If you’ve stepped into any stylish café or scrolled through Instagram lately, you’ve likely seen the unmistakable vibrant green hue of matcha lattes, shakes, and even desserts. It’s become a staple for wellness enthusiasts, but beyond the aesthetically pleasing color and buzzy reputation, how much do we really know about matcha vs. green tea?

Many assume that matcha is just another type of green tea—which, in a way, it is. Both come from the Camellia sinensis plant, but the way they’re cultivated, processed, and consumed makes all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered which one is superior for energy, focus, and overall health, consider this your definitive guide.

1. Growing & Processing: A Tale of Two Leaves

☀️ Green Tea: Grown under direct sunlight, its leaves are harvested, dried, and either rolled or cut for steeping. This method preserves its light, floral notes, but limits nutrient concentration.

🌿 Matcha: A shade-grown luxury, matcha plants are covered for three weeks before harvest, increasing chlorophyll, L-theanine, and antioxidant levels. The leaves are then meticulously stone-ground into a fine powder, transforming into the silky, vibrant matcha we love.

2. Preparation & Consumption: Sipping vs. Savoring

💧 Green Tea: The traditional steep-and-sip approach means you extract some nutrients, but the leaves are ultimately discarded—leaving behind much of their potential.

🍵 Matcha: Instead of steeping, matcha is whisked directly into hot water (or blended into lattes and shakes), meaning you consume the entire leaf—and all of its potent benefits.

At N99, we’ve taken this one step further. Our matcha-flavored protein blends ceremonial-grade matcha from Japan with organic plant-based protein, iron, and B12, creating a powerhouse for energy, endurance, and focus—perfect for those who want more than just a caffeine kick.

3. Nutritional Differences: The Antioxidant Edge

💚 Matcha: A nutritional heavyweight, matcha is rich in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful antioxidant that supports metabolism, heart health, and cellular repair. Plus, its high L-theanine content promotes calm, sustained focus.

🍃 Green Tea: While still packed with antioxidants, its concentrations are lower than matcha’s—making it a milder alternative for those who prefer a lighter approach to wellness.

4. Caffeine Content: The Energy Equation

⚡ Matcha: With 60-80 mg of caffeine per serving, matcha provides a gentle yet sustained boost—thanks to L-theanine, which smooths out the energy curve, preventing spikes and crashes.

☕ Green Tea: Depending on the variety, green tea contains 20-50 mg of caffeine per cup—ideal for those seeking a mild lift without the intensity.

5. Flavor & Texture: The Sensory Experience

🍵 Matcha: Luxuriously creamy, rich, and slightly sweet, with distinct umami notes—a flavor experience as indulgent as it is nourishing.

🌿 Green Tea: More delicate and floral, though sometimes bitter or grassy, depending on the steeping method.

Which One Wins?

✨ For Focus & Energy → Matcha reigns supreme, delivering sustained mental clarity without the jitters.
✨ For Simplicity & a Milder Flavor → Green tea is an easy, lighter option.
✨ For Maximum Health Benefits → Matcha is the clear winner, nutrient-dense and packed with antioxidants.

In the end, it’s not just about what you drink, it’s about how it makes you feel. If you want long-lasting energy, glowing skin, and a luxurious wellness ritual, matcha is your match.

And if you’re looking for a way to take your routine up a notch, our matcha-flavored protein combines the best of both worlds- giving you the focus, endurance, and vitality you need to power through anything.

Matcha or green tea- which one fuels your best self? 🍵💫