Matcha vs. Coffee Caffeine: The Better Way to Start Your Day

Coffee is undisputedly one of the most popular hot drinks around today. We consume it in the mornings to give us a boost of energy, we create desserts from it, and it has a wonderful history with complex flavors and origins. However, there’s a (relatively) new drink on the block that’s looking to overtake coffee’s popularity and even comes with additional benefits: matcha.

Matcha is the name given to a fine powder made from green tea leaves that is specifically grown and processed. It’s most popular in Japan but has seen huge growth across the world for a number of reasons. It’s got excellent health benefits, it’s known to boost your metabolism and promote weight loss, and it even has caffeine which makes it a great substitute for coffee.

So let’s compare the two drinks to give you a better idea of what they’re both about, and ultimately help you decide which to drink if you’re stuck for choice.

The benefits of matcha

Matcha comes with many unique benefits ranging from both its health properties to its versatility. Here are some of the tops benefits of matcha that we love:

• Matcha is a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants usually come from foods like vegetables and fruits, but you can also get plenty of it from matcha green tea. This can contribute to improving our overall health and protecting our bodies against certain health problems.
• Matcha has been linked to many health benefits. Studies have also shown that matcha consumption can improve heart health, protect us against cancer, and even boost cognitive function.
• Matcha is versatile with a balanced flavor. Matcha is normally consumed as a tea, but it’s also great as an ingredient to make matcha lattes, desserts, and even bubble tea. Using a bamboo whisk to mix matcha powder with water is a traditional method that enhances the calming experience of preparing and drinking matcha.
• One popular way to enjoy matcha is in the form of a matcha latte, which combines the fine powder with milk for a frothy and indulgent drink.

So if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious tea to consume on a regular basis, matcha is a fantastic option. But it’s also a versatile tea that you can use in many different recipes such as cakes and other hot drinks like lattes. This is why so many people have started keeping some matcha green tea powder in their pantries–it’s just so versatile and healthy.

The benefits of coffee

Coffee is undoubtedly more popular than green tea as it’s consumed around the world in very large quantities! So here are some of the reasons why people drink copious amounts of it.

• Coffee, made from roasted coffee beans, helps you stay alert and focused. Coffee is known to help you stay focused because it has high caffeine content. It helps you stay awake and can improve concentration, hence why so many people drink it in the mornings or before they need to tackle a difficult task.
• Coffee can protect you against various health problems. Regular consumption of coffee has been shown to have some positive health effects. It can improve dopamine levels which boosts your mood, it can lower your risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, and it can even help against diabetes. Regular coffee consumption has even been linked to a lower risk of developing liver disease.
• Coffee is versatile and diverse. Like matcha, coffee can be used in many different recipes. It’s drunk straight, it can go with milk-based drinks, and you can even bake desserts. Coffee also has an incredibly complex depth of flavors due to the way it’s grown, roasted, and prepared.

However, consuming too much coffee can lead to negative side effects such as jitters and anxiety, especially for those sensitive to caffeine.

It’s important to note that coffee should be consumed in moderation. It’s known to have some negative side effects such as anxiety and insomnia, and it could even negatively affect pregnant women. However, it’s still one of the most popular drinks in the world and can be consumed in many different ways.

Is matcha better than coffee?

Many people ask if matcha is a better drink than coffee due to it having fewer health-related concerns, but we believe there are many other benefits to drinking matcha instead.

• Matcha has antioxidants. Matcha and coffee both have health benefits, but we firmly believe that matcha is just better for you. It’s loaded with antioxidants, helps to boost your metabolism, and can even help improve cognitive function and promote relaxation. While coffee can also do some of these, it comes with nasty side effects like anxiety and headaches.
• Matcha has less caffeine. While some people drink coffee for its caffeine content, it needs to be consumed in moderation. Matcha has much less caffeine, making it a better choice if you’re sensitive to caffeine. It ultimately means that you can consume more matcha without experiencing the negative effects of too much caffeine intake. Additionally, matcha has been shown to benefit oral health by preventing periodontal and oral disease due to its antioxidants and antibacterial properties.
• Matcha provides a sustained energy boost. Matcha contains caffeine like coffee, but it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine which can help to produce a more sustained and calm energy boost without the jitters or crash that can sometimes accompany coffee consumption.
• Matcha, a powdered form of Japanese green tea, is made from ground up whole tea leaves, so it contains a higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than steeped tea or coffee.

It’s worth mentioning that coffee has a much longer history as a drink in the west. Matcha can be just as complex with all of the different flavors and preparation methods, but we’re just starting to see it grow in popularity.

The Verdict

Matcha and coffee are both delicious drinks that can be enjoyed in their own way. Comparing them is difficult, especially because they attract different audiences, however, here are some reasons why some people might prefer matcha over coffee:

1. Longer lasting energy: Matcha contains caffeine like coffee, but it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine which can help to produce a more sustained and calm energy boost without the jitters or crash that can sometimes accompany coffee consumption. When comparing coffee and matcha, it's clear that matcha provides a slower and steadier energy boost, making it a great alternative for those who experience jitters from too much coffee.
2. Nutritional value: Matcha is made from ground up whole tea leaves, so it contains a higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than steeped tea or coffee.
3. Reduced acidity: Coffee can be quite acidic, which can lead to digestive issues or acid reflux for some people. Matcha, on the other hand, has a more alkaline effect on the body and is less likely to cause stomach upset.
4. Versatility: While coffee is typically consumed as a hot or iced beverage, matcha can also be used in baking, cooking, and as an ingredient in smoothies or other drinks.

Ultimately, whether you choose to drink matcha or coffee depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some people may prefer the taste and energy boost of coffee, while others may appreciate the unique health benefits and versatility of matcha. We firmly believe that matcha is the healthier choice. If you’re looking for the highest quality matcha powder that is organic and free from additives and chemical, then we recommend a good quality matcha green tea powder such as Encha. If you’re looking to make authentic ceremonial-style matcha and matcha lattes, then it’s one of the best green tea powders available on the market.

Conclusion

Matcha and coffee are very different drinks, but there are certainly some benefits to drinking matcha over coffee, especially if you want a delicious beverage to consume on a regular basis. Matcha powder can also be used for a lot of different things such as baked goods, making it extremely versatile.

Matcha vs Coffee FAQ's

How does the caffeine content in matcha compare to coffee?

Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee, with about 70 milligrams of caffeine per serving compared to coffee's 95 milligrams per cup. However, matcha provides a more sustained energy boost due to its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine, which promotes calm and focus without the jitters often associated with coffee.

Which is healthier, matcha or coffee?

Both matcha and coffee offer health benefits, but they differ in their nutrient profiles. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help fight free radicals and support overall health. It also contains vitamins and minerals. Coffee is known for its antioxidants as well, particularly chlorogenic acid, which can support metabolism and heart health. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual health goals and preferences.

What are the side effects of matcha vs. coffee?

Matcha generally has fewer side effects than coffee. Matcha's combination of caffeine and L-theanine helps prevent the crash and anxiety that some people experience with coffee. Excessive coffee consumption can lead to jitteriness, insomnia, and digestive issues due to its higher caffeine content