evaluating the relationship between caffeine intake and blood pressure 5.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found a protective effect of coffee and, partially, tea and caffeine on the risk of depression 6.