In today’s rapidly changing world, economic uncertainty is having a significant impact on mental well-being. From inflation and rising housing costs to job insecurity and financial instability, an increasing number of Americans are experiencing heightened anxiety about their personal finances and the broader U.S. economy. A recent Gallup poll revealed that 53% of Americans believe their financial situation is worsening, marking the highest rate of financial pessimism since 2001 (Gallup, 2025). Similarly, a 2025 Bankrate survey reported that 43% of U.S. adults say money is negatively affecting their mental health, with inflation being the most commonly cited factor (Medical Xpress, 2025).
As financial stress continues to rise, people are turning to natural and accessible wellness practices to help manage their mental well-being. One such option gaining widespread attention is matcha—an ancient Japanese green tea powder renowned for its calming yet energizing properties. Today, matcha is more than a trend; it’s a science-backed, nutrient-rich beverage that supports balance in both mind and body.
1. What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves, known as tencha, that are stone-milled into a vibrant green powder. Unlike traditional green tea, where leaves are steeped and then discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf, offering a more concentrated source of nutrients such as antioxidants, amino acids, chlorophyll, L-theanine, and caffeine.
Matcha’s Rise in Japan
Matcha has deep roots in Japanese culture, dating back to the 12th century when Zen Buddhist monks introduced tea seeds from China and developed the ritualized tea ceremony, known as chanoyu. Monks used matcha to enhance meditation through sustained calm and alertness—a balance credited to the synergistic effects of caffeine and L-theanine.
Over the centuries, matcha has become a symbol of mindfulness, hospitality, and seasonal beauty in Japan. Today, it is not only a ceremonial drink but also enjoyed in everyday settings throughout Japan, from teahouses to convenience stores.
Matcha in the United States
Matcha gained significant popularity in the U.S. in the early 2010s as health-conscious consumers began seeking functional foods and natural energy boosters. Wellness trends, influencer culture, and the appeal of matcha’s unique flavor and striking color helped it move beyond niche health food stores into mainstream coffee shops, grocery aisles, and social media feeds.
Its reputation for promoting calm alertness, providing a source of antioxidants, and offering versatility in recipes has fueled matcha's place in American health and culinary culture.
Popular Matcha Drinks
Matcha’s versatility makes it a favorite base for a variety of drinks:
- Matcha Latte: Made with matcha and steamed milk (dairy or plant-based), often lightly sweetened.
- Iced Matcha Latte: A refreshing variation served cold with ice.
- Matcha Lemonade: A tangy, invigorating mix of matcha and fresh lemon juice.
- Matcha Smoothies: Blended with fruits, vegetables, or protein powders for a nutrient-packed drink.
- Traditional Usucha: A light, frothy tea made by whisking matcha with hot water using a bamboo whisk (chasen).
Whether enjoyed in a traditional tea bowl or a modern to-go cup, matcha continues to bridge centuries of tradition with today's focus on wellness and flavor innovation.
2. What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural reaction to perceived stress or challenging situations. It can help keep us alert or motivated. However, when worry or tension persists, they can interfere with daily routines and overall well-being.
Supportive strategies for managing occasional anxiety-like feelings include regular physical activity, sleep, mindfulness practices, and, in some cases, nutritional support from calming plant compounds, such as those found in Matcha.
3. Clinical and Pre-Clinical Studies on Matcha and Mood Support
Let us review some of the clinical and scientific evidence on how Matcha can help calm your mind.
Study 1: Human Trial on Stress Perception
Objective: To evaluate how daily matcha consumption influenced stress and mood in healthy individuals.
Design: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Japan with 39 adults over 15 days.
Key Insights: Participants consuming 3 grams of Matcha daily reported a more relaxed state than those taking a placebo. Researchers attributed this effect to L-theanine and arginine, two amino acids that promote a calm yet alert mental state (Unno et al., 2018).
Consumption: 3 grams daily, typically mixed with water.
“The matcha group exhibited a noticeable shift in mood, associated with its amino acid content” (Unno et al., 2018).
Study 2: Animal Research on Neurochemical Activity
Objective: To explore how matcha compounds influence stress-related behavior through brain receptor pathways.
Design: This preclinical study utilized mouse models to investigate behavioral changes following matcha administration.
Findings: Mice exhibited reduced anxious behavior after receiving Matcha, which is believed to be linked to the modulation of dopamine and serotonin receptors (Yokogoshi et al., 2020). These findings are consistent with how certain natural ingredients may promote emotional balance.
Implication: Though not directly translatable to humans, this research supports ongoing interest in Matcha's calming compounds.
Study 3: Review of Green Tea and Mental Wellness
Objective: To assess green tea's potential role in stress management and cognitive function.
Design: A review of randomized human trials involving green tea compounds, including Matcha.
Results: Multiple trials have demonstrated benefits in reducing tension and enhancing focus. Effects were primarily linked to L-theanine and EGCG, a green tea antioxidant. While improvements in mood were modest, the findings support the use of Matcha as part of a broader wellness approach (Taylor et al., 2022).
Usage: 2–3 grams daily matched typical study protocols.
“Evidence suggests that regular matcha intake may promote a relaxed yet focused mental state” (Taylor et al., 2022).
4. How to Select Good and Fresh Matcha
Quality is key when choosing Matcha for mental clarity and calm. Look for these signs:
- Color: Bright, vibrant green = high chlorophyll and freshness.
- Origin: Matcha from Japan (especially Uji, Nishio, or Shizuoka) tends to be higher quality. Uji, located in Kyoto Prefecture, is often regarded as the birthplace of Matcha in Japan. The region's unique climate, characterized by misty hills and rich soil, combined with centuries-old cultivation techniques, contributes to the production of Matcha with a harmonious balance of umami, sweetness, and astringency. Uji matcha is renowned for its vibrant green color and refined flavor, making it a benchmark for high-quality Matcha.
- Grade: Ceremonial-grade Matcha is ideal for drinking; it contains higher levels of L-theanine.
- Packaging: Opt for air-tight, light-proof containers to maintain freshness.
- Smell & Texture: A fresh, sweet aroma and a fine, powdery texture indicate top-grade Matcha.
When you drink poor-quality Matcha, it tastes harsh, unpleasant, muddy, flat, and metallic. Please stay away from these Matcha.
5. Find Your Calm with Superfood Science Matcha
Curious to see how Matcha can help you maintain your daily calm and focus?
Superfood Science Matcha is now available in convenient packets:
- 3-Pack Trial Size – Perfect for sampling.
- 12-Pack Bag – Ideal for regular use.
Each single-serving packet contains 2 grams of ceremonial-grade Uji organic matcha—the same amount studied in matcha research. Mix with chilled or warm water between 70°C and 80°C (158°F and 176°F), stir or whisk, and enjoy a smooth, invigorating drink that supports your mental balance.
References
- Gallup. (2025, April 24). Americans’ economic, financial expectations sink in April. Gallup News. https://news.gallup.com/poll/659630/americans-economic-financial-expectations-sink-april.aspx
- Medical Xpress. (2025, May 2). Survey: 43% of Americans say money negatively impacts their mental health. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-survey-americans-money-negatively-impacting.html
- Taylor, C. E., Holsinger, R. M. D., & Millar, J. (2022). Effects of green tea and L-theanine on stress and cognition: A systematic review. Nutrients, 14(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010085
- Unno, K., Noda, S., Kawasaki, Y., Yamada, H., Morita, A., Iguchi, K., Nakamura, Y., & Takabayashi, F. (2018). Reduction of stress and anxiety by matcha green tea in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Nutrients, 10(10), 1468. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10101468
- Yokogoshi, H., Mochizuki, M., & Saitoh, K. (2020). Matcha and its behavioral effects via dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways in mice. Behavioural Brain Research, 388, 112655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112655
- World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and other common mental disorders: Global health estimates. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/depression-global-health-estimates