Matcha vs Coffee: What’s the Actual Difference?

You love the ritual. The first sip. That little lift that tells your brain the day has officially begun.

But if your morning coffee is sometimes followed by jitters, a racing mind, or another coffee a few hours later, you may have wondered whether matcha really is a better alternative.

Both contain caffeine. Both can help us feel more alert. But what’s happening in the body is a little different.

Here’s what you need to know.

Same caffeine. Different experience.

Well, not quite the same.

Coffee generally contains more caffeine per serve than matcha, which is partly why that first cup can feel so effective, so quickly.

Matcha contains a more moderate amount of caffeine, but it also naturally contains L-theanine - an amino acid found in tea that changes the conversation entirely.

L-theanine has been studied for its ability to promote a relaxed yet alert state, and when paired with caffeine, research suggests the two may work together to support attention and focus.

In everyday terms? You’re still getting the lift you want from caffeine, but many people find the experience of matcha feels calmer and more focused.

Less wired. More switched on.

Why does coffee make some of us feel jittery?

Ever had a coffee and suddenly felt like you could hear your own thoughts a little too loudly?

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, and we all respond to it differently.

Your genetics, stress levels, sleep, hormones, medications and whether you’ve eaten can all influence how caffeine feels in your body. For some, coffee feels wonderful. For others, a strong cup - particularly on an empty stomach - can leave them feeling shaky, restless or overstimulated.

This is where matcha can be a beautiful alternative.

You still get caffeine, just alongside naturally occurring L-theanine and a different profile of plant compounds.

And then there’s what’s actually in the leaf.

Unlike traditional tea, where we steep the leaves and remove them, with matcha we consume the whole tea leaf.

Those vibrant green leaves are finely ground into the powder you whisk into your cup, meaning you’re consuming the naturally occurring compounds within the leaf itself.

Green tea is particularly rich in plant compounds called catechins, including the well-researched antioxidant EGCG.

Antioxidants help protect our cells from oxidative stress — essentially helping to counter some of the everyday wear and tear that naturally occurs within the body.

So while you might initially come to matcha for the caffeine, there’s a lot more happening in your cup.

So… is matcha better than coffee?

Not necessarily.

We love looking at health through the lens of what works for your body rather than labelling foods as simply ‘good’ or ‘bad’.

Coffee contains its own beneficial plant compounds and, if you love your morning coffee and feel great drinking it, there’s no need for us to convince you otherwise.

But your body also gives you clues.

If you regularly feel jittery after coffee, experience a mid-morning slump, find yourself reaching for cup number three just to keep going, or simply want to reduce your daily caffeine intake, try swapping one of those coffees for matcha.

Then notice how you feel.

Your morning ritual, just a little greener.

If you’re new to matcha, you don’t need to overhaul your entire morning routine.

Start with one cup.

Our Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha has a beautifully smooth, earthy flavour and can be whisked with hot water or your favourite milk.

Or, if you prefer your morning cup a little sweeter, Maple Matcha blends ceremonial-grade organic matcha with maple sugar and vanilla bean for a creamy, subtly sweet latte.

And if you’re ready to make the ritual your own, our Matcha Latte Kit brings everything together in one place - 44 serves of Maple Matcha, a traditional bamboo whisk and stand, and our Moss Green Latte Cup. Everything you need to slow down, whisk your matcha and enjoy that first cup of the day.

Because sometimes it’s not about giving something up. It’s simply about finding a ritual that feels better for you.