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If you love caffeine, chances are you’ve had your fair share of coffee. But maybe you’ve heard whispers about matcha instead of coffee and are wondering if you should make the switch. Is matcha really better? Is it stronger than coffee? And which one actually tastes better?
Let’s break down everything you need to know about matcha vs. coffee, from caffeine content and health benefits to weight loss potential and anxiety effects. Plus, discover some easy recipes so you can whip up the perfect cup of either one.
What Exactly Are Matcha and Coffee?
Caffeine Showdown — Is Matcha Stronger Than Coffee?
Matcha vs. Coffee for Anxiety — Which One Keeps You Zen?
Health Benefits of Matcha Over Coffee
Matcha vs. Coffee for Weight Loss
Which Tastes Better — Matcha or Coffee?
How to Brew Matcha vs. Coffee — Simple Recipes
Matcha vs. Coffee — Which One Should You Pick?
Both matcha and coffee are popular warm drinks brewed from organic compounds, but they are complete opposites in terms of color, taste and results. Meet your caffeine-fix contenders:
Matcha is a powdered green tea — the Camellia sinensis plant — that first gained popularity among Buddhist monks in Japan. Unlike regular tea, which involves steeping leaves in hot water, matcha is consumed by mixing ground matcha powder with hot water and drinking the entire organic compound. That means you get all its nutrients, antioxidants and caffeine in one go. Traditionally, matcha is whisked into hot water, but it also makes a great latte.
Today, matcha is found in cookies, frothies and health drinks, to name a few. Matcha is made from green tea exclusively cultivated in shaded areas, where the lack of sunlight increases the chlorophyll production in the leaves, giving them their characteristically bright green appearance. The tea leaves also contain more amino acids, which combine with the chlorophyll to create a nutrient-rich leaf that brews into an umami flavor.
Ah, coffee — the fuel of deadlines, morning routines and all-nighters. It’s made by brewing roasted coffee beans, and you can prepare it in a million different ways—drip coffee, espresso, French press, cold brew, you name it.
Both drinks contain caffeine, but each affects you differently.
If you’re drinking coffee for the caffeine kick, you might wonder: Is matcha as strong as coffee? The answer? Not quite, but it depends on how you measure “strong.”
Coffee packs more caffeine per serving, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically the better choice for energy. Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that affects caffeine absorption by the stomach lining. Instead of a quick jolt followed by a crash, matcha’s L-theanine combines with the natural caffeine content to give you a calm and steady focus for hours. If coffee makes you jittery, matcha might be your new best friend.
If you struggle with caffeine-induced anxiety, the choice between matcha and coffee is a big deal.
If you love caffeine but hate feeling on edge, switching to matcha instead of coffee might help you stay productive without the stress.
Let’s talk health perks. Coffee isn’t bad for you, but matcha has some clear advantages.
If you drink coffee every day and experience energy dips, stomach discomfort or sleep issues, matcha could be worth a try.
Does matcha or coffee win if you’re sipping your caffeine for metabolism support? The facts:
This one’s completely subjective, as people don’t all have the same taste profiles, but here’s what to expect:
Now for the fun part — how to make each drink:
Matcha requires slightly more technique, but once you’ve mastered it, it’s as easy to make as coffee.
You’ll need:
Steps:
Of course, you can use your favorite coffee pods or instant brew — no judgment here.
You’ll need:
Steps:
Still undecided whether you prefer a rich, bitter brew or an umami green taste? Ultimately, the best choice depends on your body and preferences. If coffee leaves you wired and crashing, try matcha instead of coffee for a week. Who knows? You might just become a matcha convert.
Here’s a summary to help you choose.
Choose matcha if you want:
Choose coffee if you love:
Switching to matcha instead of coffee is a great option if you’re looking for a steadier energy boost and fewer jitters. While matcha has less caffeine, it provides a smoother, longer-lasting focus. If you love the bold taste of coffee, you might need time to adjust, but many people enjoy matcha just as much once they find their favorite way to prepare it.
Matcha is typically gentler on the stomach than coffee. Coffee is highly acidic, which can cause heartburn, acid reflux or an upset stomach. Matcha, on the other hand, is alkaline and contains catechins, which may aid digestion and gut health. If coffee upsets your stomach, matcha is definitely worth trying.
Coffee provides an immediate energy boost but can lead to midday slumps. Matcha contains L-theanine, which helps you stay calm and focused without the jittery side effects of coffee. If you need long-lasting concentration, matcha is the better choice.
Both matcha and coffee can support weight loss, but matcha may have a slight edge. It contains EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that enhances fat-burning and metabolism. Coffee can also boost metabolism but may cause blood sugar spikes if consumed with sugar or high-calorie creamers.
Matcha wins this round! It’s packed with catechins and EGCG, making it one of the most antioxidant-rich beverages. Coffee also has antioxidants, but matcha contains significantly higher levels due to the whole leaf being consumed.
There’s no right or wrong answer in the matcha vs. coffee debate — both have their perks. But matcha is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for a steady energy boost, better digestion and more health benefits.
So, what’s it going to be? Are you sticking with coffee, or are you ready to make the switch? Tell us about it on our socials.
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