When is the best time to drink matcha?

Whether you are looking for more energy, a moment of relaxation, or a boost to your metabolism, matcha can be drunk at different times of the day to experience benefits. But when is the best time to drink matcha to make the most of its benefits? We dive into the different options.

Drinking matcha in the morning

For many people, morning is the best time to drink matcha, and for good reason. Matcha contains caffeine, but unlike coffee, it gives a longer-lasting energy boost without the peaks and troughs you might experience with coffee. This is because the caffeine in matcha is bound to catechins, antioxidants that slow the absorption of caffeine. The result is a slow and steady release of energy that can last for hours.

In addition, matcha contains the amino acid L-theanine, known for its calming properties. L-theanine promotes relaxation without drowsiness and helps counteract the negative effects of caffeine (such as nervousness). Drinking matcha in the morning thus gives you both energy and a sense of calm and focus. It is therefore ideal to start your day with, especially if you have a busy or stressful day ahead of you.

When should you drink matcha in the morning? The best time to drink matcha in the morning is about 30 minutes after breakfast. This ensures that your stomach is filled, maximising the absorption of nutrients and preventing you from feeling too empty.

Before exercise

If you have an active lifestyle and exercise regularly, drinking matcha before your workout can be an excellent way to improve your performance. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, including EGCG, which can boost your metabolism and promote fat burning. Moreover, the caffeine in matcha improves focus and stamina during exercise.

Many athletes drink matcha about 30 to 45 minutes before their workout to get the most out of the natural energy boost. Matcha helps you keep going longer without experiencing an energy dip, as is often the case with other pre-workout drinks.

Drinking matcha in the afternoon

The afternoon is often the time when people experience an energy slump. This is the time when many reach for a second (or third) cup of coffee, but matcha can be a much better choice. As mentioned earlier, matcha offers a slow and steady energy release without the infamous ‘caffeine crash’ you often get with coffee. This makes matcha a perfect drink to drink in the afternoon when you need a pick-me-up.

It is a good idea to drink matcha instead of coffee because it increases your alertness and concentration without making you feel nervous or restless. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine helps you stay clear and focused, which is especially useful if you are working on a project that requires concentration or if you are in a meeting.

When to drink in the afternoon? The best time to drink matcha in the afternoon is around 14:00-15:00, when most people experience an energy dip. This will give you the energy to stay productive for the rest of the working day without too much caffeine right before bed.

Before bed

Although matcha can have a calming effect due to the amino acid L-theanine, it may not be the best drink to drink right before bed because of the amount of caffeine. However, the calming effect of L-theanine can help reduce stress and tension, so if you are sensitive to caffeine, you might consider drinking a smaller amount of matcha in the early evening. For most people, however, it is better to avoid matcha within 4-6 hours before bedtime to prevent it from disrupting your sleep.

Matcha after eating

Another good time to drink matcha is after meals. The antioxidants in matcha, such as EGCG, have anti-inflammatory properties and can support your digestion. This makes matcha an ideal drink after a heavy meal to aid your digestion and reduce bloating.

Many people choose to drink matcha after lunch or dinner, especially when they have had a meal that is a bit heavier on the stomach. Moreover, matcha can help stabilise your blood sugar levels, which can be useful to avoid the dip after a carbohydrate-rich meal.

There is no ‘perfect’ time that applies to everyone, but matcha can be drunk at different times of the day, depending on your goals. Want an energetic start to your day? Then the morning is ideal. Do you exercise often? Then try matcha before your workout. Do you suffer from an afternoon dip? Then matcha is an excellent alternative to coffee in the afternoon.

The most important thing is to listen to your own body and discover at what times matcha works best for you. By drinking matcha at the - for you - right time, you can take full advantage of the many health benefits this unique Japanese green tea offers.