Does matcha have the same side effects as coffee?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, the caffeine content in a standard cup of coffee is significantly higher, often between 95 and 200 mg, compared to the roughly 70 mg found in a serving of matcha. This substantial difference in caffeine levels is a primary factor when investigating the question: does matcha have the same side effects as coffee?

Quick Summary

Matcha typically presents fewer and less severe side effects than coffee due to its lower caffeine content and the calming amino acid L-theanine. This creates a smoother energy boost without the jitters, anxiety, and digestive upset often associated with traditional coffee consumption.

Key Points

Calmer Energy: Matcha's L-theanine slows caffeine absorption, providing a sustained energy boost without the sudden spikes and crashes of coffee.
Less Anxiety: L-theanine promotes alpha brain waves, creating a state of focused calm that counteracts the jittery, nervous effects often caused by high doses of coffee.
Gentler on the Stomach: As an alkaline-forming beverage, matcha is less acidic than coffee, reducing the risk of acid reflux and digestive irritation.
Lower Risk of Withdrawal: The slower release of caffeine in matcha makes it less addictive and less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
Fewer Jitters: The combined effect of moderate caffeine and high L-theanine means matcha rarely causes the shakiness or rapid heart rate some people experience with coffee.
Better for Teeth: Unlike coffee, which can stain teeth, matcha has been shown to improve oral hygiene by fighting bacteria and plaque.

Understanding the Caffeine Difference

The key distinction in side effects between matcha and coffee stems from their caffeine content and how the body processes it. While both contain caffeine, coffee provides a rapid, intense jolt, whereas matcha offers a slower, more sustained energy release. This difference is largely attributed to L-theanine, an amino acid abundant in matcha that interacts with caffeine to regulate its absorption.

The Rapid Onset of Coffee's Caffeine

Coffee's caffeine is quickly absorbed, leading to a sharp rise in stress hormones. This can result in a sudden energy boost but may also cause side effects like anxiety, jitters, rapid heartbeat, and the eventual "caffeine crash".

The Calming Influence of Matcha's L-Theanine

Matcha contains high levels of L-theanine, which promotes alpha brain waves linked to calm, focused alertness. L-theanine works with caffeine in matcha to slow its absorption, providing a more stable and prolonged energy effect. This is why matcha is often associated with a sense of calm focus.

Impact on Digestive Health

The effect on the digestive system also differs. Coffee's high acidity can be harsh on sensitive stomachs, especially when consumed without food.

Why Coffee Can Cause Stomach Issues

Coffee's acidity can irritate the stomach lining, leading to symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn. Its high caffeine can also stimulate the digestive tract, potentially acting as a laxative.

Matcha's Gentler Approach to Digestion

Matcha is less acidic than coffee, with a more neutral pH, making it easier on the stomach. However, tannins in matcha can cause nausea if consumed in large amounts on an empty stomach. This is usually avoided by drinking matcha with food or in moderation.

Addiction and Withdrawal

Coffee's high caffeine and rapid energy can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue if stopped suddenly. Matcha, with its smoother energy release and lower caffeine, carries a reduced risk of dependence and withdrawal.

Comparison of Side Effects: Matcha vs. Coffee


Feature	Coffee	Matcha
Energy Boost	Rapid, intense spike followed by a crash	Slower, sustained, and prolonged release
Jitters & Anxiety	Common, especially with high consumption; can increase cortisol levels	Infrequent due to L-theanine; promotes calm alertness
Digestive Impact	Highly acidic; can cause acid reflux, heartburn, and irritation	Less acidic; generally gentler on the stomach. Tannins can cause issues on an empty stomach.
Withdrawal Potential	High due to fast caffeine absorption and dependency	Low due to sustained release and lower caffeine content
Sleep Interference	Can cause insomnia due to higher caffeine and cortisol spikes	Less likely to interfere with sleep, especially if consumed in the afternoon

How to Minimize Potential Side Effects

Moderation is important for both beverages. Here are some ways to manage potential side effects, particularly when switching to matcha or if sensitive to caffeine.

For Matcha:

Start with a small serving (1-2 grams).
Consume with or after a meal to avoid stomach upset from tannins.
Avoid drinking too close to bedtime if sensitive to caffeine.
Choose ceremonial grade matcha, which often has more L-theanine.

For Coffee:

Reduce intake gradually to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Drink with food to lessen acidic effects.
Try lower-acid or cold brew coffee for digestive sensitivity.
Reduce consumption if experiencing increased anxiety, jitters, or sleep issues.

Conclusion: A Clear Distinction in Side Effects

Matcha and coffee do not share the same side effects. The key difference is matcha's combination of caffeine and L-theanine, which provides a smoother, sustained energy boost without the harsh peaks, crashes, anxiety, and digestive issues often linked to coffee. Matcha offers a gentler alternative for those sensitive to caffeine's rapid effects or seeking calm alertness. Understanding your body's response is key. For many, switching to matcha can improve well-being, including less anxiety and better digestion. A helpful resource on the benefits of L-theanine in matcha is available from Matcha.com.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For further reading on the calming and focus-enhancing properties of L-theanine, a key component in matcha, consider this resource: Matcha L-Theanine Calming Health Benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is far less likely. The L-theanine in matcha creates a synergistic effect with caffeine, promoting a state of calm alertness and counteracting the anxiety and jitters often caused by coffee's rapid caffeine spike.

Matcha is generally gentler on the stomach than coffee because it is less acidic. However, some people may experience mild irritation from the tannins if they consume it on an empty stomach, so it's best to have it with food.

Switching to matcha can help mitigate coffee withdrawal symptoms. Matcha's lower caffeine content and slower release mechanism prevent the dependency loop common with coffee, making for a smoother transition.

Matcha's caffeine is released slowly over a longer period, resulting in a steady energy boost that is less likely to interfere with your sleep cycle than coffee's fast-acting caffeine. However, those who are highly sensitive to caffeine should still avoid drinking it close to bedtime.

While generally safe, excessive consumption of low-quality matcha may expose you to higher lead levels. The high polyphenol content can also interfere with iron absorption, so it is recommended to drink matcha a few hours before or after an iron-rich meal.

Yes, many people with acid reflux find matcha to be a better alternative than coffee. Its lower acidity is much less likely to irritate the stomach lining. For best results, avoid drinking it on an empty stomach.

While it is possible to overconsume caffeine from any source, the risk of overdosing from matcha is much lower than from coffee. The FDA recommends a daily caffeine limit of 400mg, which is significantly more difficult to reach with matcha's lower caffeine per serving.