Yes, matcha contains caffeine because it is made from tea leaves. A typical serving of about 2g of matcha powder has roughly 60 to 70mg of caffeine, similar to a small coffee but paired with L-theanine, which may make the energy feel smoother.
What you'll learn:
How much caffeine is in matcha?
Most people make matcha with about 2g of powder (roughly 1 teaspoon, depending on the spoon). With that serving size, a common estimate for matcha caffeine content is about 60 to 70mg.
If you want a quick way to think about it, matcha is often roughly 30 to 35mg of caffeine per gram of powder. So:
- 1g matcha: around 30 to 35mg caffeine
- 2g matcha: around 60 to 70mg caffeine
- 3g matcha: around 90 to 105mg caffeine
These are practical estimates, not lab results. Different matcha can vary, and people also make different sized drinks. A café drink might use more powder than a home serving, even if the cup looks the same.
It also helps to understand why matcha feels stronger than a normal cup of green tea. With steeped tea, the leaves are removed, so you only drink what was extracted into the water. With matcha, you drink the powder, so you are consuming the whole leaf material. If you want the basics of how matcha works, start with what is matcha.
One more detail: “1 teaspoon of matcha” is not a perfect measurement. Depending on the spoon and how packed it is, a teaspoon can be closer to 1.5g or closer to 3g. If you care about caffeine, a small kitchen scale makes things consistent.
Matcha caffeine vs coffee, green tea, and more
If you are comparing drinks, the most helpful view is “caffeine per serving”. Here is a simple caffeine table you can scan quickly.
| Drink | Typical serving size | Approx caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Matcha | 2g powder whisked with water | 60 to 70 |
| Filter coffee | 240ml mug | 95 to 120 |
| Green tea | 240ml cup (steeped) | 25 to 40 |
| Black tea | 240ml cup (steeped) | 40 to 70 |
| Espresso | 30ml shot | 60 to 65 |
So, is matcha caffeinated? Yes. In the table above, matcha sits between green tea and coffee for most people.
Keep in mind that these are ranges. Coffee varies by bean, brew method, and serving size. Tea varies by leaf, steep time, and how much tea you use. Matcha varies mostly by grams of powder per drink.
How much caffeine is in a matcha latte?
A matcha latte contains the same caffeine as the amount of matcha powder used in it. Milk does not add caffeine, it just changes the taste and texture.
As a quick guide:
- Home matcha latte (2g matcha): often around 60 to 70mg caffeine
- Strong café matcha latte (3g to 4g matcha): often around 90 to 140mg caffeine
If you are trying matcha for the first time, a latte can be a gentler introduction. It tastes creamier and less vegetal than straight matcha, but the caffeine still depends on the dose.
Why matcha caffeine feels different for some people
Many people say matcha gives them energy without the crash. The main reason is likely the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid naturally found in tea.
L-theanine is often described as supporting a calmer, more focused feeling. When it is paired with caffeine, some people feel alert without feeling as jittery. This is not guaranteed, but it is a common experience.
There are also simple “real world” reasons matcha can feel different. Matcha is often sipped more slowly than coffee, and many people drink it without sugar. Those habits can change how steady the energy feels.
If you want the broader context, including how matcha fits into wellbeing claims, read matcha benefits.
Does matcha have more caffeine than coffee?
Usually, no. A standard coffee serving tends to have more caffeine than a standard matcha serving.
However, matcha can have more caffeine if you use a larger dose. If you make a strong matcha with 3g or more, or if a café uses a large scoop, you can get into coffee-like territory.
Another way to compare is “caffeine density”. Espresso has a lot of caffeine in a small volume, but it is a small drink. Matcha can feel strong because it is concentrated and the flavour is intense, even if the caffeine is lower than a big coffee.
If you are trying to cut down on caffeine, matcha can be a helpful middle step. You can make a 1g serving and still get the ritual and the taste, without the caffeine level of a full mug of coffee.
If you want a full side-by-side comparison of the two drinks beyond caffeine, see matcha vs coffee.
What affects matcha caffeine content?
The biggest factor is simple: how much matcha powder you use. Because you drink the powder, the caffeine you consume is largely tied to the grams of matcha in the cup.
Other factors can change the number a little:
- Matcha grade and leaf quality: different harvests and leaf material can vary in caffeine.
- Serving style: thin matcha (usucha) versus thick matcha (koicha) uses different amounts of powder.
- How you measure: teaspoons vary a lot. If caffeine matters to you, use a small scale.
- Drink size: adding more water or milk changes how strong it tastes, but it does not change total caffeine if the powder amount stays the same.
Water temperature matters more for taste than caffeine in matcha. Using boiling water can make matcha taste more bitter, which can make people think it is “stronger”, even when the caffeine is the same.
If you want less caffeine, the best option is to reduce the amount of powder. Changing the water temperature will not reliably reduce caffeine, and it can make the drink taste worse.
How to make matcha with less caffeine
If you like the taste but want to keep caffeine low, try these simple adjustments:
- Use 1g instead of 2g: it often halves the caffeine.
- Make it a larger drink: add more water or more milk so it tastes gentler.
- Drink it earlier: even normal caffeine amounts can disrupt sleep if taken late.
- Avoid doubling up: matcha plus coffee in the same morning can be too much for some people.
How much matcha is too much caffeine?
This depends on your sensitivity and what else you consume. If you drink coffee, tea, cola, or energy drinks, your total caffeine adds up fast.
A simple approach is to start with one serving a day, then adjust. If you feel wired, anxious, or your sleep worsens, reduce the dose or drink matcha earlier.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have heart rhythm issues, or have been told to limit caffeine, it is worth getting personalised advice. For most people, the practical signal is your sleep quality and how calm you feel after caffeine.
For a more practical guide on daily amounts, see how much matcha per day.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes. Matcha is made from tea leaves, so it naturally contains caffeine. If you are asking “is there caffeine in matcha?”, the answer is also yes.
How much caffeine is in matcha?
A practical estimate is around 30 to 35mg of caffeine per gram of matcha powder. That means about 60 to 70mg for a typical 2g serving.
Do matcha tea and matcha lattes have caffeine?
Yes. Both are caffeinated because the matcha powder provides the caffeine. Milk changes taste and calories in a latte, but it does not remove caffeine.
Can I drink matcha if I'm caffeine-sensitive?
Often, yes. Start with a smaller serving (around 1g), drink it earlier in the day, and avoid combining it with other caffeine sources until you know how you react.
Does matcha keep you awake at night?
It can. If you are sensitive to caffeine, matcha later in the day may affect sleep. Try having it in the morning or early afternoon and see what changes.
Does ceremonial grade matcha have more caffeine?
Not always. Ceremonial grade matcha is usually chosen for flavour and smoothness, but caffeine can vary by harvest and brand. The most consistent way to control caffeine is to measure your serving size.
How much matcha is too much caffeine?
There is no one number that fits everyone. If you notice jitters, anxiety, stomach upset, or poor sleep, that is a sign to reduce the amount or drink it earlier.
Want a smoother cup of matcha?
If you want to control matcha caffeine and taste the difference quality makes, start with a good matcha and measure your serving. Our ceremonial grade matcha is designed for drinking straight or as a latte.
Written by the Popcha team.