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Is Matcha Better Than Coffee?

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Back-to-school season and busy fall schedules call for a morning ritual that truly sets the tone for your day. Whether it’s a 7 a.m. commute, a mid-morning study session, or simply trying to carve out a moment for yourself, the right caffeinated drink can make all the difference.

Most people reach for one of three options when it comes to caffeine: energy drinks, coffee, or tea. While each has its own perks, some choices come with long-term health benefits, while others can have lasting side effects. If you’re looking for energy that supports your body instead of draining it, organic matcha may just be your new morning essential.

Are Energy Drinks Really Good for You?

Energy drinks are everywhere — gas stations, grocery stores, even vending machines. They’re marketed as quick, convenient pick-me-ups, and they deliver caffeine fast.

But there’s a catch. A 2023 study from the National Institute of Medicine found that both regular and occasional consumption of energy drinks can lead to serious heart issues, and in rare cases, even be fatal. On top of that, many people report anxiety, jitters, and stomach problems after drinking them. The culprit? Extremely high caffeine levels paired with added sugars and stimulants like guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine.

So, while they may be convenient, energy drinks are at the bottom of the list when it comes to healthy caffeine sources.

Coffee vs Matcha: Which is Better?

That brings us to the real debate: coffee or matcha?

Both offer impressive benefits: supporting heart health, boosting focus, and supplying powerful antioxidants. Coffee has even been linked to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes (National Library of Medicine, 2018) and protecting against Parkinson’s disease (Neurology, 2024).

But here’s the fine print: most of these benefits come from drinking coffee black. The moment creamers, syrups, and sugars enter the cup, many of those perks lose their punch.

So where does matcha shine? It offers all those same benefits — plus something coffee doesn’t.

 

Why Matcha Outshines Coffee

The secret lies in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant found in green tea. EGCG has been studied for its role in disease prevention, weight management, and overall wellness. Even more compelling? Research shows it can trigger anticancer processes, helping your body protect itself on a cellular level.

Beyond that, antioxidants like EGCG work to combat oxidative stress, support heart health, and build long-term resilience in your body.

Matcha also shares coffee’s benefits of potentially reducing type 2 diabetes risk and offering neuroprotective effects, but with gentler, more balanced energy. Thanks to matcha’s unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine, you get focus and alertness without the jittery spikes and crashes.

Making Matcha Part of Your Routine

With all of these benefits, matcha makes the perfect start to your morning or a mindful mid-day boost. And the best part? It’s as versatile as it is healthy.

Try a traditional matcha whisking ritual when you need a calming moment or whip up a creamy matcha latte for a cozy daily treat. If you love experimenting, keep an eye out for our upcoming recipes featuring matcha and other organic tea blends.

Follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook for inspiration, tips, and tea-centered lifestyle ideas.

 

References

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