They both come from the same plant. They’re both green. But matcha and green tea are surprisingly different — in how they’re made, how they taste, and how they affect your body.
Let’s break it down.
🌱 How They’re Grown and Processed
Both matcha and traditional green tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference starts in how they’re grown:
- Matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves. About 3–4 weeks before harvest, tea plants are covered to avoid direct sunlight. This increases chlorophyll and L-theanine levels, giving matcha its vibrant green color and smooth, umami-rich taste.
- Green tea is grown in full sunlight and then lightly steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation. The leaves are dried and either left whole or rolled into small pellets (like in gunpowder tea).
So while green tea gives you an infusion from the leaves, matcha is the leaf — stone-ground into a fine powder that you whisk into water and consume entirely.
☕ Caffeine and Energy
Matcha gives you a more sustained, calm energy boost thanks to its high content of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes focus and relaxation. It has more caffeine than most green teas (around 60–70mg per cup), but it won’t give you jitters like coffee.
Green tea has less caffeine (about 25–35mg per cup), making it a great choice if you’re sensitive to stimulants.
🍃 Flavor Profile
- Matcha: Creamy, earthy, slightly sweet, and a little grassy. The texture is rich and velvety when prepared right.
- Green Tea: Light, fresh, slightly astringent. Some types have floral or nutty notes, depending on the region and style.
💚 Health Benefits
Both are packed with antioxidants, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which supports metabolism, heart health, and brain function.
But matcha may have the edge — since you’re consuming the whole leaf, it offers a higher concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll, and amino acids.
🫖 Which One’s Right for You?
- Choose matcha if you want a clean energy boost, a richer flavor, or you’re into traditional tea ceremonies and latte-making.
- Go for green tea if you prefer a milder taste, are caffeine-sensitive, or want a refreshing daily brew.
Whichever you pick — you’re treating your body well. And at ebuy, we have lovingly sourced both. Explore our matcha kits and green tea collections to find your perfect cup. 🍃
