Matcha vs. Regular Green Tea: What’s the Difference?
Not all tea is the same. While both matcha and regular green tea come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, the way they are grown and processed creates key differences. Knowing these distinctions can help you decide which tea is right for you.
1. Growing Methods
Matcha is grown differently than regular green tea. The tea plants are shaded for two to four weeks before harvest. This increases the chlorophyll content and amino acids, giving matcha its bright green color and rich flavor. In contrast, regular green tea grows in direct sunlight and has a lighter flavor and lower chlorophyll content.
2. Processing
With matcha, the entire leaf is used. After harvest, the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder. This means when you drink matcha, you’re consuming the whole leaf, not just the infusion. Regular green tea is processed by steaming or frying the leaves before drying, so you're only drinking an extract of the tea leaves.
3. Nutrient Content
Because matcha uses the whole leaf, it’s packed with more nutrients. Just one serving of matcha contains a much higher level of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than regular green tea. It’s estimated that one cup of matcha is the equivalent of drinking 10 cups of regular green tea in terms of nutritional value.
4. Caffeine Levels
Matcha contains more caffeine than regular green tea. A typical serving of matcha has around 70 mg of caffeine, while green tea ranges from 20–30 mg per cup. Matcha also contains L-theanine, which helps balance out the effects of caffeine, offering a calm but focused energy boost without the jitters.
5. Taste and Texture
Matcha has a smooth, earthy flavor with a creamy texture when whisked. Its taste can vary depending on the grade, but it’s generally more intense than regular green tea, which has a lighter, more delicate taste.
Whether you choose matcha or regular green tea, both are great options. Matcha offers a stronger flavor and a nutrient-packed drink, while regular green tea is a more subtle, refreshing option.
Our organic matcha is sourced directly from Kyoto, Japan, and comes in sealed 30g tins or 100g bags to keep it fresh. Try it out today and experience the difference for yourself!
