Matcha vs. Coffee The Surprising Truth About Caffeine

What is Matcha?

Matcha is the superstar of Japanese green tea, a vibrant powder that has been a treasured part of Japanese culture for centuries. What makes it so special? With traditional green tea, you steep the leaves in hot water and then toss them out. With matcha, you’re drinking the entire tea leaf, which has been ground into a fine, brilliant green powder. This is what gives matcha its stunning color and incredible benefits.

Growing matcha is an art. About four weeks before harvest, the tea plants (Camellia sinensis) are covered in shade. This simple step boosts their chlorophyll, giving the leaves a richer green color and loading them with amino acids.

After being picked, the leaves are quickly steamed to lock in their fresh color and nutrients. Next, the stems and veins are carefully removed. The purest part of the leaf, called tencha, is then slowly stone-ground into the silky, smooth powder we all know and love as matcha.

Does Matcha Have Caffeine? The Short Answer

Yes, matcha definitely has caffeine! Because you consume the whole leaf, you get all of its natural caffeine. The amount might surprise you, but the way it works in your body is completely different from coffee. It’s the secret behind matcha’s unique energy boost.

This special energy is why Zen Buddhist monks have used matcha for centuries to stay focused and alert during long meditation sessions. It provides a feeling often described as a “calm alert”—a clean, focused energy without the jitters or anxiety that coffee can sometimes cause.

How Much Caffeine is in a Typical Serving of Matcha?

The exact amount of caffeine in your cup can vary based on the quality of the matcha, how much powder you use, and even your water temperature. But we can give you a great general idea.

On average, a typical serving of matcha (about one teaspoon, or two grams) can have anywhere from 38 to 88 milligrams of caffeine. Most cups will land somewhere around 70 mg. Higher-quality ceremonial grade matcha, made from the youngest tea leaves, usually has more caffeine than culinary grade matcha.

Matcha Caffeine vs. Coffee Caffeine: A Head-to-Head Comparison

So, how does matcha stack up against your morning coffee? An 8-ounce cup of coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine, while a typical matcha has around 70 mg. At first glance, it seems like coffee is the stronger choice.

But that’s not the whole story. The real difference isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about how that caffeine makes you feel. That’s where matcha truly shines.

Matcha Caffeine vs. Green Tea Caffeine: What’s the Difference?

Since matcha is a green tea, how does it compare to a regular cup of brewed green tea? An 8-ounce cup of standard green tea contains only about 28 mg of caffeine—much less than matcha.

The reason is simple. When you brew green tea, most of the caffeine and antioxidants stay locked away in the leaves you throw out. With matcha, you drink the entire powdered leaf, getting a powerful, concentrated dose of everything the amazing plant has to offer.

The Secret Weapon: How L-Theanine Changes Everything

The real magic of matcha comes from its unique team-up of caffeine and an amazing amino acid called L-theanine. Thanks to the shade-growing process, matcha is packed with it. L-theanine is famous for helping you feel relaxed and happy, promoting the same kind of brainwaves associated with “being in the zone.”

L-theanine and caffeine are the perfect partnership. L-theanine slows your body’s absorption of caffeine, giving you a smooth, sustained wave of energy that lasts for hours. This is why matcha provides a clean energy lift without the sudden spike and crash you can get from coffee. Instead of a jolt, you feel a calm, clear focus. L-theanine also naturally smooths out the edges of caffeine, taking away any potential anxiety or jitters.

How Your Body Uses Caffeine from Matcha

Thanks to L-theanine, your body processes caffeine from matcha in a much smarter way. With coffee, caffeine hits your system all at once, giving you a fast jolt of energy that can fizzle out later, leading to an afternoon crash.

Matcha’s caffeine is released slowly and steadily. This provides a much longer, smoother energy curve that keeps you going for hours. It’s a gentler way to stay energized, supporting your body’s natural rhythm instead of shocking it.

How Much Caffeine is in a Matcha Latte?

Matcha lattes are a delicious way to enjoy matcha, and their caffeine content depends entirely on how much powder is used. A latte from a coffee shop typically uses two to four grams of matcha, which means the caffeine can range from 38 to 176 milligrams.

A large latte from a big coffee chain often has around 80 mg of caffeine, similar to a small coffee. The great thing about making matcha lattes at home is that you are in complete control. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you can start with just half a teaspoon and find what works for you.

How Long Does Matcha Caffeine Last?

The sustained energy from matcha isn’t just a feeling—it’s real! Thanks to the teamwork between caffeine and L-theanine, the energizing effects of matcha can last for three to six hours.

While coffee gives you a quick burst that fades within an hour or two, matcha provides a long-lasting period of focus and productivity. It’s the perfect drink for your morning or early afternoon, helping you power through your day without messing with your sleep at night.

Final Thoughts: Is Matcha’s Caffeine Right for You?

Choosing between matcha and coffee is all about what you’re looking for. If you need a fast, intense jolt to get going, coffee might be your drink. But if you want a cleaner, smoother, and more sustained energy that leaves you feeling calm and focused, matcha is an incredible choice.

Matcha offers a balanced and mindful approach to energy. The magic of L-theanine gives you all the benefits of caffeine without the harsh side effects. It’s a drink that nourishes your mind and body, helping you feel alert, creative, and ready for whatever the day brings.