Matcha vs Coffee: Should You Make The Switch To Matcha – Why And Why Not?
Are you a die-hard coffee enthusiast looking to explore new options?
Or perhaps you’re simply curious about the buzz surrounding matcha, the green powder that’s been making waves in the wellness world.
Whatever your reason, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, I’m going to explore the topic of matcha vs coffee: from taste and energy levels to health benefits and preparation methods, you’ll get it all.
So, sit back, grab your favorite mug, and let’s explore the matcha vs coffee debate. But before we both start enjoying matcha vs coffee, I have to mention that Nioteas made a video on this topic. I think you should check it out:
1. What is matcha tea?
Let’s first understand what matcha is.
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. The tea plants used for matcha are shade-grown for about 20 days before harvesting, which boosts the content of chlorophyll and amino acids.
After harvesting, the leaves are carefully steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder using stone mills.
Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped in water and then discarded, matcha preparation involves consuming the entire leaf. This means you’re getting a concentrated dose of all the nutrients and antioxidants found in green tea.
In fact, one cup of matcha is equivalent to about 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea in terms of nutritional value!
2. Matcha vs coffee: do both contain caffeine?
One of the main reasons people reach for coffee is the energy boost it provides.
But how does matcha compare in terms of caffeine content and energy levels?
Let’s take a closer look.
Caffeine content of coffee or matcha
- Coffee: A typical 8-ounce cup of coffee contains around 95mg of caffeine, although this can be different depending on the type of coffee and brewing method.
- Matcha: A serving of matcha (about 1 teaspoon!) contains around 70mg of caffeine, which is slightly lower than coffee.
3. Energy levels: Is matcha better than coffee?
While both matcha and coffee contain caffeine, the effects on energy levels are quite different.
Coffee can give you a quick jolt of energy, but it often comes with a crash later on. This is because coffee’s caffeine is released into your bloodstream quickly, providing a rapid spike in energy followed by a sudden drop.
Matcha provides a more sustained energy release due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. L-theanine works synergistically with caffeine to provide a calm, focused energy that lasts for several hours.
This is why many people report feeling more alert and productive after drinking matcha, without the jitters or crash associated with coffee.
4. The taste test: where coffee beats matcha
When it comes to taste, matcha and coffee are worlds apart.
Coffee has a bold, roasted flavor that many people love, with notes of bitterness and acidity. The taste of coffee can be different depending on the type of beans, roasting method, and preparation style – you know it all. Some people enjoy adding milk, sugar, or other flavors to their coffee to enhance the taste.
Matcha has an earthy taste with a slight sweetness.
Some describe matcha as having a vegetal or grassy flavor, which can be an acquired taste for coffee drinkers. High-quality matcha should have a smooth, creamy texture and a balance of sweet and bitter notes.
Many people find that they enjoy the unique flavor of matcha once they get used to it, but before that, some people actually don’t really like the earthy flavor.
Matcha can be enjoyed on its own, whisked with hot water, or combined with milk for a creamy latte-style drink.
Some people also enjoy adding matcha to smoothies – this is also a new trend in shops and cafés.
5. The health benefits of matcha: full of antioxidants
One of the biggest advantages of matcha over coffee is its impressive antioxidant content. Matcha is rich in a class of antioxidants called catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate).
These powerful compounds have been linked to various health benefits, including:
- Improved heart health: Studies have shown that regular consumption of green tea, including matcha, may lower the risk of heart disease by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Reduced inflammation: The antioxidants in matcha have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
- Enhanced brain function: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha has been shown to improve cognitive performance, including attention, memory, and reaction time.
- Boosted metabolism: Some studies suggest that the catechins in green tea may help increase metabolism and promote fat burning, potentially aiding in weight loss efforts.
In fact, matcha contains 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea!
6. Matcha benefits over coffee
Many people find themselves relying on coffee to get through the day, leading to feelings of dependence.
he rapid spike and crash of coffee’s caffeine can create a cycle of energy highs and lows, leaving you craving more to maintain productivity.
While matcha does contain caffeine, the presence of L-theanine helps to balance out its effects, providing a more stable energy release without the jitters or crash
This means that matcha may be less likely to lead to the same kind of addiction that coffee can.
Everyone’s tolerance and response to caffeine is different.
Some people may still experience withdrawal symptoms or cravings when cutting back on matcha, just as they would with coffee.
As with any caffeinated beverage, it’s best to consume matcha in moderation and listen to your body’s cues.
7. Should you make the switch from coffee to matcha: addictivity levels
The decision to switch from coffee to matcha comes down to personal preference and individual health goals.
f you’re looking for a healthier alternative that still provides an energy boost, matcha might be worth a try. The added benefits of antioxidants and sustained energy release could be particularly appealing for those looking to optimize their wellness routine.
If you simply can’t give up your morning coffee ritual, there’s no need to force yourself.
Coffee also has its own set of health benefits, including improved cognitive function and reduced risk of certain diseases.
The key is to enjoy your preferred beverage in moderation and be mindful of any added sugars or creamers that could negate the potential health benefits.
If you’re interested in exploring matcha but not ready to give up coffee entirely, consider incorporating it into your routine gradually. You could start by replacing one cup of coffee with matcha a few times a week, or enjoying matcha as an afternoon pick-me-up or a relaxing evening beverage.
8. How to make matcha at home
If you’re ready to give matcha a go, here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious cup at home:
- Start with high-quality matcha powder. Look for brands that use pure, shade-grown green tea leaves and stone-ground processing methods.
- Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a small bowl using a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any clumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Heat water to just below boiling point (around 175°F or 80°C). If the water is too hot, it can make the matcha taste bitter.
- Pour the hot water into the bowl with the sifted matcha powder.
- Using a bamboo whisk (chasen), whisk the mixture vigorously in a “W” pattern until it becomes frothy and well-combined. This helps to dissolve the powder and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Pour the prepared matcha into your favorite mug and enjoy!
You can also experiment with different matcha recipes, such as iced matcha lattes, matcha smoothies, or even matcha-infused baked goods. The possibilities are endless!
Go ahead, experiment with matcha, savor your favorite coffee, or mix it up and enjoy the best of both worlds. Life is too short to limit yourself to just one type of caffeine fix!