Comparison of the effects of different types of soya milk on the total antioxidant capacity of black tea infusions

Experimental evidence has shown that the polyphenols in black tea exhibit strong antioxidant potential in vitro and in vivo. The objective of the present study was to analyse and compare the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of five brands of tea and to evaluate whether the addition of different varieties of soya milk decreased the TAC compared to semi-skimmed bovine milk. Each of the teas analysed was a significant source of antioxidants (7796-10,434 μmol/l FRAP). The addition of milk lowered the TAC of each of the teas analysed. When compared to tea with semi-skimmed bovine milk, each of the five teas analysed had either significantly higher antioxidant values or no change after the addition of soya milk. The addition of soya milk to black tea may be a useful alternative to semi-skimmed bovine milk if wishing to maintain the overall antioxidant potential of the tea infusion.