Reviewed by Dietitian Jane Leverich, M.S., RDN
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Key Points
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While green tea is widely known for its antioxidant content, other beverages are also antioxidant-rich.
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Coffee, hibiscus tea and pomegranate juice are other antioxidant-rich beverages.
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In addition to these beverages, experts recommend eating a varied diet rich in antioxidants, too.
Green tea is widely known for its antioxidant content, including epigallocatechin gallate, a type of catechin that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and other health-promoting effects. But it’s far from the only antioxidant-rich beverage available. In fact, we spoke with experts who recommended five other drinks with more antioxidants than green tea—plus foods that can help increase overall antioxidant intake, offering even greater variety for supporting overall health.
1. Coffee
“Coffee is a very underappreciated source of antioxidants, primarily in the form of chlorogenic acids (CGA) and other polyphenols,” says Karen E. Todd, RD. “However, because coffee is a commonly consumed beverage and a regular part of many people’s diets, it can actually be a large contributor to the intake of antioxidants in the average person’s diet.”
Chlorogenic acids are a type of polyphenol with antioxidant properties. Research suggests these compounds may help reduce oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them.
2. Berry Juice
Berries contain high levels of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds responsible for their deep red, purple and blue colors. These compounds have been studied for their potential role in supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Todd says minimally processed, low- or no-added-sugar juices made from berries, such as acai, maqui and wild blueberries, can be an excellent way to reap their antioxidant benefits.
3. Hibiscus Tea
If you’ve yet to try hibiscus tea, you’re in for a treat—and a drink with plenty of antioxidant compounds. It’s typically made by steeping the dried, outermost leaves of the tropical plant, and the brewed tea develops a deep red hue.
Research suggests hibiscus is rich in polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds. Some studies have also explored its potential effects on cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol oxidation.
4. Pomegranate Juice
Bottled pomegranate juice has become increasingly popular, and research suggests it’s another beverage that’s rich in antioxidant compounds. These compounds act like defenders in the body. They help neutralize free radicals that may otherwise cause oxidative stress, damage cells and contribute to chronic disease and metabolic dysfunction.
5. Hot Cocoa
“Cocoa contains a large amount of flavanols. So, dark chocolate can be part of an antioxidant-rich diet,” says Todd.
Cocoa flavanols are a type of plant compound that has been studied for their potential cardiovascular benefits. To get more of these compounds from a hot cocoa, choose unsweetened cocoa powder or a dark cocoa product and adjust the amount of added sugar to your preference.
Other Tips to Increase Antioxidant Intake
While regularly sipping these drinks can help you increase your antioxidant intake, it’s important to look at the bigger picture.
“Consumers should be trying to eat a variety of foods to get a broad spectrum of antioxidants,” says Todd. “For example, a person could start their day off with a cup of coffee or tea and then have berries for breakfast, then have colorful veggies and/or beans for lunch and dinner, and then have a small amount of dark chocolate as an occasional dessert. This would be a great way to get a large array of antioxidants in your diet to help combat oxidative stress in the body.”
Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., says some of the foods with the highest levels of antioxidants include citrus fruits, carrots, spinach, kale, watercress and parsley. “It has been found that seeds and grains that have come from harsh environments, such as buckwheat, amaranth, millet, and quinoa, have very high antioxidant levels, with tartary buckwheat being the highest in overall antioxidant levels,” he adds.,
Rather than focusing on one food or beverage, aim for variety. Eating a colorful mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds throughout the day can help you consume a wide range of plant compounds.
Our Expert Take
While green tea is known for its antioxidant-rich profile, several other beverages—including coffee, berry juice, hibiscus tea, pomegranate juice and pure hot cocoa—also offer antioxidant compounds, giving you plenty of options to mix up your routine. But you don’t need to rely on drinks alone to get antioxidants. Experts recommend eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds to get a broad range of beneficial plant compounds.
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