1/ The ubiquity of coffee vs the originality of matcha
Fancy a little coffee? The “petit noir” or “kawa”, as it is sometimes nicknamed, has found its way into our daily routines. More than eight out of ten French people drink coffee every day (83%), sometimes even several times a day (62% of them). By comparison, matcha consumption is much more niche. First embraced by Japan enthusiasts, who sometimes discovered it while travelling, matcha tea is becoming increasingly well known, notably thanks to pastry-making, which celebrates its taste of bitterness and vegetal notes, as well as its incredible emerald-green colour. Offering matcha to a visiting friend is sure to be far more original!
2/ The taste of coffee vs the taste of matcha
Matcha is characterised by a unique vegetal taste on the palate, and by a bitterness that should remain light. To prevent it from becoming too pronounced, choose ceremonial matcha tea (which differs from culinary matcha tea). When the balance between vegetal notes and bitterness is achieved, it is called an “umami” taste, a Japanese term for a lingering, mellow aftertaste. Strong and bitter, the taste for coffee is not instinctive but acquired (as with wine, the very first time is surprising!). Many variations have been developed to make its taste milder: sweetened coffee, coffee with milk, Viennese coffee, cappuccino…
3/ The energising effect of coffee vs the stimulating effect of matcha
An energising drink, coffee has a temporary invigorating effect followed by a “crash” around two hours later. Matcha has a similar effect, but its stimulating action lasts longer. Matcha remains active in the body for 8 hours, and the theanine it contains is reputed to benefit memory and concentration. Its “boost” effect is more intense than that of other teas because matcha is ingested, whereas we only drink the infusions of other teas. Finally, matcha tea does not have certain side effects of coffee: increased blood pressure, heart rate, stomach acidity, yellow teeth… Thus, matcha appears to be a good alternative to coffee for those looking to reduce their consumption. While coffee contains more caffeine/theine than matcha, the latter will keep you awake and focused for longer.
4/ The price of coffee vs the price of matcha
Matcha tea is on average more expensive than coffee. This is primarily due to where it is produced. The green tea leaves used for matcha tea are grown, harvested and ground in Japan, one of the countries with the highest labour costs in the world. Matcha tea is therefore a rare, sought-after and expensive drink. Expect to pay from around €100 per kg for matcha to use in cooking, then €300 to €500 per kg for tasting-grade matcha. Conversely, coffee is grown and produced in developing countries in South America, Africa and Asia, where labour costs are lower. Depending on the varieties, countries, changes in market prices, and whether you choose organic or fair-trade coffee, prices may vary. As a general rule, there is an average price range from €15/kg for ground coffee to €45/kg for coffee pods.
To find out why matcha tea is so expensive, read our article on the subject.
5/ The benefits of coffee vs the benefits of matcha tea
Coffee is a natural stimulant with proven anti-cancer properties. Its consumption may also limit the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Matcha tea, meanwhile, is a concentrate of antioxidants (it contains far more than coffee!), as well as vitamins (A, C and E), trace elements (zinc, copper, iron, magnesium) and amino acids (around 20 times more than a classic green tea). Regularly consuming matcha may help slow cell ageing, combat skin problems, stimulate the body’s natural immunity and act against stress. It may also have beneficial effects on the skin.
Also read: The health benefits of matcha tea
6/ The environmental footprint of coffee vs the environmental footprint of matcha
Coffee and matcha tea come from far away and are not produced locally. They travel millions of kilometres before ending up in our mugs. That is why we recommend choosing coffee and tea from organic farming. This is also the case at Kusmi. The idea is to avoid cultivated land being sprayed with pesticides in addition to transport, while protecting your health. For tea, we recommend choosing loose leaf, which is more environmentally friendly. As for coffee, ideally you should avoid pods (or fill your own reusable pods), as they are often not, or only barely, recyclable.
7/ Why choose? Opt for a recipe made with coffee and matcha
This recipe will delight coffee and matcha lovers! You can enjoy it iced or hot. All you need is coffee, matcha tea powder and milk (cow’s or oat). For a sweet version, you can add cane sugar. For the iced version, you will need ice cubes. Pour an espresso-sized amount of coffee into a cup, add the matcha tea powder and milk, then stir. To read the full recipe, click here.
Whether you choose matcha or coffee, both drinks pair wonderfully with pastries or breakfast.