Through years of travel, demos, and trade shows, we have come to learn that matcha tea drinkers truly love their matcha. Matcha is a very popular beverage, mainly for its health benefits, antioxidants, and its lower level of caffeine compared to coffee—which combined with L-theanine provides a sustained, no-crash energy boost.
But how much caffeine is really in matcha, and what makes it different from the caffeine in a beverage like coffee? Here’s everything you need to know about matcha caffeine content!
First, Why Do People Love Matcha?
There are many reasons why people love matcha! Some drink it to help ease day-to-day stress, some drink it to power them across the finish line, and others drink it simply to contemplate and enjoy.
What is the Caffeine Content in Matcha Tea?
Caffeine in matcha is similar to the caffeine in coffee, but there’s less of it. Matcha contains about half the caffeine that coffee does. Not surprisingly, its effects are noticeably less intense! Unlike coffee, matcha provides a sustained lift of energy for 2-3 hours then slowly tapers off, rather than a spike of energy followed by a crash. If you were to have an 8 oz cup of matcha green tea, you will find about 25-35mg. This is using one-half teaspoon of matcha powder. If you desire more caffeine in your drink, we’d recommend giving yourself a bigger scoop of matcha powder. If you want less, you could try a smaller scoop!
On the contrary, a cup of coffee will contain about 95 to 200 mg of caffeine, which is substantially more. If you are someone who drinks decaf coffee, then you will receive more caffeine in your matcha tea than in your typical cup of decaf coffee. To compare even more beverages, an espresso double shot (2 oz) contains about 140 mg of caffeine, a Red Bull or similar energy drink contains about 114 mg of caffeine (for 12 oz), and a 5 Hour Energy Drink contains about 200 mg of caffeine (2 oz).
| Drink | Caffeine Content |
| Matcha Green Tea (8 oz, 1/2 tsp. matcha) | 25-35 mg |
| Coffee (8 oz) | 95-200 mg |
| Espresso Double Shot (2 oz) | 140 mg |
| Red Bull (12 oz) | 114 mg |
| 5 Hour Energy Drink (2 oz) | 200 mg |
With a relatively low caffeine content, matcha green tea is perfect if you are looking for a gentle energy boost. It will help you to feel more alert and focused, rather than a quick high with a sudden crash like you may experience with coffee. Many people enjoy this kind of energy boost over the high from coffee because it is a gentle boost, without headaches or other side effects.
While it’s true caffeine can be known for its negative side effects, it can also have positive attributes as well. It can help improve your concentration, your attention, and your focus. However, if you have too much caffeine, it may cause you to feel jittery and anxious, which is why matcha tea is so popular!
How Does L-Theanine Interact with Caffeine in Matcha?
L-theanine is an amino acid unique to tea that helps to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting a relaxed state that doesn’t make you feel tired. It’s famous for its ability to help people calm and relax! Because matcha contains both caffeine and l-theanine, it is considered both a relaxant and a stimulant.
Unlike coffee, matcha produces no jitters, as previously mentioned. Essentially, l-theanine provides an extended energy boost to help you concentrate. Many people claim to feel good after drinking matcha tea, as opposed to coffee, and this is in large part thanks to the l-theanine.
Learn more about the potential benefits of l-theanine!
Where Can You Purchase Matcha Tea?
Matcha tea is a great alternative, especially if you are a coffee drinker and looking to minimize your caffeine intake! You will not only find a decreased level of caffeine, but you will also gain the benefits of l-theanine, its unique antioxidants, and its delicious taste. If you are not already a matcha tea fan, we know you are going to be one soon!
Here at My Matcha Life®, our matcha tea is grown in the finest tea fields of Japan: in the prefecture at the south-western tip of the island of Kyushu, and on the island of Honshu near the city of Kyoto—where matcha tea originated 800 years ago. My Matcha Life® is your go-to source to buy high-quality matcha green tea online.
Our tea products are grown in Japan and traditionally stone-ground into a rich 100% pure matcha tea powder. We offer a variety of matcha tea products, all of which are great alternatives to coffee if you are looking to decrease your intake while enjoying a sustained, no-crash energy boost.