Matcha has many reported health benefits with its high antioxidant content has earned it that all-important ‘superfood’ status in the eyes of many.
This fine-powdered stone ground tea is made from green tea leaves derived from the tea plant - Camellia sinensis.
The highest grade ‘ceremonial matcha’ is mainly grown in just two regions of Japan, and as the interest in its health benefits continues to climb, so does the demand for matcha.
With so many of us now adding using it in countless different ways, an important question remains: is it safe to drink matcha every day? And if so, how much should you have?
Can You Drink Matcha Every Day?
Yes, you can. When consumed in moderation, matcha is perfectly safe to drink every day.
However, it is important to note that matcha has a naturally high caffeine content that can vary between 38-176mg of caffeine (depending on a number of factors). This is typically 3 times higher when compared to regular green tea.
If you plan on drinking matcha every day, your caffeine intake is something you need to keep a close eye on.
The average adult can safely tolerate approximately 400mg of caffeine a day, which means that ideally, you should be drinking no more than three cups of matcha a day (to be on the safe side).
If you know for a fact that your teaspoon of matcha contains a smaller amount of caffeine, you can increase your intake as long as you stay within the 400mg limit. Just tread carefully here as excess caffeine consumption can lead to stomach issues.
Although you need to take care when drinking matcha, its caffeine will affect you very differently than caffeine in your regular cup of coffee.
This is because matcha also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which is believed to slow the release of caffeine, giving you more sustained energy throughout the day.
Research into the simultaneous consumption of caffeine and L-theanine also shows that it may be able to increase cognitive performance, such as attention and memory.
How To Consume Matcha
If you really want to experience the rich and unique taste of matcha, it’s best to consume it ‘ceremonially’ the traditional Japanese way.
This time-tested approach is one of the simplest ways to make matcha. You’ll need a few items to hand, including a bamboo whisk, matcha, a ceramic bowl, and a scoop.
- Boil your water to approximately 176F (if you can’t be specific, don’t worry - boiling water in a kettle or on a stove will be fine).
- If you do use boiling water, leave it to cool slightly before making your matcha. It should still be hot but not boiling. Use some of this water to warm your ceramic bowl by pouring it in and letting it sit in the bowl for a minute or two.
- Now, pour out your water and measure out your portion of matcha powder with your scoop. Place your scoop of matcha into your warm bowl.
- Next, add a small amount of hot water to your matcha powder, and use your bamboo whisk to mix together the mixture. The powder and water should be blended together to form a paste-like consistency.
- Finally, pour the rest of your hot water over the matcha paste in your bowl. Whisk the drink in an ‘M’ like pattern to add more air to the drink and create a froth on the top. And you’re done!
Make sure you use a high-quality ceremonial grade matcha like Kenko Tea’s if you want to prepare it this way,
If you’re struggling to drink your matcha the traditional way, you can try adding in a small amount of sugar, sweetener, or even honey.
If you’re looking to get creative, there are also some other great ways to consume matcha, including:
The Matcha Latte
For this drink, you’ll follow many of the same steps used in the traditional method.
However, after you’ve made your matcha paste, you’ll replace the rest of your water with a milk of your choice.
Simply mix the two together and whisk for extra froth and a creamier, sweeter flavour. If you’re keen to get more experimental - try Teelixir’s Mushroom Matcha Latte Mix.
Add Matcha To Food
If you don’t like drinking matcha, you can always try adding it to your food. With the right recipe, matcha can be added to almost any meal!
Let’s explore a few ways you can add matcha to your food below:
Matcha With Breakfast
If you want matcha for breakfast, try adding a scoop of powder to your smoothie or add a scoop to your granola or oats.
Matcha is also easy to incorporate into many other classic breakfast recipes such as waffles and pancakes.
Matcha With Snacks
Everyone love’s a good snack!
And if you want to make your snacks healthier (and tastier), why not add a scoop of matcha into the mix?
A few examples of popular homemade matcha snacks include cookies, crackers, spreads such as hummus and cream cheese, and even popcorn and chips.
Have fun and experiment in the kitchen; you never know what you might end up creating!
Matcha With Dinner
The fun doesn’t stop there - dinner is one of the easiest meals to include matcha powder in, and with so many meals to create, the possibilities are endless!
Matcha can be included in almost anything, from soups and broths to pasta and Japanese dishes such as sushi and ramen.
Matcha Desserts
Desserts are arguably one of the most popular ways to incorporate matcha into our daily diets.
For example, matcha powder can be thrown into just about any baking recipe imaginable so that you can whip up plenty of your favourite cakes, muffins, rolls, cookies, and more, all with a generous sprinkling of matcha.
You can even add matcha to cold desserts such as yogurts for a healthier spin on an all-time classic. Throw in any toppings you desire, from maple syrup and melted dark chocolate to honey and nuts.
The main thing to remember when using matcha in food is to have fun! Like any culinary creation, you should bring your passion and enthusiasm to each dish.
Make what you like, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different food combinations.
The Bottom Line
The world is falling in love with matcha - and for a good reason.
With an abundance of potential health benefits, including improved heart health, cognitive function, better memory, and improved energy, there are plenty of good reasons to throw a bit of matcha into some of your favourite recipes.
Remember: matcha is safe to consume daily, and you can have between 2-4 cups. Just be mindful of your caffeine intake and pay attention to how your body feels!
