When Matcha Meets Coffee - Health Benefits, Recipes, And More

Have you ever tried matcha tea? 

Have you ever tried coffee? 

…just kidding…of course you’ve tried coffee! We’re all coffee fanatics here, right?

We love coffee for the flavor, aroma, experience, and numerous health benefits. 

But did you know that matcha tea possesses a wealth of healthy rewards as well?

And, when you infuse matcha tea and coffee, you not only get a uniquely delicious cup, but as you can imagine, you’ll also reap the amplified health benefits of this trendy combo. 

Both coffee and matcha are energy boosters, and they’re each loaded with antioxidants. 

But, these two beverage superstars boast their own unique set of health boosts as well. 

So today, we’re going to explore both matcha tea and coffee, comparing the benefits of each brew as well as seeing what you can potentially gain by combining the two in a tasty matcha tea infusion coffee.

Then, be sure to stick around for some delicious recipes at the end where we’ll show you the best, and simplest ways to add matcha to your favorite Lifeboost brew!

Matcha And Coffee Match-Up

Coffee, as Lifeboosters know, begins as a fruit, a coffee cherry to be exact. 

Within the coffee cherry, there is a seed, something we refer to as a coffee bean. 

Once the outer flesh is removed from the coffee cherry and the inner seed or bean goes through a process of washing and drying, a green coffee bean is all that remains. 

Then, the green coffee bean is roasted for varying times and temperatures, which is how we get light, medium, dark, and espresso coffee roasts. 

As you might have guessed from the above progression, the darker the roast, the hotter the roasting temp. Likewise, darker roasts also spend a bit more time roasting. 

Now, I know loyal Lifeboost customers don’t need a coffee brewing tutorial, but for comparison’s sake, we’ll list a few basic facts:

• When making coffee, no matter whether you’re making cold brew, using a drip brewer, French press, or pulling a shot of espresso, the roasted beans must be ground in order to brew a delicious cup of joe. 
  
• Once the roasted coffee beans are ground to an appropriate grind for your brewing preference, a combination of the coffee grounds, water, and heat (or time if you’re cold brewing) pull out the phenomenal flavors of your brew. 
• The result of brewing (coffee) is a rich, albeit flat or somewhat thin, liquid that you can enjoy as-is or with the addition of a variety of milks, creams, sugars, flavors, etc.
  

Pretty basic stuff for coffee lovers, but how does our beloved brew compare to matcha? 

Matcha is a type of tea, which means this beverage begins as a leaf. 

Typically, matcha begins as a Japanese green tea, and like Lifeboost Coffee, matcha tea leaves are grown in the shade. 

Then, once the young tea leaves are harvested and dried, matcha is created by stone-grinding the leaves into a very fine powder. 

Instead of steeping this powder, a necessary step for making coffee, matcha is whisked into hot water. 

And, instead of yielding a flat or somewhat thin liquid (like coffee), this necessary step of whisking produces a smooth and somewhat frothy beverage. 

This is why many people describe matcha as being creamier than coffee, even before any additions of milk, etc.

So, clearly there are some differences when it comes to coffee and matcha, but there are also many similarities, particularly concerning the health benefits of these two powerhouse brews. 

Of course, each beverage also boasts their own unique rewards pertaining to health and wellness. 

So first, let’s take a look at the similarities between the two, and then we’ll cover the differences…

Shared Health Benefits Of Coffee And Matcha

1- Antioxidant Powerhouse

Both coffee and matcha are loaded with antioxidants. 

Broadly speaking, antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals, and by doing so, this reduces the harmful effects of oxidative stress on the body. 

As oxidative stress occurs, the effects of aging are felt in a greater way, and both the onset and progression of many diseases occurs. 

So, to get more specific, antioxidants don’t just fight against oxidative stress, they also reduce your risk of a wide variety of diseases, including many cancers, diabetes, and others stemming from chronic inflammation. 

Furthermore, some types of antioxidants, such as polyphenols have even been found to reduce tumor size, kill off cancer cells, and “limit the formation of certain blood vessels that feed tumors.”

2- Weight Loss And Improved Energy Levels

The caffeine content of both matcha and coffee have been shown to protect against fat accumulation by activating brown adipose tissue or brown fat. 

This substance can generate heat and metabolize glucose and fat, a combination that experts believe makes such a benefit possible.  

Aside from this, coffee contains chlorogenic acid and matcha contains epigallocatechin gallate, both of which are being studied for their potential benefits regarding weight loss. 

As far as energy, both beverages provide boosts here, and when we feel more energetic, we’re generally more active which can aid in weight loss and management. 

With coffee, this beverage keeps you more alert and boosts your overall energy levels. 

With matcha, however, you receive a more gradual and sustained boost of energy, a calmer energy as some commonly describe.

3- Protects Your Heart

There are many things about both coffee and matcha that can serve to protect your heart, even reducing your risk of heart disease. 

First, the polyphenol content of each beverage promotes blood vessel relaxation which can help to reduce high blood pressure. 

Then, this same component can also reduce platelet aggregation, and this can reduce your risk of heart attack by keeping your arteries from clogging.

4- Boosts Liver Health

Coffee has long been hailed for its benefits to the health of your liver, but matcha provides some of these same rewards. 

Specifically, “drinking green tea (matcha) and coffee has been linked to a lower risk of fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis and fibrosis.”

5- Benefits Your Brain

Coffee and matcha each bring benefits to your brain, even if those rewards vary slightly between the two beverages. 

Coffee, for instance, is said to have the ability to reduce symptoms of depression, boost cognitive function, and prevent cognitive decline. 

Matcha, on the other hand, while it also may protect against decline, has been shown to keep you focused, reduce anxiety, and it even prevents caffeine jitters in some people. 
Now to compound these benefits - studies show that drinking coffee and matcha together has been linked to a reduced risk of both stroke and dementia!

Unique Health Benefits Of Coffee And Matcha

1- Alertness vs. Relaxation

We mentioned above that both matcha and coffee can help you stay alert, but let’s dive a little deeper into those subtle differences in this category. 

The caffeine content of coffee can indeed make you feel alert, but the caffeine content of matcha works a little differently. 

We’ll show a head-to-head caffeine comparison in a moment, but for now, let’s simply note that matcha does indeed contain caffeine. However, matcha also contains l-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation. 

L-theanine also aids in helping you to think more clearly, so if you find that coffee’s caffeine content can make you a little on edge, combining java with matcha can help to create a balance between each beverage’s unique ability to keep you focused and alert.

2- Oral Hygiene Differences

One common complaint about coffee is that this beverage can potentially stain your teeth. 

First, underscore the word potential above…in other words, there are plenty of folks (like me) who enjoy coffee regularly but do not experience this effect. 

However, for those that are prone to teeth staining, you might be interested to know that matcha is actually said to improve oral hygiene. 

The antioxidants found in matcha have been shown to fight off the bacteria in your mouth that cause damage while also reducing the buildup of plaque and aiding in the relief of gum disease symptoms.

3- Nutritional Differences

Now for a nutrient profile head-to-head: 

First, let’s define a serving. 

A serving of traditionally brewed coffee is generally recognized as 8 ounces, whereas a traditional serving of matcha is only 2 ounces. 

So, for a serving, that’s an 8-ounce cup of coffee, and a 2-ounce cup of matcha. 

As far as calories, a cup of coffee contains roughly 2 calories, and a cup (2 ounces) of matcha contains about 5 calories. 

For sugar and fiber, we’ll combine these components as both coffee and matcha contain 0 grams of sugar and 0 grams of fiber.

Then, coffee contains 0 carbs, while matcha contains 1 gram of carbs per cup (2 ounces). 

Concerning protein, there is 0.3 grams of protein in a cup of coffee, and 1 gram of protein in a cup (2 ounces) of matcha. 

And regarding fat content, coffee contains .5 grams of fat per cup, while matcha contains 0 grams of fat per cup (2 ounces). 

But, now for the most sought-after information regarding both coffee and matcha…caffeine!

Perhaps the biggest difference between matcha and coffee comes down to their caffeine content. 

Coffee contains roughly 96 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, and matcha contains anywhere between 38-88 mg of caffeine per 2-ounce cup (depending on how it is prepared).

4- Different Flavors

We all know that coffee has a classically bitter taste. This is why most folks prefer a touch of cream in their brew, an addition which balances the bitterness and adds a slightly thickened texture. 
Of course, with Lifeboost Coffee, as our brew is clean, sustainably grown, and low acid, many find this supposedly inherent bitterness to be negligent. 

Then, how you brew coffee can transform these bitter notes as well, with cold brew coffee having a slightly sweeter taste due to the absence of heat in the brewing process. 

Personally, I find that Lifeboost Coffee has a slightly sweet flavor compared to…well…pretty much every other coffee I’ve tried, especially when I make cold brew. 

And, aside from brewing methods, coffee can also boast either the specific flavors of its growing region in lighter roasts, or it can have a chocolatey, rich, caramelized, or even smoky flavor in darker roasts. 

Matcha, however, has a very distinct grassy or earthy flavor. 

I’m a huge green tea fan, so I feel like I can really detect those grassy green tea flavors in matcha, but especially when served warm, some find the earthiness of this tea to be quite evident.

Matcha Tea Coffee Infusion Recipes 

As we’ve seen today, enjoying a combination of coffee and matcha can provide your body with a great range of health benefits. 

I guess that’s why this type of infusion has become so popular today - well, that, and it’s incredibly, uniquely delicious! 

So, before we close things out, let’s take a look at a few ways you can make some yummy, healthy, matcha coffee infusions at home.

1- Maple Vanilla Matcha Coffee

You’ll find that the maple syrup used for a natural sweetener here is subtle. 

You’ll find the vanilla sets off this cup perfectly. 

You’ll find the nut milk addition here to add just the right amount of creaminess. 

And you’ll find the infusion of matcha and coffee to be just what the doctor, and your taste buds, ordered!

Ingredients

• 3 ounces strongly brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee
  
• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
  
• 1 teaspoon real maple syrup
  
• ½ - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• 2 tablespoons hot water
  
• 3 ounces cashew milk (or your choice of milk)
  
• ice
  

Instructions

• Stir or whisk together matcha, hot water, maple syrup, and vanilla in a tall glass until no clumps remain. 
  
• Add ice to the matcha mixture, then top with milk, then coffee. Enjoy!
  

2- Matcha Espresso

Some folks prefer a bolder, more rich coffee component to any coffee and matcha infusion, and espresso is the perfect (and delicious) java for the job! 

Due to the extraction process, espresso is slightly thicker than traditionally brewed coffee. This brew is also much bolder, and these attributes tend to keep the overall infusion a bit more balanced. 

Give it a try and let us know what you think! 

*Note: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can simply substitute a strongly brewed dark roast here (roughly 3 ounces).

Ingredients 

• 2 freshly pulled shots of Lifeboost Espresso Coffee
  
• ½ cup milk 
  
• ¼ cup water, room temperature
  
• 2 teaspoons matcha powder
  
• 2 teaspoons sugar
  
• Ice
  

Instructions

• Combine sugar and matcha in the bottom of a tall glass, stirring to blend the two. 
  
• Add room temperature water and whisk thoroughly to fully incorporate. 
  
• Add crushed ice to the matcha in the glass, then take a spoon and turn it upside down, carefully adding the milk to the glass by pouring it slowly over the back of the spoon. This will produce a layering effect, keeping the matcha and milk separated. 
  
• Now, using the same technique to produce another layer, pour in the espresso (also over the back of the spoon, slowly). 
  
• If you’d like, you can gently stir with a straw or leave the layering for an aesthetically pleasing treat. Enjoy!
  

3- Tiramisu Matcha Latte

We couldn’t leave you without a fancy, decadent treat that incorporates both coffee and matcha, now could we?

And this latte…it’s just that, both fancy, decadent, and a real treat!

As with the other recipes, you’ll simply be incorporating both matcha tea and coffee, but this one comes with a mascarpone cream topping that will make you think you’re in tiramisu heaven. Yum! 

*Note: Don’t have an espresso machine? That’s okay! You can use our Espresso Coffee to make a bold brew in a French press, or you can simply use our Dark Roast, just plan to brew it a little stronger than you usually do. (2 pulled shots is equal to roughly 3 ounces).

Ingredients

• 2 freshly pulled shots of Lifeboost Espresso Coffee
  
• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
  
• 2 ounces hot water
  
• 4 ounces whole milk 
  
• 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
  
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  
• 1 tablespoon sugar
  
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• Matcha powder, for dusting on top 

Instructions

• Whisk matcha powder and 2 ounces of hot water until smooth. 
  
• Brew espresso, then set aside. 
  
• Add mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla to a small bowl and mix until soft peaks form. 
  
• If you have a steaming wand, steam the milk until frothy. If you do not have a steaming wand, add the milk to an electric frother and froth on the heated setting. 
  
• In a tall glass, first add the espresso, then layer the matcha on top of the espresso. 
  
• Add the steamed or heated and frothed milk on top of the matcha, then top with the mascarpone cream. 
  
• Dust with matcha powder, if desired, and enjoy!
  

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast .

Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Charles Livingston nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

References:

https://threeleaftea.com/blogs/blog/coffee-vs-matcha-whats-the-difference#

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/matcha-vs-coffee

https://www.health.com/matcha-vs-coffee-health-benefits-11731747#

https://www.theteamakers.co.uk/blogs/news/matcha-vs-coffee

https://www.texanerin.com/matcha-coffee/#recipe

https://www.siftandsimmer.com/homemade-matcha-espresso-fusion/#recipe

https://www.tastycoffeetales.com/recipes/matcha-tiramisu-fusion-latte