You’ll see the slogan “matcha is our fuel, not our flavor” on all our cans and cases. It means all the caffeine you’ll get from Tatsu Tea comes from this natural powerhouse ingredient, but thanks to our proprietary formulation, you won’t taste the typical grassy flavor of matcha.
But you might be asking, Why matcha? Store shelves are lined with energy and performance drinks containing caffeine from sources such as guarana, green tea and yerba mate. Sometimes an ingredient label will list simply “caffeine”, which typically means caffeine anhydrous, a highly concentrated and dehydrated form of caffeine sometimes synthesized in a lab.
Tatsu Tea is the world’s first matcha-based performance drink. When creating it, we wanted more than a quick fix that ignores the negative consequences, so we took a holistic approach to find the perfect ingredient - one that delivers the ideal caffeine boost while also promoting overall wellness for the body. Enter matcha, a premium ingredient that pulls the ultimate double duty. It not only acts as a clean, jitter-free energy source, but also delivers a host of health benefits.
Matcha is different from all other teas in two major ways. First, it’s grown in the shade. Our matcha farmers in Japan shield the tender tea leaves from direct sunlight in the weeks leading up to harvest. This allows them to develop higher levels of amino acids, like L-theanine, which offer profound health benefits. Second, when you consume matcha, you’re ingesting the whole tea leaf in all its potency. Matcha powder is made by steaming, drying, then stone-grinding the tea leaves into the fine powder used to make matcha tea. It retains more of its nutrients and antioxidants compared to steeped teas, where some nutrients remain in the leftover leaves.
As a caffeine source, matcha provides a balanced and sustained energy boost without the jitters or crashes often associated with coffee or synthetic caffeine. Because of the L-theanine naturally found in matcha, your body absorbs the caffeine of matcha in a very unique way. The caffeine is released slowly over a long period of time, so you get long-lasting energy from only a small amount of caffeine (52 mg - the caffeine of only about half a cup of coffee!). Matcha’s L-theanine and caffeine work hand in hand to provide sustained alertness and promote calm, focused energy without the crash.
In addition, matcha is packed with these health benefits that make it a powerful addition to your daily routine:
- Supports brain health. Matcha enhances brain function by combining natural caffeine and L-theanine, which together improve focus, memory, and alertness without the jitters. The antioxidants in matcha also support long-term brain health by protecting against cognitive decline.
- Fights infection. Matcha contains a megadose of powerful antioxidants like catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. These compounds can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses, supporting the body’s immune system in fighting off infections.
- Reduces inflammation. Matcha’s high concentrations of polyphenols combat free radicals and reduce inflammation, which reduces cell damage and prevents chronic disease.
- Detoxifies the body. Matcha can help detoxify the body due to its high chlorophyll content, which supports the removal of toxins.
- Promotes heart health. Matcha promotes heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and improving blood circulation.
- Reduces anxiety. The calming amino acid L-theanine in matcha helps reduce stress and anxiety, while promoting calm focus and mental clarity, allowing for enhanced performance and concentration.
- Boosts metabolism. Matcha supports metabolism, aiding in fat burning and overall energy levels.
- Supports healthy skin. Matcha is great for skin due to its high antioxidant content, which helps reduce inflammation, combat UV damage, and prevent premature aging. Its detoxifying properties and ability to fight free radicals promote a clearer, more radiant complexion.
- Aids digestion. Matcha aids digestion by promoting the growth of good gut bacteria, thanks to its high antioxidant and fiber content. It also helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, supporting overall gut health and easing digestive discomfort.
- Improves oral health. Matcha promotes oral health by reducing harmful bacteria that cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, thanks to its powerful catechins like EGCG. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also support gum health, making it a tooth-friendly alternative to sugary drinks.
- Inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells. The EGCG in matcha has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells by disrupting their signaling pathways. Its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties further support the body’s defenses against cancer development.
So next time you sip a Tatsu, enjoy the boost knowing you’re not just fueling your energy - you’re actively supporting your mind and body for the long run.