Americans Are Drinking Matcha Tea More and More. Here’s Reason, Study and Expert Insights
✨Key Points
Matcha supports mental clarity and calm energy — Younger generations are embracing matcha as a mindful ritual that promotes focus, balance, and emotional well-being.
It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants — Matcha provides strong antioxidant protection thanks to catechins like EGCG, which help combat inflammation, aging, and disease.
A healthier alternative to coffee — With less caffeine and added L-theanine, matcha delivers smooth, sustained energy without the crashes or jitters common with coffee.
Warm beverage consumers in the US are quietly shifting from traditional drinks, such as coffee and green tea, to matcha tea.
This transformation is more visible in younger demographics, such as millennials and Gen Z.
A recent research conducted by Yu Tea, a leading matcha tea brand in the US that specializes in authentic Japanese matcha tea, confirms this.
The numbers clearly show that matcha tea outperforms coffee in multiple states, like Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Oregon, and Colorado.
And states like California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Arizona aren’t that far behind.
But what is driving this change?
In this article, let’s look at four expert-backed reasons that are quickly making matcha tea the go-to warm beverage across the US and beyond.
Mental Health and Well-being
There has been a steady and much-needed rise in mental health awareness, with individuals and organizations increasingly prioritizing psychological well-being.
This trend is more common with millennials and Gen Zers.
Busy professionals, in particular, are cultivating newer habits, such as working out, yoga, and meditation, to improve mental clarity and calmness.
The transition from traditional warm drinks like coffee to matcha tea is one such habit.
Historically, matcha tea has been used for calming the nerves and bringing the heart rate down after a long day.
Alternatively, it can also be leveraged to help you ease into a hectic day — a common occurrence in the modern workplace.
Kiyomi Koike, founder of Yu Tea and ITMA-certified tea master, summarizes this: “Matcha is no longer just a beverage or supplement; it’s becoming a mindful ritual that reflects a person’s way of being – prioritizing calm energy and clarity amid busy lives.”
Furthermore, the preparation method of matcha tea can serve as a meditative ritual where one can gradually disconnect from the hustle and be more mindful before the first sip.
The overall experience can be useful for anyone, from senior executives in companies to college students managing academic stress.
Antioxidation Qualities
We need antioxidants to neutralize free radicals.
Free radicals are byproducts of biological processes, such as metabolism and immune responses.
These elements also get accumulated in our bodies due to external factors, such as pollution and UV rays.
Accumulation of free radicals, which are unstable molecules due to an unpaired electron, can damage our cells, proteins, and DNA.
Therefore, it’s pivotal to neutralize and excrete them to reduce skin aging, inflammation, and the chances of heart diseases and cancer.
Matcha tea is rich in different kinds of antioxidants, especially catechins like Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG).
On top of that, it contains vitamins C and E, chlorophyll, and polyphenols — all of which strengthen the beverage’s oxidation power.
Karolina Jakubczyk, a professor in the Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics at Pomeranian Medical University in Poland, confirms this through lab testing.
“I expected matcha to have a high antioxidant potential, but the result surprised me. It is by far the strongest antioxidant I have tested in the lab,” she exclaimed.
One of the key reasons why matcha tea is such a powerful antioxidant is that the leaves are ingested, not strained away, like commonly available green tea.
This can also help improve brain activity, as cognitive function can drop due to a higher concentration of free radicals.
Better Alternative to Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular warm beverages that people love to consume in the morning or at any time of the day.
The caffeine in the drink increases alertness, focus, and energy, which can boost productivity.
However, caffeine may have negative effects on some, especially if consumed in large quantities for long periods of time.
Common side effects include anxiety, insomnia, dehydration, and digestive issues.
A better alternative is matcha tea, which usually contains 30-70mg less caffeine per cup.
This can be easier on the bodies of caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Amy Davis, a registered dietician and nutrition consultant, explains: “Matcha has less caffeine than coffee, with about 70 mg per cup, versus coffee, which can have anywhere from 100 to 140 mg per cup.”
The lower dosage of caffeine gives a less intense “kick” compared to coffee, but the rise in alertness, focus, and energy stays longer.
Additionally, matcha tea drinkers are less likely to experience the energy crash.
Davis elaborates further: “Matcha is also known to provide a smoother, longer energy boost than coffee, likely due to its L-theanine content, while coffee provides a quick boost and subsequent crash for some individuals.”
Supports Weight Loss and Gut Health
A fast-paced lifestyle can make it difficult to eat healthy and exercise regularly.
Plenty of busy professionals who have sedentary lifestyles make meal choices that optimize time and efficiency.
Over time, this can lead to obesity, digestive issues, and other associated illnesses.
For such individuals, matcha tea can be a useful supplement.
The drink is known to promote weight loss and improve gut health.
Moreover, the beverage can be prepared within a couple of minutes and can be consumed on the go, adding to the convenience.
Dr. William W. Li, who has been studying the relationship between food and health for over 30 years, explains in The Mel Robbins Podcast: “Matcha is one of my favorite ways to enjoy green tea.
Unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are steeped in hot water and then discarded, matcha consists of the entire tea leaf ground into a fine powder.
This means you consume 100% of the polyphenols and catechins, which activate brown fat and help burn harmful white fat.”
The tea contains a healthy blend of caffeine and EGCG, which increases calorie consumption and reduces fat storage.
Consequently, even without much exercise, the rate of weight gain will be slower.
Similarly, matcha tea’s antioxidant properties work against inflammation, which improves gut health.
On top of that, polyphenols protect the internal lining of the intestines, enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption.
Wrapping Up
Americans, particularly millennials and Gen Zers, are gradually becoming health-conscious regarding their beverage choice.
This is reflected in the growing popularity of matcha tea over coffee across multiple states.
There are several reasons for this transformation, all backed by experts.
First, matcha tea helps calm the nerves down and achieve a meditative state, crucial for mental health and well-being in today’s world. Then, its antioxidation properties repair cells and prevent accelerated aging of the skin.
Next, the organic beverage is a better alternative to coffee due to its low caffeine content, which maintains energy levels consistently throughout the day and prevents abrupt crashes.
Finally, matcha tea is known for aiding in weight loss and optimizing gut health.
