You can never have too much matcha, right?
It’s earthy, it’s energizing, and it’s been around for over 1,000 years – but there’s more to love than the flavor. Major research institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Health have found that there are plenty of amazing benefits of drinking matcha. Just a quick snapshot of what the studies have suggested:
- Matcha can help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol
- Polyphenols in matcha are strong anti-inflammatory agents
- L-theanine makes matcha a powerhouse for boosting concentration and focus
- Matcha has 137x more antioxidant catechins as other types of green tea
- All those antioxidants and polyphenols may also help improve insulin sensitivity
Which is frankly already a lot to pack into one cup!
But the question on everyone’s mind where matcha is concerned – if regular green tea is a known fat burner, does that mean matcha can snatch your waistline too?
Does matcha make you skinny??
The short answer is it depends a lot on other factors, like the other ingredients in your matcha blend that might be helping or hurting your weight loss efforts. But don’t worry, we’re doing a deep dive into whether or not matcha is a worthwhile addition to your weight loss routine!
The tea is piping hot (or should we say, nice and frothy?), so let’s take our first sip 🍵
First Things First: What Is Matcha?
Tea can come in a few different formats – and most tea drinkers can tell you the most common ones are tea bags or loose leaf teas you pop into your favorite diffuser, but steep much the same way. After a few minutes in hot water, you toss out the leaves, and your tea is fully brewed and ready to drink or pour over ice.
Matcha works a little different.
For starters, matcha comes in the form of a finely ground powder made from specially shade-grown tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves in hot water and then discard them, matcha is made by whisking the actual tea leaf powder into water or milk—meaning you’re consuming the entire leaf.
That means that you get many of the same beneficial compounds you’ll find in green tea from a cup of matcha, but in higher concentrations. We’re talking things like:
- Catechins (especially EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate), a type of antioxidant
- Caffeine, though usually less than coffee but more than regular green tea
- L-theanine, an amino acid that helps balance the effects of caffeine and promotes calm alertness
Because of this unique combination, matcha has a reputation for boosting focus and energy without the jitters – making it a popular choice for those who find coffee and espresso drinks to be a little much.
But where do these rumors about matcha helping you slim down come into play?
The Big Question: Does Matcha Make You Skinny?
Obviously, there’s no magic food or drink that can make you skinny, and matcha is no exception.
However, many of the compounds in matcha – particularly its catechins and caffeine – have been proven to support weight management in a couple of key ways.
1. Matcha can boost your metabolism.
That means your body is burning calories faster overall. Studies have shown that green tea catechins, especially EGCG like you’ll find in high concentrations in matcha, increase thermogenesis. Translation? They increase the rate at which your body burns calories for heat and energy, aka, it boosts your metabolism.
When you combine those catechins with caffeine, which also boost metabolism – your body burns slightly more calories all day long. Not exactly a magic potion, but helpful nonetheless!
2. Matcha can enhance fat oxidation.
This is the big question for anyone on a weight loss journey – how to turn stored fat back into energy your body can burn. Those same catechins have been linked to enhanced fat breakdown, possibly by increasing norepinephrine levels (a hormone involved in metabolizing fat).
3. Matcha can help curb cravings.
The best way to lose weight is to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine, period. But matcha might help make that easier. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine helps control your appetite, reducing instances of stress-eating and giving you a sense of non-jittery focus instead.
The bottom line: Matcha isn’t a get-skinny-quick solution, but can provide some benefits that support your overall weight loss efforts.
🚩 But Watch Out! Hidden Sugar Can Offset the Benefits of Matcha!!
Like we’ve covered, matcha itself can be a helpful tool for weight loss thanks to the fat-burning, metabolism-boosting powers of green tea that matcha takes to the next level. But not all matcha drinks are created equally.
Let’s compare the nutrition labels of some of the tastiest matcha drinks on the market:
🍵 A grande (16 oz) Starbucks Matcha Latte contains 32g of sugar
🍵 A medium (16 oz) Caribou Coffee Vanilla Matcha Latte contains 38g of sugar
🍵 A medium (16 oz) Dunkin’ Iced Matcha Latte contains 32g of sugar
For comparison, that’s about as much sugar as you’ll find in a regular 12 oz can of soda.
Meanwhile, the American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 36g of sugar per day for men and 25g of added sugar per day for women. That’s not even for weight loss – just maintaining overall health.
None of that is to say you have to swear off your favorite matcha drink from Starbies forever – but if you’re looking to lose weight, you’ll want to indulge in moderation rather than use it as part of your weight loss strategy.
So if you do want to boost your weight loss results with the benefits of matcha, it might be helpful to mix up a delicious drink at home, where you can control what goes into your glass!
Explore Dr. Emil Multi Collagen Peptides + Matcha >>
Choosing the Best At-Home Matcha Powder for Weight Loss
Just like pre-made drinks from your favorite local tea shop or coffee chain, matcha powders you mix up at home can have extra ingredients that help or hurt your wellness goals.
Sugar tends to be the biggest one that gets snuck in there – since matcha naturally has an umami flavor, some brands use sugar to offset that slight bitterness.
However, you can also find matcha powder that gives your weight loss goals some extra support with ingredients that support your joints, muscle, and more. For example, Dr. Emil Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Peptides Plus Matcha contains a cutting-edge blend of multi-collagen peptides and tasty matcha tea.
Collagen supports healthy joints – which is super helpful for anyone leading an active lifestyle as a part of their weight loss goals – not to mention, it keeps your hair, skin, and nails looking their best.
Matcha vs. Coffee for Weight Loss
A lot of people wonder: is matcha better than coffee for slimming down?
Well here’s how the two stack up.
- Caffeine Content: Coffee usually has more caffeine than matcha, which can suppress appetite and boost metabolism in the short term.
- L-theanine Advantage: Matcha contains L-theanine, which helps prevent caffeine crashes and may reduce stress eating.
- Catechins: Coffee doesn’t contain EGCG, while matcha is rich in it—giving matcha an edge for fat oxidation and metabolic benefits.
If your goal is weight management, both drinks can play a role, but matcha may offer a gentler and more sustainable approach, particularly if you’re prone to the coffee jitters.
The Reality Check: Why Matcha Won’t Work Alone
It’s tempting to believe that drinking a matcha latte every morning will magically make the pounds melt away. But the reality is:
- Calories still count. If your matcha latte is loaded with whole milk and sweet syrups, it can be just as calorie-heavy as a Starbucks Frappuccino.
- Lifestyle matters. Matcha can only boost weight loss when paired with mindful eating, physical activity, and healthy sleep.
- Individual differences exist. Some people respond strongly to catechins and caffeine; others may not notice much of a difference.
Think of matcha as a supporting player in your weight loss journey—not the star of the show!
How to Drink Matcha for Weight Management
Wanna get the most out of your matcha? Here’s how to incorporate it into your weight loss routine so that it gives you as much support as possible.
- Keep It Simple. The healthiest way is whisked matcha with hot water—no sugar, no milk. It’s bold, but it will give you a boost.
- Choose Plant-Based Milks Wisely. If you prefer a latte, opt for unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk to keep calories and fat down.
- Time It with Exercise. Drinking matcha 30–60 minutes before your workout may enhance fat oxidation and energy.
- Stay Consistent! Like other components of your wellness routine, the biggest benefits of drinking matcha come with regular use, not just an occasional cup. Try incorporating it into your daily routine.
- Watch Serving Sizes. 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder per day is plenty. More isn’t necessarily better and could lead to caffeine overload!
FAQs About Matcha and Weight Loss
1. Does matcha burn belly fat?
Matcha isn’t targeted. No drink or exercise can burn fat in just one area. But by boosting overall metabolism and fat oxidation, it may help reduce body fat over time.
2. How much matcha should I drink to lose weight?
Most studies show benefits with 1–2 cups per day. Going overboard won’t necessarily speed things up and may cause side effects from caffeine.
3. Can I drink matcha on an empty stomach?
Yes, but some people experience mild stomach upset. Try pairing it with a light snack if that happens.
4. Which matcha is best for weight loss?
Go for high-quality ceremonial or culinary grade matcha with no added sugar. Organic is a good choice to avoid pesticide residues.
5. Is matcha better than green tea for weight loss?
Yes. Since you consume the whole leaf, matcha is more concentrated in catechins and caffeine than steeped green tea.
Final Verdict: Can Matcha Make You Skinny?
Here’s the truth: Matcha alone won’t make you skinny. No single food or drink can do that. But when used wisely, matcha can definitely be a helpful ally in living a healthy lifestyle. Its unique mix of caffeine, catechins, and L-theanine makes it great for boosting metabolism, enhancing workouts, and curbing cravings. It can also replace higher calorie drink if you choose the right matcha blend to make at home..
So think of matcha as a team mate helping you along on your weight loss journey, not a magic bullet. If you enjoy the ritual and flavor of matcha tea, and you pair it with balanced nutrition and movement, it just might help you reach your goals a little faster—and feel good while doing it.
Good luck!
