Let’s be real: mornings can be rough. Whether you're waking up early for work, workouts, or wrangling little ones, the first sip of something caffeinated is sacred. But what should you reach for—coffee or matcha?
We’re diving into the pros and cons of both, looking at how they stack up when it comes to energy, mood, and long-term health.
Spoiler alert: team matcha might just have the edge.
First up: Coffee
We all know coffee. Bold, bitter, comforting—and for some of us, non-negotiable.
Pros:
- Fast energy boost: Thanks to ~95mg of caffeine per cup, coffee hits hard and fast.
- Rich in antioxidants: Coffee is one of the biggest sources of antioxidants in the Western diet.
- Mental alertness: Many people find that it helps with focus and productivity (at least for a little while).
Cons:
- Energy crashes: That jolt of energy can lead to a crash a few hours later—hello, 3 p.m. slump.
- Jitters & anxiety: High doses of caffeine can increase heart rate, restlessness, and anxious feelings.
- Acidity: Coffee is acidic and can irritate the stomach or worsen acid reflux for those with sensitivity
Enter: Matcha
Matcha is more than just a trendy green drink—it’s a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. And it’s packed with goodness.
Pros:
- Steady energy: Matcha contains ~25–35mg of caffeine per serving, but it’s balanced with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus without the crash.
- Mood support: L-theanine also helps increase alpha brain waves, which may enhance creativity and reduce stress.
- Antioxidant powerhouse: Matcha is loaded with catechins, especially EGCG, a polyphenol linked to reduced inflammation, improved brain function, and even fat oxidation.
- Gentler on your stomach: Less acidity = happier gut.
Cons:
- Lower caffeine content: If you're used to the jolt of coffee, matcha's subtler boost might take some getting used to.
- Taste can be an adjustment: Earthy, grassy, and slightly bitter, matcha isn't love at first sip for everyone—but high-quality matcha (like ours!) is smooth and balanced.
So… Which One Wins?
Let’s break it down:
Category
Coffee
Matcha
Caffeine
High (quick hit)
Moderate (slow release)
Energy crash
Common
Rare
Antioxidants
High
Higher (especially EGCG)
Mood support
Can cause jitters
Naturally calming
Stomach-friendly
Not always
Gentler
Focus
Short burst
Calm alertness
Winner: Matcha
For sustained energy, mental clarity, and extra health benefits, matcha takes the crown. It’s the smarter, smoother, more stable option for daily energy support—especially if you’re looking to avoid the crash and burn of your third cup of coffee.
Make the Switch with Sproos
Our Super Matcha Latte makes it easy (and delicious) to upgrade your morning ritual. We’ve taken premium organic ceremonial grade matcha and blended it with collagen, MCTs, and coconut milk powder for a creamy, energizing, focus-friendly drink—no barista required.
Ready to swap the jitters for calm energy?