I used to drink coffee—specifically espresso—every single day, often multiple times a day. But after an elimination diet forced me to swap it for green tea, I realized it’s not that I loved coffee—but lattés. So I figured I’d try the next best thing, and started ordering matcha lattés.
?SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week?
Beyond the taste, the energy boost I get from matcha's caffeine is significantly smoother and more sustainable than the jittery highs (and inevitable crashes) I used to get from coffee. Instead of feeling anxious and wired after finishing my drink, I feel calm, clear-headed and ready to take on the day—just with a bit more energy than I started. I actually don't think it’s a coincidence that I stopped having panic attacks once I made the switch. I have to remember to report this back to my therapist.
Are you feeling influenced? You’re in the right place. Ahead, see everything registered dietitians have to say about the matcha vs. coffee debate—and what to know about making the switch.
Matcha’s great taste isn’t the only reason to give it a try. According to Hayley Miller, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian and senior regulatory specialist at Physician's Choice, matcha is packed with powerful antioxidants.
“Matcha’s most notable source of antioxidants is catechins—especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This helps protect your cells against damage and is linked to cognitive function,” she continues, also noting that matcha contains L-theanine, “an amino acid that is linked to cognitive function, focus and mental clarity."
Related: The Surprising Health Benefits of Tea
Matcha Caffeine vs. Coffee: Which Is Better for Sustained Energy?
“Matcha has less caffeine than coffee, with about 70 mg per cup, versus coffee which can have anywhere from 100 to 140 mg per cup,” adds Davis. “Matcha is also known to provide a smoother, longer energy boost than coffee, likely due to its L-theanine content, while coffee provides a quick boost and subsequent crash for some individuals.”
Related: Want to Lower Your Cholesterol and Improve Heart Health? Tea Can Help—Here Are the Best Types to Stock Up On
"Both beverages contain antioxidants, but matcha has significantly higher levels, particularly from catechins like EGCG that protect against oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular aging,” adds Davis. “While coffee does provide antioxidants from polyphenols, matcha has a higher concentration and a broader range of beneficial compounds for daily wellness support.”
Who Should Try Matcha Over Coffee?
According to Miller, matcha might be a better choice for people who find that coffee just doesn’t agree with them, explaining, "If you find that you're sensitive to caffeine and coffee is a bit too much—whether it gives you the jitters, makes you crash or you just don’t like it—then matcha may be a better source for you!"
Related: Is Coffee Healthier Than Tea, or Is It the Other Way Around? Nutritionists Explain
Davis echoes this, adding that there are a few potential risks if you overdo it. "While matcha is generally safe, drinking excessive amounts could lead to too much caffeine intake or potential exposure to heavy metals such as lead or arsenic," she warns. "There is also a chance of liver toxicity from consuming very high doses of antioxidants, but this is highly unlikely with normal consumption."
Related: Does Green Tea Help With Bloating? Experts Share the Truth
How To Swap Coffee for Matcha
Davis has a simple strategy too: swap one coffee for one matcha latté to ease into the change. "Start by replacing one coffee with a matcha latté or iced matcha to get used to the flavor and gentler energy lift," she recommends. "Using a high-quality powder and blending it well—whisking traditionally or using a frother—creates a smooth, frothy texture for the perfect matcha beverage.”
Related: Drinking Tea Has One Very Surprising Health Benefit
Sources
Hayley Miller, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitianAmy Davis, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and Live Conscious nutrition consultantAntioxidant Properties and Nutritional Composition of Matcha Green Tea. Foods.Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients.Healthy properties of green and white teas: an update. Food & Function.Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Medical Food.Effect of matcha green tea on cognitive functions and sleep quality in older adults with cognitive decline: A randomized controlled study over 12 months. PloS One.Matcha green tea targets the gut–liver axis to alleviate obesity and metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet. Frontiers in Nutrition.The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. Current Research in Food Science.Stress-Reducing Function of Matcha Green Tea in Animal Experiments and Clinical Trials. Nutrients.Enhancing Health Benefits through Chlorophylls and Chlorophyll-Rich Agro-Food: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules.Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules. Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( I Traded My Morning Coffee for Matcha Tea—and I’ve Never Felt Better )
Also on site :