For many of us, the day doesn’t truly begin without a cup of something caffeinated. Coffee and matcha are two popular go-to drinks, but matcha offers distinct advantages that could make it the superior choice for a healthier, more balanced energy source. If you’re wondering whether you should stick with your morning coffee or switch to matcha, understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that originated in Japan. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha is made from whole, ground tea leaves. This means that when you drink matcha, you’re consuming the entire leaf, not just the extract from it. This offers a more concentrated source of nutrients compared to regular green tea.
Matcha has a vibrant green color due to its high chlorophyll content. The tea plants used to make matcha are shade-grown for a few weeks before harvest, which enhances the plant's production of amino acids and gives matcha its unique flavor profile—slightly bitter, earthy, with a hint of sweetness.
Why Matcha is Better than Coffee: The Benefits
Matcha provides many benefits that extend beyond what coffee can offer.
1. Sustained Energy Without the Crash
One of the biggest advantages matcha has over coffee is how it delivers caffeine. While coffee provides an immediate energy spike, it often results in a subsequent crash, leaving you feeling jittery and tired. Matcha, on the other hand, contains both caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calmness and relaxation. This combination offers a smooth, sustained energy boost that can last for hours without the crash associated with coffee.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Matcha is packed with antioxidants, especially a type of catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is known for its cancer-fighting properties and ability to boost metabolism. Matcha’s antioxidant content is far superior to that of coffee, making it a better choice for those focused on long-term health benefits. One cup of matcha provides the antioxidant equivalent of 10 cups of regular brewed green tea.
3. Mental Clarity and Focus
The presence of L-theanine in matcha not only moderates the effects of caffeine but also enhances focus and mental clarity. This creates a state of relaxed alertness that’s perfect for tasks requiring concentration. Coffee, while stimulating, can lead to anxiety and overstimulation, making it harder to focus on detailed work.
4. Detoxifying Properties
The vibrant green color of matcha comes from chlorophyll, a powerful detoxifier that helps remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body. Coffee, while also containing beneficial nutrients, doesn’t offer the same level of detoxification support. If you’re looking for a drink that both energizes and purifies, matcha is the way to go.
5. Lower Acidity
Coffee is notorious for its high acidity, which can cause issues like acid reflux, heartburn, and upset stomach. Matcha is much gentler on the stomach and doesn’t contribute to acid-related problems. If you’re sensitive to coffee’s acidity, switching to matcha could bring relief while still providing that much-needed energy boost.
Caffeine Content in Coffee vs. Matcha
While both matcha and coffee contain caffeine, the way they deliver it to the body differs significantly.
Caffeine in Coffee: An average cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine, though this can vary widely depending on the type of coffee bean, brew method, and serving size. Coffee provides a fast energy boost, but it can also lead to jitters, anxiety, and a sharp energy drop as the caffeine wears off.
Caffeine in Matcha: Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee—about 35 milligrams per serving—but the presence of L-theanine allows for a slower release of caffeine into the bloodstream. This creates a smoother, more balanced energy boost that avoids the peaks and crashes commonly associated with coffee.
Coffee Benefits: What Coffee Still Does Well
While matcha has clear advantages, coffee isn’t without its perks. It’s one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the Western diet and is packed with beneficial nutrients like vitamins B2, B3, and B5. Coffee has also been shown to reduce the risk of certain diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. And of course, for those who crave a bold, rich flavor, coffee delivers in a way matcha cannot.
Coffee can also improve physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels, making it a popular pre-workout drink. It’s a mood enhancer as well, stimulating the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine.
The Final Verdict: Why Matcha May Be the Better Choice
Ultimately, matcha outshines coffee in terms of health benefits and balanced energy. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine provides a unique, sustained energy boost without the jittery crash associated with coffee. Matcha is also a powerhouse of antioxidants, offers detoxifying benefits and is much gentler on the stomach.
If you’re looking for a drink that can enhance focus, boost metabolism, and provide long-term health benefits, matcha is the better choice. However, if you enjoy the bold taste of coffee and appreciate its immediate energy boost, there’s no need to give it up completely. Incorporating both into your routine could offer the best of both worlds, letting you enjoy the benefits of each on your own terms.
Reference
Healthline (2020). How Do Matcha and Coffee Compare? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/matcha-vs-coffee
The Tea Makers of London (2023). Matcha Vs Coffee - 7 Reasons To Switch To Matcha. Retrieved from https://www.theteamakers.co.uk/blogs/news/matcha-vs-coffee
Vogue (2024). Coffee or Matcha: Which Is Better For You? Retrieved from https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/coffee-vs-matcha