With today’s fast-paced lifestyle full of new challenges, coffee seems to be a necessary tool for survival for some people. This does not have to be the case, as there are many interesting and sometimes even healthier alternatives to coffee. Matcha green tea is one of them. It is an irreplaceable alternative to another cup of coffee. If you want to cut down from three cups of coffee a day to one, don’t like its distinctive taste, or your doctor has recommended limiting your caffeine intake, is matcha a good substitute for coffee? The answer is definitely yes.
What is matcha?
Matcha is powdered green tea that is grown using a method of shading the bushes. This method forces the bushes to work harder without the sun – a bit like algae. As a result, the leaves accumulate more nutrients than in cultivation without shading, which is how most leaf teas are produced. In turn, thanks to its powdered form, when drinking matcha, you consume the whole plant, not just the infusion. It is for these two reasons that matcha is a superfood that has such an intense effect on the body. You can read about what matcha is on our website.
Can Matcha Really Replace Coffee?
Yes – matcha can be a great substitute for coffee. It contains a comparable amount of caffeine (60-80 mg per serving), but thanks to the presence of L-theanine, it provides a milder and longer-lasting boost. Recent studies show that caffeine combined with L-theanine improves concentration and alertness for up to 6 hours, without the sudden energy crashes typical of coffee.
More and more young people are choosing matcha over coffee. Market research shows that young people appreciate that it provides “clean energy” without unpleasant side effects, is gentler on the stomach, and can be used in many ways in the kitchen. Matcha lattes, smoothies, and desserts with matcha are becoming a trend in cafés around the world.
Matcha vs Coffee: Caffeine, L-Theanine & Energy Curve
When we compare a serving of coffee and matcha, we see that the differences in caffeine content are not significant. One gram of matcha contains about 70 mg of caffeine, while a cup of brewed coffee (7-oz) provides an average of 95 mg. However, studies show that the body absorbs caffeine from matcha more slowly, resulting in a more even effect.
Coffee delivers a quick, intense burst of energy, but it often comes at a price: a sudden crash, irritability, and jitteriness. The caffeine in matcha, however, works quite differently. Instead of a sharp spike, the energy release is steady and gradual, as the caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream in measured doses. This unique effect is thanks to L-theanine, a rare amino acid found in mushrooms and, most notably, in tea leaves. L-theanine moderates the impact of caffeine by calming the nervous system, smoothing out its stimulating effect. As a result, the boost from matcha can last between four to six hours, without the energy slump that typically follows coffee. At the same time, L-theanine promotes a sense of calm, giving rise to what many matcha enthusiasts describe as “zen energy” – a state of alertness that is both focused and relaxed.
Health Impact – Acidic vs Alkaline & Antioxidants
Is Matcha Acidic or Alkaline? It’s a question many people ask themselves, especially when comparing it to coffee. Coffee is acidic, which causes reflux or stomach irritation in some people. Matcha usually yields an infusion that ranges from slightly acidic to neutral pH, making it gentler on the digestive system.
Matcha is also a great superfood – it is full of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins B, C, K, as well as calcium, iron, and phosphorus. It also contains catechins, which are extremely powerful antioxidants from the polyphenol group that slow down cell ageing. What’s more, matcha may help regulate blood sugar levels and does not raise blood pressure, which makes it a safe choice even for those over the age of 50.
Who should limit their matcha consumption?
- People with Hashimoto’s disease
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
In such cases, matcha intake should be limited according to individual needs and health conditions, which is why it’s best to consult your doctor. In most situations, no more than one cup per day is recommended, and in some cases, the beverage should be avoided altogether. Recent studies suggest that 2g of matcha per day is a safe amount for healthy adults.
Does matcha taste like coffee?
Many people wonder if matcha tastes like coffee. The answer is… no. Matcha has a plant-based, slightly sweet flavour with a hint of umami, completely different from coffee, but it’s still easy to like – especially if you choose milder versions. A good choice to start with is matcha latte made with oat milk and a dash of vanilla – its creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it the perfect substitute for those accustomed to coffee cappuccino.
How to gradually replace coffee with matcha?
If you want to cut down on coffee, it’s best to do it in stages:
- Start by replacing your second coffee of the day with a cup of matcha.
- After a week, try replacing your morning coffee as well.
- Experiment – drink matcha hot, cold, in a smoothie, or add it to porridge or desserts.
This will help you avoid withdrawal symptoms and give your body time to get used to a different source of energy.
How to start drinking matcha?
The traditional matcha preparation is pleasant and simple, although at the beginning it appears to be difficult for the novices. We encourage you to watch a movie, in which a cofounder of Moya Matcha, Hitomi Saito, prepares a matcha drink with the use of such traditional method. And what about alternative ways of matcha preparation? These items will work perfectly:
- the simplest milk frother
- a bottle or a shaker, in which one can combine matcha powder with any liquid of choice and shake it like a barman preparing a drink
- Thermomix or any similar kitchen aid
Which matcha is best for coffee drinkers?
If you drink coffee every day and are wondering which matcha to choose to start with, the best option would be varieties that have a distinctive flavour and provide a solid dose of energy.
- Moya Matcha Premium is a top-quality matcha with a delicate, slightly sweet taste and an intense green colour. It is perfect for drinking on its own – its taste needs no additives to be enjoyable. If you are just starting your adventure with matcha and want it to replace your morning coffee, then matcha luxury is the best choice.
- Moya Matcha Traditional – a great choice for those just starting their matcha adventure. It comes from the first and second harvest leaves, giving it a balanced flavour – slightly sweet with a pleasant hint of bitterness. It is perfect for drinking in its classic form or in matcha lattes, smoothies, or cocktails.
