Coffee vs. Matcha: The Science Behind Coffee Jitters

In recent years, matcha has transcended from an ancient Japanese tea ritual to one of the most popular drinks in the US. A great choice for those seeking sustained energy lift without the coffee jitters, latte lovers are switching their coffee for matcha as they look to swap out caffeine consumption for wellbeing benefits like matcha’s rich antioxidant properties.

But what does matcha have to offer? Erin Ogden, dietitian and nutrition consultant at Ancient + Brave delves into the science behind the caffeine jitters and explains why, if you’re caffeine sensitive, matcha might just be the tea to try.

How caffeine causes the jitters: The science explained

Does caffeine give you the jitters? You’re not imagining it. Many people are sensitive to caffeine and find that drinking too many cups of coffee or cans of caffeinated energy drinks can leave them feeling unsettled, perhaps even a little anxious and overstimulated.

So why do we experience caffeine jitters? Dr. Jenna Macciochi, Director of Science and Innovation at Ancient + Brave, explains the science.

“Caffeine can make you feel jittery because it is a stimulant that blocks adenosine, the brain chemical that helps you wind down. Instead, your brain gets the signal to stay alert.

At the same time, caffeine also contributes to a rise in cortisol stress signals and stimulates the nervous system, increasing the release of activating chemicals such as norepinephrine and adrenaline. This is what gives you that “switched on” feeling.

Of course, not everyone reacts the same way to caffeine; genetics and metabolism both play a part in determining whether you experience coffee jitters or not. 

Often, caffeine is absorbed quickly, which can result in a rapid rise in energy followed by a subsequent dip later. However, some people metabolize caffeine slowly, which can lead to longer-lasting effects.

Nutritionist tip: If you find yourself experiencing the jitters after your morning cup of coffee, try eating something with it, instead of drinking it on an empty stomach. Having food in your stomach slows the absorption of caffeine into the bloodstream and can help mitigate those effects.

Matcha 101: Green tea energy without the cortisol spike

Enter matcha, a vibrant green powdered tea that has rapidly risen in popularity in the US. Derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the same plant used to produce green tea, matcha is grown and harvested in a way that leaves it enriched with powerful antioxidants such as Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

It's also rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that provides a sense of calm in response to the stimulating effects of caffeine, more on that later. 

Coffee vs. matcha

At Ancient + Brave, our community often asks whether matcha is healthier than coffee, and to that we say, it depends. If you are caffeine-sensitive, prone to feeling anxious or have a slow caffeine metabolism, matcha may be the best choice for you.

Here’s a snapshot of how the two compare:

While matcha is not entirely caffeine-free, it is considered to offer a natural and clean caffeine source. That’s because, unlike coffee, matcha powder contains L-theanine, an amino acid that provides a sense of calm alertness against the stimulating effects of caffeine on the body's nervous system.

Research has shown that the L-theanine in matcha works synergistically with caffeine, promoting a feeling of relaxation and mental clarity, helping to foster a state of tranquillity and alertness within 30 to 40 minutes of ingestion. 

So it’s not that Matcha is “caffeine-free,” or better than coffee, but it can offer a calm alertness  while providing a boost of antioxidants.

Matcha + Collagen: calm energy with full-body support

After doing our research, we created a new and supportive ritual blend, Matcha + Collagen. If you are looking for a high-quality  matcha with skin, hair, and nail support, this new blend is for you.

The perfect harmony of organic ceremonial matcha paired with our signature True Collagen peptides, this low-caffeine matcha utilizes ceremonial-grade matcha to deliver a rich umami taste alongside strong antioxidant benefits.+

With organic Lion’s Mane mushroom added to help maintain a clear mind and a handy golden Ritual Scoop to help you create the perfect pour, it's everything you need to gently bring focus and calm energy to your daily routine.+