If you’ve ever strolled through a trendy café menu chances are you’ve seen matcha everywhere. But wait—isn’t matcha just green tea? Not exactly. While they might both be green, leafy, and bursting with antioxidants, matcha and green tea are not the same thing. In fact, they’re more like botanical cousins with totally different vibes, tastes, and health perks.
Let’s spill the tea and break down what truly sets these two green drinks apart.
Origin & What Makes Them Different
Both matcha and green tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the same plant that gives us black tea, oolong, and white tea. But what makes them different comes down to how they’re grown, harvested, and consumed.
Green tea is made by steeping dried tea leaves in hot water—like your classic teabag. The leaves are grown in the sun, then quickly steamed and dried to prevent oxidation. You sip the infused water and toss the leaves.
Matcha, on the other hand, is the whole leaf, ground into a vibrant green powder. Before harvest, the tea plants are shade-grown for about three weeks. This boosts chlorophyll production and gives matcha its signature bright color and umami-rich flavor. To consume, the powder is then whisked into water.
Difference in Taste & Texture
If green tea is light, grassy, and a little bitter, matcha is bold, creamy, and earthy—some even say it has a savory taste. That’s thanks to the higher L-theanine and chlorophyll content from the shade-growing process.
In terms of texture, green tea feels clean and thin, since you’re only drinking the steeped liquid. Matcha, however, is thicker and frothier, especially when it’s whisked properly with hot water or milk. Think of it as the latte version of tea—richer and more indulgent.
Health Benefits
Both green tea and matcha are loaded with antioxidants—especially catechins, which are known to help fight inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and support heart health.
However, matcha takes the crown in potency. Since you consume the full leaf, matcha can contain up to 3x more antioxidants than regular green tea. It’s also higher in L-theanine, which promotes calm focus without the jitters that can come with coffee. Matcha also has more caffeine—about 70 mg per cup compared to green tea’s 30–40 mg.
How to Enjoy Your Matcha and Green Tea Drink
Green tea is often served hot or cold, plain or with a squeeze of lemon. It’s the go-to for simple, healthy hydration.
Matcha is where things get fun. You can enjoy it as:
- A cold matcha latte with oat or almond milk
- An iced matcha with strawberry puree = matcha strawberry !
- Matcha smoothies, matcha boba tea, or even matcha desserts like cookies and brownies
It’s no wonder matcha has become such a trend—even people are dressing up like matcha drinks, inspired by that vibrant green hue and creamy swirl!
So… Matcha or Green Tea?
If you’re all about simplicity and a light taste, green tea is perfect for everyday sipping. But if you want to level up your antioxidant intake and enjoy a richer experience, matcha is worth the hype.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be either/or. Why not enjoy the best of both worlds?
