Does Matcha Have Caffeine in It? How It Compares to Coffee

Key Takeaways

• Matcha contains caffeine but generally less than coffee.
• Theanine in matcha offers a different caffeine experience, lessening jitters.
• Caffeine content in matcha varies based on factors like leaf age, harvest season, and preparation.
• A typical serving of matcha can have more caffeine than a serving of regular green tea.
• Limiting matcha powder and using cooler water can reduce caffeine intake.
• Matcha lattes may have diluted caffeine levels due to the addition of milk or milk substitutes.
• Matcha offers additional health benefits, including mood improvement and potential oral health gains.

Many people go to matcha as a potentially healthier alternative to coffee, but it’s important to note that it does still contain caffeine.

Even though matcha does contain caffeine, it also contains another compound called theanine - which when combined with caffeine, can give a very different experience than that of coffee.

So, although matcha may have considerably lower amounts than most coffee brands - how much caffeine does matcha contain? And is it still too much for you?

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How Much Caffeine Is in Matcha?

Matcha does have a significant amount of caffeine in it albeit, generally not as much as coffee.

When compared to regular green tea - matcha boasts significantly more flavour, antioxidants and nutrients, however, research suggests that matcha may have a higher caffeine content than most types of green tea.

It’s hard to derive an exact measurement for the amount of caffeine found in matcha as several factors can influence the caffeine content of your individual matcha powder, including:

• How old the matcha leaves are
• When they were harvested
• The temperature of your water
• How much powder you use

So if you put more matcha powder in your cup (and use warmer water), you’re likely to consume more caffeine than if you were to use less powder and cold water.

It should also be noted that using milk as a substitute for water will not influence the caffeine content of your matcha.

With that in mind, matcha still has a relatively high caffeine content with some research suggesting that one gram of matcha contains between 18.9 and 44.4 milligrams of caffeine.

Matcha Caffeine Content: Is Matcha Stronger Than Coffee?

If you want to reduce your caffeine intake (and get an extra boost of nutrients while you’re at it), switching from coffee to matcha may be a good call. On average, matcha contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee.

However, let’s keep an emphasis on average. The caffeine amounts in substances like tea and coffee can vary depending on the processing method, the type, the strength of the brew, whether you’re diluting it with water or dairy, and so on.

• Typically, a cup of matcha tea made from ½ to 1 tsp of matcha powder will contain about 38-176mg of caffeine. Since matcha tea is made from ground tea leaves which you mix into your tea as opposed to strain out, you can expect it to be a concentrated source of caffeine.
• One cup of brewed black coffee contains, on average, approximately 70–140 mg of caffeine.

So, if you want to make the switch to matcha and reduce your caffeine content, how can you ensure you’re consuming less than the average cup of coffee?

While there’s no hard and fast way to measure the amount of caffeine in your matcha, limiting how much powder you use can reduce your caffeine intake.

Instead of using two teaspoons, try switching to just one. You can also use cooler water to make your drink, which may reduce the amount of caffeine you get per serving.

It’s important to also note that the presence of theanine in matcha blunts the stimulating effects of the caffeine - meaning it can feel very different to the caffeine rush you experience from coffee.

 

Benefits of Matcha and How Coffee Compares

Matcha is powdered green tea leaves. So it’s not really a type of coffee, but a type of green tea. Here's what you need to know about its numerous health benefits and how they stack up against coffee.

Health Benefits of Matcha

Matcha tea powder/tea is a rich source of antioxidants, substances that help to prevent or delay cell damage (such as what happens during illness, injury, or ageing). Consuming matcha could potentially work as a preventative against chronic diseases (think cancer!) or help reduce your risk of acquiring them.

Matcha tea has been linked to improved liver health, specifically in the case of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). About 1 in 3 Australians has fatty liver. Matcha is also seen to decrease the risk of contracting liver disease.

According to scientific research, matcha may be beneficial in improving your mood and boosting brain function. Matcha has an ingredient called L-theanine which helps relieve stress and anxiety, improves concentration, and aids in restful sleep. Matcha has also shown benefits in improving cognitive functions like your ability to be attentive, your memory, and how quickly you can react in response to stimuli.

Matcha is great for the skin too. It can help relieve the symptoms of irritated or inflamed acne-prone skin. It can help protect your skin from the cell damage caused by sun/UV exposure. It can also improve blood circulation, making your skin look healthier and refreshed.

Health Benefits of Coffee

Coffee is known for containing a stimulant called caffeine, known for boosting the activities of your brain and nervous system. It's quickly absorbed, and you can find its effects kicking sometimes as fast as within 5 minutes of consuming it. Caffeine can help make you feel refreshed, alert, energised, and focused. It can also help reduce feelings of fatigue.

Drinking one cup of coffee daily has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. There is also some research to suggest that it has neuroprotective effects in that it can help reduce the risk of conditions like cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

A correlation has been found between caffeine consumption and the reduction of body fat, BMI, and weight reduction in specific studies. However, it's not a miracle cure, and it's most beneficial when consumed in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program.

What About the Side Effects of Coffee and Matcha?

The side effects of coffee can be related to the levels of caffeine present in it. 400mg of caffeine is the maximum intake of caffeine that’s acceptable per day for adults. If you’ve had too much caffeine, you can experience side effects such as:

• Palpitations (rapid heartbeats)
• Restlessness
• Increase in body temperature
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Jitteriness
• Sleeplessness or insomnia
• An initial bout of feeling energized followed by a spell of greater tiredness

If you're sensitive to caffeine, you may experience side effects even at low doses. It's best to avoid caffeine altogether if this is the case.

NOTE: Pregnant women should consume no more than 200mg of caffeine per day or, ideally, avoid it altogether. A high intake of caffeine is linked to an increased risk of miscarriages and birth anomalies.

Matcha is powdered green tea powder and hence still contains caffeine, although not to the degree of caffeine found in coffee. Expect similar side effects to excessive coffee consumption if you drink too much coffee. Generally, it’s advisable to use matcha sparingly. Consume no more than 4g or 2 level teaspoons of matcha per day.

Matcha vs. Coffee - General Instructions On Preparation and How They Differ

Matcha Tea Preparation

To prepare a good cup of matcha tea, use hot and not boiling water. Not only can boiling water change the flavour of your matcha, producing a more bitter taste and no silky texture, but it can also destroy some of the matcha’s most useful properties.

So, if you’ve only ever been drinking your matcha with boiling water, there’s a good chance that you’ve never really tasted the full extent of its flavour profile!

If you want to use warm water (after all, this is the most popular way to drink matcha), it’s not advised to use water that’s warmer than 80 degrees Celsius.

So, simply turn your kettle off before it hits boiling, or let your boiled water cool for a while before making your matcha with it.

Brewing matcha at this temperature will retain most of its ‘natural’ flavours, which come through nutty, sweet, slightly bitter, and vegetal.

You can use traditional matcha implements for the tea, but if you don’t have them, a good old-fashioned sieve and teaspoon will do.

Take about 1/4th to 1 tsp of matcha tea powder. Sieve it into your cup. Pour about 2 tbsp of the prepared hot water and use a whisk to mix and remove clumps. Alternatively, simply use a teaspoon to mix. Once the powder has been fully absorbed and your base mixture starts to froth, you can pour the rest of your hot water to fill the cup. Your matcha tea is now ready to drink.

Using Lower Temperatures

If you prefer, you can let your water cool even further before making your matcha, and this can release even more flavours and textures into your drink.

Although brewing matcha at 80 degrees celsius retains most of its natural flavours, using lower temperatures does not appear to affect its nutrient profile while giving you a slightly different taste.

Brewing matcha with water between 60-70 degrees celsius can preserve most of its natural taste while giving you a slightly smoother texture.

Using even lower temperatures (30 degrees celsius and lower) can give your matcha a slightly more refreshing taste - in other words, expect less of that bitter vegetal flavouring!

Brewing at lower temperatures is also thought to extract less caffeine which can suit some people who experience side effects such as pooping more, nausea, restlessness and the ‘jitters’.

Coffee Preparation

Unlike with matcha, where you use hot water, coffee is best made with boiling water. Simply mix about 2 tbsp of coffee powder with a little bit of the boiling water in your mug. Add sugar for sweetness if preferred. Fill to the brim and mix with boiling water. Instead of water, you can opt for milk if you enjoy dairy in your coffee.

Both matcha and coffee can be enjoyed cold too.

Let’s Talk L-theanine

Earlier, we mentioned that using boiling water to brew your matcha can destroy many of its most sought-after nutrients and antioxidants.

L-theanine is one of the most important components in matcha, and your brewing temperature can significantly affect how (or if) you consume it.

L-theanine is a type of amino acid that’s found in green teas like matcha and even some species of mushrooms. In green teas like matcha, the L-theanine is thought to only be activated when it comes into contact with hot water.

Research has shown that the optimal temperature for extracting L-theanine from green teas is 80 degrees Celsius.

This unique amino acid is thought to modify the effects of caffeine in matcha as well as promote relaxation, boost immunity, manage blood pressure, and even fight cancer!

So, if you’re drinking matcha for its health benefits, it's important to maximise your intake of L-theanine as much as possible - and evidence currently suggests that you don’t want to be brewing it over 80 degrees for this.

Caffeine Content of Matcha Vs Regular Green Tea

While both matcha and regular green tea originate from the same Camellia sinensis plant, their caffeine content is far from identical. This divergence is largely due to the different processing methods and parts of the plant used in each type of tea.

Specifically, caffeine in matcha is between 18.9 and 44.4 milligrams per gram. In contrast, regular green tea typically holds between 30 to 50 mg of caffeine per 120ml serving. Given that a typical serving of matcha uses about 2 grams of powder, this equates to approximately 37.8 to 88.8 mg of caffeine per serving. This suggests that matcha may contain more caffeine than regular green tea.

The higher caffeine content in matcha is attributed to the fact that it is made from ground whole tea leaves, thereby including the nutrients and caffeine from the entire leaf. 

Regular green tea, however, is made from steeping the tea leaves, which results in a dilution of caffeine. 

This makes matcha a more concentrated source of caffeine, offering a stronger kick for those who need it, while regular green tea provides a milder option.

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that’s usually found in nature in such plants as cacao, coffee and tea. When ingested by humans - it acts as a drug that has the ability to stimulate the brain and nervous system, resulting in improved performance and alertness.

Caffeine works by absorbing into the gut and the bloodstream. From here, it makes its way to the liver, where it’s broken down and can affect various organs. However, the main effects of caffeine occur in the brain.

When caffeine enters our bodies, it blocks the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel sleepy by relaxing the brain.

Without caffeine, adenosine levels accumulate throughout the day, making us increasingly more tired and helping us get to sleep when we climb into bed.

However, caffeine interrupts this process and can help us stay awake for longer by connecting with the adenosine receptors and not activating them. This inhibits the ability of adenosine to perform its job, which means you can stay awake for longer.

Some evidence suggests that caffeine may also increase the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as increasing blood adrenaline levels.

This combination helps stimulate the brain even more and contributes to the heightened sense of alertness and focus we feel when we consume enough caffeine.

The Pros And Cons Of Caffeine

Caffeine is the most popular naturally occurring stimulant in the world.

Although most of us drink it for its ability to get us out of bed in the morning and keep us going through the day, there are other pros (and cons) of consuming caffeine you should know about.

The Pros Of Caffeine

• May Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence suggests that coffee (both caffeinated and decaf) may improve the markers for type 2 diabetes.
• Can Increase Alertness: Evidence suggests that the average 75mg serving of caffeine can improve our alertness and attention levels.
• May Improve Brain Function: Coffee is rich in polyphenol antioxidants. Research has found that drinking coffee may slow mental decline and improve our thinking and reasoning skills.
• Could Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: Remarkably, the science suggests that lifelong consumption of caffeine could reduce the risk of developing both Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

Caffeine is also thought to reduce the onset of other diseases and illnesses, including:

• Cancers of the mouth and throat
• Kidney stones
• Cataracts
• Eyelid Spasms

Again, the research behind these claims is quite limited and many more studies are required to confirm this.

The Cons Of Caffeine

Although caffeine has an impressive selection of health benefits, it doesn’t come without its risks.

Caffeine is known for its ability to induce a temporary sense of alertness, but in some people, this can cause uncomfortable symptoms - especially if more than 400mg of caffeine are consumed per day.

Some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with excessive caffeine consumption can include:

• Irregular heart rate
• Headaches
• Dependence
• Irritability
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach upset
• Disturbed sleep
• Tremors and shakes
• Increased anxiety
• Dehydration
• High blood pressure

Caffeine can even interact with some medications, including:

• Antibiotics
• Some antidepressants
• Antipsychotics, including clozapine
• Carbamazepine
• Bronchodilators
• Diuretics
• Estrogens

If you’re taking prescribed medication and you’re concerned about potential interactions with caffeine, consult a physician for more information.

Although matcha and caffeinated coffee will share many of these pros and cons, matcha has its own unique set of health benefits. For example, drinking matcha may:

• Improve Mood: Matcha contains L-Theanine, which is believed to increase alpha waves in the brain, and promote relaxation without causing drowsiness.
• May Improve Oral Health: There is also some evidence to suggest that matcha can improve our oral health. As our oral health is so closely connected to our general well-being, the potential benefits of this could be far-reaching.

Matcha has also been tentatively linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, improved cognitive function, anti-cancer properties, and more.

 

Factors That May Affect The Caffeine Content of Matcha

The caffeine content in your cup of matcha can vary based on a range of elements. Here's a breakdown of what could influence the caffeine levels:

1. Leaf Age: Typically, younger leaves have higher caffeine content. Matcha is often sourced from these leaves, which can elevate its caffeine levels.
   
2. Harvest Season: The season in which the tea leaves are harvested can alter their nutritional makeup, including the caffeine concentration.
   
3. Processing Method: The unique shading process that matcha leaves undergo before harvest can increase their caffeine content. Further, the act of grinding the leaves into a fine powder concentrates all of its components, caffeine included.
   
4. Brewing Time: Although matcha doesn't require steeping, the duration of whisking can have a subtle impact on its caffeine content.
   
5. Water Temperature: Hotter water can extract caffeine more efficiently. Interestingly, the temperature can also affect the taste and other nutrient levels in matcha.
   
6. Amount of Matcha Powder: The quantity of matcha powder used will directly influence the caffeine content in your cup. This gives you some control over your caffeine intake.
   
7. Mixing Milk: When milk is added to make a matcha latte, the caffeine content may be affected by the type and amount of milk or milk substitute used. While the milk itself doesn't contain caffeine, it may dilute the matcha, potentially reducing the overall caffeine concentration in the beverage.

What Exactly Is Decaf Matcha?

Decaf matcha is a regular matcha that has had its caffeine removed during processing. It's a bit of a misnomer because decaf doesn't necessarily mean the absence of caffeine. It just means that, typically, there's a lot less caffeine.

With decaf coffee, for example, decaffeination will remove up to 97% of the caffeine present in the coffee beans. One cup of decaf coffee has approximately 2 mg of caffeine compared to regular coffee, which has about 95 mg of caffeine.

Decaf green tea is fairly common. Decaf matcha, on the other hand, is not so much. A brand called DoMatcha claims to be the first decaf matcha producer outside of Japan. Their decaf matcha tea serves up 6 mg of caffeine per gm. You could, alternatively, look for the more common low-caffeine matcha.

A typical serving of matcha, for reference, is usually between 2 to 4 mg or ½ to 1 tsp. Regular matcha contains about 19-44 mg of caffeine per gram. The caffeine in regular green tea can vary from 10-23 mg of caffeine per gram. Also, in general, the longer you brew your tea, the higher the caffeine.

How Do They Remove the Caffeine from Matcha?

Scientists in a recent study examining the health benefits of decaf matcha referred to the traditional process of making decaf matcha as follows:

• Specific green tea leaves were harvested after cultivation in an environment without sunlight for many weeks in May (the first tea of the year).
• These were then steamed and dried to obtain tencha.
• The tencha green tea leaves were washed with hot water to remove caffeine. Tencha is what the tea leaves used for matcha are called before they're ground down.
• This was followed by the removal of leaf veins and grinding to produce matcha green tea powder.

Does Decaf Matcha Have the Same Health Benefits?

Green tea offers many health benefits due to its rich antioxidant and polyphenol content. Yet, those same healthful compounds can be depleted when the tea is processed for decaffeination—usually through chemical means.

Fortunately, natural decaffeination techniques (usually done with water) can remove a majority of the caffeine without stripping away the beneficial components.

If you're looking to enjoy all the goodness of green tea with minimal caffeine, opt for naturally decaffeinated products.

Popular Hot Matcha Preparation Methods:

Temperature plays a considerable role in the taste and texture of your matcha. However, there are also several ways to prepare matcha, which can also influence the way your drink tastes.

Traditional Method

Most people use the traditional Japanese method to prepare their matcha. This involves putting one or two teaspoons of high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha (such as Kenko Tea)matcha into a bowl and slowly pouring warm (not boiling) water into the mix.

Then, use a traditional bamboo whisk to froth up your matcha, and enjoy! If you don’t want to drink your matcha from a bowl, this method can also be used in a mug.

Matcha Latte

Another popular way to enjoy matcha is in latte form.

This method starts out the same way, by placing 1-2 teaspoons of matcha into a mug or bowl and adding warm water.

However, instead of filling your mug to the top with warm water, fill your mug a quarter of the way. Whisk the mixture in your mug until it’s slightly frothy.

Then, on your stovetop, heat your milk of choice (cow's milk or oat milk are popular choices), and whisk your milk as it heats.

Take it off the heat before it starts to boil, and pour it into your mug. Stir your mixture together and froth more if desired.

When Is It Best to Drink Green Tea?

Ideally, you should start your day with a cup of green tea for the energy boost from its caffeine content. This can result in increased alertness and potential weight loss results throughout the day— more on that below. Its nutrient-rich antioxidants may also help contribute to glowing skin, making it perfect for morning rituals.

If morning drinking does not suit you, then it's perfectly fine to have it anytime throughout the day so long as you don't consume it too close to bedtime - since it may disrupt sleep patterns.

Discovering the best time for drinking green tea is a personal journey so try to experiment to find what works best for you.

How Drinking Green Tea in the Morning Affects You

Green tea consumed in the morning can help wake you up without causing excessive jitters like regular coffee does. The caffeine present in green tea helps to boost your focus and alertness, while the compound L-theanine helps you relax. Both compounds work powerfully together to improve brain function. So green tea in the morning can help you gently ease into the first half of the day while still maintaining focus and concentration.

Benefits of Drinking Green Tea in the Afternoon

It's common for many people to experience a mid-afternoon slump. Green tea can re-energize your nerves and revitalize you physically, enabling you to cope with the demands of the remaining day. Same as in the mornings, the caffeine will help wake you up and give you a sense of focus, while L-theanine will help with the stress.

Furthermore, researchers discovered that green tea positively affects blood sugar control, preventing energy crashes and promoting sustained focus. Plus, drinking green tea in the afternoon can be a healthy alternative to sugary drinks or snacks that are often consumed for a quick pick-me-up.

Is It Recommended to Drink Tea Before or After a Workout?

Evidence suggests that consuming green tea extract BEFORE a workout increases fat burn by as much as 17%. Another study discovered that men who received a 500mg supplement of green tea extract experienced faster recovery times. This is due to green tea's ability to reduce muscle damage.

Are There Any Less Desirable Times for Drinking Green Tea?

Experts recommend drinking green tea between meals instead of with meals. This is because it contains compounds that can hinder nutrient absorption, particularly minerals like iron, chromium, and copper.

Even if consumed up to 6 hours before bedtime, green tea may prevent some people from getting sleep at night. It may increase your blood pressure and cause anxiety,  nervousness, or jitteriness due to its caffeine content. Green tea has less caffeine compared to coffee, but if you're sensitive to caffeine, it may be a good idea to avoid it altogether.

Additionally, consuming green tea on an empty stomach can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea and gastric pain. The compounds found in green tea, especially catechins and tannins, can increase gastric acid production, irritating the lining of an empty stomach.

When to Drink Tea for Specific Health Benefits

We know how drinking green tea at different times of the day can affect the body. But what about the best times to drink tea for specific health benefits?

Best Time to Drink Green Tea for Glowing Skin

You can drink green tea at any time of the day to improve your skin health. Green tea has shown benefits in preventing aging, improving the general condition of the skin, and maintaining its firmness for longer. Simultaneously, it's advisable to refrain from drinking tea during meals to avoid hindering mineral absorption by the body. Also, avoid it in the evenings and at night if it stops you from sleeping.

Best Time to Drink Green Tea for Weight Loss

Based on existing studies, drinking tea before working out shows the maximum benefits for weight loss by supporting fat-burning. Conversely, individuals are also advised to avoid green tea on an empty stomach due to the possibility of experiencing undesirable effects such as nausea and abdominal discomfort. Make sure to follow a healthy diet plan and a regular exercise program for the best results.

Best Time to Drink Green Tea to Boost Your Metabolism

For those desiring to rev up their metabolism, the optimal time to enjoy a cup of green tea is in the morning. While not compulsory, drinking green tea immediately upon waking can help your body better metabolize the food you eat throughout the day. Experts suggest consuming more green tea about 30 to 60 minutes prior to meals. On the other hand, they also recommend avoiding green tea on an empty stomach, as it may lead to undesirable effects such as nausea and abdominal discomfort in certain individuals.

Best Time to Drink Green Tea for PCOS

The benefits of green tea for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are seen regardless of when you consume it. There is no specific best time to drink green tea.

However, studies suggest that drinking green tea on a regular basis can result in weight loss, lower levels of free testosterone, and reduced insulin resistance in obese women diagnosed with PCOS. Moreover, green tea's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can have a positive impact on overall well-being and help manage PCOS symptoms.

Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that green tea should be used in combination with dietary and lifestyle modifications as prescribed by a healthcare professional, rather than viewed as a lone solution.

Best Time to Drink Green Tea for Fatty Liver

Green tea is a beneficial drink to help support healthier liver function. Rich in catechins, flavonoids, and other active compounds, green tea has been shown to reduce liver enzymes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Experts suggest consuming green tea in between meals, as the catechins may interfere with the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. However, green tea should not be used as a sole treatment for fatty liver disease; experts also recommend lifestyle interventions including improved nutrition and physical activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does matcha caffeine last?

The caffeine in matcha typically lasts for 6-8 hours, which is longer than the caffeine in coffee. This is because matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which slows down the body's absorption of caffeine. This results in a more sustained release of energy and alertness, without the jitters or crashes that can be associated with coffee.

However, the exact amount of time that the caffeine in matcha lasts will vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, metabolism, and overall health.

Will matcha keep me awake?

Yes, matcha can keep you awake due to its caffeine content. However, the caffeine in matcha is released more slowly than the caffeine in coffee, resulting in a more sustained and gentle energy boost.

Is matcha better than coffee for anxiety?

You may find matcha more useful for your anxiety than coffee. Matcha has a compound called L-theanine that can help calm you while improving your alertness. It also doesn’t typically have the same side effects that coffee does because of the lower amounts of caffeine per serving. Last but not least, it doesn’t give you an instantaneous boost like coffee but works at a gentler and steadier pace.

Do matcha and coffee go together?

Matcha and coffee can be used together to create unique and delicious drinks! For example, you can combine matcha powder with coffee and a little bit of milk to make a matcha latte with a hint of coffee flavour. However, it is important to note that overconsumption of caffeine can lead to side effects like jitters and anxiety. Therefore, it is recommended to consume no more than 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated beverages per day and to consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.

Which is healthier coffee or matcha?

Matcha is considered to be healthier than coffee due to its rich source of antioxidants and amino acids. Matcha also provides a natural energy boost but with a gentler effect on the body compared to coffee. On average, caffeine in matcha is about half that of coffee, which means that a person can theoretically drink more matcha than coffee. Additionally, matcha has been known to help reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases and high blood pressure.

Why drink matcha vs coffee?

Matcha is preferred by some people over coffee because it gives you the same benefits, such as increased alertness, concentration, and improved mood minus the major side effects such as headaches, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and so on. But, if you're sensitive to caffeine in even small doses, you may want to avoid caffeinated beverages and drinks altogether.

Is matcha better for weight loss than coffee?

Early research suggests that green tea like matcha may have benefits in fat-burning and weight loss. Coffee, primarily because of its caffeine content, has also shown benefits in burning the bad fats and promoting the good fats. In either case, they’re both not stand-alone solutions for weight loss. Long-term healthy weight loss is a result of good dietary hygiene and maintaining a regular exercise program.

Is matcha better than coffee on an empty stomach?

Some people may experience digestive upset or heart burns when drinking either on an empty stomach. Others may find that the caffeine is better absorbed on an empty stomach resulting in stronger effects on your mental alertness and moods, and potentially jitteriness as a side effect.

Is matcha the same as green tea?

Matcha and green tea both come from the same plant called Camellia sinensis. But the similarity stops there. Green tea is seeped in hot water and removed once the required intensity or color is reached.

Matcha, on the other hand, is finely powdered green tea, which you directly mix into your hot water. Matcha has higher concentrations of caffeine and antioxidants, given that you'll be ingesting the leaves with your drink. You can also brew matcha at lower temperatures, which is thought to limit the amount of caffeine you're consuming.

Does matcha have less caffeine than decaf coffee?

Matcha tea has significantly less caffeine than coffee, with an average of 19-44 mg per 8-ounce cup compared to 96 mg in a similar size of coffee. Decaf coffee and matcha both contain low levels of caffeine, with matcha containing around 97% less than conventional coffee.

Is there decaf matcha at Starbucks?

A lot of people have asked the same question. We've gone ahead and done the research, so you don't have to! The Starbucks Coffee Company in Australia has four variants of matcha-based beverages – Espresso and Matcha Fusion, Ice Espresso and Matcha Fusion, Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte, and Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino. All of them have caffeine present, and the quantity can vary depending on the size of the beverage you're drinking. So there isn't a decaf variant on the menu yet! Check back to the official company website for the latest beverage menus!

How do they decaffeinate matcha?'

Traditional methods involve harvesting and cultivating in a specific manner (without sunlight for several weeks), steaming, and washing the caffeine out of the leaves using hot water. Scroll up to read more about how this is done in the "How Do They Remove the Caffeine from Matcha? " section.

Is decaf green tea less healthy?

It depends on how the tea is processed. Natural methods of processing, unlike chemical methods, can leave most of the valuable nutrients intact, which means you still get the health benefits with much smaller amounts of caffeine. Chemical processing can strip the tea of most of its nutrients, leaving you with minimal benefits from a health perspective.

Can You Drink Cold Matcha?

If you’re not a fan of hot drinks, or you’re currently suffering a heatwave - you may prefer to drink your matcha ice cold.

Although it’s definitely possible to drink matcha at cold temperatures, you’ll probably find that your matcha powder won’t dissolve well, which can leave you with a film of floating powder at the top.

However, this is easily resolved - simply shake or stir your matcha until the remaining powder disappears. Although this involves more work than brewing hot matcha, it’s a good option if you don’t want to drink it warm.

Even though you may not get a full extraction of L-theanine at lower temperatures (discussed above), you will still get many of the clinically-indicated benefits (e.g. ability to reduce cholesterol) as well as a dose of many key vitamins and minerals including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, E, C, K, and iodine.

What is the best time to drink green tea: before or after meals?

To maximize its nutritional benefits, it is recommended that you enjoy green tea between meals rather than right before or after eating. This allows you to avoid the potential disruption of nutrient absorption caused by tannins that bind to minerals like iron, copper, and chromium. Additionally, drinking green tea late at night should be avoided as its caffeine content may cause difficulty sleeping. Integrate green tea into your diet strategically, taking full advantage of its wonderful health benefits and avoiding any negative side effects.

When should you drink green tea, morning or night?

Green tea can be enjoyed in the mornings, at night, or even throughout the day. The caffeine and L-theanine present in green tea can help you wake up without much of the side effects of other caffeine-containing beverages like coffee. At the same time, some individuals are sensitive to caffeine, even in small amounts. If you can't sleep after drinking green tea in the evenings, it's best to avoid it altogether.

Which is the worst time to drink green tea?

It's best to avoid drinking green tea together with your meals because it can prevent the body from absorbing vital minerals like copper, iron, and chromium. Green tea has caffeine, so avoid it altogether in the evenings or at night if it keeps you awake at bedtime.

Does tea break a fast like intermittent fasting

The simple answer is NO. Tea does not break a fast. But there's a caveat.

You can consume plain tea when you're on a fast. However, adding other ingredients like dairy (cow milk, almond milk, soy milk, and so on) or sweeteners like sugar, jaggery, aspartame, etc. can increase your calorie intake.

These unnecessary extras can also affect your fast in more ways than one. Adding milk and sugar can add fat/carbs to your diet and spike your blood sugar levels, which is not the most desirable effect when you're trying to lose weight. Plus, the extra calories can derail your best efforts to lose the extra pounds!

Plain tea without the extras can actually provide a number of benefits for your body and mind when you're fasting. It's also a guilt-free indulgence. An average 8-ounce (240ml) cup of freshly brewed black tea (without dairy or sugar) contains as little as two calories!

Side effects of drinking tea during a fast

Regardless of whether you're fasting or not, some people may experience stomach upset when drinking tea on an empty stomach.

Some people may also be allergic to the ingredients in some herbal teas (especially floral teas). Read the full list of ingredients on the label to ensure you're not consuming anything to which you're normally allergic.

Generally, drinking tea in moderate amounts is safe for otherwise healthy adults and can provide a number of health benefits. If you drink more than 3 to 4 cups of tea a day, then you may start to experience side effects such as:

• The tannin in tea may hinder the absorption of iron in your body.
• Drinking more tea means an increase in the amount of caffeine you're consuming. You may experience increased anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
• Increasing your intake of tannin present in the tea could irritate your digestive system. You may experience stomach upset or nausea.
• An increase in caffeine consumption may cause heartburn.

Which types of teas should you avoid during a fast?

Generally, avoid detox teas that may contain laxatives. Also avoid flavoured teas that may contain additional ingredients like milk, cream, and sugar. Bubble teas are also to be avoided as they're short on nutrition and high on empty calories.

Consume tea plain to avoid breaking your fast. You can add spices and condiments like cardamom and ginger to improve the flavour and taste. If you want to make your tea a little thicker, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil.

The Bottom Line

Matcha is widely available, easy to prepare, and comes with many research-backed health benefits.

Although matcha still contains caffeine, it can contain considerably less than coffee and has a quite different effect on the brain and body due to its combination with the compound - L-theanine.

If your morning coffee gives you the jitters, or you want something to help you through the afternoon that won’t ruin your sleep that night - matcha might be a great swap for you.