How Much Caffeine is in Matcha?

What is Matcha?

Matcha is made from green tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. To make a cup of matcha, you would simply mix the powder with hot water and enjoy the bright green brew. Matcha was originally used in tea ceremonies in Japan and has grown in popularity around the world. It is high in antioxidants and other healthy compounds, making it a winner for both flavour and benefits. The taste is much stronger than regular green tea, and the caffeine content is higher. This makes it a great choice for an energizing drink in the morning.

Caffeine boost: Coffee or Matcha?

The most popular morning beverages contain caffeine, and any long-time coffee drinker can attest to the eventual jitters that become a part of our daily lives after the first 5 or 7 (or 10) cups of joe. Unlike coffee or energy drinks though, matcha skips the jitters and provides a long-lasting, even-tempered boost in energy. It helps promote increased brain function while reducing anxiety and stress – without the typical drowsiness that comes along with anything else that may have calming effects. That makes matcha the perfect partner for someone with a desk job, or a student, or really, anyone!

How much caffeine is in matcha?

Green tea naturally contains caffeine, but there is a surprising amount of nuance between different types. How the tea is grown, processed, and steeped affects the caffeine content. A typical cup of green tea falls in the range of 25-45 mg of caffeine per 8oz (236ml) cup. That's less than black tea, which is usually 45-75 mg per 8oz cup. And far less caffeine than coffee, which has between 80-110 mg per 8oz cup. But don't generalize too quickly, matcha green tea has 60-70 mg of caffeine per 8oz cup! To summarize, matcha has the perfect amount to wake you up without overdoing it.

Matcha caffeine levels compared to other beverages

Understanding matcha caffeine content helps you make informed choices about your daily caffeine intake. Whether you're looking for a matcha energy boost or comparing matcha vs coffee caffeine, knowing these numbers is essential for managing your consumption.

More caffeine than other green teas

Matcha has the most caffeine of any green tea. The difference is that matcha tea leaves are made into a powder. While most green teas are infused in water and then strained out, matcha powder is mixed into water and consumed entirely. This makes for a thick, green drink and a much higher amount of caffeine. If you need to jump start your morning, matcha is the right choice!

The unique preparation method of matcha green tea powder means you're consuming the entire leaf, not just an infusion. This is why ceremonial grade matcha and culinary grade matcha both deliver more caffeine per serving than traditional steeped teas.

Is caffeine bad for you?

Just because there's more caffeine in a cup of matcha than in a cup of your normal green tea, does not make this an unhealthy option at all. The caffeine that is in tea has a much more sustained release than the caffeine that's found in coffee. It does this with this other handy little amino acid called L-Theanine that is plentiful in green teas. Due to the presence of theanine, and since the body processes all pure teas like water, you get the pure hydration effects along with the slower release of caffeine through the body. This avoids the common jolt and crash that you might experience with the caffeine associated with coffee while offering a calm alertness that will stay with you, keeping you at an even energy level for a longer period of time.

L-Theanine and caffeine: The perfect combination

The L-Theanine in matcha works synergistically with caffeine to provide sustained energy without jitters. This makes matcha benefits particularly appealing for those sensitive to caffeine or looking for a healthier alternative to coffee. The combination of matcha L-Theanine and natural caffeine creates what many describe as a state of "calm alertness."

How much caffeine is too much?

The general amount is about 400 milligrams a day, or around four or five cups of coffee. Keep in mind this is a general number and varies based on many factors such as medical conditions, medications, caffeine sensitivities or metabolism rates.

As an adult, we don't advise more than three cups of matcha a day - however five cups are the maximum you should ever consume in one day. Although matcha has less caffeine than coffee, it can keep you feeling alert for longer. This is due to how the caffeine is metabolized.

The caffeine in a cup of matcha combines with the L-theanine in a way that slows the body's absorption of caffeine. This slow release prevents the typical caffeine crash that coffee, soft drinks and energy drinks are known to cause.

Daily matcha consumption guidelines

When considering how much matcha per day is safe, remember that individual tolerance varies. Factors like body weight, blood pressure, caffeine sensitivity, any diseases or conditions, and overall health all play a role in determining your ideal matcha intake. Starting with one cup of matcha tea per day and gradually increasing allows you to find your perfect balance. If you're consuming enough caffeine to wonder if you're consuming too much, it's always best to consult with a health professional to better understand what's best for you.

Choosing your Matcha

Many matcha varieties are sold in tins and bags, committing you to a larger quantity. Single serving sachets offer added convenience by allowing your matcha to remain fresh in individually sealed pouches. Now with more flavours of matcha available, the question is - what flavour will you choose?

When selecting matcha powder, consider factors like origin (Japanese matcha is traditionally considered highest quality), grade (ceremonial vs culinary), and colour (vibrant green indicates fresher, higher quality matcha). Whether you're making a traditional matcha tea, matcha latte, or using it in recipes, choosing quality matcha ensures you get the full spectrum of matcha antioxidants and health benefits.

Types of matcha and their uses

Ceremonial grade matcha is best for traditional preparation whisked with hot water, while culinary grade matcha works well in lattes, smoothies, and baking. Both types provide similar caffeine content and matcha health benefits, though ceremonial grade typically offers a smoother, more refined flavour profile.

Microground Matcha

Matcha also comes in the form of a microground tea. It is fully ground up into minuscule particles in order to dissolve quickly without the need for using a whisk. This microground format comes in finer grinds than normal matcha, and offers increased convenience and quicker preparation without sacrificing any of the quality, taste, or nutrients. In addition, it allows you to incorporate matcha into other uses in the kitchen - from baking to smoothies, or just a light dusting on your favourite desserts! Our microground matcha tea here at Old Growth Beverages is one of our best selling, most popular, and personal favourite products. We source the ingredients straight from Japan, and ensure it's ground so finely that all you have to do is add a spoonful to your water, milk, or other use. A flagship item of ours, if you will. We highly recommend you give it a try, we feel like we've really perfected it over the years :)

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