What you choose as your morning beverage can have an incredible effect on how you feel and perform in the office. Many swear by coffee or matcha as daily habits to improve sleep, lower stress levels, boost energy and focus, but which one is healthier – coffee or matcha? We consulted an expert to get their insight.

Both coffee and matcha offer multiple health advantages, from skin improvement to digestion improvements, weight loss and heart health benefits. Both drinks contain plant compounds associated with positive health outcomes; however, matcha may be superior as its lower acidity content and higher L-Theanine content can boost cognitive performance while simultaneously decreasing feelings of anxiety. Plus it’s one of nature’s richest natural sources of antioxidants which combat free radical damage caused by free radicals that lead to disease development.

Both matcha and coffee contain caffeine, which has been proven to improve mental performance and short-term memory retention. Coffee tends to contain higher concentrations of caffeine per serving (95 to 200 mg compared to 30-60 mg for matcha) as well as potential unpleasant side effects like jitters, dehydration and anxiety.

Matcha tea is also less acidic, making it easier for sensitive individuals to tolerate it and offer greater digestible fiber intake for proper digestive health as well as calcium and vitamin D consumption. Furthermore, its polyphenol content has been found to protect against cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer as well as many other health conditions.

Noting the distinctions between coffee and matcha can be tricky. Though both originate from a common plant source, their cultivation, processing, and making all have an enormous influence on their nutritional profile, flavor and overall health benefits – for this reason we advise including both as part of an overall meal plan in moderation.

If you need a quick, delicious and satisfying pick-me-up, try mixing matcha powder with milk, low-fat yogurt or kefir and whole fruit as part of a balanced breakfast to give yourself energy without the jitters or crashes of coffee or energy drinks.