If you’re anything like me, those early mornings with the kids can feel like a marathon. You juggle breakfast, school runs, and endless to-do lists before you’ve even had a chance to sip your first cuppa or coffee.
As much as I love (and need) my daily caffeine boost to get through the day, I’ve noticed that it leaves me feeling jittery and crashing a few hours later. Due to over-consumption of coffee (sometimes as many as 5/6 cups a day), a friend of mine suggested I try matcha, a green powder that promises to fuel me with steady energy, minus the dreaded afternoon slump.
Great I thought, another beverage fad promising me calm, focused energy, minus the jitters. But it sounded worth trying due to the effects I get of caffeine withdrawal, and I’m glad I did. So here’s my views and research on the matcha vs coffee debate.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Unlike steeped tea, where you discard the leaves, matcha lets you consume the entire leaf, delivering more nutrients, more caffeine, and more antioxidants in every sip.
Matcha has been part of Japanese culture since the 12th century when Buddhist monks introduced tea rituals for focus and mindfulness. And the calmness of a Monk is exactly what I need in life.
How Does Matcha Differ from Coffee?
I love coffee, but I can’t deny the crash that inevitably follows. Coffee provides a great burst of energy, but the high quickly fades, often leaving me tired and craving another cup. This cycle can leave me feeling even more drained by the end of the day!
On the other hand, matcha has a much gentler effect on your body. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works with caffeine to provide a slower, steadier release of energy. You stay focused longer, without the buzz-and-burnout effect of coffee. It also delivers a rich dose of EGCG antioxidants, which support your immune system and help reduce inflammation.
Benefits of Matcha (Especially for Busy Mums)
Well, it’s packed with health-boosting properties that any busy mum can appreciate! If you’re juggling a busy family life and trying to keep up with your own well-being, these benefits are a big plus.
Whether you’re chasing toddlers, working from home, or powering through school pick-up, matcha offers real benefits:
- Sustained focus and calm alertness
- Antioxidant-rich, especially EGCG, to protect cells and fight inflammation
- Supports heart, brain, and immune health
- Plant-based, clean energy, no sugar crash
- A healthy ritual that’s all yours in a busy day
- No more coffee breath
Any Side Effects?
Matcha is generally safe, but like anything, moderation matters:
- It contains 19–44mg of caffeine per gram, so go slow if you’re sensitive.
- It’s not ideal with iron-rich meals, tannins can inhibit iron absorption.
- It’s high in vitamin K, so if you’re on blood thinners, check with your GP.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, one small serving (½–1 tsp daily) is usually fine, but consult your healthcare provider to understand any risk.
How to Choose the Right Matcha
Not all matcha is created equal. Look for:
| Grade | Use | Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremonial Grade | Pure sipping, tea ceremonies | Smooth, delicate, umami |
| Premium Grade | Daily lattes or matcha shots | Balanced, slightly bitter |
| Culinary Grade | Baking, smoothies, energy bites | Stronger, more bitter |
Should You Try It?
If coffee is leaving you wired and tired, matcha might be the mindful routine upgrade you need, especially to combat withdrawal symptoms if trying to cut down. With its clean energy and health perks, matcha offers more than just an energy boost caffeine hit, there are health benefits.
If you buy the powder, you can sip it solo, blend it into a smoothie, or whisk it into a frothy matcha latte. I personally just buy the green tea with 15% matcha from Twinings which does the job and tastes nice, although I tempted by their Matcha Green Tea Powder to try other things.
Personally, I’ve found since the switch the headaches have gone and my energy levels, sleep quality concentration and brain function has improved. It suits me as I know I need to reduce my stress levels and focus on relaxation, and it’s a healthier alternative to coffee.
The downside is I do miss the aroma and taste of coffee, but it’s an easy sacrifice to make as I need hot drinks working from home.
Matcha vs Coffee (Per 8oz / 240ml)
| Feature | Matcha | Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | ~70 mg (varies by grade & prep) | ~95 mg (drip-brew average) |
| Energy Release | Gradual, sustained (L-theanine synergy) | Quick spike, followed by crash |
| Crash Effect | Low – smoother comedown | High – jittery then fatigued |
| Antioxidants | Very high (esp. EGCG catechins) | Moderate (mainly chlorogenic acid) |
| Mood Effects | Calming focus, less anxiety | Alertness, but can increase anxiety |
| Taste Profile | Earthy, grassy, slightly sweet | Bitter, robust, acidic |
| Preparation | Whisked or blended with water/milk or available pre-mixed with green tea | Brewed, filtered, or espresso-based |
| Best For | Steady energy, mindfulness, rituals | Fast focus, strong morning boost |
Tip: Matcha powder pairs well with oat or almond milk for a creamy latte. Start with ½ teaspoon to test your sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha for Mums
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha has a grassy, slightly sweet, earthy flavour, much bolder than green tea. It’s an acquired taste for some, but many enjoy it in lattes or with a touch of honey.
Is matcha just a health fad?
Not at all. Matcha has been consumed in Japan for over 800 years, long before its modern rise on Instagram. Its benefits, rituals, and production methods are grounded in deep cultural traditions.
How much matcha can I drink daily?
Stick to 1–2 servings per day (½ to 1 tsp per cup). If you’re new to it, start small and see how your body responds.
Can kids drink matcha?
Due to its caffeine content, matcha is not recommended for young children. Teens may enjoy it in small amounts under supervision.
Can I use matcha in recipes?
Absolutely! Add it to smoothies, oats, baked goods, or even savoury dressings. Culinary-grade matcha is perfect for experimenting in the kitchen.
Is matcha safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
In moderation, matcha is generally considered safe, but because it contains caffeine, it’s best to limit intake to 1 serving and consult your GP or midwife before making it a daily habit while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can matcha help with mum fatigue or brain fog?
Yes! Matcha contains L-theanine, which works with caffeine to give a calmer, more focused energy boost—perfect for tackling brain fog without the coffee crash
