Coffee vs. Matcha: Which Buzzy Beverage Is *Actually* Better For You?
Sometimes it feels like if it wasn't for caffeine, the nine-to-five hustle would be nearly impossible to get through. For many people, their morning coffee (or matcha) is the one thing making the hours pass more easily, fueling them with a natural boost of energy that also tastes delicious. But have you ever wondered if one caffeine source is actually better for your body than the other? Here, a guide on coffee vs. matcha, the benefits of each, and which one is superior to the other.
Advertisement
Benefits of matcha vs. coffee
Matcha
Matcha is a wildly popular green-tea powder made by taking the leaves and grinding them into the signature bright shade we all know. It's also loaded with potential health benefits.
- Matcha has a lower acidity: "Matcha is more alkaline than coffee with almost the same caffeine content," Ella Davar, R.D., CDN, tells mbg. The lower acidity means matcha may also be a better choice for anyone with a sensitive stomach.
- Matcha may ease stress: This variation of green tea is also rich in L-theanine, which provides a number of overarching benefits to your health. Research suggests that this amino acid can have an “anti-stress” effect on the body1, and combined with the caffeine2 from matcha, you may experience a natural boost of energy and alertness.
- Matcha is loaded with antioxidants: Not to mention matcha is loaded with nearly three times as much of the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) than other green teas, supplying the body with a slew of healthy properties33. One review analyzing the benefits and chemical makeup of matcha44 found that its antioxidant content can help neutralize free radical damage and even aid in the body's natural detoxification processes.
- Matcha is loaded with caffeine: As for caffeine content, matcha boasts 70 milligrams per 8 ounce cup, offering a significant boost of energy in the morning if you're often groggy or didn't quite get enough sleep.
Advertisement
Coffee
Coffee is undeniably a fan-favorite energy booster across the world, but that isn't the only benefit this bitter beverage lends to your health.
- Coffee has cognitive benefits: "Coffee is high in polyphenols, antioxidants, and energy-stimulating caffeine," explains Davar. Why is this a good thing? A sizable study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition5 observed 676 healthy elderly men in Europe over the course of 10 years. The results revealed that participants who drank coffee struggled less with cognitive decline than those that did not drink it. While there wasn't a controlled intake of coffee, researchers found the least cognitive decline for men who consumed three cups per day.
- Coffee may support longevity: One large study explained that "higher consumption of coffee was associated with lower risks of death, and in particular, mortality due to digestive and circulatory diseases," as reported by the Annals of Internal Medicine.
- Coffee may help get digestion moving: Functional medicine doctor Wendie Trubow, M.D., MBA, previously told mbg that "it is clear that coffee increases the activity in your gut, called peristalsis." That said, it's still unclear to experts why this occurs. "The warm temperature of the liquid6 may stimulate motility," integrative gastroenterologist Marvin Singh, M.D., adds—which means this benefit may not be exclusive to coffee.
- Coffee is loaded with caffeine: a cup of black coffee provides 96 milligrams per 8 fluid ounces, packing quite a punch in comparison to its matcha counterpart.
Advertisement
So, which is superior?
Although both coffee and tea are accompanied by some significant benefits to your well-being, coffee can be particularly difficult to drink if you have a sensitive stomach. "Coffee is a highly acidic food, which can be problematic when consumed in excess or by those with sensitive digestive tracts," warns Davar. However, cold-brew coffee is significantly less acidic and therefore less harsh if you want the coffee taste and benefits without the stomachache.
Having too much caffeine, in general, can also bring about uncomfortable side effects, like worsened anxiety, dehydration, and jitters, so keep this in mind before sipping on that fourth cup of coffee in the afternoon.
If you're more prone to anxiety or stress, the soothing properties of matcha may better serve your needs in comparison to a cup of joe, which is important to consider when making your choice.
Seeing as matcha, in Davar's words "has virtually no downsides" to your overall well-being, it seems the bright green beverage wins this round.
Summary
Advertisement
How to use both
Beyond the most common function of enjoying coffee or matcha as energizing beverages, both ingredients are quite versatile in their preparations and even have uses within the skin care realm.
If you're looking for an easy way to boost your collagen intake, try mixing a serving of collagen into your hot drink each morning. (Here are our favorite ways to serve collagen in coffee, if you need inspo!)
Skin feeling dried out and in need of exfoliation? This DIY coffee scrub will do the trick for clearing away dead skin cells and revealing your healthy glow from within.
Both coffee and matcha can also be lovely flavor additions to different dishes, particularly homemade desserts—like this dairy-free ice cream recipe.
As for the healthiest way to prepare your coffee? Check out these eight coffee-boosting tips.
RELATED: Is Black Coffee Good For You? Benefits & Pro Drinking Tips
The takeaway
Both coffee and matcha have health promoting properties when consumed in moderation, supporting energy levels and cognitive function, through their caffeine and antioxidant content. However, if you're looking to reap health benefits with fewer caffeine jitters and less acidity, matcha is the way to go.
"For those who love to enjoy coffee flavor and the remarkable health benefits of matcha tea (including me!), I recommend having matcha three to four days per week and coffee one to three times per week," Davar suggests, so you can have the best of both worlds.
RELATED: Is Decaf Coffee Good For You? How It Compares To Regular
Advertisement
Merrell Readman is the Associate Food & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. Readman is a Fordham University graduate with a degree in journalism and a minor in film and television. She has covered beauty, health, and well-being throughout her editorial career, and formerly worked at SheFinds. Her byline has also appeared in Women’s Health. In her current role, she writes and edits for the health, movement, and food sections of mindbodygreen. Readman currently lives in New York City.