Matcha versus Coffee: Comparative Effects on Cognitive Performance, Stress Response and Cardiometabolic Health in Physically Active Individuals – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background. Matcha and coffee are widely consumed sources of caffeine and other bioactive compounds. Caffeine-mediated effects are well established, but the distinct phytochemical profiles of these beverages contribute to different physiological responses. Direct comparisons between matcha and coffee remain limited. Aim. We aim to compare the effects of matcha and coffee on cognitive performance, stress response, and cardiometabolic health, with emphasis on their practical relevance for physically active individuals and their potential applications before, during, and after exercise. Material and methods. This narrative review analyzed recent publications identified through manual searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Results. Both beverages provide caffeine and may improve alertness, attention, and exercise performance, with coffee currently supported by larger evidence base for acute ergogenic effects. Matcha produce a more balanced state of alertness and may be advantageous for sustained attention under conditions of psychological and subjective arousal. Matcha-derived catechins may influence blood pressure, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Coffee consumption has been associated with favorable or neutral long-term cardiometabolic outcomes. Conclusions. Matcha and coffee should not be viewed as competing beverages, but sources of distinct combinations of bioactive compounds with potentially complementary functional profiles. Coffee has the strongest evidence for rapid caffeine-mediated stimulation and acute exercise performance, whereas matcha is relevant to sustained cognitive engagement and regular exposure to tea-derived polyphenols.