Matcha and Sencha Differences Explained

Matcha and sencha are both Japanese green teas from the Camellia sinensis plant. But they're prepared differently, taste completely different, and give you different experiences.

If you're trying to understand which one suits your needs, here's what actually matters.

Different Processing, Different Results

Matcha plants are first shaded for 3 to 4 weeks before harvest. This shading forces the plant to produce more chlorophyll and L-theanine, which is why matcha has that vibrant green color and smoother taste.

After harvest, the leaves become tencha. Stems and veins are removed. Then the leaves are stone-milled into an extremely fine powder. This takes time and care.

Sencha leaves grow in full sunlight. Farmers harvest them, steam them to stop oxidation, then roll and dry them into those thin, needle-like shapes you see in loose leaf tea.

Preparation Methods

Matcha is whisked. You sift the powder into a bowl, add hot water, then whisk it in a zig-zag motion until it gets frothy. You're drinking the entire leaf, ground into powder form. We love matcha in a latte or you can have it in the traditional usucha style with just water.

Sencha is steeped. You put the leaves in hot water (around 70 to 80°C), let them sit for a minute or two, then strain them out. The leaves stay behind, you drink the infusion.

Flavor Profiles

Matcha is richer. The umami comes through immediately, followed by gentle sweetness and that creamy texture. High-quality ceremonial grade matcha like 753 Matcha tastes smooth and almost broth-like, with layers of flavor that linger.

Sencha tastes light and vegetal. It has a clean, refreshing quality with some astringency that gives it structure. The brightness is what makes it so drinkable throughout the day.

Caffeine Comparison

Both contain caffeine, but they deliver it differently.

Matcha has more caffeine per cup (around 70mg) because you're consuming the entire leaf. But it also contains high levels of L-theanine, that amino acid that creates calm, sustained focus without jitters.

Sencha gives you a lighter lift. The caffeine is moderate because you're only getting what dissolves into the water during steeping.

If you want energy that lasts for hours without a crash, matcha wins. If you want something gentler for afternoon drinking, sencha makes more sense.

Should You Drink Matcha or Sencha?

Matcha works if you want a ritual. If you're looking for sustained energy without jitters. If you make lattes at home or want to experience a special flavor daily.

Sencha works if you want something easy to prepare throughout the day. You can re-steep the same leaves multiple times, each infusion bringing out slightly different flavors.

They're both expressions of Japanese tea culture, just in different forms. Matcha is intentional ceremony. Sencha is everyday refreshment. What do you prefer?