Matcha vs Coffee: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re torn between sticking with your daily coffee or switching to ceremonial matcha, you’re not alone. Both drinks boost energy and help you start the day, but they do it in very different ways.

Here’s everything you need to know — including caffeine levels, flavour, benefits, and how much matcha you should actually drink.

What is matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground Japanese green tea made from shade-grown leaves. Unlike traditional tea, where you brew and discard the leaves, matcha is whisked directly into water — so you consume the entire leaf.

That’s why matcha is more nutrient-dense, smoother, and richer in antioxidants than regular green tea ( think about it as an apple - there is more value in having a whole apple rather than apple juice right - same is matcha and regular green tea )

In a nutshell matcha:

• Made from whole tea leaves

• High antioxidants (especially EGCG)

• Smooth energy + mental clarity

• Traditional drink from Japanese tea culture

What does matcha taste like?

Matcha has a unique flavour profile:

• Smooth

• Slightly sweet

• Creamy

• Fresh and grassy

• Umami-rich

Good-quality matcha should not be bitter. The brighter the green colour, the sweeter and smoother the taste.

Does matcha contain caffeine?

Yes — matcha does contain caffeine, but it behaves very differently from coffee.

A typical serving of matcha (½–1 tsp) contains:

Drink	Approx Caffeine per Serving
Matcha tea	60–70 mg
Coffee	90–120 mg
Green tea	25–30 mg
Espresso	60–90 mg

So matcha has less caffeine than coffee, but it does contain a lot of caffeine per serve.

Why matcha’s caffeine feels different?

Because of the L-theanine, the caffeine is released slowly. For the body it translates into:

✔ sustained energy
✔ fewer jitters
✔ no crash
✔ calmer focus

How much matcha should you consume?

Most people feel their best with:

• 1–2 servings (½–1 tsp each) per day

This gives you enough antioxidants and L-theanine to feel the benefits without overdoing the caffeine.

You can safely drink up to 2–3 cups, but if you’re sensitive to caffeine, start with less.

• Best daily amount: 1–2 cups

• Avoid drinking matcha on an empty stomach if sensitive

• Choose quality matcha for best experience

Matcha tea benefits vs coffee

Matcha and coffee both boost energy, but matcha brings additional wellness benefits thanks to its antioxidants and calming amino acids.

Benefit	Matcha	Coffee
Energy release	Slow + stable	Fast spike, then crash
Calmness	High (L-theanine)	Low
Antioxidants	Extremely high (EGCG)	Medium
Jitters	Rare	Common
Anxiety	Less likely	More likely
Teeth staining	Minimal	High
Acidity	Low	High Rich in antioxidants Matcha contains exceptionally high levels of catechins, especially EGCG — one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. Up to 137x more antioxidants than green tea Supports cell protection Anti-inflammatory properties Good for daily wellness Coffee contains antioxidants too, but nowhere near matcha’s concentration. Matcha regulates energy Thanks to the caffeine + L-theanine combo, matcha gives steady, reliable energy without the rollercoaster: no spikes no shakiness no afternoon crash Coffee hits fast, but drops just as fast — which often leads to craving more. Sensation Matcha Coffee Energy onset Gradual Immediate Duration Long + stable Short burst Jitters Rare Common Crash Very low High Matcha helps you ground and feel present in the moment One reason matcha is used in Japanese tea ceremonies is its centering effect. L-theanine encourages alpha brain waves — the same ones linked to meditation. You may feel: More relaxed More present More mentally balanced Coffee stimulates, but doesn’t calm — so you don’t get this grounding effect. Matcha doesn’t have the same caffeine addiction Coffee’s fast-release caffeine can cause: dependency withdrawal headaches irritability the "need" for multiple cups Matcha gives a softer, gentler stimulation — so you avoid the intense withdrawal cycle. Why matcha is easier on your system: ✔ slower caffeine absorption ✔ less impact on adrenaline ✔ natural calming compounds Matcha is better for teeth health Matcha is: low acid less staining rich in catechins that support antibacterial activity in the mouth Coffee, on the other hand, is one of the biggest culprits for enamel erosion and staining. Factor Matcha Coffee Staining Very low High Acidity Low High Breath effect Neutral Can cause bad breath Enamel wear Minimal Common Matcha helps with mental clarity Because matcha contains both caffeine and L-theanine, it improves: focus attention memory clarity reaction time And it does this without the jittery over-stimulation coffee often creates. In a nutshell: Great for work and study Supports calm concentration Helps with creativity + flow state If you love coffee, you don’t have to quit it — but matcha offers a smoother, more balanced alternative that supports wellness, clarity, and calmer energy. Pavel Scutari Previous Previous Hojicha vs matcha Next Next 8 health benefits of matcha Shipping and returns See our shipping and returns policy Quick links Learning centre Shop Videos Contact admin@haki-tea.co.uk