Matcha & Caffeine

Wondering about matcha and caffeine? Here’s the short answer — plus a full comparison most sites won’t tell you.

Matcha does contain caffeine (around three quarters the caffeine of a cup of coffee) but the way matcha delivers caffeine to your body is very different to coffee and energy drinks and as a result matcha helps enhance energy and concentration and the antioxidants are transforming the health of our customers! We will cover the science behind why below!

Matcha and Caffeine Absorption

With matcha, the caffeine is absorbed and released slowly by the body over a period of 6-8 hours. This means that matcha provides a sustainable energy boost without the rapid 30-minute spike, slump, and jitters associated with coffee.

Tea is the only plant that makes the amino acid theanine. Matcha plantations are shaded before harvest and this shading process boosts the levels of amino acids meaning matcha has the highest concentration of theanine. Theanine is known for its ability to increase alpha waves in the brain and promote calmness and alert concentration, giving matcha users a great “zen” state. Controlled experiments have shown that theanine has a positive effect on the mind and improves memory by increasing dopamine levels. Additionally, the alpha brain waves increase 40 minutes after a person consumes theanine, making this a great drink for students or professionals.

Matcha provides 3.25mg of calcium, 1.85mg of vitamin C, 20.5mg of potassium and 274mg of protein per serving amidst other vitamins and antioxidants that outnumber super foods like goji and acai berries. If you compare that to what you’d get from a tea bag – one bowl of matcha is equivalent to approximately 10 cups of regular green tea. That is because matcha powder uses the entire green tea leaf, instead of just dipping the leaf in hot water which provides only around 10% of the plant’s nutrients.

Although both matcha and coffee stimulate alertness, matcha releases caffeine over time and its high concentration of theanine means that the caffeine is better harnessed to promote focus and concentration.

Matcha vs Coffee: Caffeine Comparison

Matcha Coffee
Caffeine per cup 38–176 mg (typically ~70 mg) 80–100 mg (typically ~95 mg)
Release time Gradual over 6–8 hours Rapid spike in 30–60 minutes
Jitters Rare (L-theanine moderates) Common at higher doses
Crash Minimal Often yes
Additional benefits Antioxidants, L-theanine, vitamins —

Frequently Asked Questions

How much caffeine is in a cup of matcha?

A standard serving of matcha contains 38–176 mg of caffeine depending on the grade and preparation method, with a typical cup containing around 70 mg. This is three quarters the caffeine of a standard cup of coffee.

Does matcha have more caffeine than coffee?

They’re in a similar range — matcha typically has ~70 mg per cup compared to coffee’s ~95 mg. The key difference is how the caffeine is released: matcha delivers it gradually over 6–8 hours rather than all at once.

Why doesn’t matcha cause jitters like coffee?

Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that moderates caffeine absorption and promotes calm alertness. This combination means you get sustained energy without the jitters or crash.

When is the best time to drink matcha?

Morning or early afternoon is ideal. Because matcha’s caffeine is released over 6–8 hours, drinking it after 2 pm may affect your sleep.

Ready to Try Matcha?

Experience the sustained energy of matcha for yourself. Our premium Japanese matcha is sourced directly from Uji, Kyoto.