Green tea and matcha powder come from the same plant, but how do they differ? Read on to know more about matcha powder vs. green tea.
Green tea is green tea, right? You might wonder why matcha powder and green tea are the same or if one is better than the other. These two kinds of tea come from the same plant, but some key differences exist when examining matcha powder vs. green tea.
A Short Overview Of Matcha Powder Vs. Green Tea
Matcha powder is a finely ground green powder that comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea all come from this plant too. The difference is how and when harvested.
Matcha tea is the powdered leaves of this plant. You might be wondering why there’s such a stark color difference between matcha powder and green tea.
Matcha has more chlorophyll because it’s grown in slightly different conditions. Green tea comes from the dried and diced leaves and buds of the same plant brewed in a teabag.
What Do Matcha Powder And Green Tea Have In Common?
Matcha powder and green tea have a lot in common, given that matcha is a form of green tea.
They come from the very same plant and have similar nutritional breakdowns. They’re both a source of caffeine. They taste somewhat similar but not identical.
What’s The Difference Between Matcha Powder And Green Tea?
Matcha powder usually does not taste the same as green tea. Drinks made from matcha powder are smoother. Green tea is sometimes described as grassy. Many people like to sweeten it with honey.
Matcha powder also has more caffeine. An 8-ounce serving of green tea contains 29 mg of caffeine, whereas green tea has 19-44 mg of caffeine per gram. Although, people tend to drink smaller servings or matcha than green tea.
The amount of matcha used is usually less than the amount of matcha tea found in a teabag, so while matcha has more caffeine on paper, you probably won’t be drinking all that much more. You might be interested in learning if a green tea latte has caffeine.
Comparing Matcha Powder Vs. Green Tea
| Matcha Powder | Green Tea |
| Matcha powder is 100% finely ground green tea made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. The plant is shielded from the sun for before being harvested to facilitate the production of more chlorophyll. | Green tea comes from the Camellia Sinesis plant but is made from dried and diced leaves and buds. It contains less chlorophyll so it’s not as green. |
| To prepare matcha powder, you measure out a small amount into a cup and add a drop of water. You whisk it into a paste and add more water. | Green tea usually comes in a tea bag or as loose leaf tea. You add hot water and allow it to brew for 3 to 5 minutes. |
| Matcha powder is relatively pricey and comes in small containers. | Green tea is usually more affordable and you typically get more of it – but how much matcha powder is needed to make tea is small. |
| Matcha powder can be used to make matcha lattes. It’s also often found in Japanese sweets and baked goods. | You can make green tea hot or cold, but it’s usually not found in other foods or drinks. It’s frowned upon to add milk or sugar. |
What’s Better About Matcha Powder?
Matcha powder is technically healthier. As the whole leaf is used, and you drink it all, it contains more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
What’s Better About Green Tea?
Green tea is much more affordable than matcha and has similar health benefits.
Green tea usually comes in tea bags – or as loose leaf tea – it’s a lot quicker to brew as you just add hot water. If you’re in a rush, you might not have the patience to make tea from matcha powder.
Who Should Opt For Matcha Powder?
If you’re health-conscious and have the time in the morning to make matcha, it’s for you! If you’re pickier about how your tea tastes, you will probably prefer the taste of matcha tea.
Who Should Opt For Green Tea?
If you want a healthy, affordable pick-me-up, then get green tea. It’s quicker to make and is much more affordable. While you can make matcha without a real matcha whisk, it can also add up the big bucks.
Resources
Matcha Powder Vs. Moringa Powder: What’s The Difference?
Matcha Powder Vs. Tea Bags: What’s Best?
Matcha Powder Vs. Leaves: What’s The Difference?
