There’s a beautiful Japanese phrase: "Ichigo ichie"—which means “one time, one meeting.” It speaks of treasuring each moment as if it will never come again. That’s how I now treat my morning ritual of making matcha collagen.
Coffee, My Long-Time Love (and Betrayer)
For over a decade, coffee and I were in a passionate, if slightly toxic, relationship. It had charm, aroma, and gave me enough buzz to feel invincible—until noon. Then came the crash. The anxious energy. The sudden bloating. And don’t even ask about the afternoon naps that felt less “siesta” and more “shutdown.”
As I stepped into my mid-30s, I noticed a slow betrayal by my beloved brew. My skin wasn’t bouncing back the way it used to. My digestion was… complicated. And despite drinking gallons of water, I felt constantly parched—inside and out.
So, like any millennial in an identity crisis, I turned to Google at 2 AM. That’s when I stumbled upon the phrase "Matcha Collagen." It sounded trendy. It sounded promising. It sounded like something Gwyneth Paltrow would whisper to her personal chef.
I was intrigued. I was ready.
What Is Matcha Collagen? (And Why Should You Care?)
At its core, matcha collagen is a beverage that combines two superstar ingredients:
🟢 Matcha: A finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It's rich in antioxidants—particularly EGCG—which helps fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support brain function. Plus, it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus.
🧬 Collagen: The body’s most abundant protein, responsible for healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues. Unfortunately, collagen production declines after the age of 25 (rude), leading to wrinkles, joint pain, and brittle nails.
Together? They form a dynamic duo. Think Batman and Robin, but for your skin and gut.
My First Attempt: Matcha Mayhem
I should've known I was in trouble when I pried open the matcha tin and got green powder all over my white pajamas. Then, I plopped a spoonful into a cup, poured boiling water straight in (rookie mistake), and stirred it with a steel spoon like I was making soup.
The result? A murky, bitter green pond with floating collagen clumps and zero froth. I sipped it anyway—because I’m brave—and immediately winced. It tasted like wet spinach had gone to therapy but hadn’t healed yet.
So yes, matcha takes a little finesse. But trust me—it’s worth every whisk once you get the hang of it.
Learning the Way of the Matcha: Baby Steps to Zen
What followed were days of YouTube deep-dives. I watched serene Japanese grandmothers in peaceful tatami rooms whisk matcha with an elegance I couldn’t replicate even if I had six arms.
But over time, I learned. I tweaked. I invested in a few tools. And now, I have a ritual that’s both easy and luxurious. If I can do it, trust me, anyone can.
What You Need for the Perfect Matcha Collagen Cup
Let’s break it down in beginner terms—no gatekeeping here.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha (go for organic if possible)
1 scoop unflavored collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen blends easily)
Hot water (around 80°C or 175°F—not boiling)
Optional:
½ cup warm oat or almond milk for a latte
1 tsp maple syrup or honey for sweetness
A dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flair
🧰 Tools:
A bamboo whisk (chasen) or a milk frother
A matcha bowl (chawan) or just your favorite wide mug
A small sieve for sifting matcha (a tea strainer or even a kitchen sieve works)
A quiet corner and a few minutes of calm (or chaos—matcha works either way)
The Simple 5-Step Method:
Sift your matcha + collagen together: This is a game-changer. It breaks up clumps and makes whisking easier. I use a tea strainer over my bowl and sift both powders through like a fairy sprinkling magic dust. (A very caffeine-deprived fairy.)
Add a splash of hot water: About 2-3 tablespoons. Just enough to mix into a paste. Remember: not boiling. Boiling water scorches the matcha, making it bitter and angry—like me without Wi-Fi.
Whisk with intent: Use your chasen to whisk in a W or M shape briskly. Don’t stir in circles unless you enjoy sadness. Aim for small, fast movements until you see a light froth on top.
Top it off: Add more hot water if you want a traditional tea. Add warm milk if you’re going for a creamy latte vibe. Stir gently. Taste. Adjust.
Sip slowly:This is not your 7 AM chug-and-run espresso shot. This is a moment. Savor it. Let your glow begin from within.
From Chaos to Ceremony: Why I Kept Coming Back
Here’s what I noticed after two weeks of daily matcha collagen lattes:
My skin looked plumper and more hydrated, especially around my eyes.
My nails stopped breaking like fragile dreams.
I felt energized but calm, focused but not jittery.
My digestion improved. No more midday bloat-a-thon.
I began looking forward to this small, sacred ritual every day.
It wasn’t just about beauty anymore. It was about intention. About pausing. About replacing chaos with calm.
Fun Cultural Backstory: Matcha's Sacred Roots
Matcha isn’t a TikTok trend. It dates back to the 12th century, when Zen Buddhist monks in Japan began using it as a way to stay awake during meditation. It was part of their spiritual practice—a way to unite body and mind.
Even today, in Japanese tea ceremonies (chanoyu), every movement is deliberate. Pouring water. Whisking. Serving. Drinking. All slow, all sacred.
So every time I whisk, I try to bring that mindfulness into my day—even if my dog is barking, my laptop is dying, and I’m running 10 minutes late for a Zoom call.
How to Choose the Right Matcha & Collagen
Let’s not pretend all products are created equal. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally ordered culinary-grade matcha meant for baking. It tasted like blended kale sadness.
Matcha Tips:
Go for ceremonial grade if you're drinking it plain.
Look for a vivid green color—not dull or brownish.
Smell matters: good matcha should smell fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet.
Collagen Tips:
Choose hydrolyzed collagen peptides (they dissolve better).
Stick to unflavored unless you're making smoothies.
Bonus: Look for blends with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid for added skin benefits.
Matcha Collagen Latte Variations (Because I Get Bored Too)
Let’s spice things up—literally.
🍦 Vanilla Matcha Glow
Add ½ tsp vanilla extract
Use almond milk for a nutty base
🍁 Maple Cinnamon Hug
Sweeten with maple syrup
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon
🥥 Coconut Cloud
Use warm coconut milk
Top with toasted coconut flakes if you’re feeling fancy
❄️ Iced Summer Glow
Mix as usual
Pour over ice and top with cold oat milk
A Cup That Changed More Than My Skin
What started as an experiment became a ritual. And what started as a beauty trend turned into self-care.
My matcha collagen time is now my favorite part of the day. It’s the eye of the storm. A quiet, frothy green pause between the noise of life.
So if you’re reading this, curious but skeptical—try it. Not just for the glow. Not just for the digestion. But for the joy of learning something new, creating a moment just for you, and maybe even spilling a little green magic into your everyday.
Because sometimes, "Ichigo ichie"—one meeting, one moment—is all we need to change everything.
💬 Have you tried matcha collagen? Do you have your own twist or tea tale? Let’s chat in the comments below.
Until then, keep sipping slowly. You’re glowing already. 🌿✨
FAQ: Because You’ll Totally Ask
Q: Can I drink matcha collagen at night?
A: You can, but matcha does contain caffeine (about 35mg per cup). If you're sensitive, stick to mornings or early afternoons.
Q: Will collagen make me gain weight?
A: Nope! Collagen is a protein and has minimal calories. It can actually help with muscle repair and satiety.
Q: What if I don’t have a whisk?
A: Use a milk frother or shake the mixture in a jar (with caution). You can also blend it in a small blender. No excuses. 😉
Q: Is this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: Best to consult your doctor, as matcha contains caffeine and collagen supplements may vary in formulation.