Summer can be a great time to revamp your routines a bit, and if you’ve been looking to make the swap to matcha, here’s your sign to give it a go!
While traditionally made hot, matcha is delicious cold and can be especially refreshing, easy to make, and gives you a steadier kind of energy than other caffeinated drinks. Plus, matcha (and green tea) has tons of research backing its health benefits. You’re getting antioxidants, naturally occurring L-theanine, and caffeine all in one drink.
Whether you enjoy it iced, shaken with citrus, or blended into smoothies, we think matcha deserves a place in your summer rotation.
Here are three reasons matcha deserves a permanent spot in your summer lineup.
1. Matcha provides calm, sustained energy without the jitters
Summer can be a surprisingly draining time. The days are long, and schedules can be jam-packed. So, if you feel like you need a little boost of energy, that’s normal.
One of the reasons matcha has become so popular globally in the past few years is that it feels very different compared to coffee or other caffeinated drinks.
Matcha is made from finely ground whole green tea leaves, so it contains both caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine. This unique combination is what gives matcha its signature “calm alertness.” Instead of the sharp spike and crash often associated with coffee or energy drinks, many people say they feel more focused, steady, and clear-headed for longer.
L-theanine has also been studied for its ability to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness, which may help take the edge off caffeine’s stimulating effects. So, if you’re looking for something to help with early mornings, afternoon slumps, or even as a pre-workout, matcha may be a great option.
And if you’re an iced coffee lover, don’t worry, because matcha tastes great made cold as well.
2. It’s packed with antioxidants
In addition to being a great energy source, matcha also offers impressive health benefits. Mostly thanks to its high antioxidant content.
Green tea naturally contains compounds called catechins, antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress. Matcha is particularly rich in one catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which has been widely studied for its potential health benefits.
Because you consume the entire tea leaf when drinking matcha, you get a more concentrated source of these beneficial plant compounds compared to steeped green tea.
Antioxidants have been shown to help support the body’s natural defenses against free radicals, unstable molecules produced by normal metabolism and by exposure to factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and stress. Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods, like matcha, can be one step towards a healthier life.
3. It’s versatile and refreshing
One of the things we love most about matcha is its versatility. There’s a matcha out there for just about everyone.
If you’re looking for something simple and refreshing, try a traditional iced matcha made with just cold water and ice. You can always add a splash of milk or a sweetener of your choice, too.
If you need a quick and healthy breakfast, add a scoop of matcha to a smoothie with frozen fruit and Greek yogurt, then top with granola.
If you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, an iced strawberry matcha latte or coconut matcha cooler might be just the ticket.
Matcha is also great to bake and cook with and works really well with seasonal summer foods like berries, peaches, mango, mint, lemon, and coconut. It has an earthy, umami flavor that balances well with desserts.
Another advantage we love about matcha is that it’s quite easy to drink just about anywhere you are. Instead of spending money on expensive café drinks, you can make your own café-worthy matcha in just a few minutes with a bamboo whisk or shaker bottle.
For those trying to stay hydrated during hot weather, iced matcha can also be a great alternative to overly sweet coffee drinks. When prepared with water or milk, it can also be a great way to stay hydrated in the heat.
Check out all of our delicious matcha recipes here!
Bottom line
Summer is the perfect time to lean into habits that help you feel energized, nourished, and refreshed, and matcha can check all three boxes.
With its calm, sustained energy, powerful antioxidant content, and endless versatility, matcha is more than just a caffeine boost. Whether you love it as a simple iced tea, blended into smoothies, or turned into something fun and seasonal, it can be an easy addition to a healthy summer routine.
Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
Resources:
Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. Curr Res Food Sci. 2022 Nov 23;6:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015. PMID: 36582446; PMCID: PMC9792400.
Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301513. PMID: 18681988.
Forester SC, Lambert JD. The role of antioxidant versus pro-oxidant effects of green tea polyphenols in cancer prevention. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011 Jun;55(6):844-54. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201000641. Epub 2011 May 2. PMID: 21538850; PMCID: PMC3679539.
Zehiroglu C, Ozturk Sarikaya SB. The importance of antioxidants and place in today's scientific and technological studies. J Food Sci Technol. 2019 Nov;56(11):4757-4774. doi: 10.1007/s13197-019-03952-x. Epub 2019 Jul 29. PMID: 31741500; PMCID: PMC6828919.
