Why Matcha instead of coffee, or is it coffee after all?
This is a question we face every single day at the counter: “Matcha or coffee... which one is actually better?”
There is no simple answer, but we sat down with four people from our NINI team to break it down: Jakob, Armita, Paul, and Celine share their opinions with you, openly and honestly.
With everything that speaks for matcha, and also where coffee still has its place for them.
First question
Matcha or coffee, which is the better pick-me-up drink for you personally?
Armita: “For me, it’s clearly matcha, every morning haha. The main reason is the energy, which just lasts longer instead of making me feel totally exhausted after two hours.”
Jakob: “I used to have a coffee first thing every morning. I needed it to wake up. However, ever since I started looking into the different effects of caffeine, I definitely prefer matcha. But the coffee to-go is still part of the mix, of course.”
Celine: “Matcha, matcha, matcha!! No question for me anymore. I never really reacted badly to coffee, but since I’ve been drinking matcha regularly, I notice how much more relaxed my day starts.”
Paul: “For me, it’s technically driven. I’ve spent too much time studying the cultivation and processing of matcha to be neutral about it. But yes, matcha wins for me in everyday life, too.”
What are the strongest arguments for matcha in your opinion?
Armita: “At the top of the list for me is the effect. Due to the L-theanine in matcha, the caffeine is released much more slowly than in coffee. That means: no hard kick and no hard crash afterward. For me, it literally stopped the heart palpitations I often got from coffee.”
Jakob: “For me, it’s the whole moment surrounding it. You usually drink coffee quickly, on the go, while doing other things. Preparing matcha takes a few minutes: sifting, pouring, whisking. It almost forces you to slow down for a moment before your day even starts.”
Celine: “I would add the nutrients. Because with matcha you drink the whole leaf and not just an infusion, you get more of the ingredients, such as antioxidants like catechins, which simply don’t exist in that quantity in coffee.”
Paul: “For me, it’s the consistency throughout the day. Coffee gives you a steep energy boost followed by a pretty steep energy drop. Matcha is more sustained over several hours. Especially on days with many meetings, that makes a huge difference to me.”
Armita: “And something I wouldn’t underestimate: the stomach. Coffee on an empty stomach often caused me discomfort. For me, matcha is significantly gentler there.”
Are there also points where coffee still has the edge for you?
Jakob: “Honestly, yes. When it comes to the taste of a really good espresso, no matcha can currently compete for me when I’m craving those roasted aromas. It’s simply a different flavor experience.”
Paul: “For me, it’s the speed. If I need to wake up in five seconds, coffee wins. Matcha is more for moments when I can take my time.”
Celine: “For me, there is honestly hardly anything left, but I don’t want to ruin anyone’s coffee ritual haha. In the end, it’s about what suits you.”
Armita: “For me, it’s more of a mood thing. On some days, I just want the warmth and strength of a classic coffee.”
What would you tell someone who is still unsure whether they even like matcha?
Celine: “Give it a real chance, with good powder and proper preparation. That first bitter instant matcha from the supermarket has deterred many people prematurely.”
Paul: “And try it pure first, without milk or syrup. That way, you’re most likely to notice if you actually like the base flavor profile.”
Jakob: “I’d say: Take those five minutes for the preparation instead of just gulping it down. Part of the matcha experience is exactly that ritual.”
Armita: “And test it on a relaxed day, not in the middle of stress. That’s when you’ll most easily notice how different the energy feels.”
In conclusion: Matcha or coffee, short and sweet?
Armita: “Matcha, with an occasional coffee exception.”
Jakob: “Both, but the scale is tipping toward matcha.”
Paul: “Matcha, out of conviction.”
Celine: “Matcha, no ifs or buts.”
In the end, the conversation shows: In our team, matcha wins quite clearly, but no one here would badmouth coffee. It’s not about one versus the other, but about finding out which drink suits your day, your body, and your moment.
If you are still undecided yourself, feel free to stop by our café in Wiesbaden. We’ll let you make your own comparison in peace!