Energy Drinks vs. Coffee vs. Matcha: The Better Boost for Busy Moms (and Their Cheer Kids!)

Danielle Deblasio
Oct 4
3 min read

Between early mornings, late-night practices, and everything in between, life as a cheer mom can feel like a never-ending energy marathon. My girls are constantly on the go — school, cheer, homework — and while we try to get to bed early, those late practices don’t always make that easy.

So when they ask to grab a Celsius or another “healthy” energy drink on the way to practice, I totally get it. It’s quick, convenient, and trendy. But as a mom, that little voice in my head always asks, “Is this really good for them?”

That question led me down a rabbit hole comparing energy drinks, coffee, and matcha — and what I found totally changed our routine.

The Truth About Energy Drinks

Energy drinks might look like a miracle in a can, but the reality isn’t so glamorous. They’re often loaded with:

High caffeine levels (sometimes more than 300 mg!)
Tons of sugar — up to 60 grams, which equals about 14 teaspoons
Extra stimulants like taurine and guarana

That combo gives a quick burst of energy, but it’s usually followed by a crash that leaves you more drained than before. Studies show around 30% of energy-drink users experience anxiety or insomnia as side effects — not exactly the vibe we want for our teens (or ourselves).

Coffee: The Classic That Still Delivers

Coffee has stood the test of time for a reason. It’s flavorful, comforting, and packed with benefits beyond caffeine.

Why I Love Coffee

Improves focus and alertness naturally
Rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation
Linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
Boosts endurance and physical performance by up to 12%

For mornings when I’m racing to get everyone out the door, I swear by Javvy Coffee Concentrate — quick, smooth, and tastes amazing. Just mix with water or milk and go!

My Go-To Coffee Tools

Handheld Frother Wand – perfect for whipping up that creamy latte foam
Electric Kettle – small enough to pack for competition weekends and boils water in seconds

Matcha: Calm Energy That Lasts

If you haven’t tried matcha yet, it’s time. This finely-ground green tea powder gives you energy that’s calm, steady, and long-lasting — no jitters, no crash.

Benefits of Matcha

Contains caffeine + L-theanine, a combo that boosts focus while keeping you relaxed
Full of antioxidants (especially catechins that help metabolism and immunity)
Supports fat oxidation by up to 17%
Enhances focus and mental clarity — great for school, work, or competition prep

When I switched to matcha, I noticed how much smoother my energy felt — no shaky hands or anxious moments, just steady focus.

My Favorite Matcha Products

Matcha Whisk Set – makes your matcha perfectly smooth and frothy
Matcha Tea Powder – pure, vibrant flavor packed with nutrients

Quick Comparison: Coffee vs. Matcha vs. Energy Drinks

Drink Type	Avg Caffeine	Energy Feel	Pros	Cons
Energy Drinks	80–300 mg	Fast spike, fast crash	Quick jolt	High sugar, jittery, short-lived
Coffee	~95 mg	Steady boost	Antioxidants, focus, endurance	Can cause jitters if overdone
Matcha	~70 mg	Calm, sustained	Focus, metabolism, steady energy	Subtle taste isn’t for everyone

My Takeaway

If you’re relying on energy drinks to keep up (or your kids are grabbing them between school and cheer), it might be time to rethink that habit.

Coffee and matcha both offer cleaner, longer-lasting energy — and they come with actual health benefits. I still let my girls grab an energy drink once in a while, but for the most part, we stick to our coffee and matcha routine.

We’ve noticed fewer crashes, better focus, and honestly, we just feel better. Whether you’re a mom juggling a busy schedule or cheering from the sidelines, these swaps make a real difference in your day.

Shop My Favorite Energy-Swap Essentials

For Coffee Lovers:

For Matcha Fans: