The Antioxidant Power of Matcha and Dark Chocolate
matcha and chocolate ·

The Antioxidant Power of Matcha and Dark Chocolate

by Elara Hadjipateras

Some pairings just make sense: peanut butter and jelly, sea salt and caramel... and yes, matcha and dark chocolate.

This one’s more than just a flavor match, it’s a functional duo loaded with powerful antioxidants that can support your focus, heart health, digestion, and mood. Both ingredients have been studied for their protective benefits, and when you bring them together? You get a smart, delicious way to boost your wellness routine.

health benefits of combining matcha and chocolate

1. Double the antioxidants, double the fun 

Matcha and dark chocolate are both rich in antioxidants, but they bring different compounds to the table.

  • Matcha is packed with catechins, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a potent antioxidant linked to cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.

  • Dark chocolate is high in flavanols, which help support blood flow, cellular health, and reduce oxidative stress.

Together, they work to:

2. Energy and focus without the crash

This duo offers clean, focused energy that’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up.

  • Matcha delivers moderate caffeine (an average of around 70g per serving) and L-theanine, which promotes calm, focused, alertness.

  • Dark chocolate adds a bit of caffeine and theobromine, a gentle stimulant that supports mental clarity.

Together, they provide:

dark chocolate and matcha

3. Mood boosting benefits

Both matcha and dark chocolate support a better mood naturally.

  • Dark chocolate contains compounds like PEA (phenylethylamine) and anandamide, known to promote a sense of pleasure and happiness.

  • Matcha’s L-theanine has calming properties and helps ease daily stress.

This pairing offers a moment of calm and clarity without feeling heavy or overly indulgent.

4. Gut and metabolic support

While they’re often thought of as sweet treats, matcha and dark chocolate both support digestion and metabolism - especially when consumed in moderation.

  • Matcha contains polyphenols and trace fiber that may help support beneficial gut bacteria and ramp up your metabolism.

  • Dark chocolate (especially at 70% cacao or higher) can improve insulin sensitivity and also support gut microbiome diversity.

When paired:

chocolate matcha powder benefits

5. A delicious, antioxidant-packed treat

The best part? You don’t need a complicated recipe to enjoy this pairing plus you can easily sub dark chocolate into any recipe that calls for milk or white chocolate. 

Easy ways to try matcha and dark chocolate together:

The bottom line

Matcha and dark chocolate are antioxidant rich superfoods that work better together. They support energy, digestion, brain function, heart health, and mood all while satisfying your sweet tooth in a balanced, nourishing way.

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 as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. 

Resources:

Katz, D. L., Doughty, K., & Ali, A. (2011). Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 15(10), 2779–2811. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2010.3697

Jakubczyk, K., Kochman, J., Kwiatkowska, A., Kałduńska, J., Dec, K., Kawczuga, D., & Janda, K. (2020). Antioxidant Properties and Nutritional Composition of Matcha Green Tea. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 9(4), 483. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9040483

Sokolov, A. N., Pavlova, M. A., Klosterhalfen, S., & Enck, P. (2013). Chocolate and the brain: neurobiological impact of cocoa flavanols on cognition and behavior. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 37(10 Pt 2), 2445–2453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.06.013

Nobre, A. C., Rao, A., & Owen, G. N. (2008). L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 17 Suppl 1, 167–168.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328/

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