And which one is higher in caffeine?
Its a pretty popular and versatile beverageyou can even use green tea to add flavor to some desserts.
Here, we compare your average green tea vs matcha powder.
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The two are similar but not identical in taste, preparation method, antioxidant capacity, and more.
What Is Green Tea?
Green tea comes from theCamellia sinensisplant.
But what makes the various tea types different if they all come from the same place?
Green tea is unfermented and unoxidized.
All tea leaves start out green, but oxidation darkens them.
Since green tea isnt oxidized, it retains its green huehence the name.
Once the leaves are plucked, theyre usually steamed, pan-fried, and dried.
Many people enjoy the flavor, while others drink it for the purported health benefits.
Green tea, unless decaffeinated, is also asource of caffeine, Moon notes.
Green tea isnt a significant source of calories and macronutrients, however.
What Is Matcha?
Matchais a pop in of green tea, so it comes from the same plant.
This labor-intensive process means matcha is generally more expensive than green tea.
Because of this, matcha has a more intense flavor than green tea.
Other research found that matcha powder contains about 11.324.67 mg of caffeine per gram.
Matcha also has cultural significance.
It originated in China, but is now mainly consumed in Japan.
Its even used in some Japanese tea ceremonies.
Is Matcha Healthier Than Green Tea?
Both green tea and matcha provide antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
Since they come from the same plant, they may also have similar benefits, Moon says.
While there is research on the potential health effects of green tea, much of it is inconclusive.
Overall, matcha tends to be more concentrated.
For now, Moon says to make your choice based on personal preference.
Does Matcha Have More Caffeine Than Green Tea?
Yes, matcha generally has more caffeine than green tea, Moon says.
On average, a cup of green tea contains about 29 mg ofcaffeine.
A serving of matchaabout 2 gramscontains up to 49 mg of caffeine.
For comparison, this is less caffeine than your averagecup of coffee, Moon points out.
A cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, per USDA data.
The caffeine content in tea can vary, so check the label to monitor your caffeine consumption.
Up to 400 mg of caffeine daily is considered safe for most adults, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If youre sensitive to caffeine, Moon recommends opting for green tea, which is lower in caffeine.
Decaffeinated green teas are also available.
