Does Matcha Have Caffeine?

Matcha is all the hype currently. Powerful antioxidants and plenty of positive health benefits. Is there any downsides to it? Many wonder, does matcha have caffeine? 

The answer is yes, and probably more than you might think.

A Matcha serving generally contains about 70 mg of caffeine, similar to your morning coffee. 

But, the feeling it gives is different. 

This piece explores matcha’s caffeine content, how it compares to coffee and other teas. It also touches on why people switch from coffee to matcha for a cleaner and prolonged energy boost.

• A cup of matcha contains around 70 milligrams of caffeine, similar to a cup of coffee.
• Matcha can contain between 70-100 milligrams of caffeine per serving, based on various factors.
• Compared to other Japanese green teas, matcha has a higher caffeine content.
• Due to the presence of L-theanine, caffeine in matcha is released and absorbed differently than in coffee.
• Matcha offers numerous health benefits beyond just caffeine, including improved focus and alertness.

Matcha is a special green tea finely ground into powder through a unique process.

This makes it unique among teas. You drink the whole leaf, not just the water steeped from it. This means you get a big dose of goodness, like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

The best Matcha is known to come from Japan.

Matcha by itself has a distinct bitter taste, but lots of nutrition. You eat the whole tea leaf, getting more of the good stuff than with other teas. It’s full of antioxidants that help fight diseases and inflammation. NIH did a study on it’s benefits, and came up with some really powerful results.

Preparing matcha is like an art in Japan. 

You’ll need a matcha bowl, a special scoop, a sieve, and a whisk. 

Start by sifting the powder to get rid of lumps. 

Put the powder in the bowl, add a bit of hot water, and whisk it until it’s frothy.

People make matcha in many ways, so you can enjoy it as a latte or cold drink. This shows how versatile matcha is, letting you enjoy its benefits in different tasty ways.

The simple answer, yes.

Matcha usually has more caffeine than your average tea. This is because of how it’s grown and made. Let’s look into this more.

Tea plants make caffeine to keep bugs away. This caffeine is a natural defense, stopping insects from eating the leaves. When matcha’s leaves are grown in the shade, they can have even more caffeine.

The simple breakdown is because the nutrients transfer back and forth between the roots and leaves due to daytime and night time light cycles. When the shades are put on for the last remaining cycle of their life before harvest, the nutrients get trapped in the leaves therefore increasing production and amino acids.

This happens as part of a process to boost the good-for-you parts of the plant.

Read more here about the comparison of caffeine content between coffee and Matcha.

Matcha’s caffeine is special, offering different benefits than coffee. It’s interesting to note that matcha tea nutrition facts include varying caffeine levels. These can range from 19 to 44 milligrams per gram of powder, based on the quality and how it’s prepared.

Quality matcha usually has around 34 milligrams of caffeine per gram. One serving, which is 2 grams of matcha with 100 milliliters of water, gives about 68 milligrams of caffeine. This amount is similar to a cup of coffee but has a unique effect.

Caffeine in matcha acts differently in your body because of its special nutritional makeup. The amino acid L-theanine, for example, helps release caffeine slowly. This means you get an energy boost that lasts up to 4 hours with no coffee-like crash. Matcha is well-known for keeping you both relaxed and focused.

A teaspoon of matcha has about 70 milligrams of caffeine, more than regular green tea, which only has 35 milligrams. 

The process the tea goes through, including shading and leaf selection, makes a big difference. That’s why it’s important to find and purchase quality Matcha. It’s well known within the community that some areas of world where low-quality matcha is grown, the plants are exposed to radiation, excessive chemical fumes, and have virtually no quality control.

That’s why it’s important to only consume Japanese Matcha. 

The perfect mix of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha supports clear focus with a calm mind. It is why matcha is great for being productive and staying mindful. Imagine being in a flow state of mind for hours while being productive.

Did you know matcha’s caffeine can be like a regular cup of coffee? 

Yes, one serving has around 70 milligrams of caffeine. Many think tea is less strong, but that’s not always true. The way it’s delivered is generally how it’s perceived. Coffee has more of an immediate gut punch of delivery, while Matcha is delivered slowly over the course of a few hours.

This might not be for everyone. So, it’s important to know this information going into it.

Matcha is different when it comes to caffeine. Let’s compare it to other drinks:

• A typical cup of green tea contains 25-45 milligrams.
• Black tea ranges between 45-75 milligrams.
• Regular coffee boasts 80-110 milligrams of caffeine.

So, where does matcha stand? An 8oz cup of matcha has 60-70 milligrams. But, the number can change based on the tea’s quality, how it’s made, and how much powder is used.

Many things can change how much caffeine is in matcha:

1. Quality of the Tea: Fine-quality matcha has about 34 milligrams of caffeine in each gram.
2. Age of the Leaves: Young leaves tend to have more caffeine.
3. Preparation Method: Using more powder or making a thicker matcha (koicha) boosts the caffeine.

The daily max of caffeine for most adults is 400 milligrams, says the FDA. Given matcha’s usual caffeine levels, you can safely drink 3-5 cups a day. This avoids going over the limit.

Matching matcha against coffee shows how different they are in effects and caffeine type. Even though 62% of grown-ups in the US choose coffee daily, switching to matcha has benefits. People find it’s rewarding to switch. Although, every person’s reaction is different based on their body type.

We did a comparison of Matcha vs Coffee, that highlights some of the main differences and benefits of each.

The big difference between caffeine in matcha vs coffee is how they make us feel. Coffee can make your heart race and has side effects like stomach issues and more stress. But, matcha has L-theanine which makes its energy slow and not make you jittery or crash. 

It might also help with feeling anxious, something coffee doesn’t do. Read more on our recent comparison if Matcha is better for anxiety than coffee.

Matcha is also very healthy. It has antioxidants and other good things in it that can help with blood pressure, losing weight, preventing diabetes, and fight body inflammation. 

Plus, a component called EGCG can kill bacteria and keep your immune system healthy.

Switching from coffee to matcha may take some getting used to. But, the constant, even energy and health boons of matcha make it a good pick for many coffee lovers. A good rule of thumb is it takes 9 days to establish a habit. It can be difficult and some people never make it past the first day or two. If you keep your eye on your goal, it’s easier than you think.

Matcha’s caffeine impacts you differently than coffee’s quick burst. It gives you energy steadily over the course of a few hours, which benefits many in the long run as we all want longer burning energy.

Coffee’s energy spike and crash are well known. In contrast, matcha caffeine effect on body is more even. Its slow entrance into your system means you stay alert for longer without the sudden drop in energy. 

This all-day energy is thanks to the gentle way matcha wakes you up. However, some folks prefer the gut punch of coffee’s wake up effects. It just depends on your personal preference!

Matcha also contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that makes you feel relaxed yet focused. This combo turns matcha’s effect on your body into calm alertness. It’s very different from the shaky feeling coffee can bring. 

A 2017 study by Dietz et al. showed that theanine can improve mood and brain function. This makes matcha more than just an energy booster; it’s a complete experience.

It might take a few weeks to get used to the switch from coffee to matcha. After adapting, you’ll enjoy a milder, more steady energy boost. Plus, the blend of caffeine and L-Theanine in matcha improves mental clarity. 

This change is something many people find worth it.

Many people worry about how much caffeine they are having and ask if matcha is safe. The good news is that, historically and in recent studies, it is safe. 

Matcha has 19–44 mg of caffeine in each gram. So, in a serving, which is about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, it’s 38–176 mg, a safe level for most.

Knowing if matcha is okay depends on how much caffeine you can take. Health experts say, for adults, daily caffeine should stay under 400 mg. With one cup of matcha ranging from 75.6 to 177.6 mg, it falls within these healthy limits.

Matcha has a bonus, L-theanine, an amino acid. It works well with caffeine, creating a calm yet alert feeling. This makes matcha a smarter choice for caffeine. Even moms-to-be, who are usually told to watch their caffeine, may find matcha a better option. Always talk to a doctor first, though. Read our recent post about Matcha and fertility here.

Studies show that matcha can help burn more calories during exercise. It also sharpens the mind, improving focus and memory. So, matcha isn’t just about energy; it has other health benefits, too. Used wisely, matcha can be a great addition to your lifestyle.

Matcha is more than just a kick of caffeine. It’s loaded with good stuff like antioxidants, catechins, and chlorophyll. These components offer a lot of health perks. 

Matcha is packed with antioxidants, which fight off oxidative stress. This lowers the chances of diseases like heart disease and cancer. 

Drinking matcha can hike your body’s level of antioxidants. This is good for your cells.

The catechins in matcha, especially EGCG, bring many health benefits. They boost your metabolism and help burn fat while lowering bad cholesterol. 

Drinking matcha regularly is great for your heart and may help with weight.

Chlorophyll in matcha is key for detoxing. It helps the body get rid of toxins and keeps the liver healthy. Chlorophyll also makes skin clearer and can improve digestion.

If you want more caffeine from your matcha, there’s a strategy to follow. Preparing it in a special way can change your caffeine experience. To make matcha with a high caffeine level, try preparing koicha. It’s a thicker form of matcha. Alternatively, you can try Freedom Tea, which is packed with not only the natural matcha, but also 75mg of added natural guarana extract for more of the immediate caffeine kick you’re looking for.

To get the most caffeine from your matcha, use more powder. A teaspoon of matcha can have about 70mg of caffeine. This is double the caffeine in regular green tea, which is around 35mg. Two teaspoons of matcha can boost your energy for up to four hours, without the coffee crash.

How you prepare your matcha affects its caffeine level. Making koicha matcha means a dense, caffeine-strong drink. You use more powder and less water for this. It’s best for those who want a big caffeine jolt. Usucha, on the flip side, is milder. It uses less powder and more water. Both kinds have great health benefits, like plenty of L-theanine for calmness. But, if you’re after more caffeine, go with koicha.

To make the perfect koicha matcha, mix 2-3 teaspoons of matcha with 1-2 ounces of water. This makes a matcha full of caffeine, perfect for busy or high-energy days.

Matcha’s taste directly reflects its quality and caffeine content. It ranges from fresh and vegetal to a bit bitter. These bitter flavors show its quality and how it’s grown and processed, giving its rich taste.

The taste of matcha relies heavily on its quality and if it’s fresh. Top-quality matcha is rich, with complex flavors and a strong umami note. Fresh matcha is bright green and tastes better, too.

Matcha can taste a bit bitter because it has a lot of caffeine. Caffeine in matcha is higher than in other teas, ranging from 18.9 to 44.4 milligrams per gram.

The key is to steep matcha correctly to balance this bitterness. Using the right amount of powder and the best water temperature brings out matcha’s great taste and health benefits.

Many choose matcha over coffee for a healthier approach to life. Matcha gives a smoother, longer-lasting caffeine kick.

Matcha brings more to the table than just its caffeine. It has ten times the amount of antioxidants found in regular green tea. 

This high level of antioxidants helps with metabolism, fat loss, and fighting diseases.

Also, Matcha won’t stain teeth like coffee, and it helps keep your mouth healthy. Its many health benefits, plus its use in various dishes, make it a top pick for those who value well-being.

Compare this to options like Freedom Tea that also include a full daily does of Vitamin C for extra immune support and completely organic ingredients. We worked hard to bring the best possible ingredients for the best possible product from a company you can rely on.