Green, grassy matcha or the bold comfort of coffee? If you're torn between the two for your morning ritual, you're not alone. Matcha's been popping up everywhere, but does it really deserve a place over your daily brew? Let’s break it down without the fluff — just facts, flavour, and how each one makes you feel.
The caffeine comparison
Both matcha and coffee contain caffeine, but they hit differently.
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Coffee gives you that fast, punchy jolt thanks to its higher caffeine content (around 95mg per cup). It kicks in quickly and can feel intense if you’re sensitive.
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Matcha has less caffeine (about 30–70mg per cup), but it also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus. This means the buzz is smoother, slower, and lasts longer.
If you love feeling alert fast, coffee wins. If you’re after steady concentration without the spikes, matcha might be worth a try.
The health breakdown
Both drinks have their perks.
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Matcha is high in antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG, which have been linked to heart health and brain protection.
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Coffee is also full of antioxidants and has been linked to lower risks of Parkinson’s, Type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
There’s no clear winner here. Both drinks offer benefits — it just depends what you’re looking for. Coffee also contains more potassium and magnesium than matcha, so it has a nutritional edge in that sense.
The flavour test
Let’s be honest. This part isn’t even close.
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Coffee is rich, complex, bitter, bold, comforting, and familiar.
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Matcha is grassy, vegetal, earthy and… an acquired taste.
If your morning ritual is about indulgence, aroma, and that first magical sip, coffee brings more to the table. Especially when it’s Essenza.
What to drink when you can’t have coffee
Here’s where matcha might sneak into the lead. If you’re cutting back on coffee due to pregnancy, anxiety, or other health reasons, matcha can be a useful substitute.
But if even matcha is off the cards, we recommend the West Coast Cocoa range from Essenza. These hot chocolates are rich, complex, and caffeine-free — perfect for that warm cup when you still want a cosy ritual.
Try:
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Deluxe for a full-bodied classic
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Peppermint for something fresh
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Mayan Chilli for a little heat
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Caramel for smooth sweetness
So, which one wins?
If your loyalty lies in bold taste, variety, and that unbeatable jolt of energy, coffee holds the crown. If you’re after calm focus, lower caffeine, or you just want to switch it up occasionally, matcha’s a decent option. But if you ask us, Essenza beans win every time.
If you haven’t quite found your signature coffee blend yet, why not test-drive some Essenza Coffee? If you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into Christmas gifts for everyone, be sure to check out the rest of the resources on our blog. If you have any questions, please reach out to the friendly team.