Matcha vs. Coffee: Key Differences, Health Benefits, and More

Ah, the matcha versus coffee debate. Both have been around for centuries, but as the former gains popularity, more and more people are comparing the two.

While a staggering three in four Americans drink coffee every day, this vibrant green powder is popping up everywhere. From matcha cafes to DIY drinks at home, it’s quickly becoming a favorite alternative to traditional coffee.

We’ll explore what makes matcha so special and then compare it to your trusty cup of joe.

Matcha is a type of Japanese green tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant — the same plant that gives us black, green, and oolong teas.

Unlike many other types of tea that seep tea bags or loose leaves in hot water, the tea leaves are ground into a fine powder. The powder is then whisked into hot water or mixed into smoothies, lattes, and even baked goods.

Is Matcha Good for You?

Yes! Matcha tea benefits are far and wide.

Packed with antioxidants, matcha also contains L-theanine (an amino acid that promotes calm and focus) and other essential nutrients. The chlorophyll in the leaves gives matcha its signature green color — though the shade can vary depending on the type.

Types of Matcha

Understanding the different types of matcha can help you pick the right one for your needs and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Culinary matcha. Often used in cooking and baking, this variety tends to have a bright, vegetal flavor. The powdered green tea isn’t as sweet, and you might notice a slight bitterness, but it’s great for adding to smoothies or recipes.

• Standard matcha. If you’re making a simple matcha latte or enjoying it as a tea, this is your go-to. Standard high-quality matcha is vibrant in color, with a smooth, creamy taste that’s not too harsh.

• Ceremonial grade matcha. This is the highest-quality matcha, often enjoyed straight up, whisked into hot water for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It’s fresh and has a slightly sweet, umami flavor (more on this ahead). Think of it like the best cup of tea you’ve ever had. In terms of color, it’s light and bright but more saturated than culinary matcha (like freshly cut grass).

Also worth noting: If you’re using matcha green tea made from older leaves, the hue will be a bit more yellow and dull, and the taste may be somewhat bitter. Older leaves also tend to have less caffeine.

In terms of getting that energy boost, both matcha and coffee can do the job — but in different ways. To put it simply, coffee usually delivers a stronger punch.

A regular cup of coffee typically has anywhere from 113 to 247 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, depending on how strong the brew is. On the other hand, matcha has about 19 to 45 milligrams of caffeine per gram of powder.

How much caffeine in matcha will depend on how you make it, but most servings use about two grams (g) of matcha powder. That puts you at around 76 milligrams of caffeine for a standard cup of matcha.

Coffee also delivers a quicker jolt, while matcha’s caffeine hit tends to be smoother and more sustained. This is thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid in matcha that helps slow down the absorption of caffeine.

Since the caffeine is absorbed more gradually, matcha may give a calmer, more focused boost without that jittery crash some people get from coffee.

When it comes to your morning pick-me-up, drinking matcha or coffee offers unique health benefits. Let’s break them down.

Some health benefits of matcha include:

• Cellular protection. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, especially polyphenols, which help fight off free radicals — those molecules that can age and damage your cells through oxidative stress. One polyphenol in matcha is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which might be a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin C, according to research.

• Reduced inflammation. Chronic inflammation can cause a range of health issues, but matcha’s polyphenols help calm it down. In fact, the caffeine in matcha can tamper pro-inflammatory molecules, helping reduce internal inflammation while still giving you gentle, sustained energy.

• Calm and mental clarity. Even with caffeine, matcha has a calm, grounding effect — thanks to L-theanine. Some animal studies show that this amino acid promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves mental clarity. This tea can help wake you up and soothe your mind and body, so those with anxiety might consider swapping coffee for matcha.

How does coffee measure up? Although popular for its energizing qualities, coffee isn’t just about putting some pep in your step — it can also do some pretty cool things for your health.

The health benefits of coffee include:

• Metabolism boost and weight loss support. Research suggests coffee has a bigger impact on metabolism and fat burning than tea. It can increase your resting metabolic rate and help break down fat, especially when you drink it right before a workout. Some studies even show coffee boosts performance by making workouts feel easier.

• Stabilized blood sugar. Coffee also contains antioxidants, but a different kind called chlorogenic acids. These are known to protect cells and regulate blood sugar (glucose) — a plus for those with diabetes.

• Improved cognitive function and increased energy. Though matcha can help improve mental clarity, coffee might make you feel more alert.

While moderate caffeine intake can be beneficial, drinking more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day can mess with your stress levels by increasing cortisol (aka “the stress hormone”).

Cortisol makes you feel more alert, but too much can give you the jitters or an anxious mindset. Having too much of it later in the day can interfere with sleep.

Elevated cortisol levels have also been linked to an increased risk of certain heart health issues, like high blood pressure (hypertension).

Plus, higher stress can result in stress-eating. One study found that people who felt more stressed were more likely to crave sugary, salty, and high-fat foods. So, indirectly, too much caffeine might lead to behaviors that contribute to weight gain.

Since coffee contains more caffeine than tea, it may carry a higher risk of these side effects. Coffee also tends to be more acidic than matcha, so if your stomach is sensitive to that, you may prefer the latter.

Both drinks have their own unique vibe, so it really depends on what kind of taste you’re craving.

Coffee has a strong, bold bitterness lots of people love. The intensity can be softened if you add milk, creamers, or sugar — but keep in mind this can also bump up the calories if you’re working on weight management.

Matcha introduces a whole different world of flavor. It’s not usually as acidic as coffee and instead has a rich, earthy taste. It’s often described as umami, the Japanese term for “savoriness.” It’s at once salty, bitter, slightly sweet, and rich but not overpowering. The satisfying taste is like what you get from foods like parmesan cheese, miso, or even shiitake mushrooms.

Umami can taste really grounding and comforting, and it pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients — which is partly why matcha lattes are so balanced.

When you make matcha — whether you whisk it into hot water or blend it into a latte — you’ll notice its smooth, creamy flavor with hints of sweetness and a touch of grassiness.

There are numerous ways to make both matcha and coffee. We’ll lay out the basics.

How to Make Matcha

Making matcha is, in and of itself, a calming and grounding ritual. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A small sieve

• A bamboo whisk

• A small tea infuser ball

• Matcha powder

• Hot water or the warm milk of your choice

• An optional sweetener, like agave or honey

And here’s how to make it:

1. Start by sifting a teaspoon of matcha powder into your bowl using the sieve to avoid clumps.

2. Pour about ¼ cup of hot water (or warm milk) into the bowl.

3. Grab your bamboo whisk and whisk the matcha for 30 seconds to a minute, repeatedly making a “W” shape. It’ll be done when it looks frothy and well-blended. You want the matcha to be smooth but not too hot to drink.

4. That’s it! Pour it into your favorite cup and enjoy.

If you’re in a rush, feel free to skip the whisk and just pour everything into a mug. Use an electric frother or hand mixer to blend it all together. The only downside is that you might end up with a few matcha clumps with this method — but it’s still delicious and offers all the same benefits.

For something different, you can add matcha to smoothies, baked goods, or even savory dishes to reap the benefits in creative ways.

How to Make Coffee

When it comes to coffee, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few of the most popular methods:

• Pour-over. You’ll need a coffee bean grinder, paper cones, hot water, and a coffee filter.

• Drip. The classic method with ground beans and a coffee machine — easy and reliable.

• Cold brew and iced. This is perfect for warm days or smoothies. You make cold brew by steeping ground coffee beans in cold water overnight (or 12 hours). Iced coffee, on the other hand, is just brewed hot and then chilled in the fridge.

• Espresso drinks. If you’re into lattes, cappuccinos, or Americanos, you’ll need an espresso machine to make concentrated shots. You may also want a milk frother. Espresso drinks give you that strong, rich base.

• French or Aero press. These methods brew coffee with pressure to get a richer flavor.

Not necessarily. In the end, it’s all about what you’re in the mood for. Want something with a punch and some depth? Go for a cup of coffee. Craving something a little smoother, calming, and loaded with antioxidants? Matcha’s where it’s at.

It comes down to your preferences in flavor and preparation, as well as how each drink makes you feel. What works for some might be the opposite for others.

Here’s what to keep in mind about matcha versus coffee:

• Matcha has a high caffeine content compared to other teas, but coffee tends to have more caffeine than matcha. Both can be great when you need an energy boost.

• That said, too much coffee can lead to jitters, high cortisol levels, and even stress-related eating. If you have a sensitive stomach, matcha’s lower acidity may be better for you.

• Coffee and matcha offer some similar health benefits, though they vary a bit. Matcha is packed with antioxidants like EGCG, which help fight free radicals and support your immune system. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can promote a calm, focused energy.

• Coffee also has antioxidants and has been shown to support metabolism and weight loss. Plus, it may help with cognitive function and increase energy levels.

• Matcha and coffee also taste pretty different. Coffee is bold and bitter, while matcha has a smoother, earthy, and umami-rich flavor, which is less bitter and more calming.

• If you’re craving a bold, no-frills dose of energy, coffee would probably be your drink of choice. But if you’re in the mood for something more calming and smooth, with a dash of umami depth, try matcha.

Both options can fit into a healthy lifestyle, so listen to your body, see how you feel with each, and choose the one that vibes best with your needs. And in reality, you don’t have to pick one or the other. Some days, you might want a good ’ol cup of java, and others, you might crave a frothy matcha latte.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.