It's been 71 days since Lent ended (at the time this post will be live), marking the close of my second coffee-free Lent. This time, however, my journey was different – I swapped my beloved coffee for matcha.
I grew up loving coffee. I even worked for several years at a restaurant/café where I would have 3-4 lattes a day. My body became so accustomed to it that I used to confidently say, “I can drink coffee any time of day and it won’t affect me.” Looking back through a clear lens, I can see how false that statement was.
On days when I'd want a break from coffee or try to prove I wasn't addicted, I would suffer terrible migraines. And they're no fun.
I gave up coffee before for Lent as an offering, and once Lent was over, I began to enjoy it as is. While my intake wasn't as extreme as before, it was still a daily beverage. So, I gave it up... again. And replaced it with matcha.
Why matcha? Besides its many health benefits, it seemed like the most logical transition. Though more laborious than plopping a pod into a machine. However, so worth it!
Coffee -OR- Matcha?
The Ritual of The Brews
There’s something wonderful about the morning brew ritual. Whether it’s the rich aroma of coffee filling your home as it drips into the carafe or the meditative whisking of matcha until it develops a beautiful froth, these moments set the mood. That first sip, whether warm or chilled, feels like a comforting hug to your soul.
It's a beautiful routine I look forward to, followed by those first few sips that warm the soul (unless it’s iced, then it’s a hug with a chill).
My Matcha Experience: Clarity, Calm, and No Crashes
One of the immediate differences I noticed when drinking matcha is that I experienced clear focus. A full day of clear focus! I also found I didn’t need it first thing in the morning. I could have it in the late morning (9 am-10 am) and feel just as good.
My body wasn’t craving the caffeine; my mind was simply enjoying the habit and the process of doing something that brought joy.
No Crash!
Matcha, unlike coffee, doesn’t cause me to crash. This is due to L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and helps balance the stimulating effects of caffeine. My mind can sometimes feel scattered. When I drink coffee, this can sometimes worsen, causing me to feel unproductive by trying to do too much and getting nothing done.
With matcha, I experience more clarity, better focus, and no crashes! There’s no energy dip like when having coffee.
Anxiety Where?
Not only have I avoided any caffeine crashes, but I’ve experienced little to no increase in anxious thoughts or feelings, which is always great!
→ Matcha || Matcha kit || Electric kettle || Coffee & Espresso machine ←
The Benefits: Coffee vs. Matcha
Both coffee and matcha offer a range of health benefits and can be part of a healthy lifestyle, depending on your consumption and additions. Conversely, both can also be harmful if consumed excessively or with unhealthy ingredients.
Commonalities of Matcha & Coffee
Both contain antioxidants that protect against cellular damage.
Both can contribute to improved brain function and enhanced mood.
Both may offer protection against certain chronic diseases (e.g., Type 2 Diabetes, liver health).
Benefits of Coffee
Reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Helps manage weight
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Potential cancer protection
May contribute to a longer lifespan
Improves physical performance
Source of essential nutrients
Benefits of Matcha
Calming alertness
Potentially better for dental health
High in antioxidants (EGCG): Contains significantly higher concentrations of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a potent antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties.
Supports detoxification
May aid in weight management
Supports gut health
Boosts the immune system
Enhances skin health
When it comes to the health claims, while they can contribute to your wellness, it all depends on your overall lifestyle and consumption, especially if sugars or other additives are involved.
Coffee or Matcha? What’s MY Preference Now?
As I recently started incorporating coffee back into my routine, I learned a crucial lesson: it’s not a necessity. I don’t need coffee, nor do I want any beverage to own me in such a way. I’m not drinking coffee or matcha every day (ok … most days, but mainly for the enjoyment of making them).
With coffee, I’ve noticed that at times, instead of making me alert and focused, I’m sometimes scattered or even extremely tired, experiencing the complete opposite effect. With matcha, I never experience these issues.
I love both, and both now have a place in my routine. Certain mornings, I’m craving one more than the other. But, if I absolutely had to choose … well, I’d choose matcha! This may surprise those who know me well, but I appreciate that I never experienced any heightened anxiety, loss of focus, or jitters with matcha!
Final Thoughts…
For those curious, I always drink matcha as a matcha latte. I can never drink it as plain tea, lol! I’m just not there yet.
And when it comes to coffee, I’m typically a latte girl as well. No sugars or fancy syrups, just as is. I know my choices are so exciting 🙃. Every once in a while, I’ll get a fancy latte or spice up my coffee (which is normally black or with a splash of milk and no sweeteners).
Ultimately, I enjoy both. As stated, matcha is the winner for me due to its fewer negative effects, but I now happily consume and love both.
I want to hear from you!
What’s your beverage choice?
Do you prefer matcha or coffee?
And do you notice any side effects with either?
I look forward to hearing from you in the comments!
Have a blessed day,
Xoxo Zee
*Just a heads up—some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep doing what I love, so thank you for your support! 🤍