Coffee VS. Matcha – Which is better?
Many people enjoy a morning stimulant to help them feel energised in the morning.
Especially as the weather gets colder there’s nothing more comforting than a warm cup of something sweet or rich to ease us into the dark mornings.
Whether your drink of choice is matcha, coffee or other, we’re here to tell you a no-nonsense guide to Coffee vs. Matcha that will best serve your health, anxiety and overall mood.
A fashionable, health-drink and seemingly popular among gen-z and millennials, the global Matcha Tea market was valued at USD 308.8 million in 2022. Many people are swapping their dark roast for organically sourced matcha.
What is matcha?
Matcha was discovered over a thousand years ago, and its rich history has stood the test of time.
Matcha powder is made from finely ground; high-quality green tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. It is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and has recently become popular for its purported health benefits.
Matcha is potent in both flavour and antioxidants – this compared to standard green tea
that is steeped in hot water and then discarded, matcha powder is consumed in its entirety. This means that you ingest the entire leaf, rather than just the brewed water. As a result, you receive the full benefits of the tea’s nutrients.
Matcha benefits
Similar to coffee, matcha does contain caffeine, however it is typically much less (usually less than 50%). It provides a slower release of caffeine, giving you a calmer energy hit. This is due to the amino avid L-Theanine – reducing how quickly the body absorbs caffeine.
- Proven to improve sleep quality
- May strengthen your bones
- Contains a high volume of natural compounds that are beneficial to the skin
- Rich in vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K,
Coffee benefits
In contrast, coffee also contains many health benefits.
- Rich in antioxidants
- Can support blood sugar balancing (when drunk black)
- Promotes a healthy heart
- Can increase cognitive function
- May protect you from certain diseases
Most people can enjoy coffee without any nasty side effects. However, it can often get a bad reputation due to the way some metabolise it.
Due to the high volume of caffeine present in coffee, it may also result in anxiety or insomnia. This will vary by person, but we always recommend not to drink coffee past 2pm and stick to no more than 3-4 cups per day (400mg). As the health benefits you receive from coffee, are negated after that upper limit and you may experience fewer desirable effects as a result (e.g. anxiety or insomnia).
It is also advised not to drink coffee on an empty stomach, due to the acidity it can cause. Leading to acid reflux or gut-related symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Matcha on the other hand, may not cause the above symptoms but can potentially cause the feeling of nausea if drank on an empty stomach due to its concentrated nutrients and metabolism boosting effects.
The verdict – Coffee vs. Matcha
Other than ensuring to eat breakfast prior to enjoying both coffee or matcha…
Matcha is far superior in terms of health benefits, and we encourage you to give it a go or simply swap one of your daily coffees for a warm matcha latte instead! You may be surprised.
Ways to enjoy matcha
- As a warm drink mixed with milk, honey & cinnamon
- In pancakes
- In oats
- In a smoothie
- Blended with frozen fruit, yoghurt & milk as an ice cream
- In a banana bread
& so much more!
Top tip: less is always more with matcha, it does have a naturally earthy flavour so don’t go overboard with the volume, a little can go a long way.
Our customers love our matcha latte recipe, and some have even converted from coffee as a natural, calming stimulant.