Does Green Tea Powder Have Caffeine in It?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Matcha, a popular form of green tea powder, contains a significant amount of caffeine. A typical serving can have between 38 and 176 mg, based on preparation methods. This is often more than a regular cup of brewed green tea because the whole tea leaf is consumed when drinking the powdered form.

Quick Summary

This article examines the caffeine levels in green tea powder, including matcha, explaining how processing and preparation impact caffeine concentration. The text compares the caffeine levels to those of other common beverages, like coffee. The unique benefits of green tea powder's caffeine, like the calming effect of L-theanine, and tips for managing intake are also provided.

Key Points

Caffeine Content: Green tea powder contains caffeine, often at higher levels per serving than regular brewed green tea because the entire leaf is consumed.
Sustained Energy: L-theanine in green tea powder slows caffeine absorption, providing a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost without the jitters associated with coffee.
Factors Affecting Strength: Caffeine levels vary significantly based on the powder's quality, the serving size, and the water temperature during preparation.
Matcha vs. Coffee: Although coffee may have a higher caffeine content, matcha's effects are different due to L-theanine, which promotes relaxed alertness instead of an immediate jolt and crash.
Consumption Considerations: Individuals sensitive to caffeine should be mindful of their intake, as excessive amounts can cause side effects like anxiety or insomnia. Decaf options are also available.

Green Tea Powder and Its Caffeinated Nature

Green tea powder, often known as matcha, does contain caffeine. All true teas, including green tea, are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, which naturally produces caffeine. The key difference between powdered and traditional brewed green tea lies in the preparation method. When brewing green tea from leaves, only a portion of the caffeine is extracted. With green tea powder, such as matcha, the entire leaf is consumed, resulting in a more concentrated dose of nutrients, antioxidants, and caffeine.

Why Green Tea Powder Contains More Caffeine

The cultivation and processing methods for green tea powder affect its caffeine level. High-quality matcha is grown in the shade for the last few weeks before harvest. This technique stimulates the tea plant to produce higher levels of chlorophyll, enhancing its vibrant green color. It also increases the concentration of L-theanine and caffeine. This process results in a powder with a potent caffeine content per gram.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Levels

The caffeine content in green tea powder is not a fixed number and is influenced by several variables:

Quality of the powder: Higher-grade matcha often has a more potent flavor and higher caffeine content than culinary-grade varieties.
Serving size: A larger amount of powder results in a higher caffeine dose. A typical serving ranges from 1 to 4 grams.
Preparation method: The water's temperature used for mixing also plays a role. Hotter water extracts more caffeine from the powder.
Leaf maturity: Younger tea leaves generally contain more caffeine than older leaves.

The Role of L-Theanine

One unique aspect of the caffeine in green tea powder, especially matcha, is its synergy with the amino acid L-theanine. This pairing is responsible for the distinct energetic experience. Caffeine provides alertness, and L-theanine promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. L-theanine also controls the absorption of caffeine into the bloodstream, creating a sustained, focused energy boost that can last for hours, unlike the abrupt spike and crash associated with coffee. This makes powdered green tea a popular choice for those seeking calm alertness for productivity and focus.

Green Tea Powder vs. Coffee: A Caffeine Comparison

Understanding the differences in caffeine content and its effect between green tea powder and coffee can help with making an informed choice for a daily routine. While coffee typically contains more caffeine per cup, the effect is experienced and metabolized differently due to green tea's unique composition.


Feature	Green Tea Powder (Matcha)	Coffee
Typical Caffeine (per 8oz serving)	30–176 mg (depending on potency)	80–120 mg
Energy Boost	Sustained and steady, thanks to L-theanine	Quick spike, followed by a potential crash
Mental State	Calm and focused alertness	Jitteriness or restlessness for sensitive individuals
Antioxidants	Very high, as the entire leaf is consumed	Good source, but often lower than matcha
Digestive Impact	Generally gentler on the stomach	Can be harsher on the digestive system for some

The Choice for Sustained Energy

For those seeking a long-lasting and clear-headed energy boost without the jittery side effects, green tea powder is an excellent alternative to coffee. The gradual release of caffeine and the calming effect of L-theanine create a state of relaxed awareness. This makes it ideal for productive work sessions, studying, or maintaining steady energy throughout the day.

Making a Delicious Green Tea Powder Drink

To enjoy green tea powder, extensive or complicated equipment is not needed. A basic recipe for a warm, traditional preparation involves:

Sift 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality matcha powder into a bowl to prevent clumps.
Pour in about 1/4 cup of hot water (not boiling) and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until a frothy paste forms.
Add more hot water to your liking and whisk until well combined.
Enjoy it as a traditional tea, or add milk and sweetener for a latte.

For a cold option, mix the powder with cold water and ice in a sealable jar and shake until frothy. For more creative uses, add it to smoothies, baked goods, and other recipes.

Conclusion

Green tea powder contains caffeine, and often in greater amounts than a typical cup of brewed green tea due to the consumption of the entire leaf. The quantity can vary based on factors such as quality, serving size, and preparation, but the defining characteristic is the smooth, sustained energy it provides. The combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine promotes a state of calm alertness, offering a different and often preferred experience to the rapid spike and crash of coffee. Whether for its energy benefits, high antioxidant content, or unique flavor, green tea powder is a potent and healthy beverage with a lot to offer.

Here is a link to the NIH's information on green tea for further reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is that green tea powder (like matcha) contains more caffeine per serving than brewed green tea. When drinking powdered green tea, the entire leaf is consumed, whereas brewed tea steeps and discards the leaves, resulting in only the extracted compounds being ingested.

The caffeine content in a standard serving of matcha (about 1-2 teaspoons or 2-4 grams of powder) can range widely, from approximately 38 to 176 mg. This is due to factors such as the quality of the powder and how the drink is prepared.

Compared to coffee, the caffeine in green tea powder is less likely to cause jitters. This is due to the high concentration of L-theanine, an amino acid that works with caffeine to provide a state of focused, calm alertness and a more gradual release of energy.

Yes, decaffeinated versions of green tea powder, such as decaf matcha, are available. These products are not completely caffeine-free but contain significantly lower levels, making them a good option for those with sensitivities or who want to reduce their caffeine intake.

Yes, green tea powder is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming the entire leaf provides a more concentrated dose of beneficial compounds like catechins (including EGCG), supporting overall health, boosting metabolism, and aiding detoxification.

To reduce the caffeine, you can use less powder per serving, use cooler water for preparation, and opt for a culinary-grade powder over a higher-grade ceremonial one, as lower quality can sometimes mean less caffeine.

Many proponents argue that green tea powder is healthier because the entire tea leaf is consumed, maximizing the intake of nutrients and antioxidants. However, both offer health benefits, and the best choice depends on your preference and health goals.