Is Matcha Have High Caffeine? An In-Depth Look

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Matcha has about double the caffeine content of a cup of regular green tea, because you are ingesting the entire leaf. So, is matcha have high caffeine? The answer is nuanced, depending on how you define 'high' and how you compare it to other beverages like coffee.

Quick Summary

Matcha does contain caffeine, with an average cup offering a significant amount, often comparable to or less than coffee depending on preparation. The key difference lies in the sustained energy boost provided by L-theanine, which slows caffeine absorption and prevents jitters and crashes.

Key Points

Significant Caffeine Content: Matcha generally contains more caffeine per serving than regular green tea because you consume the entire ground tea leaf.
L-Theanine for Calm Focus: The amino acid L-theanine is abundant in matcha and slows the body's absorption of caffeine, preventing the jitters and crash associated with coffee.
Energy Boost without the Crash: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha provides a steady, sustained energy release that promotes a state of calm alertness.
Factors Influence Potency: The amount of caffeine in matcha varies based on its grade (ceremonial vs. culinary), the amount of powder used, and water temperature.
Coffee Comparison: While an average cup of coffee typically contains more total caffeine, matcha's effects are often perceived as smoother and longer-lasting due to the unique synergistic effect with L-theanine.
Customize Your Intake: For lower caffeine, you can use less powder per serving, choose culinary-grade matcha, or blend it with other low-caffeine teas.

Does Matcha Contain a High Level of Caffeine?

Yes, matcha has a relatively high caffeine content, especially when compared to traditional green tea. However, the experience of consuming matcha's caffeine is significantly different from that of coffee, making it a popular alternative for those who seek alertness without the jitters.

The Science Behind Matcha's Caffeine

Matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant as all green, black, and white teas. The key difference in matcha's high caffeine concentration and unique effect is its cultivation process. Before harvesting, the tea plants are shade-grown for several weeks. This shading process increases the plant's production of chlorophyll, amino acids, and, importantly, L-theanine.

Unlike coffee, where caffeine is absorbed quickly, the L-theanine in matcha binds with the caffeine, slowing its release into the bloodstream. This creates a state of sustained, calm alertness that can last for hours, without the sharp peak and subsequent crash often associated with coffee.

Factors Affecting Matcha's Caffeine Content

Several elements influence the exact amount of caffeine in your cup of matcha:

Matcha Grade: Ceremonial-grade matcha, made from the youngest, most tender leaves, often has a higher caffeine and L-theanine concentration than culinary-grade matcha, which uses older leaves.
Preparation Method: The ratio of powder to water and the water temperature directly impact the caffeine level. Using more matcha powder or hotter water will result in a higher caffeine concentration.
Harvest Time: Leaves harvested earlier in the season typically contain more caffeine than those harvested later.

Caffeine Comparison: Matcha vs. Other Beverages

To truly understand matcha's caffeine level, it's helpful to compare it with other popular caffeinated drinks. Here is a general comparison:


Beverage	Average Caffeine Content (per cup)	Energy Profile
Matcha	38–88 mg (depending on serving)	Provides sustained, focused energy with no jitters or crash.
Brewed Coffee	95–120 mg (8 oz)	Delivers a quick, intense energy spike followed by a potential crash.
Espresso	63–75 mg (1 oz shot)	Offers a rapid, concentrated dose of caffeine.
Regular Green Tea	30–40 mg (8 oz)	Provides a milder, less concentrated energy boost than matcha.
Black Tea	64–112 mg (8 oz)	A moderate caffeine boost, but without the calming L-theanine effect of matcha.

How to Customize Your Matcha Caffeine Intake

For those who are sensitive to caffeine or simply want to manage their intake, there are several ways to adjust the caffeine level in your matcha:

Use less powder per serving, perhaps starting with half a teaspoon.
Opt for culinary-grade matcha, which is often made from older, lower-caffeine leaves.
Consider decaffeinated matcha options, which provide the flavor and benefits without the caffeine.
Mix matcha with other lower-caffeine teas, such as herbal tea, to reduce the overall concentration.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While the L-theanine in matcha helps mitigate many of the negative side effects of caffeine, it is still possible to experience adverse effects from overconsumption. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, nervousness, and a fast heartbeat, particularly in those who are sensitive to it.

It is also important to consider the potential for contaminants. It is recommended to choose certified organic varieties of matcha to reduce the risk of consuming impurities like pesticides.

Conclusion: The Balanced Energy of Matcha

To answer the question, "Is matcha have high caffeine?"—yes, it contains a significant amount, more than regular green tea and often comparable to coffee on a per-serving basis. However, its unique combination with the amino acid L-theanine provides a calm, focused, and sustained energy boost that is fundamentally different from the rapid spike and crash of coffee. For individuals seeking a healthier, more balanced way to get a caffeine fix, matcha presents an appealing alternative that offers both stimulation and tranquility.

Visit this guide to learn more about the differences between matcha and coffee and the health benefits of matcha.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the caffeine in matcha differs because of the amino acid L-theanine, which slows down the absorption of caffeine into the bloodstream. This results in a more sustained, calming energy boost without the rapid spike and crash that is often experienced with coffee.

The caffeine content can vary widely, but a standard serving of matcha (approximately 1-2 grams of powder) can contain anywhere from 38 to 88 mg of caffeine. Factors like the grade of matcha and preparation method influence the final amount.

Matcha's combination of L-theanine and caffeine makes it a gentler option for many people who are sensitive to caffeine. The slow, steady release of energy is less likely to cause jitters. To test your tolerance, start with a smaller serving.

Ceremonial grade matcha, which is made from younger, shade-grown leaves, typically contains a higher concentration of both caffeine and L-theanine compared to culinary grade matcha.

Yes, using hotter water when preparing matcha will increase the extraction of caffeine from the powder. Conversely, using less hot water will result in a lower caffeine concentration.

Yes, decaffeinated matcha is available and provides the same flavor and many of the health benefits without the stimulating effects of a high caffeine content. It is a good alternative for those who wish to avoid caffeine.

Due to its caffeine content, consuming matcha too late in the day can interfere with sleep, especially for those sensitive to caffeine. It is often recommended to avoid consumption at least 6 hours before bedtime.