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 green tea powder that is specifically grown and processed from green tea leaves. 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. It’s got a versatile flavor that is slightly sweet and earthy, making it a great fit with many different flavor combinations.
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 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.
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.
Encha matcha was founded by Dr. Li Gong who was inspired to bring high-quality grade tea to the masses. The matcha powder comes directly from their farm in Uji, Kyoto, Japan from where it is distributed to other parts of the world.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 matcha or coffee is "better" for you 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.
Best Matcha Powder
Encha Matcha
- Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- Hand-picked from organic farm in Uji, Japan
- First Harvest Matcha - Vibrant green color
- Highest quality matcha, never bitter
- Our Rating: 4.9 of 5 stars
Tenzo Matcha
- Tenzo Organic Ceremonial Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Authentic Japanese Matcha
- Rich in antioxidants, helps boost metabolism
- Ceremonial Grade - Vibrant Green Color
Pique Matcha
- Pique Matcha - Organic Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Harvested from a family-owned organic tea farm in Japan
- Increases energy and focus
- Highest-quality, shade grown ceremonial-grade
- Our Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars
Kenko Matcha
- Kenko Matcha Organic Ceremonial Matcha
- Gold Class Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- Country of Origin: Japan
- First Harvest Matcha - Vibrant Green in Color
- Our Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars
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.