Matcha vs Coffee

Caffeine and Effects in Comparison

Coffee is the number 1 choice when we want to get going in the morning – after water, it is the most consumed beverage worldwide. But the green competition is hot on its heels: Even though matcha tea is not yet as popular as coffee, this superfood is becoming increasingly trendy. Its delicate flavor and versatility are just two of many reasons why this fine green tea powder is winning the hearts of tea lovers.

But what does Matcha have to do with coffee? Quite simply: green tea also contains a certain stimulating substance. We will reveal to you how roasted coffee beans and ground tea leaves are similar yet different.

Good to know

Caffeine is present differently in tea and coffee. The caffeine in Matcha is bound to polyphenols. These secondary plant compounds include a range of natural color, aroma, and defense substances that can be beneficial for you. You can find them in fruits, vegetables, and nuts – and in high amounts in the tea plant. Many people have experienced that Matcha makes them feel more gently awake than coffee.

Did you know that cocoa also contains good plant substances? Get double the dose by reaching for our vegan Matcha Chocolate!

Infografik: Matcha vs. Kaffee - Koffeingehalt pro Tasse im Vergleich

Does Matcha contain caffeine?

Yes! In fact, not only coffee beans but also the actual tea plant delivers caffeine, which was previously referred to as theine.

The caffeine content of coffee and Matcha varies depending on the source plant, processing, and preparation method. 1 g high-quality matcha powder contains about 35 mg of caffeine. For a cup of Matcha, you use between 1 and 3 g of Matcha. The following numbers are therefore only estimates.

Caffeine content per drink:

  • 1 Cup Matcha: 70 mg
  • 1 cup of coffee: 100 mg
  • 1 Cup Espresso: 75 mg

Matcha instead of coffee – is it worth it!

Are you considering replacing your morning cup of coffee with Matcha? There are many good reasons for it. Because even though roasted beans also contain antioxidants and other valuable substances, coffee consumption comes with its own risks.

What speaks against coffee consumption?

  • Even a small amount of caffeine can destroy nerve cells.
  • "If you react hypersensitively, you may feel nervousness and heart palpitations up to panic attacks."
  • Coffee can disrupt your sleep and cause anxiety.
  • The drink makes addictive. The more you drink, the more your caffeine tolerance increases – and you need higher and higher doses.
  • The contained tannins prevent the absorption of minerals and vitamins. This also applies to black tea, by the way. Therefore, it is best to drink coffee between meals.
  • A high coffee consumption can acidify your stomach and even affect your skin appearance.

Matcha as a coffee substitute – the benefits

  • Matcha contains L-Theanine and much more antioxidants than coffee.
  • "It also provides you with fiber, vitamin A and C and potassium."
  • "Because the tea plants grow in the shade, they contain especially high amounts of amino acids and chlorophyll. This, by the way, is what gives them their bright green color."
  • The matcha powder is made from whole leaves that you drink. This way, you benefit from the entire spectrum of plant compounds.
  • Matcha can provide you with just as much caffeine as coffee – depending on how much powder you use.
  • Many enthusiastic matcha drinkers report that the green tea powder makes them more gently and longer lasting energized. As a result, they remain noticeably more relaxed.

Matcha tea and the effect of its caffeine

The caffeine content of Matcha and coffee is not that different. If you also use more matcha powder for the preparation, you will also consume more caffeine per cup. If you want to reduce your stimulant intake, you should prepare your matcha tea with a moderate amount of powder.

However, there is a crucial difference between coffee and matcha: While you do not drink the ground coffee bean, but only an infusion made from it, you enjoy Matcha with the full range of its plant compounds. The fine powder from the leaves of the tea plant mixes with the water. This way, you not only take in the caffeine contained but also the entire spectrum of its valuable plant ingredients. Matcha therefore supports you both in waking up and with its full package of green power ingredients! These include important amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and bitter compounds.

The Basics: Matcha & Coffee

It almost has a bit of a cult character: coffee junkies vs. tea fans – some are unapproachable before their first cup of deep black energizer, while others swear by the coziness of a fragrant, steaming cup of green tea on rainy days. Matcha bridges the gap between tea and coffee and is no longer just a traditional drink in the land of the rising sun. Here come the quick facts:

  • Coffee

    The coffee plant is mainly grown in Africa and South America. After roasting and grinding, its beans have turned into a powder that we brew with hot water – and in infinitely different ways.

  • Matcha

    The tea plant, in turn, is native to Asia, especially Japan and China. From its leaves, not only green tea is produced, but also white and black tea. For high-quality Matcha, the tenderest leaves from the first harvest are processed into a silky powder and also brewed with water – however, you drink the powder as well. Matcha is also incredibly versatile.

FAQ: Matcha vs. Coffee

Is Matcha a wake-up call?

Yes, as long as caffeine works for you. Because just like coffee, Matcha contains the pick-me-up. The substance can support you in the morning after getting up or during the afternoon slump when you need an energy boost.
How much caffeine is in a cup of Matcha?

You use about between 1 and 3 g of matcha powder to prepare a cup. This results in a caffeine content of around 35 to 105 mg per cup of Matcha.
Does Matcha contain less caffeine than coffee?

"It depends on how you prepare your Matcha or your coffee. On average, a cup of Matcha (70 mg caffeine) contains about 30 mg less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee (100 mg caffeine)."
Does caffeine in Matcha work differently than in coffee?

Experiences show that Matcha can indeed be gentler on you than coffee. This may be because the caffeine in green tea powder is bound to polyphenols. It's best to try it out for yourself!
Is Matcha healthier than coffee?

Matcha provides you with a wealth of valuable plant compounds in addition to caffeine, which you consume entirely due to its special preparation method. Because you drink the whole leaf of the tea plant.

The different Matcha variants

Our Matcha Kits

Perfect for the switch to Matcha

  • Organic Matcha Powder
  • Matcha whisk made of bamboo
  • handcrafted matcha whisk

Also available as a Starter Kit and Travel Kit

Matcha Sets

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