The Differences Between Matcha, Maca, and Guarana Mana Rush Guarana

Matcha vs Maca vs Guarana: What Is the Difference?

By Mr. G · Mana Rush Guarana, Hawaiʻi

Updated: 2026-08-20

Matcha, maca, and guarana are often grouped together in natural-energy discussions, but they are very different ingredients. The easiest way to separate them is to ask one question first: does it naturally contain caffeine?

Quick answer: matcha and guarana naturally contain caffeine. Maca does not naturally contain caffeine. They should not be treated as three versions of the same stimulant.

Matcha

Matcha is finely powdered green tea. It naturally contains caffeine and L-theanine. The caffeine amount depends on the type of matcha and how much powder is used.

Matcha is typically prepared as tea or a latte and has a grassy, tea-like flavor.

Maca

Maca is a root traditionally grown in the Andes. It does not naturally contain caffeine and should not be described as a direct stimulant equivalent to coffee, matcha, or guarana.

Maca is commonly sold as a food powder or supplement ingredient. Its uses and evidence are a different topic from caffeine-based energy.

Guarana

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is an Amazonian plant whose seeds naturally contain caffeine. Modern products may use ground seed material or guarana extract, so caffeine concentration varies.

Mana Rush uses guarana as its caffeine source in a flavored drink powder. A labeled full 5 g serving contains about 250 mg caffeine, a half scoop about 125 mg, and a quarter scoop about 63 mg.

Prefer guarana as a cold fruit drink?

Start with Passion Orange Guava, our flagship tropical flavor. Mango is the familiar alternative, or compare the complete lineup.

Shop Passion Orange Guava Mango → · All flavors →

Matcha vs maca vs guarana at a glance

Ingredient Naturally contains caffeine? Common format Typical taste
Matcha Yes Tea or latte Grassy/tea-like
Maca No Food powder or supplement ingredient Earthy/malty
Guarana Yes Powder, extract, beverage Earthy/bitter before flavoring

Which is strongest for caffeine?

Maca is not a caffeine source. Matcha and guarana products vary, so compare the actual milligrams in the serving rather than the ingredient name alone.

A full Mana Rush serving contains about 250 mg, which is a substantial caffeine dose. It should not be treated as automatically appropriate simply because the caffeine is plant-derived.

Can you combine matcha, maca, and guarana?

You can combine food ingredients, but combining matcha and guarana also combines their caffeine. Count the total caffeine rather than treating each ingredient separately. Maca itself does not add caffeine.

How Mana Rush is mixed

Choose the powder amount for the caffeine dose first. Then choose the water amount for taste. Use about 2–4 oz for a bold shot-style drink or add water up to about 8 oz for a lighter flavor. Water does not change the caffeine in the powder measured.

Which should you choose?

  • Choose matcha if you want a caffeinated tea and enjoy matcha flavor and preparation.
  • Choose maca if you want maca as a food or supplement ingredient and are not looking for caffeine from it.
  • Choose guarana if you want a caffeinated guarana product and prefer its available formats, such as a cold drink powder.

Compare guarana with more caffeine alternatives → · Guarana vs coffee →

Choose guarana? Shop Passion Orange Guava → · Mango → · Lilikoi → · All flavors →

Continue with the most useful guarana guides

Frequently asked questions

What is Mana Rush?
Mana Rush is a flavored guarana drink powder made to be mixed with water. Read the product label for the serving size, caffeine amount, ingredients, and directions for the flavor you choose.
How much caffeine is in a serving?
The current Mana Rush labels state about 250 mg of caffeine per serving. Check the package before use because formulations and serving information can change.
Does Mana Rush contain sugar?
The current Mana Rush products are labeled no added sugar and are sweetened with stevia. Check the ingredient list on the specific flavor for complete information.
How do I prepare Mana Rush?
Mix the labeled serving with water and stir or shake. You can adjust the amount of water for taste, but do not exceed the labeled serving directions.
Where is Mana Rush made?
Mana Rush is blended and packaged in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi by Aloha Rush LLC.
Who should be careful with Mana Rush?
Mana Rush contains caffeine. Follow the warning and directions on the package, account for caffeine from other sources, and ask a qualified healthcare professional about use when you have a medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or are sensitive to caffeine.

Popular guarana guides

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Ready to choose a flavor?

Mana Rush provides about 250 mg caffeine per labeled full 5 g serving, with partial-serving options, no added sugar, and current 4 oz and/or 8 oz pouch sizes depending on flavor.

Shop guarana energy powder Use the flavor guide
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