White tea is often praised for its minimal processing—no pan-firing, no rolling—just withering and drying. Among the six major tea categories in China, it’s known for its simplicity. But here’s something many don’t realize:

Not all white teas are created equal.

Based on leaf-picking standards, white tea is typically divided into three main grades:

• Baihao Yinzhen (Silver Needle) – made from only tender buds
• White Peony (Bai Mudan) – a bud with one or two young leaves
• Shoumei – more mature leaves
  (Gongmei is sometimes listed separately and made from a mix of tea cultivars.)

So, what exactly sets these different grades apart in terms of chemical composition and health benefits? Let’s break it down—with the help of scientific research.

Water-Soluble Compounds: Who Delivers the Richest Brew?

These compounds—including polyphenols, amino acids, and caffeine—are what you actually taste in the cup. The more water-soluble matter, the richer and fuller the tea soup.

• White Peony had the highest concentration
• Silver Needle came in second
• Shoumei ranked lowest

Why doesn’t Silver Needle, the highest grade, lead the pack? Researchers suggest it’s due to its whole, plump buds—which, when left uncrushed for testing, released fewer compounds into the water.

Tea Polyphenols: The Antioxidant Powerhouses

Polyphenols (especially catechins) are major contributors to flavor and color—and they’re natural antioxidants.

• White Peony had more polyphenols than Shoumei, and levels comparable to Silver Needle
• Antioxidant capacity, however, was highest in Silver Needle, thanks to its higher catechin content, total flavonoids, and organic acids
• White Peony and Shoumei had similar antioxidant performance

Takeaway: When it comes to anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-radiation benefits, Silver Needle comes out on top.

Caffeine Content: The Brain Booster

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, promoting alertness and focus. It’s more concentrated in tender buds and young leaves, and less so in mature leaves and stems.

• Silver Needle and White Peony had similarly high levels
• Shoumei had noticeably less

So if you’re seeking a gentle pick-me-up, both Silver Needle and White Peony are great choices.

Amino Acids: Freshness, Sweetness, and Feel-Good Vibes

Amino acids—especially L-theanine—are responsible for that umami sweetness in tea. They also promote relaxation and dopamine release, enhancing memory and mood.

• Highest in White Peony
• Followed by Silver Needle
• Lowest in Shoumei

Why does White Peony beat Silver Needle? Its combination of buds and young leaves naturally contains more theanine than buds alone.

Aroma Compounds: The Soul of the Tea

Tea’s aroma has a powerful impact on mood and experience. Inhaling its floral, fruity, or honeyed notes is part of what makes gongfu tea sessions so enjoyable.

• White Peony, with its moderate tenderness, was richest in aromatic compounds
• Silver Needle was elegant and subtle
• Shoumei, while more mature, had a more muted fragrance

This proves that higher leaf grade doesn’t always mean stronger aroma—balance matters more than rank.

Tea Polysaccharides: A Natural Ally for Blood Sugar Control

Polysaccharides are another important compound in white tea. They’re linked to blood sugar regulation and have shown promise in supporting those with diabetes.

In a joint study by the Beijing Food Nutrition Center and Cornell University, mice with diabetes were given infusions of Silver Needle, White Peony, and Shoumei.

All three teas lowered blood sugar levels.

But—Shoumei, with its mature leaves and higher polysaccharide content, showed the most pronounced effect. This aligns with Traditional Chinese Medicine practices, which have long used aged, coarse teas to treat “heat thirst syndrome” (an ancient description of diabetes-like symptoms).

So… Which White Tea Suits You Best?

No matter which you choose, all white teas offer anti-aging, immune-boosting, and stress-relieving properties. The key is to find the one that best suits your body and your lifestyle.

So—what’s your white tea match? Let us know in the comments below!