Is matcha a good coffee substitute?
With today's fast-paced lifestyle and constant new challenges, coffee can feel like a necessity just to get through the day for some people. It doesn't have to be that way, though, as there are plenty of interesting, and sometimes even healthier, alternatives to coffee. Green matcha tea is one of them. It's an excellent alternative to yet another cup of coffee. If you want to cut down from three cups of coffee a day to just one, if you don't enjoy its distinctive taste, or if your doctor has recommended reducing your caffeine intake – the question of whether matcha is a good coffee substitute has a clear answer: absolutely. Then matcha is just right for you.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a powdered green tea grown using a shading method. This method forces the tea bushes to work harder without direct sunlight – a bit like algae. As a result, the leaves accumulate more nutrients than they would under unshaded cultivation, which is how most leaf teas are grown. What's more, because matcha is consumed as a powder, drinking it means consuming the whole leaf rather than just an infusion. It's precisely these two factors that make matcha a superfood with such a powerful effect on the body. You can read more about what matcha is on our website.
Can matcha really replace coffee?
Yes – matcha can be a great coffee substitute. It contains a comparable amount of caffeine (60–80mg per serving), but thanks to the presence of L-theanine, it provides a gentler, longer-lasting energy boost. Recent studies show that caffeine combined with L-theanine improves focus and alertness for up to 6 hours, without the sharp energy crashes typical of coffee.
More and more young people are choosing matcha over coffee. Market research shows that younger consumers appreciate that it provides "clean energy" without unpleasant side effects, is gentler on the stomach, and can be used in many different ways in the kitchen. Matcha lattes, smoothies and matcha-flavoured desserts are becoming a trend in cafés around the world.
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine – the matcha effect
When we compare a serving of coffee with a serving of matcha, the difference in caffeine content isn't actually that large. One gram of matcha contains around 70mg of caffeine, while a cup of brewed coffee (200ml) provides an average of 95mg. However, studies show that the body absorbs caffeine from matcha more slowly, which makes its effect much steadier.
Coffee provides a quick, intense burst of energy, but this is often followed by a sudden crash, irritability and jitteriness. Caffeine from matcha behaves differently – the energy boost it provides is stable, and the stimulating effect is released gradually, as the caffeine is distributed into the bloodstream at a steady rate. This is thanks to L-theanine, a rare amino acid found, for example, in mushrooms and, notably, in tea leaves. L-theanine calms and moderates the effect of caffeine. As a result, the stimulating effect can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. Drinking matcha isn't followed by that familiar energy crash once its effects wear off. Instead, the calming action of L-theanine provides an energy that many matcha lovers refer to as "zen energy".
Matcha's effect on health – nutritional value and matcha's acidity
Coffee, with its acidic pH, can have an acidifying effect on the body. Because of this, it can cause reflux or stomach irritation in some people. Matcha, on the other hand, has an alkalising effect – it helps neutralise excess acidity and supports the body's acid-alkaline balance.
Matcha is also a genuine superfood – it's packed with vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, as well as calcium, iron and phosphorus. It also contains catechins – extremely powerful antioxidants from the polyphenol group that help slow down cellular ageing. What's more, matcha can help regulate blood sugar levels and doesn't raise blood pressure, making it safe for people over 50 as well.
Who should limit their matcha intake?
- People with thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto's
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
In these cases, matcha consumption should be adjusted to individual needs and health circumstances, so it's best to consult your doctor before making a decision. Generally, no more than one cup a day is recommended, and in some cases avoiding the drink altogether may be advised. The latest research indicates that consuming 2 grams of matcha per day is safe for healthy adults.
Does matcha taste like coffee?
Many people wonder whether matcha tastes like coffee. The answer is: no. Matcha has a herbaceous, slightly sweet flavour with a hint of umami, quite different from coffee, though it's still easy to grow fond of – especially when starting with milder versions. A great choice to begin with is a matcha latte made with oat milk and a touch of vanilla – its creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it an ideal substitute for those used to a coffee cappuccino.
How to replace coffee with matcha?
If you want to cut down on coffee, it's best to do it gradually:
- Start by replacing your second coffee of the day with a cup of matcha.
- After a week, try swapping your morning coffee as well.
- Experiment – drink matcha hot, cold, as a smoothie, or add it to porridge or desserts.
This way, you'll avoid withdrawal symptoms and give your body time to adjust to a different source of energy.
How to start drinking matcha?
Preparing matcha the traditional way is enjoyable and simple, although it can seem complicated to beginners at first. We invite you to watch the video in which Moya Matcha co-founder Hitomi Saito prepares this drink the traditional way. And what about alternative preparation methods? These work well too:
- a simple milk frother
- a bottle or shaker, which lets you combine matcha with any liquid and shake it up just like a bartender mixing a drink
- a Thermomix-type appliance
Which matcha is best for coffee drinkers?
If you drink coffee every day and are wondering which matcha to try first, the best choice is a variety with a bold flavour that delivers a solid energy boost.
- Moya Matcha Luxury – this is our finest quality matcha, with a delicate, slightly sweet flavour and a vivid green colour. It's ideal for drinking on its own – its flavour doesn't need any additions to be enjoyable. If you're just starting your matcha journey and want it to replace your morning coffee, Moya Matcha Luxury is the best choice for you.
- Moya Matcha Traditional – a great starting point for anyone new to matcha. It comes from first and second harvest leaves, giving it a well-balanced flavour – slightly sweet with a pleasant hint of bitterness. It's perfect for drinking in its classic form, or as a matcha latte, smoothie or cocktail.
