Matcha vs Coffee: Reasons to Switch to Matcha Tea

What is matcha?

Originating in Japan hundreds of years ago, matcha green tea is taking the world by storm. Made from the same leaves as green and black tea, matcha involves grinding whole green tea leaves into a fine powder. This means matcha powder preserves more nutrients and flavour, so it's super healthy as well as delicious.

At Old Growth Beverages, we source pure Japanese matcha that honours traditional cultivation methods while delivering exceptional quality for modern tea enthusiasts.

What does Matcha taste like?

Brew up the green powder and you'll find yourself with a bright drink with strong yet well-balanced, earthy flavours. Most matcha has a deep, grassy taste with a hint of nuttiness. It's often described as umami, making you want to come back for another sip every time.

Does Matcha contain caffeine?

Matcha does contain caffeine, although it's less than most cups of coffee. On average, a cup of matcha contains about 70mg of caffeine, in comparison to 100-140mg in a cup of coffee. But as you'll find out soon, matcha can keep you feeling alert for much longer than coffee can.

The natural caffeine in matcha provides sustained energy without the coffee crash, making it an ideal choice for productivity throughout your day.

How much matcha should you consume?

You can consume up to 2-3 servings of matcha per day. The recommended serving size for matcha is 1-2g per serving.

Matcha Tea Benefits over Coffee

While coffee and matcha both have their own health benefits, matcha is better for you overall and has fewer potential side effects. It's gentler on the body and is good for you in so many different ways.

If you want all of the caffeine with none of the drawbacks of coffee, matcha is the way to go. Need more convincing? Here are seven reasons why matcha is healthier than coffee:

1. Matcha is full of antioxidants

Like its cousin, green tea, matcha is full of powerful antioxidants (polyphenols). And because of the way it's made by grinding up the full leaves, even more of the good stuff is retained by matcha powder. In fact, matcha is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods around.

Antioxidants have multiple different benefits. They can help fight disease and infection, slow ageing, reduce inflammation, prevent some forms of cancer, and much more. There are about 10 times as many antioxidants in a cup of matcha as in green tea and coffee doesn't contain any.

The EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) found in matcha is particularly potent, offering powerful health-promoting properties that support your immune system and overall wellness.

2. Matcha regulates your energy

Ever had the jitters after drinking a cup of coffee? Or felt yourself crash a few hours later? That's because of the way coffee releases its caffeine. It happens quickly in a flash. This means coffee can make your adrenaline spike, plus it can affect your glucose and insulin levels, so you could be left shaky and hungry.

Matcha, however, has a much "cleaner" caffeine high. The caffeine is released slowly, giving you a longer, smoother hit of energy. This is down to the amino acid L-theanine, which reduces how quickly the body absorbs caffeine.

While matcha contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee, it could keep you feeling alert for much longer, some say from three to six hours. And all this without the risk of the jitters. Because of this, matcha could be a good alternative for anyone who wants to enjoy an energy boost but is particularly sensitive to caffeine.

This sustained energy release makes matcha perfect for morning routines, afternoon pick-me-ups, or pre-workout fuel without the anxiety or energy crashes associated with coffee consumption.

3. Matcha can calm your nerves

The same amino acid that slows caffeine absorption can also make you feel calmer. The L-theanine found in matcha has been proven to help people sleep. When combined with matcha's gentle caffeine release, it also leads to a feeling of calm.

Some people can find that coffee, on the other hand, worsens feelings of anxiety. Drinking more than one cup a day can make you more likely to feel worried. Plus, you may experience physical signs of anxiety, like heart palpitations or shaking.

There's a reason Buddhist monks use matcha to meditate: it makes your brain feel clear, calm and yet alert. This unique combination of focus and relaxation is difficult to achieve with any other beverage.

L-theanine promotes alpha wave production in the brain, creating a state of relaxed alertness that enhances concentration and mental clarity without drowsiness.

4. Matcha isn't addictive

If you've ever tried to quit a coffee habit you might have noticed some side effects. Headaches, fatigue, nausea and muscle pain are some of the symptoms commonly associated with coffee withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms are caused by the coffee energy spike. Because it happens quickly, your body craves more caffeine to replicate the boost it just had. When you go without, you really notice the difference.

Luckily, you won't have the same problem with matcha. Your body won't become dependent on it in quite the same way so if you go a few days without a cup, you'll still feel right as rain.

The balanced caffeine delivery in matcha means you can enjoy your daily ritual without developing the dependency issues often seen with regular coffee drinking.

5. Matcha is better for your teeth

Unlike coffee, matcha won't stain your teeth. Even better, it can actually improve your oral health.

The superpowered antioxidants found in matcha fight the bacteria that grow in your mouth and cause damage. At the same time, matcha can reduce plaque build-up and relieve the symptoms of gum disease.

Switching to matcha will mean no coffee breath and better oral hygiene overall. The natural compounds in green tea have antibacterial properties that protect tooth enamel and promote healthier gums.

6. Matcha is helpful for weight loss

Matcha has been shown to improve metabolism and burn fat by tackling weight loss from both sides which will increase higher energy levels and putting you into fat burning mode safely, without raising your blood pressure or cortisol levels. Studies have found that matcha is particularly good at increasing fat loss when consumed before workouts.

The catechins in matcha green tea boost thermogenesis, your body's rate of burning calories, making it a natural metabolism booster. Combined with the sustained energy matcha provides, it's an excellent addition to any healthy lifestyle or fitness routine.

Research suggests that matcha can increase fat oxidation by up to 17% during exercise, making it a valuable tool for those looking to enhance their workout results and support healthy weight management.

7. Matcha is easy to prepare

Another bonus? A cup of matcha is easier to get right than brewing a great cup of coffee. And you'll need less equipment.

Once you've perfected your matcha making technique, you'll make the perfect cup every time in less than 30 seconds.

How do I make Matcha?

The process is very simple: whisk matcha powder into hot water to get your brew ready. If you'd prefer a matcha latte, you can mix the powder with steamed milk. No massive espresso machine, scales or grinder needed.

For the best results, sift your matcha powder first to remove any clumps. Heat water to about 80°C (175°F), not boiling, to preserve the delicate flavours and nutritional benefits. Add your matcha powder to a bowl, pour in a small amount of hot water, and whisk vigorously in a zig-zag or "W" motion until frothy.

Old Growth Beverages offers Pure Japanese matcha that dissolves smoothly and creates a beautiful, vibrant green colour with the perfect balance of sweetness and umami flavour. And as a little bonus, we also offer Vanilla matcha that tastes amazing!

Microground Tea: Another Healthy Coffee Alternative

Beyond traditional matcha, microground tea offers similar benefits with even more variety. Like matcha, microground tea uses the entire tea leaf ground into a fine powder, ensuring you get maximum nutrients and antioxidants in every cup.

At Old Growth Beverages, our microground tea selection allows you to enjoy the full spectrum of tea benefits, from green tea to black tea varieties, all with the convenience and nutritional advantages of consuming the whole leaf.

Microground tea delivers higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to traditional steeped tea, while providing a smooth, full-bodied flavour without bitterness.

How do I get started with matcha?

For beginners, we'd recommend choosing a complete matcha set which includes everything you need to start brewing: whisk, bowl and the matcha itself. If you're still looking for more info on this amazing tea, check out our Ultimate Guide to Matcha!

Once you have the tools nailed down, explore the varying tastes of different matcha grades until you find your favourites.

Try out ceremonial grade matcha for traditional tea preparation, or culinary grade for smoothies, lattes, and baking.

And remember, the better quality the matcha, the better the taste. Old Growth Beverages sources only the finest pure Japanese matcha, shade-grown and stone-ground using traditional methods to ensure premium quality and authentic flavour in every serving.

Make the Switch from Coffee to Matcha Today

Whether you're looking to reduce coffee jitters, boost your antioxidant intake, support your weight loss goals, or simply enjoy a calmer, more sustained energy throughout your day, matcha green tea offers a superior alternative to coffee. Looking for a healthier alternative to coffee? You need matcha in your life.

With its rich tradition, impressive health benefits, and delicious umami taste, matcha is more than just a beverage; it's a wellness ritual that nourishes both body and mind.

Ready to experience the matcha difference? Explore our selection of Pure Japanese matcha and microground tea at Old Growth Beverages and discover why so many coffee drinkers are making the switch to this ancient superfood.

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