Matcha and green tea are well-loved by caffeine enthusiasts everywhere. Some can’t go a full 24 hour span without their favorite green concoction. But if you’re new to these drinks, it’s easy to become confused.

Even though both matcha and green tea are caffeinated and green in color, they’re far from the same.

If you’re unsure of the difference between matcha and green tea, this article will be enlightening. We’ll reveal the differences in each drink’s nutritional content, health benefits, flavor, side effects, and more.

What Is Matcha and How Is It Made?

Matcha is a powdered form of green tea. It comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and is the byproduct of highly specialized processing.

The matcha manufacturing process goes like this:

1. The Camellia sinensis plant is grown in the shade towards the end of the harvest (3 weeks prior). It’s done this way to slow the rate of the plant’s growth and provide protection from direct sunlight. Such growing practices help to maximize the plant’s nutritional value.
2. The leaves are then promptly and thoroughly dried for maximum oxidation.
3. The veins and stems are trimmed away.
4. The matcha manufacturers grind the remaining leaves down into the vibrantly green powder you’ll find at your grocery store.

Keep in mind that the matcha manufacturing process may differ by grower or region.

How Green Tea Differs in Production and Composition

The manufacturing process for green tea differs significantly from that of matcha, though both use the same Camellia sinensis plant.

Here are the differences:

1. Green tea is usually grown in the sun instead of the shade, so there’s less oxidation protection during the growing process. The leaves are also withered.
2. The leaves undergo more processing; they’re steamed, pan-fried, and then dried.
3. With green tea, the leaves aren’t ground up.

Post-processing, green tea looks like small, green, needle-shaped leaves.

Nutritional Comparison: Antioxidants, Caffeine, and L-Theanine

What many don’t know is that matcha has a much higher nutritional value than green tea.

Below is information on how they compare.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants in Matcha

Because of how it’s made, matcha is high in antioxidant compounds. According to one study, it contains 10 times more antioxidants than green tea. The catechins in matcha have a variety of health-related benefits, from reduced oxidative stress to the prevention of illnesses like cancer and heart disease.

Antioxidants in Green Tea

Green tea doesn’t have as many antioxidants as matcha, but it still does contain one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of any other tea. Catechins in green tea include polyphenols like EGCG, which work to combat inflammation in the body.

Caffeine

Matcha contains more caffeine than green tea does:

• Caffeine content in green tea: 30 mg. 
• Caffeine content in matcha: 38 – 176 mg*

*whenmade with 2 to 4 grams of matcha powder

This means that matcha will give you more of a caffeine kick than green tea would.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid found to ease stress and foster healthy sleep patterns. Matcha has a higher L-theanine content than green tea does – up to 5 times as much. Green tea contains about 4 mg, and matcha has 20 mg.

Health Benefits of Matcha vs. Green Tea

Drinking either matcha or green tea can be great for your health. Here’s a quick reference list of the benefits of each of these drinks.

Health Benefits of Matcha

• Improved metabolic health markers;
• Stronger blood vessels in the heart;
• Inflammation reduction throughout the body;
• Less oxidative stress;
• Cognitive function and memory care.

Health Benefits of Green Tea 

• Metabolism regulation;
• Lower risk of certain cancers;
• Slower brain aging;
• Reduction in blood sugar (helpful for those with diabetes);
• Heart disease prevention.

Note: The above are not all-inclusive lists of green tea benefits or matcha benefits; there are many more. Also, since green tea and matcha originate from the same plant, many green tea and matcha health benefits overlap.

Which One Offers More Energy and Focus?

Both matcha and green tea are excellent for energy and focus, but when comparing the two, matcha has the upper hand. Because it’s got more L-theanine and caffeine, it can give you the push and alertness you need to tackle the day.

And the best part is that it gives a sustained boost without the jitters (the L-theanine and caffeine balance each other out). Yes, green tea can also provide these benefits, though to a lesser degree.

Flavor, Texture, and Preparation Differences

As for flavor, texture, and preparation differences, here’s what you can expect.

Flavor 

Matcha tea tastes grassy, though some note a hint of earthiness and bitterness as well.

Green tea has a fresh vegetal taste, which some might also describe as grassy.

Between the two, matcha tends to be stronger in flavor.

Texture

Matcha is thick, frothy, and smooth; green tea doesn’t have this texture.

It’s clear and smooth with little to no texture (when brewed correctly). Though, when you drink it, you may feel a roughness on your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

Preparation

When making matcha, you’ll use a bamboo whisk to mix two to four grams of matcha green tea powder with hot water. To make a matcha latte, add milk to your matcha/water mix.

Green tea brewing options are plenty, but the simplest way to make it is by steeping your green tea leaves or tea bags in hot water for up to 3 minutes. The water should not be boiling. You’ll find that green tea is much faster to make than matcha.

Which Is Better for Weight Loss and Metabolism?

Those who want to shed some pounds can go for either green tea or matcha. But if you’re hoping to choose matcha vs. green tea, you’re better off with matcha.

Matcha’s high catechin levels make it more instrumental in regulating the metabolism and helping you manage your weight.

In fact, a study found that matcha increases fat burned during brisk walks in females.

Potential Side Effects and Who Should Avoid Them

The majority of people who drink matcha and green tea in moderation don’t experience bothersome side effects.

But if you drink more than 8 cups of green tea or matcha in a day, you could see side effects like:

• Headache;
• Heartbeat irregularities;
• Liver injury.

And if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might experience nausea, stomach discomfort, and other side effects. These vary in intensity depending on the person.

Those who belong to the below groups should avoid matcha and green tea altogether:

• Caffeine-sensitive individuals;
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
• People with anemia;
• Anyone who takes a medication that interacts negatively with caffeine.

Cost, Availability, and Quality Considerations

After a green tea/matcha price comparison, we’ve found that matcha costs substantially more than green tea. And the cost gap will be even wider if you choose the most expensive matcha varieties (ceremonial grade matcha). So, people with modest budgets may find that green tea is a better financial match for them.

That being said, green tea is everywhere. You can easily find it in various forms (bagged, loose-leafed, and bottled). Matcha isn’t as widely available.

The highest quality matcha is made in Japan, though other countries manufacture their own versions of it. Strong bitterness and grit are signs that the matcha is low quality. For the best green tea, look for brands and products that are trusted; overwhelming bitterness and a fishy smell indicate quality issues.

When to Choose Matcha vs. Green Tea Based on Your Goals

Now that we’ve covered the difference between green tea and matcha, it’s time to make a decision: matcha or green tea? Which one is the best choice for your personal goals? Here’s when to choose green tea vs. matcha.

Choose matcha if:

• You’re looking for a smooth, sustained energy and concentration boost.
• You want a high antioxidant option (matcha antioxidants are plentiful).
• You’re hoping to lose weight or maximize your workout results.
• You want a premium option that you can transform into fun smoothies and lattes.
• You’re looking for potent anti-aging properties that contribute to longevity.

Choose green tea if:

• You want a mild energy boost.
• Your budget is tight.
• You need a drink that’s easy to prepare and can be ready in as little as 3 minutes. Matcha tea preparation is much more involved than green tea preparation.
• You don’t want to have to buy specialized culinary tools to make your tea.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there specific grades of matcha to consider?

Yes, there are several grades of matcha – ceremonial, daily, and culinary. Ceremonial matcha is the highest quality option. It’s made of young leaves and is used in formal Japanese tea ceremonies. The second highest quality matcha is daily grade. It’s versatile and can be mixed with various liquids (water, milk, etc.) for daily use. The third highest grade of matcha is culinary grade; it comes from older leaves and is manufactured for use in both sweet and savory matcha recipes.

Is it okay to drink matcha tea every day?

Yes, it’s fine to drink matcha tea every day, so long as it’s in moderation.

What health benefits are unique to matcha?

The main benefits that are unique to matcha include:

• High levels of antioxidants and other nutrients
• Better brain function and metabolism support
• Weight loss support

Sources: 

Matcha Production Process – How matcha is made

Green Tea

Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review

Matcha — Even More Powerful Than Regular Green Tea?

Nutrition and Healthy Eating

What are the Health Benefits of Green Tea?

What You Should Know About L-Theanine

Matcha vs. Green Tea: Which is Healthier?

20 Recipes with Matcha Green Tea

Healthy Green Tea Recipes

Matcha Green Tea Drinks Enhance Fat Oxidation During Brisk Walking in Females

Green Tea – Uses, Side Effects, and More

What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Matcha Every Day?

Camellia Sinensis