You may have heard about the nutritional and health benefits of powdered green tea and are wondering how matcha differs from coffee? What do matcha, caffeine and coffee have in common?

Matcha tea is powdered green tea, a variety of the camellia sinensis plant. Matcha tea is growing in popularity around the world due to its antioxidant and health properties and its abundance of nutrients. Matcha green tea contains important nutrients that are usually difficult to obtain in traditional diets, including: antioxidants, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, chlorophyll, zinc, magnesium and many others. Additionally, with so many elements that cleanse the body , matcha tea is considered one of the oldest natural solutions that have such a beneficial effect on health.

Where does tea have so much caffeine?

Although most real teas contain some mg of caffeine, matcha powder contains much more. There are several reasons for this fact. First, the leaves intended for matcha tea are kept in the shade for three weeks before harvesting . During this period, tea plants increase their activity, go into defense mode and begin to produce more caffeine to effectively defend themselves against insects. Therefore, shaded matcha tea leaves and the infusion from them will have more caffeine compared to those that have not experienced shading.

Caffeine is produced by tea plants (camellia sinensis plants) as a defense mechanism against insects . It can be very bitter and sometimes even poisonous to smaller insects, so it is an effective natural way to repel insects. Young leaves are more delicate and defenseless, so they produce even greater amounts of caffeine during cultivation. And since matcha is produced from the youngest leaves of tea bushes , they receive the largest dose of caffeine, and this is the second reason why matcha has more caffeine than other teas. The third reason for the above-average level of caffeine in matcha is the fact that the leaf stalks are removed during its production. The stems contain only 30% caffeine compared to the caffeine contained in the leaves and are separated from the leaves to improve the quality of the matcha. This process also results in the higher level of caffeine contained in matcha green tea. It should also be remembered that in the final phase of production, matcha leaves are ground into a very fine dust and finally mixed directly with water when consumed. This means that instead of slowly extracting the caffeine as a substance, as is the case when preparing regular loose leaf teas, in the case of matcha tea, all of the caffeine is absorbed in one go .

Matcha. Caffeine. Coffee?

One cup of matcha green tea contains (for example 2 gr in a matcha latte ) about 40-50 mg of caffeine , which is much more compared to ordinary green leaf tea, which contains about 20 mg of caffeine. However, the caffeine content in coffee (in the form of espresso) is approximately 60 mg of caffeine according to. United States Department of Agriculture, USDA . Matcha green tea contains the most mg of caffeine among green teas and slightly less than coffee, and thanks to the presence of L-theanine , an amino acid with relaxing properties, it soothes and prolongs the stimulating effect of caffeine. This means that instead of the huge caffeine boost you get from drinking coffee, powdered green tea allows you to benefit from its stimulating effects for much longer.

Long-lasting energy

By adding Japanese ceremonial or traditional matcha to your daily diet, you control and prolong the effects of caffeine, giving you balanced energy throughout the day. Matcha green tea combines the effects of concentration and relaxation , while improving mental clarity. Both drinks provide an energy boost, although in different ways. One cup of matcha provides energy for approximately 3-5 hours and allows you to reach peak levels of concentration within 30 minutes after drinking it. However, coffee increases energy levels only for 1-3 hours . Green tea is also gentler on our digestive system, has a beneficial effect on our body and has a stimulating effect without the feeling of the so-called “anxiety” . Matcha green tea does not cause the sudden drop in energy and side effects that a cup of coffee, energy drinks or sweetened drinks provide. When drinking matcha, we don't have to worry about sugar levels , it is always GMO free and compatible with keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian and virtually every other diet. Matcha, considered the healthiest green tea, also has a balanced pH level, making it a great digestive aid. It contains catechins that will help you fight bad breath and tooth discoloration - a common problem for people who drink coffee regularly. In addition, matcha is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols , and may also have therapeutic applications in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer. Drinking matcha instead of green teas can help you lose weight , lower blood pressure and improve the appearance of your skin. Its calming effects can improve your emotional and mental state, reduce the risk of panic, stress, nervousness, and even help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Matcha and coffee - comparison

Both coffee and matcha contain a minimum amount of calories if they are prepared without additives such as milk, sugar, cream or flavored syrups. Both have similar properties and a bitter taste. The taste of matcha is described as expressive and botanical, while in comparison, the taste in coffee is famous for its roasted, and sometimes nutty, chocolate flavor and aroma. High-quality matcha may cost more in cafes due to lower availability and the specific cultivation and production process, but remember that powdered matcha has a higher yield and the cost per cup should be similar. Dissolve matcha in water (preferably using a chasen - a traditional bamboo whisk), for matcha latte we use about 1.5-2 grams per cup , and for coffee 7-9 grams . This means that a package of 100 grams of matcha will yield approximately 50 servings , while a package of 100 grams of coffee will yield only 12.5 portions.

How to use matcha and why is it worth drinking?

You don't always have to drink matcha tea in powder form with water as a beverage. Many successfully use matcha as an additional substance when baking , preparing desserts, ice cream or cocktails . Interestingly, some people consume it only because of the amazing properties of this green powder, while some are guided by the taste of products with matcha, and others are simply stimulated. Regardless, remember that this green powder contains a lot of substances, amino acids and minerals that you will not find in other products. The cultivation and production of tea came from China but has also been practiced in Japan for many years. Thanks to a special process during which the leaves are protected from the sun, an increase in the amount of chlorophyll and a higher concentration of antioxidants has been demonstrated. For comparison, in traditional loose leaf tea, only one substance enters the body - water infusion, and when drinking a cup of matcha tea from Japan, our body receives all the leaves dissolved in water along with all the caffeine contained in the tea. It has a huge impact on our health, digestion, and physical activity, and can even prevent aging. Let it be a healthy alternative to energy products and drinks . If green matcha powder with water and its characteristic bitter taste are an insurmountable barrier for your body, try drinking it with milk, honey or as a creamy shake and enjoy its sweet taste. Used properly, it can turn a boring routine into healthy eating habits, although remember to consume it in moderation. Remember, unlike coffee, do not pour boiling water over tea (it is best to use water at a maximum temperature of 80'C ), then you will get the most out of what this magical drink contains in the form of matcha tea powder.

Matcha - time for tea that stimulates.

In addition to the previously mentioned benefits, some benefits of matcha include:

• Matcha tea stimulates, thanks to the caffeine content, but at the same time it relaxes the mind without causing drowsiness;
• An easy way to prepare tea. All you need to do to prepare a cup of matcha is add matcha powder to hot water and mix. No specialized equipment is needed.

Some additional benefits of coffee:

• high availability. You can easily find a place where you can buy coffee.

Like matcha, it also has its disadvantages:

• may cause addiction due to its caffeine content. Caffeine is considered a central nervous system stimulant. Drinking too much coffee can lead to caffeine use disorder or addiction .
• unwanted side effects. Some people experience unpleasant reactions when drinking or quitting coffee, such as insomnia, tremors, rapid heartbeat, headaches, and anxiety.

Matcha vs. coffee - summary

Both are very popular and are consumed for their health-promoting properties for our body. Matcha and coffee are classified as caffeinated drinks. Both drinks are rich in antioxidants and even share some common health benefits. For example, they may lower the risk of heart disease and cancer while promoting weight loss and increasing energy levels. Matcha and coffee have their advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered before choosing your favorite drink. You don't have to give up coffee completely (unless your doctor tells you to, of course), but try matcha again if you haven't had a chance to drink it. You have nothing to lose except getting rid of stained teeth, bad breath and a racing heart. And you can gain a completely new world of well-being and joy, for which your body will thank you for its strong health and excellent immunity. Before purchasing, make sure that matcha contains powder from the leaves of the camellia sinensis tea plant, it comes from Japan and not China, then you will best benefit from its incredible properties. If you have a machine compatible with Nespresso capsules, be sure to check out our matcha capsules , and if you want to start your adventure with traditional accessories, see our matcha set .