Matcha is better than coffee and here’s why

Coffee has long been the go to morning ritual for millions, a quick caffeine fix to get us ready for the day ahead. But as more people become mindful of their energy levels, focus, and overall wellbeing, a vibrant green alternative is rising in popularity: matcha. 

This finely ground green tea isn’t just trendy, it offers a cleaner, calmer, and more sustainable source of energy that coffee simply can’t match. 

In this post, we’re breaking down exactly why matcha is taking over mugs around the world, from its long history and powerful health benefits to the way it fuels both body and brain, without the crash.

What actually is matcha? 

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves originating from Japan. It is made from the entire green tea leaves, where they are ground in to a fine powder, unlike regular green tea where the leaves are stripped and thrown away. Because the whole leaf is used, matcha is contains more nutrients and retains a more vibrant green colour due to the high chlorophyll content. 

Match has a distinctive earthy taste that is slightly bitter, although the taste profile varies depending on its quality. Its most commonly prepared by whisking the fine powder in to hot water In order to create a beverage but its used in a wide variety of food and drink products. 

There are several ceremonial grades available to buy on the market:

Ceremonial- which is considered the highest quality and made from the first harvest leaves and hand picked and stone ground. The most vibrant green out of the grades.

Premium grade- A high-quality matcha that is often made from later harvests or has a slightly less intricate processing process compared to ceremonial grade.

Culinary grade- made to be used in cooking or baking and tends to have a slightly more bitter, intense flavour so its able to to be identified in recipes against other ingredients.

A look back at the history of matcha 

Matcha originated in China during the Tang and Song Dynasties, where tea leaves were ground into powder and used for both drinking and medicinal purposes. The practice was brought to Japan in the 12th century by Zen monk Eisai, who introduced it to Buddhist monasteries.

In Japan, matcha became central to Zen meditation and later evolved into the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu)during the 15th century, led by tea master Sen no Rikyū. The ceremony emphasized mindfulness, simplicity, and harmony, with matcha as its focal point.

In the 20th century, matcha became more widespread outside of Japan. Its unique flavour and health benefits sparked interest in global markets. The vibrant green powder found its way into cafes, restaurants, and even homes as people became more aware of its rich antioxidants and potential health benefits.

The health benefits of matcha 

Matcha provides a whole host of health benefits, mainly due to its growing process and that the whole leaf is consumed, keeping the all the nutrients. Here are some of its key health benefits: 

1. Boosts Brain Function

Matcha contains caffeine (but less than coffee) this means that it provides a steady energy boost, without the jitters that some people experience from coffee.

It also contains L-theanine, which is an amino acid that promotes calmness, improves focus, and enhances memory and cognitive performance.

The combination of caffeine and L-theanine supports sustained mental clarity and reduced stress.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Matcha is very high in catechins (a type of flavonoid found in plants), especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radical damage, which is linked to aging and chronic diseases.

Matcha is said to contain up to 137 times more EGCG than regular green tea.

3. Supports Heart Health

EGCG and other catechins in matcha help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce blood pressure, both of which support heart health. Studies have shown that regular consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Supports the Immune System

Matcha contains various immune-boosting compounds, including:

• Vitamin C – Boosts white blood cell function and enhances the skin's defense against pathogens.
• Zinc – Supports immune cell development and helps the body respond effectively to infections.
• Selenium – Reduces oxidative stress and improves the body's ability to fight off viruses and bacteria.
• Polyphenols – Act as antioxidants that reduce inflammation and support immune cell signaling.

Matcha vs coffee: A smarter energy boost

One of the biggest reasons matcha has gained such a loyal following is because of the unique way it affects energy and focus. Unlike coffee, which can often leave people feeling jittery or anxious followed by an energy crash, matcha provides a smoother, more sustained boost and it all comes down to its natural chemistry.

Yes, matcha contains caffeine, but in a gentler dose compared to coffee. A typical serving of matcha has around 30–70mg of caffeine, depending on how much you use, compared to 95mg or more in a standard cup of coffee. However, what makes matcha different is the presence of L-theanine, a rare amino acid almost exclusively found in green tea.

L-theanine works alongside caffeine to promote calm, focused alertness. Instead of triggering a surge of adrenaline like coffee often does, matcha creates a more balanced response. 

Studies have shown that the combination of caffeine + L-theanine can improve cognitive performance more effectively than caffeine alone, making matcha a favourite among students, professionals, and anyone looking to boost focus without the buzz.

Whereas coffee delivers a quick spike in energy followed by a sharp drop in blood sugar and cortisol, matcha’s natural components lead to stable, sustained energy for 4–6 hours. You get the alertness without the edginess and without the mid-afternoon crash that leaves you reaching for another fix.

Not all matcha is created equal 

Not all matcha is created equal so you have to be aware of the different forms available on the market today. Many shop bought or café versions can actually do more harm than good as they’re mixed with fillers, sweetened milks, additives and added sugars and use low quality matcha. This means that they’re often low in beneficial compounds and can cause the dreaded spike and crash, matcha in its natural form doesn’t cause. 

To truly experience matcha’s benefits, it’s best to opt for pure, premium-grade powder with no added ingredients. It should be vibrant green, rich in nutrients, and made from carefully grown and processed tea leaves. 

Final thoughts 

Matcha offers a cleaner, calmer, and more nourishing alternative to coffee. With its steady energy boost, thanks to the unique combo of caffeine and L-theanine, plus a host of health benefits, from antioxidants to immune and heart support, matcha does more than just wake you up. It's a smarter, more balanced way to fuel your day. Just be sure to choose high-quality, pure matcha to get the full benefits without the added sugars or fillers often found in pre-made versions.