Why is Matcha Better Than Coffee? Pros and Cons
Should you have a cup of matcha or your normal morning coffee? This post will help answer your question and explain the many benefits of consuming matcha, including how it provides a sustained energy boost as opposed to a cup of coffee. Here will take a deep dive into the age-old question: why is matcha better than coffee?
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea that's gained popularity for its unique preparation and vibrant green color.
It's made from shade-grown green tea leaves, which are ground into a fine powder.
Unlike traditional green tea, where you steep the leaves and discard them, with matcha, you consume the entire leaf, which makes it more potent in terms of both flavor and health benefits.
It's known for its earthy, slightly bitter taste and is often used in various drinks (like your classic matcha latte), desserts, and even savory dishes.
So, whether you're into lattes, smoothies, or simply enjoying a hot cup of matcha, it's a versatile and delicious way to get your green tea fix, and guess what? It is better for you than that morning cup of coffee you’ve been consuming since you were 16 years old.
What is the Best Type of Matcha?
The best type of matcha often depends on personal preferences and how you plan to use it. When it comes to matcha, there are generally two main categories to consider:
Ceremonial Grade Matcha: This is the highest quality matcha, ideal for traditional tea ceremonies. It's characterized by a vibrant green color, a smooth, sweet flavor, and a delicate aroma. If you're looking to savor matcha as a tea on its own, this is the way to go.
Culinary Grade Matcha: As the name suggests, this type is better suited for cooking, baking, and making lattes. It may have a slightly more robust flavor and a less vibrant color compared to ceremonial matcha. It's versatile for incorporating into various recipes.
For daily sipping, the ceremonial grade is a treat, while the culinary grade is perfect for cooking and beverages. Quality can vary among brands, so it's a good idea to read reviews and choose a reputable source for the best matcha experience.
What Can I Make with Matcha?
As mentioned above, there are quite a few different ways you can consume matcha. While you can just drink regular green tea to get these benefits, matcha is the superior choice.
While a popular way is via a hot beverage such as a latte, you can also bake with it. It all comes back to personal preference. Here are a few ideas of recipes using matcha to try out:
Matcha Tea Latte: A classic favorite, mix matcha powder with hot milk for a creamy, antioxidant-rich beverage.
Matcha Smoothie: Blend matcha with fruits, yogurt, and honey for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.
Matcha Ice Cream: Create homemade green tea ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Matcha Pancakes: Infuse your pancake batter with matcha for a vibrant and flavorful breakfast.
Matcha Cookies: Incorporate matcha powder into your cookie dough for unique and tasty treats.
Matcha Chocolates: Make matcha-flavored chocolates by mixing matcha into melted white chocolate.
Matcha Muffins: Add matcha to your muffin batter for a twist on traditional muffins.
Matcha Tiramisu: Give the classic Italian dessert a Japanese twist by using matcha in the recipe.
Matcha Popsicles: Create homemade green tea popsicles for a cool summer treat.
Matcha Rice Krispie Treats: Add matcha powder to the marshmallow and cereal mix for a fun and colorful twist on a childhood favorite.
These are just a few ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing with matcha. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile and healthful ingredient!
My Matcha Ratio
In a Frother:
1 Packet of Pique Matcha
¾ milk of choice
1 splash of hot water
1 squirt of honey or agave
Serve
If you’re interested in making matcha drinks at home and are looking to cut your coffee intake, these are the delicious products I use and love. I hope you find this helpful if you’re wanting an alternative to coffee!
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Matcha vs. Coffee Health Benefits
Green tea, including matcha, has its own set of advantages that make it a popular choice over coffee for many including numerous health benefits. It can be a great, healthier alternative to coffee. Here are a few reasons that answer: Why is Matcha Better Than Coffee?
Sustained Energy without the Jitters:
One of the primary reasons I prefer matcha over coffee is the unique way it provides sustained energy without the jitters or crash often associated with coffee consumption. Unlike coffee, which delivers a quick surge of caffeine followed by a rapid decline, matcha releases caffeine slowly due to its natural combination of caffeine and L-theanine. Amino acid L-theanine promotes relaxation and mental clarity, counteracting the potential side effects of caffeine, resulting in a more balanced and focused energy boost throughout the day without the caffeine crash. This can also boost your cognitive function.
How much caffeine is in matcha?
The caffeine content in matcha can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the tea leaves and how it's prepared.
On average, one teaspoon of matcha powder, which is about 2 grams, contains roughly 35-40 milligrams of caffeine. This is lower than the caffeine content in a cup of coffee using coffee beans, which can range from 95 to 200 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving.
With that, matcha does have less caffeine than a cup of coffee but can sustain your energy levels better than coffee! Coffee drinkers might deny that, but the truth is in the facts that it can be a better choice regardless of the amount of caffeine.
All the Antioxidants:
Matcha is renowned for its exceptional concentration of antioxidants. The process of shading the tea leaves before harvest significantly increases the chlorophyll and amino acid content, resulting in a vibrant green color and potent health benefits. The high antioxidant content of matcha is beneficial for overall health and can support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and contribute to anti-aging effects. It can also have a positive effect on blood pressure!
Enhanced Focus and Mental Clarity:
Matcha has been revered for centuries as a meditative drink due to its ability to induce a state of relaxed alertness. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine found in matcha promotes a calm and focused mental state. Unlike coffee, which can sometimes lead to anxiousness and restlessness, matcha provides a smooth and sustained energy lift while maintaining a sense of calm. This unique combination helps improve cognitive function, memory retention, and overall mental clarity.
Boosts Metabolism:
For those seeking a healthier lifestyle or aiming to manage their weight, matcha can be a valuable ally. Matcha has been shown to increase metabolism as it stimulates thermogenesis, the body's process of burning calories. Additionally, matcha has a calming effect on the body, reducing stress-induced eating and promoting healthier food choices. This can all be attributed to healthy weight loss as a positive side effect.
Detoxification and Improved Digestion:
Drinking matcha can help cleanse and detoxify the body. The high chlorophyll content in matcha assists in removing heavy metals and toxins from the body, promoting a healthy internal environment. Matcha's natural fiber content also supports digestion, aiding in regularity and reducing bloating. Regular consumption of matcha can contribute to a healthier gut, better nutrient absorption, and improved overall well-being.
Is Matcha Better Than Coffee for Anxiety?
Matcha is often considered a better choice for individuals dealing with anxiety when compared to coffee and this is due to the L-Theanine.
Matcha contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness, which can help mitigate the jittery feelings and heightened anxiety that coffee may trigger in some people due to its higher caffeine content.
The combination of caffeine and L-Theanine in matcha offers a more balanced and calm energy boost, potentially making it a preferred option for those looking to manage anxiety while still enjoying a caffeinated beverage. However, individual responses can vary, so it's essential to assess how your body reacts to each and choose accordingly.
Pros and Cons of Matcha
Matcha does seem to offer many more benefits than a morning cup of coffee, but there are some cons. Here are the pros and cons of drinking matcha instead of coffee:
Pros of Drinking Matcha:
Balanced Caffeine: Matcha offers a gentler caffeine boost, reducing the risk of jitters and crashes.
L-Theanine: Contains L-Theanine, promoting a relaxed alertness and reducing anxiety.
Antioxidant Rich: High in antioxidants like catechins, which have potential health benefits.
Metabolism Boost: May support weight management due to its impact on metabolism.
Heart Health: Catechins in matcha may improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels.
Digestive Friendly: Generally gentler on the stomach due to lower acidity compared to coffee.
Dental Health: Less likely to stain teeth, benefiting oral hygiene.
Versatile: Can be used in various culinary applications, from lattes to desserts.
Enhanced Concentration: L-Theanine can improve focus and mental clarity.
Cultural Tradition: Offers a connection to Japanese tea culture, which is appealing to many.
Cons of Drinking Matcha:
Taste Preference: Some may not enjoy the earthy, slightly bitter taste of matcha. The unique flavor is not loved by all.
Higher Cost: Good-quality matcha can be more expensive than coffee.
Preparation Time: Preparing matcha can be more time-consuming than brewing coffee.
Less Caffeine: If you need a strong caffeine kick, coffee offers a higher caffeine content.Sensitivity: Matcha might not suit everyone, and individual sensitivities can vary.
Potential Bitterness: If not prepared correctly, matcha can become bitter.
Not Widely Available: Depending on your location, finding high-quality matcha may be challenging.
Color Staining: Matcha can stain surfaces and clothing if not handled carefully.
Short Shelf Life: Matcha can lose its freshness relatively quickly if not stored properly.
Less Variety: Coffee comes in numerous flavors and styles, whereas matcha is primarily green tea-based.
While there are some cons to consider when deciding whether or not to make the swap over to drinking matcha instead of coffee, I think that the benefits definitely outweigh the cons here.
I choose matcha for its health benefits and the unique experience it provides. The sustained energy, tons of antioxidants, enhanced focus, metabolism boost, and detoxification properties make matcha (in my opinion) a superior alternative to coffee and why I have loved adding it into my daily routine. Plus, I just simply love the taste.
What do you think? Will you give matcha a shot? Are you already a fan? Let me know!
