How Many Calories Are In A Cup Of Matcha?
How Many Calories Are In A Cup Of Matcha?
Posted on June 04, 2021 | by Steve O'Dell
If you’re on the search for a caffeinated drink to help you power through the afternoon or start your morning with energy and focus, then green tea matcha might be the best option for you.
Not only is it chock full of earthy and delicious flavors that provide essential nutrients and antioxidants, but you won’t have to worry about the common side effects that often accompany other caffeinated drinks, like headaches and jitters.
Here at Tenzo Tea, we’re dedicated to providing you with all the essential information and tools you need to make the best choices for your diet and lifestyle. That’s why we carry tools like the Tenzo trial kit, and why we’re sharing what we know about the calories and side effects that go into a cup of matcha.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea that is harvested when the leaves are very young, which is part of what gives it so many wonderful health and wellness benefits, along with the rich flavors.
Unlike traditional teas, it is ground into a fine powder and then mixed directly into the hot water, rather than being steeped. This means matcha maintains more of its nutritional value and that it blends well with a lot of desserts and other types of recipes, due to its creamy consistency.
Matcha has been an essential part of civilization for over a thousand years. While it was first brought over from China, Japan is now known for its high-quality matcha, the result of wet, lush climates where resources and rich soil are plentiful. It has a long and important history and was used by monks, Samurai, and others throughout the centuries.
Today, matcha is a versatile and delicious addition to your favorite breakfast drinks, summer desserts, and everything in-between, the latest in a long and important history.
Benefits of Matcha
There are so many health and wellness benefits associated with regularly drinking matcha, it can be difficult to know where to start.
It Provides Energy and Focus
Not only will matcha help you to get through the day, but it can actually make your focus better and support you in completing those big projects.
Matcha energy is much gentler and longer-lasting than the type of energy you get from drinks like coffee, which means you’ll find yourself sagging less and focusing with ease.
Without the Crash
Not only will matcha provide you with enough energy to get through your day, but you won’t need to worry about the side effects that are often associated with caffeine.
One of the worst coffee side effects is the crash, which leaves you feeling more tired than you were before your first cup, but you’ll also skip the headaches, nausea, and jitters when you reach for a cup of matcha, instead.
It Boosts the Immune System
Matcha differs from other types of tea in that it is mixed into the hot water, rather than being steeped. That means it maintains more of its nutrients and antioxidants, which can have many benefits for your body, including boosting your immune system.
They also help to reduce tension, both in the digestive system and in the joints from conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel. You may even notice the added benefit of smoother skin and longer, stronger hair and nails.
It Can Reduce Feelings of Stress
Matcha tea has benefits for overall health and wellness, and that goes beyond the physical. There are many reasons that green tea can be useful for those managing the effects of stress.
Not only can it provide soothing, calming benefits, but it can also make it easier for you to fall asleep at night, which can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and make it easier to manage the stressors in your life. If you’re looking for an effective way to manage stress and other emotional health issues, matcha tea is an excellent option for your needs.
It Can Support Heart Health
The effects of matcha tea can help in the long and short term. Matcha tea is often recommended to improve and support heart health, as it has been shown to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a stroke or heart attack.
Of course, matcha tea should be added to a healthy, fruit and vegetable-rich diet, to ensure maximum efficiency.
It Promotes Oral Health
If you notice that you are managing the effects of poor breath or that you have sore gums, your morning coffee might be to blame. Coffee is incredibly acidic, which means it can contribute to the spread of the oral bacteria that cause bad breath and gum inflammation. Any coffee additives like sugar and milk can compound those effects, as well.
Matcha actually does the opposite. Not only does it not cause bacteria, but with its antioxidants and nutrients, it can help to prevent bacteria from growing and fight common oral hygiene problems. You’ll enjoy fresh breath and a healthy mouth thanks to matcha tea.
It Tastes Delicious
Matcha is incredibly versatile and can be used in a lot of different ways, depending on your lifestyle and tastebuds. The classic preparation for matcha is powder in hot water, but you can also make a morning latte or add it to your breakfast oatmeal or smoothie. Matcha is an excellent addition to brownies, ice cream, puddings, and tarts, as well, though moderation is always key.
How Many Calories Are in a Cup of Matcha?
All of these benefits to regularly drinking matcha tea may sound great, but you might be wondering if there are any negative side effects to consider. After all, how many calories does a cup of matcha tea really have?
The number of calories in a cup of matcha tea will depend on how you’re preparing it and what other ingredients the recipe calls for, similarly to coffee or other types of tea.
On its own, matcha powder only has about two to seven calories in a single teaspoon, and if you prepare your morning matcha with hot coffee and no additives, then you can enjoy it without worry.
Of course, you deserve a morning boost that protects your mind and body and leaves you feeling energized, and there are many ways to prepare matcha with recipes and ingredients that you’re sure to love.
With so many choices to pick from, you may find that certain matcha options have a lot more calories than others. For instance, if you make a matcha latte with dairy or oat milk, you can expect it to have about 190 calories. Matcha smoothies mixed with other types of fruit can have higher sugar and calorie count but a lot of health and wellness benefits, and matcha brownies, puddings, and ice creams will have high-calorie counts based on the other ingredients
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite recipes! In fact, here at Tenzo Tea, we’re dedicated to providing great matcha options to anyone who wants to enjoy them. But it’s always best to practice moderation when consuming rich or sweet drinks and beverages, even with all the added benefits of matcha, to be sure you’re not canceling them out.
When in doubt—or when you just need a boost to get you through the rest of the day—reach for a good old-fashioned dash of matcha powder in some hot water. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
In Summary
Like many coffee and tea drinks, the number of calories in a cup of matcha is going to vary depending on what kind of drink or dish you make. Matcha can have as few as two or three calories when mixed only with water. If you’re looking for a richer, sweeter, or more fulfilling recipe, you may find that your matcha dish or drink has a lot more calories.
But don’t worry. Enjoying matcha desserts and lattes in moderation can be a great way to get the many benefits of matcha in your diet, as long as you’re careful and intentional.
You’ll notice better energy and focus without the crash, jitters, or headaches, a boosted immune system from the vitamins and nutrients in the green tea and even improved oral health. Matcha is also known for supporting mental health and making it easier to manage the effects of anxiety.
To learn more about the benefits and uses of matcha tea and to begin making your own at home, make Tenzo Tea your first stop. Order high-quality matcha from our team and check out easy and delicious recipes today.
Sources:
Caffeine | Princeton University Health Services
Stress-Reducing Function of Matcha Green Tea in Animal Experiments and Clinical Trials | NCBI
The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations | American Heart Association
