how much caffeine is in matcha? (and why it feels different)

Matcha has a reputation as a gentler alternative to coffee. But it does contain caffeine. So how much is actually in your cup, and why does it feel so different?

How much caffeine is in a cup of matcha?

A typical serving of matcha is around 2 grams of powder. That gives you roughly 60 to 70 milligrams of caffeine, about the same as a small espresso. A regular cup of coffee usually contains around 80 to 100 milligrams.

So, gram for gram, matcha is a moderate source of caffeine. Most people land somewhere between a cup of green tea and a cup of coffee.

What changes the amount?

• How much powder you use. One scoop or two makes a real difference. Our matcha scoop measures exactly 1 gram, so you always know what's in your cup.
• The leaf and the harvest. Young, shade-grown first harvest leaves (used for ceremonial matcha) are richer in both caffeine and L-theanine than older leaves.
• The type of tea. Roasted hojicha contains far less caffeine than matcha, which is why it's our go-to for the evening.

Why matcha caffeine feels different

The answer is L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in tea and especially in shade-grown matcha. L-theanine has a calming effect and works together with caffeine. Many matcha drinkers describe the result as "calm-alert": focused and awake, without the jittery peak.

On top of that, the energy tends to build gradually and last longer. Where coffee often gives a quick spike followed by a dip a few hours later, matcha gives a steadier curve. We compare the two in detail in matcha vs coffee, and explain L-theanine in L-theanine in matcha.

When is the best time to drink matcha?

For most people: in the morning or early afternoon, when you want focus that lasts. Because matcha still contains caffeine, it's best to skip it late in the evening if you're sensitive to caffeine. That's where our am/pm thinking comes in: matcha for mornings with momentum, hojicha for evenings at ease.

How much matcha per day?

For healthy adults, European food safety guidance considers up to 400 mg of caffeine a day from all sources safe. One or two servings of matcha fit comfortably within that, even alongside a coffee. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or sensitive to caffeine, keep your total lower and check with your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Does matcha have more caffeine than coffee?
No. A cup of matcha usually contains a little less caffeine than a cup of coffee, but the energy feels steadier thanks to L-theanine.

Does matcha keep you awake at night?
It can, because it contains caffeine. If you want a warm cup in the evening, choose a low-caffeine tea like hojicha.

Is matcha a good coffee alternative?
For many people, yes: especially if coffee makes you jittery or gives you an afternoon crash.