If you enjoy frequenting local cafes, you may have noticed a vibrant green beverage gaining popularity on the menu: matcha. This green tea is customary in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony called chanoyu. However, it has recently been taking the world by storm, becoming a trendy alternative to the traditional morning cup of coffee.
Whether you’re a regular coffee drinker looking to branch out to new caffeinated alternatives or simply curious about the matcha vs coffee matchup, one of the most significant factors to consider is the energy boost each drink provides.
At first glance, matcha green tea appears to have the upper hand in terms of caffeine content, boasting a higher gram-for-gram concentration compared to coffee. However, the reality is more nuanced—caffeine levels in both beverages vary depending on factors such as quality, preparation method, and serving size.
In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of the matcha vs coffee debate, examining the unique attributes of each beverage and helping you determine which one is best suited to fuel your daily grind.
In many ways, matcha and coffee have evolved beyond simple drinks into cultural icons, each with deep-rooted histories and unique traditions.
Such details could comprise an article of their own, but here’s a quick snapshot comparing the two:
● Origin – Coffee thrives along the "coffee belt," benefiting from the optimal climate conditions there, whereas matcha's legacy is most closely tied to Japan. Although of Chinese origins, matcha has become synonymous with the Japanese tea ceremony—a practice that has celebrated the art of tea for centuries.
● Consumption – Brewed coffee is made from its solubles—in other words, water that’s extracted rich oils, antioxidants, and caffeine from the roasted coffee bean grounds. In contrast, matcha involves consuming the whole green tea leaf as a fine powder, offering a more concentrated source of nutrients and caffeine.
How matcha and coffee are grown, processed, and prepared can greatly impact their taste, caffeine levels, and, ultimately, their overall effect on sustained energy levels.
This context primes us for a better understanding of which one is best for you.
The conversation regarding caffeine in tea vs. coffee has long been discussed. While the energy boost provided by drinking matcha and coffee is a primary consideration, the flavor profiles of these beverages can also significantly impact your overall caffeine intake and resulting energy levels.
The reason? Simply put, if you don't enjoy the taste of your chosen drink, you’re less likely to consume it fast enough or in sufficient quantities to experience the desired energy boost. For instance, substituting your daily iced coffee staple for a Uuji matcha tea may not align completely.
To help you determine which beverage aligns best with your taste preferences, let's dive into a quick flavor comparison.
A blend of umami, sweetness, and a touch of earthiness defines matcha’s unique flavor profile. The intensity of these flavors is heavily influenced by the powder’s quality. Ceremonial-grade matcha tea is notably the most refined, offering a smooth, rich taste without the astringency found in culinary grades designed for cooking.
The taste of coffee is as varied as its origins, ranging from bold and smoky to smooth and fruity. These flavors are a combination of the coffee bean's origin, roasting process, and preparation method. Espresso, for instance, offers a concentrated burst of coffee's essence, while a French press delivers a more nuanced and textured cup that preserves more natural oils.
Again, one of the main reasons people reach for matcha or coffee is the energy boost provided by caffeine. But how exactly do the two compare in that regard?
The short answer is that coffee is more consistent in caffeine levels, whereas matcha can have greatly varying amounts—even without changing serving size. Let’s break down the numbers below:
Compared to most regular green teas, matcha is unique in that it contains a higher concentration of caffeine. This is because you're essentially consuming powdered whole tea leaves, as opposed to extracting flavors from them like when you soak a tea bag.
Here are some fast facts on the caffeine content of matcha:
● One gram of matcha powder contains anywhere between 19-44mg of caffeine
● A traditional serving of matcha, made with 1-2 teaspoons (or around 2 grams) of powder, can contain anywhere from 38-88mg of caffeine per 60ml serving
● Actual caffeine content can vary based on the quality of the matcha, ratio of powder to water, brew time, and water temperature used in preparation
In addition to caffeine, some matcha also contain an amino acid called L-theanine, which is known for its calming, relaxation-promoting properties. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha is often described as providing a "calm alert" state—increasing focus and energy without the jitters or caffeine crash some people associate with drinking coffee.
The caffeine content of coffee can vary depending on the type of coffee beans, roast level, and serving size. Here are some of the more popular varieties and their caffeine levels:
● Standard drip or machine-brewed coffee contains an average of 70–140mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.
● Due to its smaller size, espresso contains less caffeine per serving. A single shot of espresso (1 ounce) typically contains 63mg of caffeine, while a double shot (2 ounces) contains around 125mg.
● Instant coffee tends to have less caffeine due to its freeze-dried nature, averaging between 30–90mg per cup.
As you can see from this brew guide, the way you brew your coffee significantly impacts caffeine content. Other methods like French press and Turkish coffee, which involve steeping the grounds in hot water for an extended period, can yield even higher caffeine levels—which are difficult to measure since the brew time often varies significantly.
So far, we’ve established that the caffeine content of matcha vs coffee hinges on how it's prepared. With that in mind, let's explore some techniques to guarantee, not just a steady energy boost, but also a consistently delightful taste experience with every cup.
While there’s no one “right” way to craft a delicious batch of coffee, there are a few key factors that will affect the flavor and caffeine of your final brew:
● Coffee bean quality
● Grind size
● Brewing method
To start, it’s recommended that you start with freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them just before brewing for optimal flavor. The grind size should be adjusted based on your brewing method, with finer grinds used for espresso and Turkish coffee and coarser grinds for French press and pour-over.
The “golden” water-to-coffee ratio is around 1:18, meaning for every 1 gram of coffee, you'll use 18 grams (ml) of water—a ratio you can always fine-tune to suit your taste preferences.
There are countless methods of brewing coffee. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a French press, the precision of pour-over, or the time-honored art of espresso, the key is to find a method that suits your preferences.
With a history steeped in Japanese tradition, preparing matcha is a simple yet mindful process that can be a calming ritual in itself.
To make a traditional cup of matcha green tea, you'll need a few key pieces of equipment:
● Small bowl (chawan)
● Bamboo whisk (chasen)
● Fine-mesh sieve
Of course, your quest begins with the key ingredient: matcha powder. Look for high-quality matcha—defined by a vibrant, bright green color—rather than culinary grade, which is often a duller yellow-green and designed for cooking rather than drinking.
Begin by sifting 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into your bowl using the sieve, then add 2 ounces of hot water. Tip: Ensure your water is no hotter than 175°F, as this can extract more astringent flavors from the delicate matcha powder.
Next, using your chasen, whisk the matcha and water together in a vigorous zigzag (not circular) pattern until the mixture forms a thick, frothy foam on top. This process not only mixes the matcha but also aerates it, enhancing its flavor and texture as you top off with more hot water and serve.
You might even experiment with adding steamed milk, honey, or other flavorings to create your own signature matcha latte—hot, iced, or however you like.
For some, starting the day with an iced coffee and enjoying a quality matcha latte in the afternoon can provide a sustained energy boost without interfering with sleep. Others may prefer to alternate between matcha and coffee depending on their mood and energy levels.
The key is to listen to your body and pay attention to how you feel after consuming matcha or coffee. Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine and experience jitters or restlessness, while others can tolerate higher amounts without a caffeine crash.
By experimenting with different varieties and brewing techniques, you can find the perfect pick-me-up that suits your style, taste buds, and energy needs.
Whether you’re a matcha maverick or coffee connoisseur, you can bring cafe-quality results right to your kitchen with our range of premium appliances at Breville.
Our coffee machines and one-touch tea makers take the guesswork out of your brewing, ensuring every cup is a masterpiece of flavor and aroma. From refreshing matcha lattes to invigorating espresso shots, Breville makes it easy to focus on the best part: enjoying your beverage the way you like it.
Explore our line of coffee appliances and tea makers today to discover the Breville difference.
Sources:
1. Healthline. How Do Matcha and Coffee Compare? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/matcha-vs-coffee
2. Matchaful. The History of Matcha. https://www.matchaful.com/pages/the-history-of-matcha
3. Three Leaf Tea. 5 Ways To Make Matcha Taste Better. https://threeleaftea.com/blogs/blog/5-ways-to-make-matcha-taste-better
4. National Library of Medicine. Effects of an L-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728665/
5. Healthline. How Much Caffeine in a Cup of Coffee? A Detailed Guide. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-caffeine-in-coffee
6. National Coffee Association. How to Brew Coffee. https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/How-to-Brew-Coffee
7. Love and Lemons. How to Make Matcha. https://www.loveandlemons.com/matcha-green-tea/