Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

Although we touch upon the subject of Matcha and the Matcha caffeine levels in the various articles at the site; we wanted to devote just a short article specifically on the caffeine in matcha.

When drinking Matcha you are consuming the entire tea leaf. This is the main difference between Matcha and all other tea. Matcha drinkers receive the full nutritional benefits of the whole tea leaf and thereby enjoy the higher concentration of green tea antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Think of it as a whole food matcha green tea latte

Does Matcha have caffeine?

Yes. Matcha is a type of green tea, and green tea contains caffeine.

Because Matcha is made from crushed whole tea leaves, the caffeine content is somewhat higher than that of bagged tea. In fact, the Matcha caffeine levels can actually equal half the level of a black cup of coffee. When comparing Matcha's caffeine to steeped green tea you receive 31.8 mg caffeine in regular green tea and 68mg of caffeine in Ceremonial Matcha.

Keep in mind, caffeine isn't bad for you in moderate amounts and is actually beneficial in the form of Matcha. It's a mild stimulant that naturally occurs in a variety of plants, beans, fruits and nuts. The caffeine in Matcha actually can help to boost your metabolism by as much as 40%, while helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Matcha green tea is prepared as a powder and whisked into hot water, a method which releases the caffeine into the body gradually over 6-8 hours. Swapping regular tea or coffee for Matcha green tea lattes will result in sustained energy and increased focus without giving you the shakes or a caffeine crash later in the day. 

Caffeine/Theine:

All teas derived from the tea plant (camellia sinensis) contain Caffeine, sometimes referred to as Theine. Because Matcha consists of the entire tea leaf in a powdered form, it is relatively high in Caffeine. The typical serving size of Matcha varies from ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon, or 1 to 2 grams of Matcha. Your actual caffeine consumption can vary from 34 to about 68mg, whether you use ½ tsp or 1 tsp.

Matcha's Phyto-Nutrients 

Due to Matcha's combination of phyto-nutrients, the caffeine in Matcha is assimilated in a very different and much healthier way, than coffee or black tea. The caffeine in Matcha binds to the larger catechin molecules, that also act as powerful antioxidants, and is released into the bloodstream slowly over time, as the catechins are broken down and assimilated. The result is a slow dissemination of caffeine that provides sustained energy for up to 6 to 8 hours. This synergy within Matcha also prevents the insulin and adrenalin spikes typical for coffee intake, so you never have to experience the "crash" that follows when your blood sugar drops. Truly the healthiest energy drink!

The potential negative effects of caffeine are offset by the relaxing and calming influence of the amino acid L-Theanine. The combined effect is a state of mental clarity, calm alertness and sustained energy.

Where do our Matcha Blended Teas rank in all of this?

• 2 tsp to 1 tablespoon serving (for the equivalent of a 12 to 16 oz mug) will give you 38-54mg of caffeine.

• If you have a smaller portion, (8 to 12oz) cup of Matcha Chai, then you will use probably 1 1 /2 tsp, which would give you around 28mg of caffeine.

Our Matcha tea blends give you all of the great matcha benefits, with the sublime flavor and benefits of our spices and Coconut Nectar Sugar..the most satisfying matcha latte experience!

It’s Monday. The weekend was amazing, but now it's time to get back to work. Whether you do so at work or at home, there is the familiar ritual of brewing a cup of coffee to kickstart the day. The roasted aroma and crisp, slightly acidic notes is immediately noticeable as you sip the coffee. It jolts you awake and provides a much needed boost to continue the day.

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Does matcha have caffeine?

What you should know is that the caffeine in matcha is quite different from that found in coffee. Before we delve deeper into the question of caffeine in matcha vs coffee, let’s first understand the different characteristics between matcha and coffee.

Coffee vs matcha

Coffee is made up of roasted coffee beans where it’s grounded and brewed to our likings. It’s aromatic, bitter and known for its high caffeine content. On the other hand, matcha is made from young leaves of the tea plants Camellia sinensis. What sets matcha apart from other teas is the shading process in its final weeks before harvest. While most teas are made from different parts of tea leaves, matcha is grounded into powder from a whole tea leaf.

Depending on the blend of matcha (and how it’s prepared), matcha will have rather complex flavors that can range anywhere from sweet to nutty, floral, or savory.

Effects of caffeine in matcha vs coffee

The problem with coffee is that the “jolt” does not last very long. There is the inevitable crash, you lose steam, start feeling reduced energy levels, and you reach for your second (or third) cup of coffee. In comparison, the energy boost from matcha will easily last 4 hours without such side effects.

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

This is possible because matcha has a large amount of L-theanine, an amino acid that helps the body feel calm, relaxed and focused. L-theanine also controls the absorption of caffeine in the bloodstream. Even though matcha generally does not have as much caffeine as coffee, the caffeine boost lasts longer. Instead of a massive immediate caffeine spike, the body gradually uses up the caffeine in matcha over a few hours.

What exactly is L-theanine?

L-theanine is an amino acid found in various green and black tea beverages. 

  • During the shading process before the harvest causes the tea plant to increase amino acid production. 
  • There is a larger than usual concentration of L-theanine in matcha. 
  • You also consume the entire leaf when drinking matcha, so you get a larger amount of L-theanine compared to just drinking regular green tea.

Exactly how much caffeine is in matcha?

The amount of caffeine in coffee beverages are usually premised on the type of beverage. Because matcha is made from ground tea leaves, you essentially ingest the entire tea leaf when you drink any matcha-based beverage. Therefore, how much matcha powder you use will determine the caffeine content in matcha.

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

A single teaspoon of matcha contains about 70mg of caffeine, and will make slightly more than a cup of matcha tea. Based on the table below, you will notice that the caffeine content in matcha is very much comparable to that of coffee.

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

The lower dosage of caffeine in matcha also helps prevent the “coffee jitters” that many coffee drinkers have experienced. Unlike coffee, matcha is also much gentler on the stomach. If you’re sensitive to caffeine but need a perk-me-up, you can depend on matcha for energy boost.

Caffeine in matcha vs green tea

You may also have noticed that a cup of regular green tea has 35mg of caffeine, this is lower than that of both matcha and coffee. The caffeine content in matcha is about double that of regular green tea. This is because you ingest the entire leaf when consuming matcha. Most teas are only infused with hot water. Would we recommend matcha over green tea too? The answer is yes.

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

Again, the quality of caffeine in matcha is quite different because green tea has much lower levels of L-theanine. L-theanine is quite unique to matcha as it is formed when the tea plant is deprived of sunlight. For matcha, this occurs in the final few weeks before harvest when the tea plants are kept shaded under a canopy. 

This completely changes the amino acid profile of the tea plant and results in a higher concentration of L-theanine. Regular green tea is not shaded before harvest and will not have the same levels of L-theanine. The caffeine boost from green tea will likely not last as long nor be as effective. For more information, you may wish to read our explanation on the key differences between matcha and green tea.

But is it too good to be true?

There are a whole bunch of other potential benefits of drinking matcha. Matcha has more anti-oxidants than coffee. Matcha has chlorophyll which is known to have detoxifying properties. Matcha doesn’t leave you with the acrid, sour breath that you sometimes get after drinking too much coffee. The list goes on.  

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

However, matcha is slightly more expensive than coffee (when comparing the costs per serving). This is mainly due to the increased production and storage costs associated with matcha. Cheap matcha tends to be bitter or astringent. You only get naturally sweet and pleasant vegetal notes if you purchase good matcha. Good matcha is mostly made in Japan, a developed country with higher costs.

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

For the record, we personally still enjoy coffees in various forms. The last thing we want you to feel is that coffee should be avoided. The key difference is that we  have replaced our daily coffee with matcha and are no longer reliant on coffee for keeping us awake through the work day. Instead, a cup of matcha tea powers us through each workday.

Less equipment is needed to make matcha

At the minimum, all you really need to make a good matcha tea is a bottle and a source of hot water. Unlike coffee, you do not need any machines, french presses or drip filters. There is also no need for any messy grinding. A bamboo whisk will help make the process more enjoyable and perhaps easier. But it is not a requirement unless you are trying to make traditional matcha tea (usucha and koicha).

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

Easy matcha recipes allowing you to swap coffee for matcha

Here are two easy matcha recipes for matcha beverages that you can easily make at home or in the office – even on the busiest of work days.

Matcha tea

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

We noticed that many people enjoy a form of matcha tea that is even thinner than usucha. The result is a matcha beverage that tastes quite light without losing its essential matcha flavor. This is very pleasant when enjoyed piping hot after lunch.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp matcha powder
  • 12 oz/350 ml hot water at 176F (80C) or lower

Directions

Combine the matcha and water. We prefer adding both matcha powder and water into a bottle and shaking until the matcha is mixed well. If you need more detailed instructions, visit the recipe page!

Cold Brew

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine

Last summer, we had lots of fun preparing matcha cold brew. When made with the correct blends, matcha cold brew is extremely delicious and provides a refreshing energy boost. Best of all, it’s really simple to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp matcha powder
  • 8 oz/235ml cold water

Directions

Combine the matcha and water. Our preferred method is add both matcha and water into a bottle and shake until the matcha is mixed well. If you need more detailed instructions, visit the recipe page!

Is matcha stronger than coffee?

Both coffee and matcha have minimal calories and a bitter taste. Though they're both caffeinated drinks, coffee contains more caffeine than matcha per serving.

Is matcha high on caffeine?

Yes, matcha powder is high in caffeine. There's roughly 70mg of caffeine in one serving of matcha green tea, compared to a standard green tea which contains 28mg and black tea which contains 47mg. Compared to a cup of coffee or Zest High Caffeine Tea, however, matcha has fewer caffeine mg per serving.

Is matcha better than coffee for anxiety?

Winning Combo. Even though matcha has a decent amount of caffeine, it will not give you the jitters. On the contrary, matcha reduces anxiety because of its high content of L-theanine. This amino acid lessens the stimulating effect of caffeine on the nervous system, producing an energized and focused state.

Is matcha caffeine healthier than coffee?

Both coffee and matcha have health promoting properties when consumed in moderation, supporting energy levels and cognitive function, through their caffeine and antioxidant content. However, if you're looking to reap health benefits with fewer caffeine jitters and less acidity, matcha is the way to go.

Does matcha keep you awake?

Matcha provides an excellent caffeine boost and helps you stay alert. It is great to have with breakfast so you start your day feeling energised. It's actually the perfect substitute for a morning coffee—it's healthier and lower in caffeine too.

Is matcha caffeine the same as coffee?

The bottom line: Matcha's caffeine content is generally lower than coffee's, and it contains l-theanine, which may slow the effects of its caffeine for a gentler effect. That said, both coffee and matcha offer multiple health benefits, so which you drink comes down to preference.