Is Matcha Has More Caffeine? The Matcha vs. Coffee Comparison

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

While it may seem counterintuitive, an average cup of coffee contains significantly more caffeine than a standard serving of matcha. This is surprising for many given matcha's reputation as a powerful energy source, but the real story lies in how the body processes the caffeine from each beverage.

Quick Summary

This article compares the caffeine content of matcha and coffee, explaining why matcha provides a calmer, more sustained energy boost despite having less caffeine per serving. The role of L-theanine in matcha and how it impacts caffeine absorption is discussed, along with other key differences and health benefits.

Key Points

Less Caffeine than Coffee: A standard cup of matcha generally has less caffeine than an equivalent cup of coffee, but its energy effects are different.
Sustained Energy: Matcha provides a calmer, longer-lasting energy boost over several hours, thanks to the amino acid L-theanine.
Avoids the Jitters and Crash: L-theanine and catechins in matcha slow caffeine absorption, preventing the jitters and crash that often follow coffee consumption.
Rich in Antioxidants: Since you consume the entire ground leaf, matcha contains a higher concentration of beneficial antioxidants than regular green tea and coffee.
Improved Focus: The synergistic effect of L-theanine and caffeine promotes a state of relaxed alertness and enhanced cognitive function.
Gentler on the Stomach: Matcha is often gentler on the digestive system compared to coffee, making it a good alternative for those with sensitive stomachs.
Different Absorption: The caffeine in coffee is absorbed rapidly, leading to a quick spike, while matcha's absorption is slow and steady.

Matcha vs. Coffee: The Caffeine Content Revealed

The short answer to the question, "Is matcha has more caffeine?" is no, it does not. On a milligram-for-milligram basis, coffee is the clear winner for highest caffeine content. However, the nuance in this comparison lies not in the total amount of caffeine, but in how each is processed by the human body. A typical 8-ounce cup of coffee contains approximately 95-200 mg of caffeine, whereas an average 8-ounce cup of matcha contains only about 70 mg. This difference is crucial to understanding the distinct energy experiences of each drink. To get a similar caffeine kick from matcha, one would need a much more concentrated serving, but that isn't where its strength lies. The secret to matcha's powerful, yet calm, energy boost is the amino acid L-theanine.

The Role of L-Theanine in Matcha

Unlike coffee, matcha is rich in a unique amino acid called L-theanine. This compound is known for promoting relaxation and mental clarity without causing drowsiness. In matcha, L-theanine works in synergy with caffeine, slowing its absorption into the bloodstream. This creates a state of 'alert calm,' preventing the sharp energy spike and subsequent crash often experienced with coffee. The L-theanine is a direct result of the specific cultivation methods for matcha. Before harvesting, tea plants for matcha are shade-grown, which increases their production of chlorophyll and L-theanine.

Caffeine Absorption and the Body

When you drink coffee, the caffeine is absorbed rapidly, leading to a quick rush of energy, increased heart rate, and sometimes jitteriness. This adrenaline-fueled energy boost is often followed by a noticeable crash as the caffeine wears off. For many people, this crash can lead to a craving for another cup. In contrast, matcha offers a prolonged, steady release of energy over several hours. This is because the caffeine molecules in matcha bind to the catechins (antioxidants) and are released gradually over time. The result is a sustained focus and energy that can last for hours without the negative side effects of coffee.

Comparing Matcha and Coffee: Beyond the Caffeine

The differences extend beyond caffeine metabolism and encompass taste, preparation, and overall nutritional content. When you drink matcha, you are consuming the entire green tea leaf, which is ground into a fine powder. This provides a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants compared to brewed coffee, where only the water-soluble compounds from the beans are consumed.

Matcha vs. Coffee: A Nutritional Snapshot


Feature	Matcha	Coffee (Brewed)
Caffeine Content (8oz)	~70 mg	~95-200 mg
Energy Release	Slow, sustained (3-6 hours)	Rapid spike, followed by crash (1-3 hours)
L-Theanine	High concentration	None
Antioxidants	Very High (Catechins, EGCG)	High (Chlorogenic Acids)
Preparation	Whisked powder with water	Infusion of roasted beans
Effect	Calm, focused alertness	Energetic, can cause jitters

The Health Implications

Choosing between matcha and coffee isn't just about caffeine; it's about the entire health profile. Matcha's high antioxidant content can help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation, offering significant cellular protection. The calming effects of L-theanine also provide stress reduction, a benefit not found in coffee. Moreover, for those with sensitive stomachs, matcha is generally gentler on the digestive system than coffee. For individuals seeking a consistent energy source with added nutritional benefits, matcha is often a superior choice. However, coffee also has its place. It contains beneficial antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits. The right choice depends on your personal preferences and how your body responds to each drink.

Conclusion: The Better Brew Depends on You

In the showdown of caffeine content, coffee unequivocally holds more caffeine per average cup than matcha. However, this simple fact doesn't tell the whole story. Matcha's combination of lower caffeine and high levels of L-theanine offers a superior, more sustained energy boost without the jittery side effects or eventual crash associated with coffee. For those seeking a calm, focused alertness combined with a high dose of antioxidants, matcha is the clear winner. For others who need a quick, intense jolt and can tolerate the subsequent crash, coffee might be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between these two powerful beverages depends on your desired outcome: a smooth, prolonged lift or a sudden, powerful rush. Understanding how is matcha has more caffeine relative to other drinks empowers you to make an informed decision for your daily energy needs. https://ichateashop.com/blogs/news/matcha-vs-coffee-health-benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, matcha has significantly more caffeine than a cup of standard brewed green tea because you consume the entire tea leaf when drinking it. Regular green tea is only an infusion of the leaves.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in matcha that promotes relaxation and mental clarity. It works with caffeine to provide a calm, focused energy that prevents jitters and anxiety often caused by high caffeine intake.

The caffeine in matcha is bound to larger molecules called catechins. This slows the absorption rate, allowing for a gradual, sustained release of energy that can last for several hours.

It is far less likely to cause jitters. While both contain caffeine, the presence of L-theanine in matcha provides a balancing, calming effect that counteracts the overstimulation that coffee can cause.

An average 8-ounce cup of matcha contains around 70 milligrams of caffeine. This can vary depending on the quality of the matcha and the amount of powder used.

Matcha is often considered healthier due to its high antioxidant levels and the calming effects of L-theanine. It offers sustained energy without the crash and is gentler on the stomach, but both beverages have their own health benefits.

An average single espresso shot (approx. 1 oz) can contain about 63 mg of caffeine, while a serving of matcha can range from 38 to 88 mg depending on concentration. So, the caffeine levels can be comparable, but the effect on the body is different.

Yes, ceremonial grade matcha is typically made from younger, shade-grown leaves and contains more caffeine than culinary-grade matcha, which is made from older leaves.