Is Matcha Better for You Than Coffee? A Nutritionist’s Review

Both are caffeine sources. Both come from plants. Both can be served hot or cold, in food or as a drink. But that’s about where the similarities stop between coffee and matcha.

As a nutritionist, the last thing I will ever do is compare or demonise one food against another, and coffee and matcha is no different. However, different foods and nutrients have different purposes and benefits, whether that be nutritional or otherwise, and if you’re on the fence about which to choose as your morning pick-me-up, then maybe this is for you.

Let’s take a look at how these two measure up, depending on what you’re looking for and how you are looking to feel.

If you’re looking for…

Your Morning Caffeine Hit

Well, you’re in luck! Both coffee and matcha deliver a dose of caffeine to your system to help you feel more awake and alert to the day. The difference is: coffee does this quickly, while matcha delivers a much slower caffeine release.

Coffee delivers a much quicker release of energy due to the caffeine, resulting in the sensation of a quick “energy boost”, helping you feel awake (and keep you up at night… if you know, you know!). However, this rapid caffeine absorption can result in symptoms like anxiety or jitters in some people and can lead to a caffeine crash, leaving you feeling like your energy is depleted once the effects wear off. 

Similarly, matcha delivers a dose of caffeine; however, it is accompanied by the amino acid L-theanine, which helps to slow how fast your body absorbs caffeine. This results in a much slower energy boost over a longer period of time, reduces the likelihood of unwanted side effects like anxiety or jitters, and limits the crash that coffee may give you.

A Dose of Antioxidants

Antioxidants work to protect your body’s cells from free radicals which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. Both coffee and matcha contain a variety of antioxidants which can help promote positive health outcomes. However, matcha contains a significantly higher concentration of antioxidants, making it the more beneficial choice if this is what you are looking for. 

Support on Your Weight Loss Journey

While coffee or matcha alone will never be enough, and should never be one of your main strategies to achieve weight loss goals, some research suggests that both caffeine sources can play a role in assisting fat loss. Both coffee and matcha consumption have been associated with increased fat oxidation (aka the process of breaking down fat in the body for use as energy), however, it is important to remember that consumption of either drink is not the best approach to this journey. 

A Slightly Less Addictive Morning Ritual

So here’s where matcha wins out a little bit more… Yes, coffee is arguably more addictive.

The rapid energy spike from coffee can make it feel much more addictive than matcha, leading to withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue or difficulty concentrating. That’s not to say matcha isn’t addictive too, however, its slower caffeine effect can make it easier for people to go without. 

So the bottom line?

Yes, matcha can be considered “better for you” than coffee thanks to its slower energy release and higher antioxidant concentration. But that doesn’t mean coffee doesn’t have its own benefits or its own place. 

If you’re someone that feels anxious or jittery after coffee, maybe it’s worth trying a swap to matcha for your morning caffeine hit.

If you’re looking for a higher antioxidant intake and a longer energy release, then yes, maybe matcha can help.

For those mornings you want to feel awake fast though, maybe coffee is the better option for you?

I will always be someone that says when it comes to coffee or coffee substitutes to drink what you enjoy (within reason… there’s always some exceptions). As someone who has had coffee pretty much daily since I was in my late teens, I don’t know that coffee will ever be something I don’t enjoy regularly. 

However, I also never thought I would be the person to opt for a Nu Harvest Vanilla Matcha over my beloved almond latte to get through my mornings teaching pilates or studying at uni.

Both coffee and matcha have a place in my diet and lifestyle depending on the day, time and effect I’m looking for, and both can have a place in yours, too. 

If you’re curious to give matcha a go and see how its slow release energy and rich antioxidant profile could work for you, here’s a little something to get you started: use code COURTNEYLAYTHAM for 15% off your next Nu Harvest purchase. 

Enjoy!