Matcha vs. Coffee: Which Is Better for You?

If you’ve been to a coffee shop lately, you may have seen a bright green drink being served up. That’s matcha — a type of green tea that’s often ordered as a latte. 

Matcha has become popular over the past few years, with many people drinking it instead of coffee. But is matcha healthier than coffee? What are the differences between matcha and coffee? And when it comes to choosing matcha versus coffee, which is right for you? Let’s take a look at how the two drinks compare.

What is matcha tea?

Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that originated in China many centuries ago. But the version most people drink today is a type of Japanese tea. Most matcha is produced in Japan, where it’s part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. 

Matcha comes from the same plant as green tea, called Camellia sinensis. But unlike green tea, which is brewed by steeping dried leaves in hot water, matcha uses the entire tea leaf. To make matcha powder, green tea leaves are ground into a fine powder. 

Matcha plants grow in the shade rather than in direct sunlight. This can increase some of the nutrients in the plant, including chlorophyll, which gives matcha its darker green color. Shade-growing may also increase matcha tea’s:

• Antioxidants

• Anti-inflammatory properties 

• Caffeine

• Amino acids

Some research cites matcha as the highest quality tea due to its unique chemical composition. 

Matcha and coffee similarities

Coffee is brewed from coffee beans, while matcha is made by grinding green tea leaves into a fine powder. But there are some similarities between matcha and coffee. 

High in antioxidants

Both coffee and matcha tea are among the drinks highest in antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that protect your body’s cells from damage. They help fight off free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your cells. When too many free radicals build up in your body, a condition called oxidative stress can occur. Oxidative stress increases your risk of chronic conditions including:

• Cancer

• Heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Kidney disease

• Neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease

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• The best antioxidant drinks: Green tea, beet juice, and grape juice are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your body from chronic health conditions. 

• Is coffee good for you? Coffee is a highly nutritious drink that may have a positive effect on the health of your liver, kidneys, brain, and more.

• What’s the best way to spruce up your coffee? Follow these tips on healthy ways to prepare your coffee to reap its health benefits.

• Does coffee dehydrate you? The caffeine in coffee has mild diuretic effects. But they’re not enough to cause dehydration. The water in coffee may even help hydrate you.

Specifically, matcha and coffee both contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant found in plants. But each drink contains different kinds of polyphenols. Coffee’s main polyphenol is chlorogenic acid, while matcha contains catechins. But all antioxidants protect the cells in your body from oxidative stress. 

Minimal calories

Both plain, unsweetened matcha and black coffee are very low in calories and contain no carbohydrates or fat. (Some preparations of matcha powder have a small amount of protein.) Of course, adding milk, sugar, or other sweeteners, will change the nutrient amounts.

Contains natural caffeine

Matcha and coffee both contain caffeine. Caffeine increases dopamine, often nicknamed the “feel-good” chemical, which can improve your overall mood. And caffeine may be linked to a lower risk of both depression and anxiety. 

Caffeine may also help treat headaches, especially migraines. That’s because caffeine narrows blood vessels in your brain. This helps to reduce blood flow and pressure, which can improve pain. 

Matcha vs. coffee: What are the differences?

Below are some of the ways matcha and coffee differ.

Caffeine response

An 8-oz cup of matcha usually has around 38 mg to 88 mg of caffeine. The exact amount will vary depending on things like how much powder is used, the grade (quality) of the powder, and the age of the tea leaves used. In comparison, an 8-oz brewed cup of coffee has 95 mg to 165 mg of caffeine. 

But the amount of caffeine isn’t the only difference. The way your body responds to the caffeine differs as well. 

Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which helps promote relaxation. So even though caffeine acts as a stimulant, the presence of L-theanine means that matcha’s energy boost is a bit gentler compared to coffee’s. Many people describe matcha’s caffeine boost as more gradual, calming, and sustained. 

Some people tolerate caffeine from matcha better than they do from coffee. This is because the caffeine in coffee can sometimes make anxiety symptoms worse or cause a jittery feeling. 

Price

The price of matcha and coffee can vary a lot depending on the quality and brand. But matcha is generally more expensive than coffee. This is likely because matcha requires a multi-step harvesting and manufacturing processes. And matcha is grown almost exclusively in Japan. Coffee, on the other hand, is grown in many different parts of the world. This usually makes it easier to find and less costly. 

Matcha is becoming more popular, but it still isn’t as widely available as coffee.

Preparation

The most common way to make coffee is by brewing ground beans with hot water. But matcha isn’t brewed. 

To make matcha, you whisk matcha powder with hot water. Many people prepare matcha as a latte by adding their milk of choice, frothed or as-is. And, as with coffee, you can stir in sweetener of choice and enjoy it hot or over ice. 

Taste

Matcha and coffee have very different flavor profiles. Matcha is often described as tasting “earthy” or “grassy.” Coffee has a more acidic and bitter taste. Neither drink is naturally sweet. 

Which should you choose?

Both matcha and coffee provide health benefits. Which one you choose really depends on your own personal taste preferences and caffeine tolerance. 

Coffee can be a great option if you're looking for a quick, bold energy boost. Matcha may be a better choice if you’re looking for less caffeine or if you experience side effects from coffee. 

Whichever drink you choose, try to drink it without:

• Too much added sugar 

• Artificial flavors or other food additives

• Processed coffee creamers

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Written by:

Joanna Foley, RD

Joanna Foley, RD, is a registered dietitian (RD) and the owner of joannafoleynutrition.com, a private nutrition consulting business. She has previously worked as a clinical dietitian and outpatient renal dietitian.

Edited by:

Meredith Hoffa

Meredith Hoffa is a senior health editor at GoodRx, where she leads journalists and clinicians covering various well-being topics, particularly in diet and nutrition.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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