Is matcha tea more caffeinated than coffee?

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

On average, a standard cup of brewed coffee contains more caffeine than a typical serving of matcha tea. This comparison, however, is more complex than a simple milligram count, as the source and accompanying compounds dramatically alter how the caffeine affects your body.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caffeine content of matcha and coffee, contrasting their distinct energy effects. It explains how L-theanine in matcha leads to a calm, sustained boost, while coffee often causes a quick peak and crash.

Key Points

Caffeine Content: A standard cup of brewed coffee typically has more caffeine than a standard serving of matcha tea.
Sustained Energy: Matcha's caffeine is absorbed more slowly, providing a calm, sustained energy boost without the crash often associated with coffee.
L-Theanine Effect: The amino acid L-theanine in matcha works with caffeine to promote a state of relaxed alertness and focus.
Antioxidant Power: Matcha is significantly richer in potent antioxidants, like catechins, compared to coffee.
Jitters and Anxiety: Coffee's faster caffeine absorption can lead to jitters and increased anxiety, while matcha's steady release minimizes these effects.
Digestive Comfort: With its lower acidity, matcha is often gentler on the stomach than coffee.
Oral Health Benefits: Matcha can improve oral health by fighting bacteria, unlike coffee which can stain teeth.

The Core Difference: Caffeine Content vs. Energy Effect

While the simple answer to the question "Is matcha tea more caffeinated than coffee?" is typically no, the story is far more interesting than a basic caffeine comparison. The key difference lies not just in the quantity of caffeine, but in how it is delivered to the body. Coffee releases its caffeine quickly, giving you a sudden jolt of energy, while matcha offers a more sustained, calm alertness due to the presence of a unique amino acid called L-theanine.

How Much Caffeine is in Your Cup?

The caffeine levels in both beverages can vary widely depending on preparation and quality. For example, a single teaspoon (approx. 2g) of matcha powder can provide between 38 and 88 mg of caffeine, depending on factors like the grade and freshness of the leaves. A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee, however, typically contains between 95 and 200 mg of caffeine. High-quality, ceremonial grade matcha might pack a more potent punch, but coffee generally holds the edge in raw caffeine quantity per standard serving. A simple espresso shot (1 oz) has about 63 mg, but a 12-ounce cold brew can skyrocket to 150-200 mg.

The L-Theanine Factor: Calm Alertness vs. Jitters

The most significant distinction between matcha and coffee is the presence of L-theanine in matcha. This amino acid, found almost exclusively in the tea plant, works synergistically with caffeine. It slows down the body's absorption of caffeine, preventing the rapid spike in adrenaline and glucose associated with coffee. This results in a prolonged, more stable energy boost that lasts for several hours, often without the common side effects of anxiety and jitters. Coffee, lacking L-theanine, delivers a more immediate and intense effect, which can be great for a quick wake-up call but often leads to an equally abrupt energy crash later in the day.

Matcha vs. Coffee: A Health and Energy Comparison

To better understand the differences, here is a breakdown comparing the two beverages across several key areas.


Feature	Matcha	Coffee
Caffeine per Serving	Lower to comparable, depending on prep (approx. 70 mg/cup)	Higher, on average (95–200 mg/cup)
Energy Effect	Calm, sustained, and focused energy boost lasting 4-6 hours	Quick, intense energy spike often followed by a crash
L-Theanine	High concentration, promotes calm and relaxation	None
Antioxidants	Very rich, with high levels of catechins like EGCG	Contains antioxidants, but significantly fewer than matcha
Potential Side Effects	Fewer reports of jitters, less stomach irritation	Higher risk of jitters, anxiety, and digestive issues

Beyond the Buzz: Additional Benefits

Both beverages offer health benefits, but their unique compositions lead to different strengths.

Antioxidant Powerhouse: Due to the special harvesting and processing where the entire tea leaf is consumed, matcha is an incredibly rich source of antioxidants, particularly the potent EGCG. This far surpasses the antioxidant content found in coffee.
Oral Health: Matcha contains antibacterial catechins that can inhibit the growth of plaque-causing bacteria, which can help improve oral hygiene. Unlike coffee, it is also less likely to cause tooth staining.
Metabolism Support: Both beverages can boost metabolism, but studies suggest that the catechins in matcha may be particularly effective in increasing fat oxidation, especially when consumed before a workout.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction: The presence of L-theanine in matcha creates alpha waves in the brain, promoting a state of relaxed awareness. This makes it a great choice for those sensitive to caffeine's anxiety-inducing effects.
Gut Health: With a lower acidity level than coffee, matcha can be a gentler option for those with sensitive digestive systems, reducing the risk of stomach irritation.

Conclusion: The Right Choice Depends on You

Ultimately, the better choice between matcha and coffee depends on your personal health goals and how your body responds to caffeine. If you need a powerful, fast-acting jolt of energy, coffee may be the better option. However, if you are seeking a calmer, more sustained energy lift without the jitters and eventual crash, matcha is a superior alternative. Its wealth of antioxidants and additional health benefits make it a compelling choice for many seeking to prioritize mental focus and overall well-being. Regardless of your preference, incorporating either in moderation can be part of a healthy routine.

Learn more about the unique properties of L-theanine and its effect on mental state in this Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Matcha provides a more sustained energy boost. The L-theanine in matcha slows down the absorption of caffeine, leading to a prolonged, calmer energy lift that typically lasts for several hours.

Matcha is less likely to cause jitters. The combination of caffeine with L-theanine promotes a state of calm alertness, counteracting the rapid energy spike that can trigger anxiety and jitters in some coffee drinkers.

The caffeine molecule itself is the same, but the way it is processed by the body is different. In matcha, L-theanine causes the caffeine to be released and absorbed more slowly over a longer period.

Matcha has significantly more antioxidants than coffee. Because the entire tea leaf is consumed, matcha is a highly concentrated source of catechins and other antioxidants.

You can transition from coffee to matcha gradually to minimize withdrawal symptoms like headaches. Some methods involve slowly replacing coffee with matcha over a week or two to allow your body to adjust to the different caffeine release profile.

Matcha is generally better for your teeth. Unlike coffee, it does not stain your teeth and contains antibacterial properties that help fight plaque-causing bacteria.

Yes, matcha is typically gentler on the stomach. Coffee is more acidic and can cause stomach irritation or acid reflux in sensitive individuals, whereas matcha is more alkaline.

On average, an 8oz cup of coffee contains 95-200 mg of caffeine, while a comparable serving of matcha has about 70 mg. However, the exact amount can depend on the strength of your brew.