Interestingly, there are more differences than similarities between matcha and coffee; aside from both being caffeine sources, they have very distinct characteristics. Coffee is a seed that is roasted, with each level of roasting resulting in unique flavor profiles. Matcha, on the other hand, is the pulverized form of green tea, which is steamed and dried after harvest. In terms of flavor, coffee ranges from fruity and berry-like, to nutty and chocolate-y, with varying bitterness levels.
Matcha is much more consistent, but has a complex flavor profile that is grassy, sweet, nutty, umami, bitter, and astringent. In terms of caffeine content, there is much variability due to the concentration used in preparing each - some may prefer a stronger matcha, and some a weaker coffee. For this reason, the two have similar caffeine contents, on average. The effects of each, however, differ mostly due to matcha’s L-theanine content, which has numerous effects and benefits.
Switching from coffee to matcha can be harder for some than others, whether it be due to taste preference, or caffeine dependence. The good news is that if caffeine content is the concern, you can simply make more matcha to maintain the same caffeine intake, even indefinitely! If you do not like the taste at first, try to make it as flavorful as possible to ease yourself into it, such as adding milk or sweeteners, or making it more dilute. The biggest thing to watch out for is possible stomach upset, since tea can upset some people’s stomachs due to the presence of tannins.
Good candidates for drinking matcha are anyone who wants a caffeine source with additional health benefits and less jitters, or anyone who wants to change their coffee routine.
For preparation, as long as the tea powder gets thoroughly mixed throughout the liquid, it is a success. However, this is easier said than done, and depends on whether you are mixing it into hot or cold liquids. Traditionally, it is mixed with hot water using a bamboo whisk, and that’s it, but nowadays people also like to mix it with milk or into smoothies to consume cold. While a bamboo whisk is not necessary, a small whisk of any kind is best. To avoid clumps in cold liquids that are not blended, you can try shaking it in a bottle, like with protein shakes.
It is always best to ask your doctor and research precautions with certain medical conditions, but a few populations that should use caution are those with diabetes, kidney disease and damage, osteoporosis, and stomach ulcers, but if you have any medical conditions, you should always double-check to see if matcha could affect you.
Matcha is a great way to support families in Japan that put a large amount of effort into maintaining their businesses, many of which have been farmers and producers for centuries, and struggle to compete against larger tea producers.
Mark Jensen earned his a B.S. in Food Science and M.S. in Management from the University of Florida. He previously served as a Research & Development Technician at Planeteers and a Quality Assurance Technician at Carl Buddig & Company.
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