For years, coffee has been the go-to for morning energy — fast, familiar, and powerful. But matcha is stepping into the spotlight, offering a calmer, more sustainable kind of energy that’s built for focus, not frenzy. So what’s actually better? Here’s what the science says.
The Caffeine Conversation
At first glance, coffee looks like the winner on caffeine. A standard cup contains around 95 to 120 milligrams. Matcha ranges from 38 to 89 milligrams depending on how it’s prepared. But numbers only tell part of the story.
Coffee hits hard and fast. Caffeine absorbs quickly into your system, giving you a surge of alertness — but often followed by a crash. Matcha releases more gradually. Because the caffeine is bound to catechins and buffered by other compounds, it’s absorbed more slowly. That means smoother energy, no jitters, and a longer arc of focus.
L‑Theanine: Matcha’s Secret Ingredient
Matcha naturally contains high levels of L‑theanine, a unique amino acid you won’t find in coffee. This compound crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases alpha brain waves — those are the ones associated with calm alertness, not overstimulation.
The result? Matcha doesn’t just wake you up. It steadies you. Clinical studies show that L‑theanine in combination with caffeine improves mental performance under stress more effectively than caffeine alone. Translation: you’re focused, sharp, and unshaken.
Antioxidants and Long-Term Benefits
Both drinks come with antioxidant perks. Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, which has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and liver disease. Matcha, on the other hand, is rich in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a potent catechin that supports metabolism, fights inflammation, and protects the brain from oxidative stress.
If you’re looking for clean, preventative health benefits, matcha edges out coffee in terms of antioxidant density. Because you’re consuming the whole leaf in powdered form, you’re getting far more nutrients than with steeped green tea — or drip coffee.
Gut and Digestion
Matcha is much gentler on your stomach. Coffee is acidic, with a pH of about 4.8 to 5.1. That’s why it can sometimes cause acid reflux, bloating, or discomfort for people with sensitive digestion. Matcha, with a pH closer to 5.6, is less acidic and easier on your gut.
If you’ve ever skipped breakfast and gone straight for a coffee, only to regret it an hour later, you already know this story. Matcha won’t spike your cortisol the same way. It’s a more forgiving start to the day.
The Verdict
Coffee has its place, especially when you need a quick jolt or love the ritual. But matcha offers something coffee doesn’t: calm energy. Sustained focus. No crash. And a mood that stays even.
That’s why we made Tatsu Tea. We use real premium matcha from the Nishio region of Japan, formulated with electrolytes and immunity-boosting nutrients, and developed by world-class athletes and dietitians from Philly who understand performance from the inside out. Whether you’re training, creating, parenting, or simply trying to stay sharp without burning out, Tatsu’s got your back.
