I feel I should start by saying that I’ve never been a big coffee drinker. No offense to anyone—coffee just never appealed to me, especially in its plain form.
Coffee only really entered my life when I moved to Italy. It was then that I started having the occasional cappuccino, but not solely for the taste. In Italy, drinking cappuccino, especially with Italians, is more than just a drink—it's an experience, a vibe.
When I began working in an office in the heart of Milan, coffee quickly became an excuse to escape the office during our short breaks. It was the perfect opportunity to gossip with coworkers and chat about everything happening around us.
Still, I never drank it because it made me feel good. In fact, coffee often made me feel jittery, triggered migraines, left me with a huge energy crash, and even made me thirstier. Worst of all, if I had it too late in the day, falling asleep at night became a real challenge.
The first time I tried matcha was when a Matcha Café opened in Milan. By then, matcha had already made its way into my social media feed through posts from famous models in the U.S. My curiosity had been piqued many times, but matcha wasn’t yet available in Milan, and I had no idea what it was or how to make it at home. Plus, my modeling career wasn’t exactly lucrative, and the matcha I could find was simply out of my budget.
When I finally tried matcha, I liked it, but I didn’t know much about it at the time.
As I transitioned out of modeling and into the corporate world, with a bit more disposable income, I started buying matcha here and there. However, I was often left disappointed as the quality didn’t always live up to the promises made.
Given my general interest in nutrition, I began researching matcha more seriously—learning about its benefits, different grades, and qualities. I became a true fan. I started bringing matcha with me to the office, and it quickly became part of my daily routine.
With matcha, I didn’t experience the highs and crashes that coffee brought. I didn’t feel anxious after drinking it either. This is largely thanks to the presence of L-theanine, a compound found in matcha that helps promote calmness without causing drowsiness. L-theanine works by stimulating the production of alpha brain waves, which are associated with a relaxed yet alert mental state. It also helps balance the caffeine in matcha, providing sustained energy without the typical jittery side effects.
Beyond just the steady energy, matcha has a host of other benefits that make it a great alternative to coffee. For one, matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help combat free radicals in the body and can reduce inflammation. Coffee has antioxidants too, but matcha contains significantly more—up to 137 times the antioxidants of regular green tea.
Another benefit is that matcha supports concentration and focus, making it ideal for those long workdays. The unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine helps improve cognitive function without the overstimulation that coffee can cause. In fact, the calm alertness matcha provides is often referred to as a "zen" energy.
Additionally, matcha is easier on the stomach. Coffee is highly acidic, which can lead to discomfort for some people, especially those prone to acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. Matcha, on the other hand, is much gentler on the digestive system, making it a great option for those looking to avoid the harshness of coffee.
When it comes to matcha, quality really makes a difference. That’s why Awaken Matcha is so important to me. It’s carefully sourced to ensure it offers the benefits that drew me to matcha in the first place: smooth energy without the crash, and a calming effect that supports focus. With every cup, I know I’m getting a high-quality product that is never bitter and always enjoyable. It's become an essential part of my routine, and I love that it reflects my values around mindful, healthy living.
Thanks to matcha, I now have a steady, calm energy levels throughout the day—something I never quite found in coffee. Plus, it’s a ritual I’ve come to love, not just for the benefits, but for the morning routine I have set around it that allows me for a moment where I can slow down and check in with myself.
love,
Saraya