MatchaDB

2026Journal articleFree to read

From coffee to matcha: decoding the multidimensional competence of matcha as a sustainable and health-promoting coffee substitute.

Hu H, Zhang H, Liu Z, Liu Z, Yang C, Wang J

Journal of the science of food and agriculture

Read at the publisher →Free full text →PubMed

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the bioactive compounds, health benefits, and production processes of two globally popular stimulant beverages: coffee and matcha. Both beverages are rich in bioactive compounds such as caffeine, polyphenols, and amino acids, which contribute to their stimulating, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Coffee, with its long history and widespread cultural significance, is primarily known for its caffeine content, which enhances alertness and cognitive function. Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, contains higher concentrations of catechins, theanine, and caffeine, offering unique health benefits such as improved brain function, antioxidant activity, and potential anti-cancer properties. This review systematically compares the production and processing steps of coffee and matcha, highlighting the impact of these processes on their bioactive components and health benefits. Additionally, the review explores the applications of coffee and matcha in the food industry, emphasizing their roles as flavor enhancers, colorants, and functional ingredients in various food products. Despite the extensive research on coffee, studies on matcha remain limited, necessitating further investigation into its health effects and potential applications. This review employs bibliometric analysis (2021-2025) and comparatively assesses coffee and matcha within a multidimensional competence framework, covering production and processing, bioactive components, health effects, and food industry applications, providing insights into their unique properties and supporting their future development in the food and health industries. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

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Study type

Review

A narrative or scoping review of the literature.

Assigned automatically from the title, abstract and subject terms.

Topics

Matcha is a main subject here (named in the title).

Keywords and subject terms

Cite this study

Hu H, Zhang H, Liu Z, Liu Z, Yang C, Wang J. (2026). From coffee to matcha: decoding the multidimensional competence of matcha as a sustainable and health-promoting coffee substitute. Journal of the science of food and agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.70492

DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.70492 · PubMed ID: 41645939 · Cited by 1 (OpenAlex)

More on cognition, mood and stress

2020Journal articleFree to read

Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review.

Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, et al. — Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Japanese matcha is a type of powdered green tea, grown in a traditional way. Shading of the plants during the growth period enhances the processes of synthesis and accumulation of biologically active compounds, including theanine,…

ReviewCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 321×
2018Journal articleFree to read

Stress-Reducing Function of Matcha Green Tea in Animal Experiments and Clinical Trials.

Unno K, Furushima D, Hamamoto S, et al. — Nutrients

Theanine, a major amino acid in green tea, exhibits a stress-reducing effect in mice and humans. Matcha, which is essentially theanine-rich powdered green tea, is abundant in caffeine. Caffeine has a strong antagonistic effect against…

Randomized controlled trialCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 84×
2017Journal articleFree to read

An intervention study on the effect of matcha tea, in drink and snack bar formats, on mood and cognitive performance.

Dietz C, Dekker M, Piqueras-Fiszman B — Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)

Matcha tea is gaining popularity throughout the world in recent years and is frequently referred to as a mood-and-brain food. Previous research has demonstrated that three constituents present in matcha tea, l-theanine, epigallocatechin…

Randomized controlled trialCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 66×

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