Matcha vs. Moringa: Health Benefits, Flavor, Recipes (2024)

Matcha and moringa are two of our favorite superfoods. Why? They’re antioxidant-packed, boast some serious health perks, and can be made into super cozy morning beverages (matcha latte and moringa latte). They can even be used together to create a “half-caff” latte since moringa is caffeine-free.

Matcha vs. Moringa

While matcha was our first love, moringa more recently stole our hearts. Here’s why.

Matcha

Matcha has a rich, grassy, slightly floral and sweet flavor (depending on the quality — see our full guide to the Best Matchas here). It contains137 timesmore antioxidants than brewed green tea (like, whoa). Both matcha and brewed green tea come from the tea plant (camellia sinensis), but with matcha, the entire leaf is consumed.

It has traditionally been consumed as part of Japanese tea ceremonies. You can learn more about matcha’s fascinating historyhere.

Health Benefits of Matcha

Researchsuggests that green tea supports brain health and has anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory effects. And we’ve already established that matcha is even more potent than green tea!

It’s rich in vitamin C, the calming amino acid L-theanine, and a flurry of antioxidants (most notably, the powerful EGCG).

Moringa

Known as the “miracle tree,” moringa is native to India and also grows in Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond! It’s part of a family called Moringaceae, which is classified in the order Brassicales alongside cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower.

Moringa leaves can be consumed in salads, stews, and beyond, but more commonly you’ll find moringa available in powdered form (our preferred). Moringa is also grassy and earthy in flavor, but it’s slightly more spicy and less floral/aromatic than matcha.

Health Benefits of Moringa

Moringa is rich in nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, protein, and a variety of antioxidants.Some claimit is “the most nutrient-rich plant yet discovered.”

In addition to its stellar nutritional profile, moringa is thought to have anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. And it’s been used around the world for centuries to treat conditions such as anemia, anxiety, skin infections, bronchitis, and more.

Researchon humans supports claims that moringa leaf powder may help those with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and/or low antioxidant status.

Main Differences Between Matcha & Moringa

Flavor

When it comes to flavor, in our opinion, matcha wins out. Moringa has a similar but slightly more spicy, pungent flavor than matcha. However, over time the flavor grows on you!

Caffeine Content

Unlike matcha, moringa is caffeine-free. But based on personal experience, matcha is a gentler source of caffeine than coffee (we’ve noticed there’s no head rush or jitters with matcha — it’s a smoother uptick and energy without the crash).

If you’re wanting to wean off of coffee, we’d suggest starting with matcha and then transitioning to using half matcha/half moringa and eventually just moringa.

Nutrients

According to moringa supplier Kuli Kuli, moringa contains more fiber, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E than matcha. But in the battle of matcha vs. moringa, matcha wins when it comes to the antioxidant EGCG and the calming amino acid L-theanine (moringa doesn’t contain either).

Which Brands to Buy?

It’s important to note that not all matcha and moringa powders are of the same quality. Different brands can vary in flavor, texture, and most noticeably, color vibrancy (which indicates antioxidant potency). If you’re new to matcha or moringa or wanting to know thebestbrands to buy, make sure to check out our unbiasedMatcha Review and Moringa Review!

Matcha Recipes

Matcha can be used intea lattes,smoothies,desserts,snacks, and more!

Moringa Recipes

Moringa makes delicious lattes and also works well in nearly any recipe that calls for matcha. You can also try adding a half teaspoon to smoothies, such as our Mango Ginger Kale Green Smoothie or Creamy Zucchini Blueberry Smoothie.

If you give any of these recipes a try, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag it#minimalistbakeron Instagram.