I didn’t start drinking matcha because I thought it would change my life. I was just looking for a gentler alternative to coffee - something that would give me energy without the crash or the jitters.
One year later, matcha has become one of the few daily habits I genuinely look forward to. I experienced some amazing short term benefits but the long term benefits have added up in ways I didn’t expect.
Here’s what changed for me when I drank matcha every day for a year.
First, I swapped matcha for coffee
In the beginning, it was all about the caffeine. I wanted something that wouldn’t leave me anxious or wide awake at 1 a.m. Matcha delivers a smooth boost of energy, thanks to its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine (an amino acid that promotes calm focus).
In those first few weeks, I noticed:
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No more afternoon energy crashes
- Less anxiety and tension after my morning drink
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A more sustained sense of alertness, especially during long work sessions
By month two, I had completely switched to matcha and didn’t miss coffee at all.
Learn about the differences between coffee and matcha here.
4 Tips to keep in mind when switching from coffee to matcha
Then came the mental clarity
Around the 3 - 4 month mark, I noticed a subtle but important shift: my brain felt sharper in the morning. I wasn’t struggling to find words in early AM meetings or forgetting what I walked into a room for. That foggy, “I need another cup of something” feeling was basically gone.
Matcha is high in EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that’s been linked to improved cognitive function, better memory, and even protection against neurodegenerative disease. I can’t prove it’s the sole reason I felt more mentally clear but it was the only real change I made during that time.
My skin and digestion started to improve
This part took longer, about 5 to 6 months, but I noticed my skin started to look more even and less inflamed around a breakout or sunburn. I’ve dealt with mild redness and occasional hormonal breakouts for years, and while matcha didn’t fix my skin forever, it definitely helped reduce flare ups.
Matcha is rich in chlorophyll and catechins, which can support detoxification and reduce inflammation from the inside out.
Around the same time, my digestion became noticeably more regular. Less bloating, less heaviness after meals. I wasn’t expecting this, but it makes sense - matcha is known to support gut health and metabolism, and it became a natural part of my morning routine.
My sleep quality improved too
This one surprised me. Matcha contains caffeine, so I didn’t exactly expect it to have a positive effect on sleep but it did. The key, I learned, is timing.
Because matcha gives a clean, focused kind of energy without the jittery high of coffee, I found it easier to wind down at night. I wasn’t riding the ups and downs of a caffeine rollercoaster. I also stopped reaching for that late afternoon pick-me-up, which made it easier to fall asleep naturally.
My body stopped associating mornings with the jittery/anxious feeling I’d get from coffee and started to crave the gentle lift into clarity and alertness that matcha brings. It made waking, falling asleep and staying asleep easier and more consistent.
I became more intentional with my mornings
I didn’t realize how rushed my mornings felt until matcha made me slow down. Making matcha takes just a couple of extra minutes, but it’s a calming ritual: heating the water, whisking the powder, watching the bright green foam form at the top.
It helped me set the tone for the day and those two minutes of calm turned into a bigger shift. I started doing other things more intentionally too, like stretching in the morning or prepping breakfast instead of just grabbing a quick to-go bar every day. Journaling while drinking my matcha became a habit I looked forward to starting my day with.
Now it’s a non-negotiable part of my routine
After a year, matcha is more than just a caffeine drink, it’s a daily anchor. I feel better physically and mentally, and I haven’t had the urge to go back to coffee or energy drinks since I made the switch.
Here are the benefits that stuck with me the most after a year of drinking matcha every day:
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Steady energy without the crash
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Improved focus and memory
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Clearer skin and smoother digestion
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Better sleep quality
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A calmer, more grounded start to the day
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Confidence in a long-term habit that actually supports my health
Matcha isn’t a magic pill. It’s a small daily choice that adds up and after a year, I’m seeing the payoff.
The Bottom line
Drinking matcha regularly for a year didn’t change everything all at once but it changed a lot over time. The biggest surprise? How something so simple could improve my energy, skin, focus, and overall well-being without requiring a major lifestyle overhaul.
If you’re considering adding matcha to your routine, start small. One serving a day is enough to make a difference and if you stick with it, your future self will thank you.
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.
Some matcha recipes you’ll love
Vanilla matcha pina colada smoothie
Resources:
Cabrera, C., Artacho, R., & Giménez, R. (2006). Beneficial effects of green tea--a review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 25(2), 79–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2006.10719518
Uchida, K., Meno, K., Korenaga, T., Liu, S., Suzuki, H., Baba, Y., Tagata, C., Araki, Y., Tsunemi, S., Aso, K., Inagaki, S., Nakagawa, S., Kobayashi, M., Kakuma, T., Asada, T., Ota, M., Takihara, T., & Arai, T. (2024). Effect of matcha green tea on cognitive functions and sleep quality in older adults with cognitive decline: A randomized controlled study over 12 months. PloS one, 19(8), e0309287. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309287
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
