There is some debate as to whether matcha tea is healthier than coffee; ultimately it depends on what your goals are. Both options offer great ways to begin your day and have their own distinct health benefits; both offer antioxidant protection against oxidative stress and disease as well as caffeine which gives energy and focus boosts; however matcha contains L-Theanine which allows your body to process caffeine differently so it absorbs slowly for sustained energy rather than sudden spikes and crashes in energy.

Matcha and coffee both come from Camellia Sinensis plants, yet their production processes differ drastically, creating unique tastes, flavors and nutritional profiles for each beverage.

Matcha tea is made of whole ground leaves and therefore offers more nutrition than its steeped green counterpart. Furthermore, it contains more caffeine than coffee; however, due to its gradual absorption rate you won’t experience an energy rush and subsequent crash as quickly.

Coffee offers more of a “savory” taste, so many may perceive that it tastes grassy or nutty. Additionally, tea contains umami which was only recently recognized as one of five basic flavors our tastebuds can detect; umami can often be described as an earthy-savory quality which enhances all four basic tastes to produce more satisfying outcomes.

Matcha tea provides an extra source of antioxidant EGCG than traditional green tea. It has been noted to protect against free radicals that cause oxidative stress and disease.

Matcha contains numerous essential phytochemicals, such as the antioxidant vitamins C and E, flavonoids and polyphenols that may reduce oxidative stress, fight disease and delay aging. These nutritive properties may help fight stress-induced inflammation while helping slow cellular degeneration.

Both coffee and matcha are known to contain beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion. Matcha in particular contains high levels of chlorophyll that cleanse the digestive tract.

Matcha differs from Coffee in that it contains L-Theanine, which helps your body process caffeine differently and produces a state of calm alertness instead of the jittery feeling associated with coffee consumption. Plus, Matcha has less acidic qualities and boasts a higher ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score!

Both coffee and matcha are healthy morning options, but it’s essential that you find one that meets your goals and lifestyle best. “Both can be part of a balanced diet as long as there’s not too much of either,” according to registered dietitian nutritionist Hollie Zammit. While both may provide similar health benefits, matcha may be preferable if bitterness of coffee causes anxiety – more specifically caffeine withdrawal symptoms can sometimes arise from its consumption.