Matcha, coffee, or both? How to optimize your energy

by Rune Åldstedt

What is it about us Norwegians and coffee? In Norway, we drink an average of 9-10 kilos of coffee per person per year. We're not going to ask you to stop. On the contrary, we love a good, freshly ground coffee just as much as you do.

But have you ever felt that coffee "loses its effect" later in the day? Or that the fifth cup around 3 PM gives you more heart palpitations than focus and energy? Or maybe you're one of those who loves the taste, but your stomach protests?

This is where matcha comes in. Not necessarily as a replacement, but as a strategic tool in your everyday toolbox. By understanding the difference in how coffee and matcha affect the body, you can tailor your own energy protocol. If you find the right balance for you and your life, you can actually call yourself a "bio-hacker". And we want to help you on your way.


Why "more coffee" is not always the answer

Coffee is fantastic because it provides a quick energy boost. Caffeine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to an immediate peak in energy. But what goes up quickly, often has to come down quickly. Some experience the famous "crash" 2-3 hours later.

If you then drink more coffee throughout the day to counteract the crash, you often end up in a cycle of nervous energy ("jitters") and ultimately potentially poor sleep, as coffee's half-life can be long.

Matcha works differently. Because you drink the entire tea leaf (not just an extract), and because the caffeine in matcha binds to the plant's phytochemicals, the energy is released more slowly. Think of coffee as a sprint, and matcha as a marathon – a steady flow of energy that can last for 4 to 6 hours without the sudden "crash" afterwards.

3 ways to balance your day

We are all different. Here are three "protocols" or suggestions for how you can integrate Got Matcha into your daily life, depending on what your body needs.


1. "The Zen Start" (matcha first, coffee later)

Best for: Those who easily get stressed by coffee on an empty stomach or want a softer start.

Did you know that the body's cortisol (stress hormone) levels are naturally at their highest in the morning? This is called the "Cortisol Awakening Response". We are all different. For some, a strong cup of coffee directly on this "fire" can lead to anxiety, trembling, or restlessness. 

  • 07:00 - Morning: Start the day with a Ceremonial Matcha.

  • Why: Matcha contains the amino acid L-Theanine, which promotes relaxation and counteracts caffeine's stress signals. This gives you an alert but calm start to the day ("calm alertness"). You avoid shocking your body before breakfast.

  • 10:00 - At work: Now that you've "settled in" and perhaps had something to eat, you can enjoy your first cup of coffee of the day with colleagues. Your system will likely tolerate the caffeine kick better. And you can kickstart your workday.


2. "The High Performer" (coffee first, matcha last)

Best for: Those who need a powerful kick to wake up, but hate the afternoon slump.

This is the strategy for the classic coffee lover who wants to avoid ruining their night's sleep.

  • 07:00 - Morning: Your favorite coffee. Enjoy the ritual, wake up abruptly, get your whole system going.

  • 12:00 - Afternoon: Replace your "lunch coffee" with a matcha latte or Got Matcha Black Label.

  • Why: Drinking coffee late in the day can stay in the body for many hours and disturb sleep quality. Matcha gives you renewed focus for the final sprint at work, but L-Theanine helps the brain stay stable. You'll have a gentler transition into the evening. 


3. "The Sensitive" (matcha only)

Best for: Those who experience stomach problems or acid reflux from coffee.

For some, the acidity in coffee is too harsh for the stomach. Coffee typically has a pH of around 4.5–5.0 (acidic), which can trigger reflux. And some are simply more sensitive to caffeine.

  • All day: Replace coffee entirely with Got Matcha.

  • Why: Matcha is almost pH-neutral (6.0–7.0) and much gentler on digestion. You still get caffeine (a cup of matcha has approx. 60-80mg, compared to coffee's 95mg+), but you avoid stomach discomfort. Our Black Label matcha is specially developed to maximize nutrient content, so you don't feel like you're "losing" anything by switching. But there's also nothing wrong with matcha latte or cacao matcha, which have slightly different properties in addition.


It's not just about caffeine

Perhaps you've heard about antioxidants, amino acids, and alpha waves? We won't delve too deeply into the science today, but it's important to know that when you drink Got Matcha, you're getting a unique cocktail of nutrients that are good for your body.

In our upcoming articles, we will thoroughly explore the health benefits:

  • Biohacking: We'll take a closer look at the research behind L-Theanine and why monks (and now top students) use matcha for extreme focus over time.

  • Body & Metabolism: Why matcha is called (poorly translated) "the Japanese metabolism secret".

  • Volcanic soil in Japan: Why terroir means as much for tea as for wine and coffee.

Are you ready to adjust your morning routine?

No matter if you're a skilled home barista or just looking for a way to avoid afternoon fatigue, we have a matcha that suits you. Feel free to ask us in the online store which matcha best suits your needs!

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