For many, the morning doesn’t truly begin until that first sip of coffee—a ritual as ingrained as brushing your teeth. But a growing chorus of voices is questioning whether our reliance on caffeine is a helpful boost or a habit with hidden costs. As people seek alternatives, a vibrant green powder is gaining traction: matcha.
Matcha vs. the Daily Coffee Routine
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This powdered Japanese green tea is increasingly common in coffee shops and kitchens, lauded for its potential to deliver sustained energy, a gentler impact on the nervous system, and a wealth of nutrients. Whether enjoyed hot, iced, or blended into a latte, matcha appeals to those seeking a coffee alternative without sacrificing a significant lift. But what actually happens when you completely replace coffee with matcha, even for a short period?
Hannah Ballantyne, a journalist with the British edition of Huffington Post, put this question to the test. A self-described coffee devotee— admitting her days revolve around “several caffeinated milk drinks” and characterizing her habit as “honestly, an addiction, I call it survival”—she committed to a week of matcha to observe the effects of a full switch.
The Daily Effects of Matcha on the Body
From the outset, Ballantyne noticed a key difference: matcha does contain caffeine, but in smaller amounts than coffee, and released more slowly. This gradual release appeared to minimize the jitters and nervousness often associated with coffee, while still providing a feeling of lasting energy. It’s a more subtle approach, but not necessarily less effective.
As the week progressed, the effects became clearer. Ballantyne reported the absence of tremors, a symptom she previously linked to her regular coffee intake. She experienced a comparable energy level to her usual state, but without the sharp peaks and subsequent crashes. Overall, she felt more balanced in her daily life, a result she hadn’t anticipated.
A Balance Rooted in Matcha’s Ingredients
These sensations align with matcha’s composition. Packed with amino acids and antioxidants, it also offers a modest dose of vitamin C. This nutritional profile may explain why its effects are often perceived as more balanced and less harsh on the body, while remaining mentally stimulating.
At the end of her week-long experiment, Ballantyne wasn’t advocating for a permanent abandonment of coffee, but for a shift in perspective. She suggested enjoying coffee as a treat, rather than a necessity. She also highlighted an unexpected benefit: the matcha preparation ritual—slower and more mindful—became a pleasant experience in itself, enhancing the benefits beyond the beverage.
