i've had a long, tumultuous love affair with coffee. during my time at morgan stanley, i was downing three to five cups a day, a ritual that felt like a lifeline in the high-pressure world of finance. but when i began training for an ironman, i made the radical decision to quit. the goal? to reset my body and enhance my endurance—especially for the marathon segment, where red bull was served at aid stations. i believed that a strategic caffeine boost mid-race could help push through the pain and help me finish the race.

what i didn’t anticipate was the sheer withdrawal battle that followed. the first few weeks were brutal with lethargy, brain fog, and relentless headaches. but over time, something remarkable happened: i adapted. my energy levels stabilized, my focus sharpened, and i no longer relied on caffeine to feel awake. i relied on sleep. what the human body is designed to rely on.

that’s my personal journey. but when it comes to matcha vs. coffee for energy and focus, let’s take a step back from personal experiences and look at the facts.

matcha vs. coffee: which fuels focus best?

both matcha and coffee offer a caffeine boost, but they affect the body in profoundly different ways. whether you're chasing sustained concentration or a quick energy fix, your ideal choice depends on how you want to fuel your brain.

1. caffeine content & absorption: the energy curve

• coffee: packs 95-150 mg of caffeine per cup, hitting the bloodstream fast- hello, instant jolt! but this can lead to jitters and an inevitable crash as your body burns through it.

• matcha: contains a more gentle 30-70 mg of caffeine per cup, but thanks to L-theanine, it releases slowly and steadily, offering a calm, sustained energy without the spike-and-slump effect.

2. focus & mental clarity: jittery rush vs. zen alertness

• matcha: the caffeine + l-theanine duo is a powerhouse for sharp, sustained focus. it keeps you calm yet alert, ideal for deep work and long-haul study sessions.

• coffee: delivers an instant surge of focus, but the trade-off? that sharp spike in energy often leads to overstimulation, restlessness, or even anxiety.

3. stress & anxiety: a hidden factor in focus

• matcha: the l-theanine component has a naturally calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety while keeping your mind engaged.

• coffee: can raise cortisol levels (your stress hormone), which might heighten nervous energy rather than productive focus.

4. energy crashes: keeping it steady

• matcha: provides a slow-drip energy release, preventing the dreaded afternoon slump.

• coffee: can lead to energy dips, especially if consumed without food, triggering blood sugar crashes.

5. antioxidants & brain health: beauty from the inside out

• matcha: loaded with egcg (epigallocatechin gallate)—a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation, supports brain function, and promotes glowing skin.

• coffee: rich in chlorogenic acid, offering antioxidant benefits, but its acidity may cause digestive discomfort for some.

a smarter energy choice: matcha + protein = <3

at n99, we’ve taken the best of matcha and vegan protein to create a matcha-flavored protein blend that delivers sustained energy, focus, and nutrition in one. our formula combines real ceremonial-grade matcha from japan with organic plant-based protein, plus essential nutrients like iron and b12—two crucial vitamins often missing from plant-based diets. this powerhouse blend is designed to fuel your body and mind, whether you’re tackling an intense workout, a long workday, or simply looking for an alternative to the coffee rollercoaster.

the matcha protein powder can be used in a traditional protein shake, yogurt bowl, iced matcha, or even a hot matcha latte. it’s delicious, in any of those forms, and probably in many more ways. 

the verdict: which one wins?

it all depends on your goals, body, and lifestyle:

☕ if you need a quick, high-intensity energy boost, coffee is your best bet. it's great for short bursts of focus but may come with a crash.

🍵 if you crave sustained energy, balanced focus, and a jitter-free experience, matcha is the superior choice, especially if you work long hours, are prone to anxiety, or need steady mental clarity.

personally? i’ll take a matcha protein latte over coffee any day. but the choice is yours. what fuels your best self?