Sencha vs Matcha: Understand The Big Differences

There are many different varieties to choose from when it comes to tea. Two popular types are sencha and matcha, both originating from Japan.

While both are enjoyable varieties of green tea, there are quite a few significant differences. 

Sencha is a loose leaf tea grown in full sunlight which reduces its caffeine content. When brewed, it produces a subtle yellow color that tastes slightly sweet, refreshing, and astringent. 

Meanwhile, matcha is grown in the shade, increasing its caffeine and L-theanine content. It’s ground into a fine powder and is served by whisking it into a frothy tea. The taste of matcha is slightly sweet, vegetal and packed with umami flavor.

There are many differences to explore when comparing sencha vs matcha. This article will explain the unique qualities of both green tea varieties. Get insight to choose the one that’s perfect for you.

Let’s learn the key differences between sencha and matcha.

What Is Sencha Green Tea?

Sencha is one of the most popular green teas in Japan. The tea leaves are cultivated under the full sun, increasing an amino acid called catechins. The full sun exposure infuses sencha tea with numerous health benefits. Due to its growing conditions, it contains higher amounts of polyphenols, such as catechins which are antioxidants. Additionally, exposing the leaves to the full sun reduces sencha’s caffeine. 

Sencha is made from tea leaves that are steamed, rolled, and dried. It’s the most common Japanese tea served in houses, restaurants, and tearooms.

The flavor of sencha can change based on where it is grown and how it is processed. But, generally, it’s well known for its subtle sweetness, grassy, and slightly astringent flavor. 

What Is Matcha?

Matcha has grown in popularity worldwide due to its taste and numerous health benefits. Unlike sencha tea, Matcha is made from shade-grown leaves, which also changes its nutrition and creates a vibrant, rich green color. Matcha has a rich umami taste accompanied by a subtle sweetness.

Once the tea leaves are harvested, they are steamed and dried. Then, they are ground into a fine powder with granite stones. Matcha powder has a delicate flavor and can be used to make delicious lattes, smoothies, and other drinks.

Unlike sencha green tea, matcha contains the entire leaf. It’s ground into a fine powder, making it more powerful than loose sencha tea. Matcha has more caffeine and L-theanine, which gives a calm energy boost. 

What’s The Difference Between Matcha and Sencha?

Let’s settle the differences between the most popular Japanese green tea: sencha vs matcha. Both are made from the same Camellia sinensis plant. However, one big difference is how they’re processed: matcha is a powdered tea, while Sencha is loose leaf.

Matcha comes from leaves grown under shade coverings, which keep away sunlight. The leaves must be de-stemmed, de-veined, and ground into powder using grinders. It has a vibrant green color, sweet aroma, and umami flavor. 

Sencha is made from mature leaves grown in full sun. This makes for bolder flavors and less sweetness. The leaves are steamed before being rolled and dried. They end up with a needle shape. Sencha has a brighter green color and grassy aromas. It has a balance of sweetness and astringency. 

Texture: Powder vs Loose Leaf

Another difference between sencha and matcha tea is the texture, form, and consistency. Sencha is a leaf-based green tea found in loose leaf or tea bag form. Whereas matcha is a stone-ground fine powder with a vibrant green color.

Growing Conditions

Sencha and matcha are green teas from the same plant called Camellia sinesis. Sencha is cultivated under full sunlight, which increases its polyphenol content.

On the other hand, matcha is grown in the shade, creating higher chlorophyll concentrations that cause a bright green color. They are then picked, stems and veins removed, dried, ground into powder, and stored for consumption.

Harvesting and Processing

Both varieties of tea are first steamed to prevent oxidization, but what happens during the processing method is another difference between sencha vs matcha.

When harvested, sencha contains the stem, vein, and two to three open leaves from the plant. Sencha tea is then steamed to reduce the oxidation process. Once dried, they are then tightly rolled into needle shapes. This is a reason why sencha leaves need to be steep before serving.

Whereas matcha is harvested by picking the youngest part of the plant, the tip of the shoots is generally used. The stem and veins are also removed, with just the leaves remaining. Once the tea leaves are steamed, cooled, and dried, they are ground into a fine powder with stone mills. 

Taste and Color

The taste and color set make another difference between sencha vs matcha. 

Due to the harvesting method, sencha has a darker green color. Matcha is bold and has a very vibrant green color. It’s important to remember that brighter green means a higher quality matcha powder.

When brewed, sencha produces a light yellow and green tea with a vegetal aroma. It’s subtle, slightly sweet, and quite refreshing. Matcha is brewed by whisking the powder in hot water with a bamboo whisk. This produces a frothy and creamier tea compared to sencha.

Sencha can be intensely bitter if not made right. It has tannins that give it an astringent aftertaste. But this can be pleasant when balanced with sweetness.

Health Benefits

Both sencha and matcha offer a handful of potential health benefits. They help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. They’re also rich in antioxidants, and other nutrients contributing to your well-being.

Sencha has higher levels of polyphenols EGCG due to the direct sunlight during the growing process. Polyphenols are an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. Plus, sencha has catechins which lower cholesterol and improve arterial health. The EGCG content in sencha has been shown to help lower body weight and reduce body fat levels.

Matcha is grown in the shade, which increases its antioxidant content compared to sencha. Matcha may also help reduce anxiety and stress. It also retains much more caffeine and L-theanine, providing an energy boost but calmness to balance the effect. Matcha can support oral health by protecting teeth from decay and bacteria.

Sencha also has higher levels of vitamins C and E, which help support the immune system. Matcha contains more vitamin B6 and beta-carotene, which are important for brain development and vision.

Price

Comparing sencha and matcha for tea-buying can be hard. Both are popular, but prices are another big difference. Matcha is typically more expensive due to its growing process and harvesting techniques. 

However, premium sencha might cost more than some lower-quality matcha powders. You can tell the difference in quality matcha by looking at the origin and color.

Lower grades of sencha and matcha cost around $10 and $6 for small amounts. Higher grades may be from $30-50 per serving. Premium organic ceremonial matcha could be over $50, depending on the season, harvest place, and producer’s fame.

Caffeine Content

Caffeine levels in sencha and matcha teas can differ drastically. A cup of sencha can contain approximately 20 milligrams per 8-ounce serving. Matcha usually has higher caffeine due to its production method, approximately 70 milligrams per cup 8-ounce serving.

Due to the growing conditions of matcha, it also contains L-theanine. This provides a balance to caffeine by creating a calming energy without jitteriness. 

Summary Of The Differences Between Sencha vs Matcha

Differences	Sencha Tea	Matcha Tea
Texture	Loose leaf	Fine-ground powder
Growing Conditions	Grown in sun exposure	Grown in the shade
Harvesting and Processing	It contains the stem, vein, and two to three open leaves from the plant. Sencha tea is steamed to reduce the oxidation process. Once dried, they are then tightly rolled into needle shapes.	Picked from the youngest part of the plant, the tip of the shoots. The stem and veins are removed, with just the leaves remaining. Once the tea leaves are steamed, cooled, and dried, they are ground into a fine powder with stone mills.
Taste and Color	When brewed, sencha produces a light yellow color. It’s subtle, slightly sweet, and quite refreshing. Sencha can be intensely bitter if not made right. It has tannins that give it an astringent aftertaste.	Matcha is bold and has a very vibrant green color. Matcha is brewed by whisking the powder in hot water with a bamboo whisk. This produces a frothy and creamier tea.
Health Benefits	Sencha has higher levels of polyphenols EGCG due to the direct sunlight during the growing process. The EGCG content in sencha has been shown to help lower body weight and reduce body fat levels. Sencha also has higher levels of vitamins C and E, which help support the immune system.	Matcha is grown in the shade, which increases its antioxidant content compared to sencha. It also retains much more caffeine and L-theanine, providing an energy boost but calmness to balance the effect. Matcha contains more vitamin B6 and beta-carotene, which are important for brain development and vision.
Price	Less Expensive	More Expensive
Caffeine Content	Approximately 20 milligrams per 8-ounce serving	Approximately 70 milligrams per 8-ounce serving

Which Is The Best Green Tea To Drink For Health Benefits?

Comparing Japanese green teas, sencha vs matcha can be tricky. Both offer many similar health benefits. Yet their growing and harvesting techniques differ a lot.

Matcha generally offers higher concentrations of health benefits like cancer prevention, weight management, and heart health.

Sencha offers more polyphenol antioxidants than matcha due to less processing. It contains a range of catechins with additional health benefits.

Matcha contains higher caffeine levels and amino acids like L-theanine, creating a calm energy boost. It is shade grown before harvest and is ground into a powder. This increases its antioxidant content.

Both sencha and matcha offer anti-inflammatory properties and improved digestion and energy. Plus, natural caffeine for mental alertness. The choice should depend on individual preference, as each has a unique taste.

FAQs About The Difference Between Sencha vs Matcha

Is sencha tea better than matcha tea?

Sencha vs matcha tea is a hot topic of debate.

The differences include the growing conditions, harvesting method, color, and taste. Sencha comes as a loose leaf and produces a light yellowish color with a subtle sweetness and slightly astringent flavor. Matcha is ground into a fine powder and whisked into a frothy vibrant green tea.

Both are packed with numerous health benefits, but matcha does contain more nutritional value.

Ultimately, there isn’t a better option between sencha and matcha tea. The choice depends on your personal taste preferences. If you prefer the taste and form of traditional tea, then sencha is a great option. But matcha is a great choice if you’d like to try something more creamy.

Do sencha and matcha taste the same?

Sencha and matcha don’t taste the same, though they come from the same plant – Camellia sinensis. Sencha is steamed, hand-picked, or machine-harvested, pressed flat, dried, and cut into pieces. It produces a refreshing green tea with a sweet umami flavor when brewed.

Matcha is ground into a fine powder. It’s created with a special grinding and stone milling process. Fresh leaves are milled into a powder and stored in airtight canisters for later use. Matcha must be mixed with hot liquid like water or milk to drink it. Additionally, it has an intense grassy smell, sweet vegetal notes, and an Umami character. 

How are sencha and matcha alike?

Sencha and matcha have some similarities in their flavor and looks. Both traditional Japanese green teas can be enjoyed alone.

Both sencha and matcha come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. There are differences in nutritional value, but both teas have numerous potential health benefits. Drinking either sencha or matcha tea can aid digestion, improve the immune system and help provide mental clarity.

Final Thoughts: The Debate Between Sencha vs Matcha

You can’t go wrong when comparing sencha vs matcha. Both are the most popular Japanese teas with flavor and health benefits.

The big differences will be their form because sencha is steeped as a loose leaf and tea bag, while matcha is a powder whisked into a frothy tea. Another difference is the nutritional value. Both offer a lot of antioxidants, but the growing conditions cause sencha is had less caffeine and higher polyphenols.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either choice, and it depends on your personal taste preferences. Better yet, try them both and see which one you like.