The biochemistry behind your morning drink and how to choose what is right for you

There is no one size fits all approach to our health. Genetics, physiology and nervous system sensitivity all play a role. For example, some people carry genetic variants that make them more sensitive to caffeine by intensifying its stimulant effects and nervous system response 🤯. These are often the people who feel best choosing gentler alternatives (like Soma Cacao 😉.).

At Soma Cacao, we do not believe in demonising coffee or glorifying any one drink as universally superior (though we are admittedly biased). Instead, we believe in understanding how the body responds, so each person can make informed and supportive choices.The biochemistry behind coffee, matcha and cacao

Every sensation of energy, focus or calm begins at the molecular level. 

Coffee

Coffee’s primary active compound is caffeine, supported by polyphenols such as chlorogenic acids.

Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is involved in signalling fatigue, so when these receptors are blocked, alertness rises quickly. This is why coffee delivers fast, reliable stimulation and improved reaction time. Chlorogenic acids contribute antioxidant and metabolic benefits when coffee is consumed in moderation.

For many people, coffee is effective and enjoyable. However, because it strongly activates the sympathetic nervous system, it can also increase tension, anxiety or sleep disruption in those who are more sensitive.

Matcha

Matcha contains caffeine as well, but its effects are modulated by L-theanine, an amino acid naturally present in tea leaves.

L-theanine increases alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with relaxed focus and mental clarity. This tempers the stimulant effect of caffeine, producing a steadier and less reactive form of energy. Matcha is also rich in catechins, particularly EGCG, which have well documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

For many people, matcha sits between coffee and cacao, offering alertness without the same degree of nervous system activation.

Ceremonial cacao

Ceremonial cacao contains small but meaningful amounts of caffeine, as well as significantly higher levels of theobromine, flavanols and essential minerals.

Theobromine stimulates the cardiovascular system more gently than caffeine and does not trigger the same stress response. Cacao flavanols support nitric oxide production, improving blood flow and vascular function. Magnesium and other minerals further support nervous system regulation.

This combination results in an experience of energy that is typically perceived as gentle, grounded and sustaining rather than sharp or forceful.

Nervous system effects and energy perception

One of the most important differences between these drinks lies in how they interact with the nervous system.

• Coffee strongly activates the sympathetic nervous system, which governs alertness, drive and action. This can be beneficial when energy demands are high, but may also amplify stress responses in sensitive individuals.
• Matcha stimulates while simultaneously supporting nervous system balance, thanks to L-theanine. The result is often described as calm alertness.
• Ceremonial cacao tends to support parasympathetic tone. Rather than pushing the system into activation, it improves baseline regulation while gently increasing circulation and energy availability.

This difference alone explains why people often report feeling focused but tense after coffee, steady after matcha, and emotionally grounded after cacao.

Mood and brain chemistry

Mood is not abstract. It is deeply biochemical.

• Coffee increases dopamine and noradrenaline signalling, improving motivation and perceived energy. For some, this feels productive and uplifting. For others, it can increase irritability or anxiety.
• Matcha supports sustained attention and emotional steadiness through the combined action of caffeine and L-theanine, with less fluctuation in mood.
• Cacao influences mood through several converging mechanisms. It supports serotonin and dopamine pathways, interacts with anandamide signalling, improves cerebral blood flow, and supplies magnesium, which plays a role in calming neurotransmission. Improved cerebral blood flow means oxygen and glucose are delivered more efficiently to brain tissue, supporting clarity without overstimulation.

Caffeine content and delivery

Caffeine quantity matters, but delivery matters just as much.

• A typical cup of coffee contains approximately 80 to 120 milligrams of caffeine, which is absorbed rapidly and produces an immediate spike in alertness.
• Matcha typically contains 30 to 70 milligrams of caffeine, released more gradually due to the presence of L-theanine.
• Soma Cacao contains approximately 17 to 47 milligrams of caffeine per serve depending on origin. This caffeine is paired with significantly higher levels of theobromine, resulting in longer lasting, smoother energy without the same intensity of nervous system activation.

Essential minerals and nourishment

A key distinction is that cacao is both mildly stimulatory AND nutrient-dense.  By contrast:

• Coffee does not provide meaningful mineral content and may slightly inhibit iron absorption when consumed with meals.
• Matcha contains trace minerals, but its primary benefits are antioxidant rather than nutritional.
• Cacao is naturally rich in magnesium, which supports nervous system regulation and muscle relaxation. It also provides iron for oxygen transport and energy metabolism, as well as zinc and copper, which support immune function, brain health and hormonal balance.

How genetics affect caffeine sensitivity

Not everyone responds to caffeine in the same way. Genetics plays a significant role.

Research has identified genetic variants, particularly within the CYP1A2 and ADORA2A genes, that influence how quickly caffeine is metabolised and how strongly the nervous system responds to it. Individuals with certain variants experience faster absorption, stronger stimulant effects and greater nervous system reactivity.

These people are more likely to experience anxiety, palpitations or sleep disruption even at moderate doses of caffeine. For them, gentler options such as cacao may feel more supportive.

How to choose what is right for you

• If you need fast, forceful alertness or cognitive drive, coffee may be the most effective option.
• If you want sustained focus with greater emotional balance, matcha offers a middle ground.
• If you are seeking gentle energy, mood support and nervous system nourishment, ceremonial cacao may be the better choice.

The most supportive choice is the one that aligns with your nervous system, your mood and your physiology.

A final reflection

None of these drinks is inherently better or worse. Each has a place.

The question may not be which gives the biggest boost, but which supports you sustainably over time.

References 

• Nehlig A. The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cerebral blood flow. Nutrition Reviews, 2013.
• Katz DL et al. Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxidants and Redox Signaling, 2011.
• Socci V et al. Cocoa flavanol consumption improves cognitive function and mood. Frontiers in Nutrition, 2017.
• Ried K et al. Effect of cocoa on blood pressure and vascular function. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017.
• Einöther SJ, Martens VE. Acute effects of tea consumption on attention and mood. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2013.
• Cornelis MC et al. Coffee, caffeine and health outcomes. Annual Review of Nutrition, 2014.
• Nehlig A. Effects of coffee and caffeine on brain health. Nutritional Neuroscience, 2016.
• Sommer A et al. Genetic variability in caffeine metabolism. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2015.