Coffee has been the most popular morning beverage in the US for the past decades. However, in recent years, a new caffeine drink is rising in popularity. According to consumer data, the matcha industry is becoming bigger every year and that’s not surprising. Matcha drinks are a primary choice for many people. Additionally, the precious powdered green tea also has a lot of applications in culinary. More and more recipes with matcha can be found online. In this blog post, we’ll see the main aspects of the matcha vs coffee battle - what are the main differences between the two and the benefits of consuming them.
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Differences between Matcha and Coffee
Matcha vs Coffee Preparation and Origin
Matcha is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, more commonly known as tea plant. Its origins are in China, but it’s most produced and consumed in Japan. The leaves grow in shade before gathering. After that, they are ground into a fine powder that has a silky texture. Mixing the powder with hot water results in a vibrant green beverage.
Coffee is primarily sourced from Africa and South America. Coffee beans come from the seeds of the Coffea plant. They are roasted, ground, and brewed in hot water to achieve a dark brown or black drink.
Matcha vs Coffee Flavor
Matcha has a grassy and slightly sweet flavor with some earthy and vegetal notes. It has a smooth texture. The flavor depends mostly on the quality of the powder. Ceremonial grade matcha (the highest quality on the market) tastes better than other alternatives. Ingredient-grade matcha (the lowest quality) is used mostly in mass-produced products like sweets. It has a more bitter taste.
Coffee’s taste depends on a variety of factors. The main ones are its origin, the roast level, and the coffee brewing method. That’s why coffee has a wide range of flavors. Some specialty coffees are fruity and floral while others are at the other end of the spectrum - bitter and bold.
Matcha vs Coffee Caffeine Content
Matcha contains roughly about three times less caffeine compared to coffee. However, thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, the release of caffeine is slower. The result is a steady energy boost and improved cognitive function for a longer period of time compared to coffee.
Even though coffee contains more caffeine compared to matcha, the energy boost it provides lasts between one and two hours. Nevertheless, the energy kick you get from coffee is much stronger than that of matcha. So, if you’re looking for an immediate and strong energizing effect, coffee might be the drink for you.
Health Benefits of Matcha vs Coffee
Being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals makes matcha the healthier option between the two. It also supports immune function and boosts the metabolism. Keep in mind that some of these benefits can be lost if the drink is mixed with other ingredients such as dairy products or alcohol.
Coffee is a powerful source of antioxidants as well. It is associated with health benefits such as improved cognitive function and increased alertness. Excessive coffee consumption can increase the body’s tolerance to caffeine and decrease its effect over time.
Matcha vs Coffee Culture
Matcha has a major part in Japanese tradition and East Asian culture. Its main significance is in Japanese tea ceremonies. The whole preparation process emphasizes harmony and tranquility. That is why it should be consumed mindfully and with respect. In Western culture, matcha has less of an influence in terms of culture. However, there is a growing number of matcha enthusiasts and people who are researching how to start a matcha business. Most of the matcha tea suppliers import the ingredient from Japan.
In the past century, coffee has become one of the most consumed beverages in the world. There are various customs related to coffee. Since it’s popular worldwide, these rituals vary in different countries and cultures.
Key takeaway: Although the caffeine in matcha is less, matcha drinks provide a longer period of alertness and focus. There are more health benefits to drinking matcha compared to coffee. On the other hand, coffee is more affordable and has a wide range of flavors.
Benefits of Drinking Matcha Compared to Coffee
The steady and sustained alertness provided by matcha is among the major benefits of consuming it. Additionally, there’s no energy crash after drinking matcha beverages as can happen with coffee. The calming effect of the L-theanine amino acid is also preferred by many. Drinking matcha vs coffee means you get a relaxed state of mind with an increased focus instead of stimulation solely induced by caffeine.
Both matcha and yerba mate tea are associated with high levels of antioxidants. These compounds are known for their health benefits, especially for protecting the body against free radicals.
Matcha has a higher nutritional value. It’s a source of vitamins such as A and C as well as minerals such as iron and potassium. This is thanks to the fact that matcha tea leaves are shade-grown and have high chlorophyll content.
You’re having metabolism problems? Matcha helps with that as well. The precious green tea powder is associated with benefits for weight management, weight loss, and improved metabolism.
Benefits of Coffee Compared to Matcha
Even though matcha has more health benefits compared to coffee, there are reasons why many prefer the black-colored drink.
- Wide availability. Being one of the three most-consumed drinks in the world, coffee is available everywhere. There are hundreds of brands that differ in flavor and price. The familiarity and availability of the drink make it much easier for people in need of an energy boost to drink coffee. There are also many coffee subscription services available.
- Higher caffeine content. People that consume coffee for many years have probably developed some caffeine tolerance. This means that drinking matcha might not help them focus and get the needed energy as the caffeine levels in it are lower.
- Diverse flavors are available. The wide range of flavors is one of the reasons why there are many coffee enthusiasts. Some brands have floral and fruity notes while others can be nutty or choccy. Specialty coffee is also a big hit among coffee drinkers.
- Variety of brewing methods. French press, drip brewing, espresso, and cold brewing are just some of the popular ways to make coffee. Each of them results in a different taste of the drink.
Frequently Asked Questions about Matcha VS Coffee
Many coffee drinkers are wondering what is matcha and why this drink is becoming popular. We’ve probably answered some of the common questions regarding the matcha vs coffee debate.
Where to Buy Quality Matcha and Coffee?
With the recent rise in the popularity of matcha, many coffee shops and tea houses started offering matcha products and accessories. Additionally, some websites sell different types of matcha - ceremonial and culinary. Businesses usually look for wholesale matcha sellers on different marketplaces such as BlueCart. If you’re new to matcha and wish to experiment, a good way to start is to try some culinary or premium matcha. The ceremonial grade is the most expensive type and its best application is for the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Is Matcha or Coffee Better for Weight-Loss?
Yes, matcha is a better option for people trying to lose weight. It helps with digestion and also helps the immune system. In addition to those benefits, matcha is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
Do Matcha and Coffee Stain Teeth?
Luckily for matcha enthusiasts, their favorite powdered green tea doesn’t stain teeth as coffee does. If you are a coffee drinker, it’s better to brush your teeth after enjoying your favorite beverage. Alternatively, you can chew sugar-free chewing gum for some time. The extra saliva will help wash away some of the tannins from the coffee.