Many people drink coffee for energy.
But more people today are trying matcha instead.
Both drinks give energy.
But they feel very different.
Matcha is powdered green tea from Japan.
Coffee is made from roasted coffee beans.
If you are new to matcha, you can first read our guide explaining what matcha is.
Now let’s compare matcha and coffee.
Caffeine
Both matcha and coffee contain caffeine.
Caffeine is what gives energy.
A cup of coffee usually has more caffeine than matcha.
But matcha still gives a strong energy boost.
If you want to learn more about caffeine in matcha, you can read our guide on does matcha have caffeine.
Energy Feeling
Coffee energy comes quickly.
But sometimes people feel a crash later.
Matcha energy feels slower and smoother.
This happens because matcha also contains L-theanine.
L-theanine helps the brain stay calm and focused.
This combination of caffeine and L-theanine is why many people prefer matcha.
Focus
Coffee can make people feel alert.
But sometimes it can also make people feel jittery.
Matcha often helps people feel focused without feeling shaky.
Long ago, monks in Japan drank matcha during meditation.
It helped them stay awake while keeping the mind calm.
Taste
Coffee has a strong roasted flavor.
Some people like it black.
Others add milk or sugar.
Matcha tastes different.
Good matcha tastes:
smooth
creamy
slightly sweet
rich in umami
Lower quality matcha can taste bitter.
If you want to understand quality differences, you can read our guide on ceremonial vs culinary matcha.
Preparation
Coffee is usually brewed in a machine or coffee maker.
Matcha is prepared by mixing powder with water.
Traditionally, matcha is whisked in a bowl using a bamboo whisk.
If you want to try making it yourself, read our guide on how to make matcha.
Health
Both drinks contain natural compounds.
Coffee contains antioxidants.
Matcha also contains antioxidants, including EGCG.
Because matcha uses the whole tea leaf, it contains many natural compounds from the plant.
If you want to learn more about this, you can read our article about matcha benefits.
Which One Is Better?
It depends on the person.
Some people prefer coffee.
Others prefer matcha.
Coffee gives strong and fast energy.
Matcha gives smoother and calmer energy.
Many people enjoy matcha because it provides focus without the strong crash that coffee can sometimes cause.
Try Authentic Matcha
The taste of matcha depends on quality.
High quality matcha should be bright green and smooth.
At Ujiha, we bring small batches of matcha from a partner farm in Uji, Japan.
Our matcha is stone-milled in Japan and imported fresh in small batches.
You can explore our matcha here
https://ujiha.au