Does Matcha Green Tea Make you Poop?
This bright green powder has become the darling of both coffee shops and popular Instagram feeds, thanks to its antioxidants, slow-burning energy, and zen-like vibe. But behind the frothy whisking and bamboo rituals, one question keeps popping up in hushed tones (and Reddit threads): Does matcha actually make you poop?
In this piece, let’s go beyond the hype to uncover what science says and what everyday matcha lovers experience when it comes to digestion. So grab your matcha whisk, settle in, and let’s spill the tea on whether your morning ritual is sending you running for reasons other than caffeine.
Can the world’s number one leaf help you to do a number two?
Curious if your daily matcha ritual is doing more than just fuelling your morning? Keep reading, the truth may surprise you.
Matcha vs. Green Tea
Matcha isn’t just green tea; it’s the turbocharged version. Made from shade-grown leaves ground into a fine, vibrant powder, matcha delivers the whole leaf (not just what’s steeped in water). That means more antioxidants, more nutrients, and a richer flavour.
Compared to regular green tea, matcha packs up to 10x the catechins (powerful antioxidants) linked to better health. It also brings a unique combination of caffeine + L-theanine, giving you calm, focused energy without the crash.
Add in metabolism support, detox perks from chlorophyll, and a boost of vitamins and minerals, and it’s clear why matcha is often called a nutritional powerhouse.
Does Matcha Green Tea Actually Make you Poo More?
Matcha isn’t just a wellness ritual, it can also play a role in your digestion. Thanks to its unique blend of compounds, here’s how it may affect your bathroom habits:
🍵 Hydration boost → A whisked bowl of matcha is mostly water, and proper hydration is key to healthy digestion. More fluids = smoother movement through the gut.
🍵 Antioxidant power → Matcha is packed with catechins, powerful antioxidants known for anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. In fact, one study found that high antioxidant intake is linked with increased stool output, while another report shows tea catechins (also found in cocoa and wine) may help protect against conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
🍵 Caffeine kick → Like coffee, matcha’s caffeine can stimulate the colon and relax GI muscles, encouraging regular bowel movements, though its effects are gentler thanks to L-theanine.
🍵 Strictinin effect → Matcha also contains strictinin, a rare polyphenol. Research on animals suggests strictinin can prevent excess water from being released into the gut, reducing diarrhea while supporting overall digestive balance.
Bottom line? Matcha might help get things moving, keep them steady, or both, depending on your body and how much you sip.
Matcha vs. Coffee: The Bathroom Effect
Let’s face it, coffee has a reputation for sending people straight to the bathroom. That’s because coffee contains higher levels of caffeine, which stimulates the colon and speeds things along. For some, this coffee effect is welcome. For others, it’s a little too effective!
Matcha, on the other hand, is often described as a gentler alternative:
🍵 Less caffeine punch → A cup of matcha has about half the caffeine of coffee. Enough to wake you up, but not always enough to trigger a bathroom sprint.
🍵 Balanced by L-theanine → This unique amino acid slows the release of caffeine, making the energy boost and any digestive effects steadier and less abrupt.
🍵 Smoother digestion → Instead of coffee’s sometimes harsh jolt to your gut, matcha tends to support a calmer, more gradual effect.
So, if coffee gives you an express ticket to the loo, matcha may feel more like a leisurely stroll.
Does Matcha Make Your Poo or Pee Green?
Surprisingly, yes, it can!
Matcha’s vibrant colour comes from chlorophyll, the natural green pigment found in plants. When you drink a lot of it, some of that chlorophyll can pass through your system and show up in your stool or urine.
Here’s what’s going on:
🍵 Chlorophyll overload → The more matcha you drink, the more likely some of that green pigment sneaks through digestion.
🍵 Everyone’s different → How much green shows up depends on your metabolism, how much matcha you drink, and what else you eat.
🍵 Totally harmless → A temporary colour change isn’t usually anything to worry about. Just your body processing extra pigment.
💡 Pro tip: Stay hydrated and enjoy matcha in moderation. If you notice persistent or unusual colour changes (not just a little green tint), it’s always best to check in with a healthcare professional.
You may also like to read 👉 Does Tea Make You Pee?
Is Matcha ok on an Empty Stomach?
For some individuals, consuming green tea, including matcha, on an empty stomach can lead to nausea or discomfort. If that sounds like you, don’t worry: there are easy fixes.
🍵 Add milk → A creamy matcha latte can soften the effects and still taste amazing.
🍵 Blend it in → Sprinkle matcha into your morning smoothie for a gentler start.
🍵 Wait until after breakfast → Enjoy your matcha once you’ve had a bite to eat.
Bottom line, matcha is fine first thing for many people, but if your stomach says otherwise, pair it with food (or milk) and you’re good to go.
You may also like to read 👉 What is the Best Tea to Drink in the Morning?
The Bottom Line on Matcha and Digestion
Matcha is more than just a trendy green drink; it’s a powerhouse packed with antioxidants, gentle energy, and a few surprising digestive effects. For some, it may mean a smoother gut and the occasional green surprise; for others, it’s simply a calming, nourishing ritual. Whether you sip it for focus, wellness, or bathroom regularity, matcha proves that going green has benefits inside and out.
Sources
Radtke, J., Linseisen, J., & Wolfram, G. (2004). Antioxidant vitamin intake and stool output. PubMed
Yang, C.S., et al. (2019). Catechins in tea and their role in disease prevention. ScienceDirect
Matsumoto, N., et al. (2001). Antidiarrheal effect of tea polyphenol strictinin in rats. PubMed
Read More Matcha Articles
It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.