When should you drink matcha? Morning, after eating, before bed? Here's the best time.

6 April 2025
موماتشا

If you're a matcha lover or thinking about trying it for the first time, you've probably wondered: When is the best time to drink matcha tea to get the maximum benefits?

Is it best to drink it in the morning as a coffee substitute? After a meal to stimulate digestion? Or even before bed to calm the nerves?

In this article, we'll explore the best times to drink matcha based on your goals: focus, energy, digestion, or relaxation. We'll also explain how the timing of drinking affects the absorption of matcha's active ingredients, such as caffeine and L-theanine, and which times are best avoided to prevent insomnia or energy fluctuations.


1. In the morning: The perfect start to a productive day

Many matcha lovers prefer drinking it in the morning instead of coffee, and the reason is clear:

  • Contains a moderate amount of caffeine (about 35-70 mg)
  • Rich in L-theanine, which provides a feeling of calm and focus.
  • Provides sustained energy that lasts 3 to 6 hours without a sudden crash.

When exactly?

⌛ 30 to 60 minutes after waking up, preferably on a semi-empty stomach.

✅ Suitable for those looking for an energetic start to the day, but without the jitters or heart palpitations like coffee.

2. Pre-workout: To boost performance and burn fat

Matcha is an excellent choice before light or moderate exercise:

  • Contains EGCG which promotes fat burning
  • Increases metabolic rate and helps generate energy
  • The caffeine in it helps increase endurance.

When exactly?

⌛ 30 to 45 minutes before exercise.

✅ Perfect for yoga, walking, or light cardio.

3. After meals: improve digestion and regulate sugar.

Drinking matcha after a main meal helps to:

  • Improve digestion thanks to antioxidants
  • Regulating blood sugar levels
  • Reduce sugar cravings

But beware:

❌ It is not recommended to drink it immediately after a heavy meal, especially one rich in fat, as it may reduce the absorption of some of the beneficial compounds in matcha.

When exactly?

⌛ 45 to 60 minutes after eating.


4. In the afternoon: to save focus without coffee

Instead of that second cup of coffee in the middle of the day, try a cup of matcha:

  • Relieves drowsiness after lunch
  • Increases mental focus
  • Helps complete tasks without mood swings

When exactly?

⌛ Between 1:00 and 3:00 PM.

✅ An ideal solution for those who suffer from energy slump after lunch.

5. Before bed? ⚠️ Carefully

Although matcha contains the calming L-theanine, it also contains caffeine, which makes it not ideal for everyone at night.

  • Some people are sensitive to caffeine, even in small doses.
  • Others are not affected, especially if they drink a small amount or use a low-caffeine cooking grade.

When can I try it?

⌛ 3 to 4 hours before bedtime, in a small amount.

⚠️ If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is best to avoid it at night.



Conclusion

The best time to drink matcha depends on your personal goal and your body's sensitivity to caffeine.

For most people, morning and after meals are the best times to reap the benefits of matcha, whether for energy, focus, or digestion.

As for before bed, it is relative and requires experimentation.

💡 Reminder: The quality of the matcha plays a big role in the effect, so choose high-quality products like Mo Matcha Matcha.