What is matcha and is it good for you?
If you’ve been eyeing off matcha as a possible alternative to coffee, you’re not alone. More people are looking for something that still gives them focus and energy, just without the afternoon crash or jittery spike that often comes with coffee. Matcha has become the go-to, but what actually is it, and is it good for you?
If you want a deeper breakdown, you can also read our full Matcha 101 guide
So, what is matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea, but it’s made very differently. The leaves are shade-grown, hand-picked, steamed, dried, and then stone-ground into an ultra-fine powder. Instead of steeping the leaves and throwing them away (like regular green tea), you whisk the whole leaf into water - so you drink everything. That’s why matcha has a richer flavour, a vibrant colour, and a naturally higher concentration of nutrients.
Why do coffee drinkers switch to matcha?
Matcha offers a gentler kind of energy. It contains caffeine, but it also naturally contains L-theanine - an amino acid that supports calm focus. Many people find this gives them steady, sustained energy without the jumpy feeling or sudden drop they get from coffee. It’s also often easier on the stomach, which helps if coffee tends to irritate yours.
Is matcha actually good for you?
In short - yes, when it’s good quality. Matcha naturally contains antioxidants, supports focus, and helps maintain steady energy throughout the day. It also provides all the vitamins and minerals found in green tea, without the heavy processing found in many caffeinated drinks. But there’s a catch: matcha quality varies wildly. Which brings us to the real secret…
Not all matcha is created equal
Think about when coffee first hit the scene, it was hit and miss. If you’ve ever tried matcha that tasted bitter, grassy, or dull - that wasn’t good matcha. That was my first experience which had me thinking, what is all the hype about? Most of the bitterness people complain about comes from cheaper, low-grade powder that’s been sitting around too long or wasn’t grown and processed properly. If you want to know what high-quality matcha should taste like, you can explore our Premium Matcha here.
High-quality matcha should be:
Bright, vibrant green
Smooth and creamy in flavour
Naturally sweet with no bitterness
Organic where possible
Shade-grown and stone-ground
Fresh, not oxidised (oxidisation will cause yellowing/ clumping)
When matcha ticks these boxes, it’s a completely different experience - richer, softer, and far more enjoyable, especially for people coming from coffee (me).
Tips if you’re swapping your morning coffee
Start with a matcha latte, it’s the easiest transition.
Don’t use boiling water; it scorches the powder.
If you’re unsure about the flavour, try an iced matcha first.
Make it well. The powder must be whisked first, ensuring there are no clumps. Good matcha will foam up when whisked.
Use a good-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha — it makes all the difference.
Add your choice of sweetener if you like. Just as with coffee, most people ease their way into drinking it unsweetened - I did too, and I still add the tiniest touch of maple syrup!
Final thoughts
Matcha can be a beautiful daily ritual - calm, energising, and genuinely enjoyable, but only when the quality is right. If you’re switching from coffee, choosing a premium, vibrant, smooth matcha powder and making it well will give you the best experience from day one. Ready to try it for yourself? Explore our ceremonial matcha