How Much Caffeine Is in Matcha?

Matcha is a rich source of caffeine, a natural stimulant and energy-booster that provides a well-balanced energy boost. With a single sip,  matcha can provide a delightful combination of calm focus and invigorating energy. But how much caffeine does matcha really contain?

Article jumplinks:

• What is matcha?
• How much caffeine is in matcha?
• Will matcha make me jittery?
• Is matcha better for anxiety than coffee?
• Is matcha good for you?
• Benefits of drinking matcha in the morning
• What are the side effects of matcha?

Curious about learning the secrets behind matcha’s caffeine punch? Let’s dive into the depths of matcha’s invigorating caffeine content. The balance between the invigorating caffeine and other soothing properties of matcha makes  our mushroom matcha tea the healthiest nutritional supplement on the market. 

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea powder  made from shade-grown Camellia sinensis tea leaves. Growing matcha in the shade enhances its flavor and increases the concentration of amino acids and chlorophyll, giving it that vibrant green color. 

The tea leaves are steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder to release more antioxidants,  L-theanine, and other bioactive compounds. Its unique cultivation and processing methods set matcha apart from other types of green tea. 

Our matcha comes from  the best organic ceremonial grade matcha, grown in the shade of Mt. Fuji in the Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan. Our tea leaves are carefully grown and meticulously processed to yield some of the highest quality matcha in the industry. 

Bioactive Compounds in Matcha

Matcha contains all the beneficial compounds found in regular green tea, but in higher doses. 

• Caffeine: it provides a natural energy boost while enhancing cognitive function and sharpening focus.
• L-theanine: an amino acid that promotes relaxation and a sense of calmness and enhances mental focus and concentration.
• Polyphenols:  matcha is high in antioxidants like polyphenols and catechins. They promote cardiovascular health, help fight cancer and inflammation, and boost metabolism. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin in matcha. 
• Chlorophyll: matcha’s green pigment is known for its detoxifying properties.
• Vitamins and minerals: matcha is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and B complex. It also contains potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Since we combine our matcha with the healthiest, organic  cordyceps mushrooms, the number of beneficial compounds doubles, making  our matcha mushroom tea the ultimate wellness drink. 

In case you missed the memo on cordyceps being the healthiest  adaptogenic mushrooms on the planet,  here are all the benefits of consuming Cordyceps militaris. 

How Much Caffeine Is in Matcha?

Caffeine is one of matcha’s main ingredients. Chemically classified as a xanthine alkaloid, caffeine belongs to a class of compounds called methylxanthines. “Methylxanthines are a purine-derived group of pharmacologic agents that have clinical use because of their bronchodilatory and stimulatory effects” (Gottwalt & Tadi). 

Caffeine is commonly consumed for its stimulating effects on the central nervous system. It enters our bloodstream quickly and travels to the brain, where it acts as an antagonist for adenosine receptors. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter responsible for promoting sleep and relaxation. By antagonizing (blocking) it, caffeine promotes wakefulness, alertness, and a sense of increased energy. 

Matcha’s unique cultivation process leads to higher concentrations of caffeine in matcha compared to regular green tea, all types of black teas, and even coffee. 

[Matcha’s caffeine] level may be associated with the time of harvest and age of leaves—the older the leaves, the lower the caffeine content. Caffeine content also depends on tea variety, weather conditions during vegetation, as well as the brewing method... Matcha has a relatively high caffeine content compared to other green teas, which gives it a unique aroma and flavour. (Kochman, et. al)

The caffeine content of matcha is higher than in coffee. Matcha contains between 18.9 and 44.4 milligrams of caffeine per gram. Here’s a more comprehensive look at how much caffeine is in matcha compared to regular green tea, black tea, and coffee. 

Beverage	Matcha	Coffee	Green tea	Black tea
mg/g	18.9–44.4	1.59–8.09	11.3–24.67	22–28
mg/8 oz cup	38–176	90.7	30–50	45

 

Moderate caffeine content can boost cognitive performance and concentration. According to a  2021 study, regular consumption of matcha green tea improved task performance, attention, and executive function in older adults. 

The matcha group showed an increase in the amount of work after continuous intake, whereas the caffeine group only showed an increase in the amount of work for the [Uchida–Kraepelin test] after a single dose. Ingesting matcha with caffeine improves both attention and work performance when suffering from psychological stress compared with caffeine alone.

An excessive amount of caffeine has the potential to give you nervous energy. Luckily,the unique chemical composition of matcha doesn’t let you experience nervousness, jitteriness, or the caffeine crash you often experience with other caffeinated beverages. 

Caffeine sensitivity varies from person to person, depending on their weight, metabolism, and personal tolerance to caffeine. While some may feel energized and more alert, caffeine intake for others might result in:

• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Irritability 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Fatigue and sudden drops in energy levels
• Dehydration
• Digestive issues

However, unlike other sources of caffeine,matcha has the least potential to make you jittery. Here’s why.

Matcha Jitters: Here’s What You Need To Know

Matcha does contain more caffeine than coffee or other types of green tea, but  certain compounds in matcha may mitigate the caffeine-induced jitters. Don’t forget that matcha also contains L-theanine, which counteracts the overstimulating response to caffeine. This unique synergy between caffeine and L-theanine in matcha allows you to experience heightened alertness without the symptoms of a caffeine crash.

L-theanine is one of the most beneficial amino acids found in both matcha and regular green tea. It is best known for promoting relaxation and reducing stress without causing drowsiness. Because of its ability to boost mental clarity,  L-theanine can help you clear brain fog and sharpen your focus. 

That’s why a  packet of our cordyceps matcha tea is an excellent meditative supplement.  Matcha’s anti-anxiety effects play nicely with relaxing properties of cordyceps mushrooms, making our tea the greatest zen warrior in a cup. 

Is Matcha Better For Anxiety Than Coffee?

Matcha and coffee have different effects on anxiety. Coffee can provide an energy boost, but its stimulating effects may enhance anxiety symptoms in some people. Coffee’s caffeine doesn’t take long to hit the bloodstream. The effects of caffeine usually start within 5 to 30 minutes after drinking. The impact of coffee on anxiety varies depending on individual factors like caffeine sensitivity and tolerance, metabolism, and existing anxiety levels. 

On the other hand, matcha contains more caffeine than coffee, but also has L-theanine, which helps produce a more balanced and sustained energy boost. L-theanine, arginine, antioxidants like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and other stress-relieving molecules in matcha counteract the caffeine-induced anxiety and jitters. Researchers found that this unique composition of matcha green tea lowered stress in mice. 

Matcha essentially contains a high amount of caffeine, but if theanine is sufficiently high, the anti-theanine action of caffeine is counteracted. Catechin in matcha is less than in general green teas, but its increase is accompanied by a decrease in theanine. Therefore, an increase in catechin in matcha potentially increases the reduction of the stress-reducing effect of matcha. (Unno, et. al.)

The interaction between caffeine and L-theanine, as well as the presence of fiber and other compounds, can slow down the absorption of caffeine into the bloodstream. It takes on average 3 to 6 hours for caffeine in matcha to be fully absorbed, contributing to a smoother and longer-lasting release of caffeine. This also helps minimize the abrupt crashes typically associated with caffeine.

What Are the Benefits of Matcha?

Due to its rich chemical composition,  matcha provides a myriad of health benefits. 

• Matcha improves cognitive function.
• Matcha raises energy levels.
• It reduces stress and anxiety.
• It protects the body against oxidative stress. 
• Matcha supports gut health. 
• Matcha’s antioxidants help regulate blood pressure and support overall heart health. 
• Drinking matcha green tea regularly helps detoxify the body and boost immune function. 
• Matcha may have antitumor properties, preventing cancer cells from spreading and inducing cancer cell death. 

Benefits of Drinking Matcha in the Morning

The best time to drink matcha is in the morning. The caffeine can make you feel antsy later in the day, especially if you drink a cup of matcha tea before going to sleep, and it can keep you up at night. 

Since our tea also contains  energy-boosting cordyceps mushrooms, we recommend you enjoy a nice scoop of  premium matcha mushroom powder from our 30-serving jar early in the morning with a balanced breakfast. This way, you’ll start each day with a tasty brew of invigorating matcha and the vitality-enhancing properties of cordyceps.

Whip up your matcha tea with  our electric magic wand. Whether you're at home or in the office, this portable and easy-to-use whisk is a game-changer for matcha lovers on the go. 

Side Effects of Matcha

Matcha has no known long-term negative side effects. Its high caffeine content may cause headaches, heart palpitations, or insomnia in people sensitive to caffeine. These effects fade after the caffeine wears off. 

If your caffeine tolerance is low,  consuming matcha in excessive amounts may also lead to diarrhea or an upset stomach, but these, too, are temporary. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or other ingredients in matcha, start with lower amounts and gradually increase the dosage.

Matcha FAQ

How much caffeine is in 2 teaspoons of matcha?

Two teaspoons of matcha powder typically contain around 140 mg of caffeine (One teaspoon has up to 70 mg of caffeine). The caffeine content of matcha varies depending on factors like quality and the preparation process. 

Every person responds to matcha differently, depending on their individual sensitivity and tolerance to caffeine. One teaspoon is a sufficient daily matcha amount for some people, while others can tolerate less than that. 

How much caffeine is in a teaspoon of matcha vs. coffee?

A teaspoon of matcha powder contains around 35 mg to 70 mg of caffeine. In comparison, a teaspoon of ground coffee typically contains around 30 mg to 50 mg of caffeine. Matcha generally has a higher caffeine content per teaspoon compared to coffee. However, the unique combination of caffeine and other compounds in matcha can provide a more sustained and balanced energy boost.

Will matcha keep me awake?

Matcha’s caffeine can help increase alertness and focus. If consumed in the evening or close to bedtime, the caffeine may interfere with sleep for some individuals. It's important to listen to your body's response and adjust your matcha consumption accordingly to avoid sleep disturbances.

Does matcha break a fast?

Consuming matcha during fasting may break a strict water fast. Matcha contains some calories and nutrients but has a minimal impact on blood sugar and insulin levels compared to other foods or beverages. That’s why it’s generally considered a fasting-friendly option. 

If you have specific dietary goals or concerns regarding fasting and matcha consumption, consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Is 55 mg of caffeine a lot?

55 mg of caffeine is considered moderate and is similar to that found in a cup of regular green tea. Individual caffeine sensitivity may vary, so be aware of your personal caffeine tolerance.

How much matcha per day is OK?

If you’re a beginner to matcha, starting with smaller amounts is a good idea. To get all of the benefits of green tea, 1–2 cups per day are best, with a typical serving of matcha being between 2 and 4 grams. Once your body adjusts to the beneficial effects of matcha, you can drink more cups per day. 

Don’t forget that matcha contains caffeine. If you don’t want the negative effects of caffeine—those similar to drinking a lot of coffee every day—limit your caffeine intake and go slow with your matcha tea. 

Is matcha better than coffee in the morning?

Whether matcha is better than coffee in the morning depends on individual preferences and goals. Matcha provides a unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine, which can promote a sense of calm alertness and sustained energy. It may offer a smoother and more balanced energy boost compared to the potential jitters and crashes associated with coffee. 

However, take personal preferences, caffeine tolerance, and desired effects into consideration when you choose between matcha and coffee in the morning. 

We at Hone are matcha tea all the way. Because our tea also contains cordyceps mushrooms, we enjoy every sip of our morning matcha brew without worrying about the caffeine crash or any potential side effects.  Try our mushroom matcha tea from the compostable 10-single blend packets and join us for the ultimate morning serenity. 

Is matcha stronger than coffee?

The strength of matcha and coffee can be measured in different ways. In terms of caffeine content, matcha generally contains more caffeine per serving than coffee. However, due to the unique combination of caffeine and other compounds, matcha provides a more balanced and sustained energy boost compared to coffee. 

Ultimately, the choice between matcha and coffee depends on your personal taste, desired effects, and unique tolerance to caffeine.

Who should not drink matcha?

While matcha is typically healthy for most people, individuals sensitive to caffeine or those who have medical problems such as hypertension, heart problems, or adrenal gland abnormalities should consult their healthcare professional before drinking matcha.

Matcha contains a lot of caffeine, and while  some women choose to have small amounts of caffeine while they are pregnant or nursing, it's generally recommended that they limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day, which is approximately one and a half cups of coffee. 

Our 10-blend matcha tea contains 3.4 grams of matcha powder per packet, which carries around 180 mg of caffeine. 

Why can't I drink matcha on an empty stomach?

Drinking matcha on an empty stomach is generally well-tolerated by most people. A small percentage of people may experience mild discomfort or digestive issues. 

If you discover that drinking matcha on an empty stomach doesn't agree with you, try having a snack first. This can help alleviate any stomach discomfort and provide a more comfortable matcha experience. 

Does matcha make you poop?

The caffeine in matcha can have a mild stimulatory effect on the digestive system for some people. This can potentially help promote bowel movements. The effects can vary, and not everyone may experience them. Factors like overall diet, hydration, and individual sensitivity to caffeine can also influence bowel movements. 

Does matcha have more caffeine than other types of tea? 

Matcha contains a higher level of caffeine compared to most other types of tea. While the exact caffeine content can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the matcha and the brewing method, matcha generally contains more caffeine than green, white, and herbal teas.

How does the matcha caffeine content compare to that of loose leaf teas?

Matcha generally contains a higher concentration of caffeine compared to loose leaf teas. While loose leaf teas vary in their caffeine content depending on the type and brewing method, matcha's unique preparation method and use of whole ground tea leaves contribute to its higher caffeine concentration.

Does the level of caffeine in matcha depend on the type of tea plant used?

The level of caffeine in matcha is influenced by the type of tea plant. Matcha and other types of green tea come from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Different varieties of Camellia sinensis can have variations in their natural caffeine content. However, the caffeine content of matcha is also influenced by factors such as growing conditions, processing methods, and harvesting practices.

Does matcha contain more caffeine than green tea?

Matcha generally contains a higher concentration of caffeine compared to green teas extracted from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. The unique preparation method of matcha, which involves consuming the whole ground tea leaves, contributes to its higher caffeine content. Green teas from tea bags, on the other hand, often have a lower caffeine content as they typically contain more mature leaves that undergo a different processing method.

Do matcha lattes contain a moderate amount of caffeine?

Matcha lattes can be a good option for individuals seeking a moderate caffeine boost. The caffeine content in a matcha latte will depend on factors such as the amount of matcha used and the type of milk or milk substitute used in the preparation. However, compared to a regular cup of coffee or espresso-based drinks, matcha lattes generally provide a smoother and more sustained release of caffeine.

Resources

Gottwalt, B., & Tadi, P. (2023, April 16).Methylxanthines - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. Methylxanthines - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559165/#

Kochman, J., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., Mruk, H., & Janda, K. (2020, December 27).Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010085

Baba, Y., Inagaki, S., Nakagawa, S., Kobayashi, M., Kaneko, T., & Takihara, T. (2021, May 17).Effects of Daily Matcha and Caffeine Intake on Mild Acute Psychological Stress-Related Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051700

Unno, K., Furushima, D., Hamamoto, S., Iguchi, K., Yamada, H., Morita, A., Horie, H., & Nakamura, Y. (2018, October 10).Stress-Reducing Function of Matcha Green Tea in Animal Experiments and Clinical Trials. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10101468

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