matcha vs coffee: which gives you better energy?

Matcha vs coffee: which gives better energy?

Matcha and coffee are both popular morning drinks, but they give you energy in different ways. More and more people swap their daily coffee for matcha. But what's actually the difference, and which one suits you best?

You mostly drink coffee because you want to wake up fast. You drink matcha because you want energy that lasts, without the jittery feeling. At least, that's what a lot of matcha drinkers say.

How coffee affects your energy

Coffee contains caffeine, which makes you feel more alert. It temporarily blocks the substances in your brain that make you sleepy, so you feel awake faster. For many people that works well, especially when you really need to get going in the morning.

The downside is that the effect often wears off fairly quickly. Many people know the feeling of energy dropping away after a few hours, and reaching for another cup. That can leave you suddenly tired at the end of the morning or in the afternoon, even after quite a lot of coffee.

For some people coffee also brings a restless feeling in the body, like a slightly raised heart rate or a 'nervous' feeling in your hands or head.

How matcha feels different

Matcha contains caffeine too, but the effect feels different. That's because, alongside caffeine, matcha contains L-theanine: an amino acid that creates a calmer, more focused feeling. It's why matcha is so often described as energy without the hard peak or dip.

With matcha, the energy is released more gradually. People often say they stay focused for longer, without that 'suddenly wide awake' feeling followed by a slump.

The amounts differ a little too. A cup of coffee can contain around 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of matcha usually sits around 60 to 70 milligrams. So it's not just about the total amount of caffeine, but mostly about how your body absorbs it and how it feels.

Energy without the crash

The biggest difference is that so-called crash. When you drink coffee and hit a dip in the middle of the day, it's because your body absorbs the caffeine quickly and the effect fades just as fast.

Matcha works differently. Thanks to the interaction between caffeine and L-theanine, your energy often stays steadier for longer, without that sharp dip. So you don't need several matchas in a row to stay alert.

Many people like this on days when they need long stretches of focus, like at work, while studying or during an intense day at the office.

Who is matcha for?

Matcha is especially interesting if you notice you depend on several cups of coffee a day and would rather have a more stable energy level. It can also be an option if you're sensitive to the effects of caffeine in coffee, such as jitters or a racing heart.

You can drink matcha straight or as a latte, and make it as rich and energising as you like. For example with a classic preparation of our ceremonial matcha, or as a matcha latte.

Does that mean matcha is always better?

Not necessarily. Coffee can work perfectly well for someone who responds well to it and doesn't get a crash or jitters. Some people simply prefer the taste of coffee, and that's fine.

It comes down to what you want from your energy for the day. Want a quick boost with a rushed feeling? Then coffee is probably what you're used to. Want energy that lasts longer, with focus and fewer jitters? Then matcha is well worth a try.

When to choose which?

If you want to look at your energy by its effect, it helps to ask yourself:

What feels more natural for my rhythm?
How does my body react to coffee?
Do I often have an afternoon slump?
Do I want my energy spread out over a longer time?

Matcha could be your answer if you notice coffee makes you tired after a few hours, or if you'd rather have steady focus.

Frequently asked questions

Does matcha contain as much caffeine as coffee?
No, usually a little less, but the combination with L-theanine makes the energy feel different.

Do you crash after matcha?
Many people experience milder dips than with coffee, because the energy is released more evenly.

Can I drink both?
Yes, you can. For example, coffee in the morning and matcha later in the day when you need longer focus.

Is matcha healthier than coffee?
That depends on what you're looking for. Matcha contains antioxidants and vitamins and is positioned by many matcha brands as an energy and focus drink, but coffee has its benefits too. The difference is mostly in how you feel after drinking it.