How Much Caffeine Is in Matcha? Here’s What to Know Before Your Next Cup

Matcha is having a moment. Matcha-flavored foods and drinks seem to be everywhere (Matcha soft serve! Matcha lemonade! Matcha soda! Matcha noodles!), but traditionally, the finely ground green tea powder is enjoyed as a hot beverage in Japan. To make matcha, the tea is whisked with a small bit of hot water until smooth, and then more hot water is added to create a steamy tea to sip on. Some prefer their matcha served over ice, or as a latte with nut milks or regular milk. Chilled matcha drinks using beverages like lemonade or coconut water instead of plain old H20 have also become popular, and some bars even use matcha in cocktails, like the good old Matcha-rita take on a classic marg. 

 Matcha is lauded stateside for being high in nutrients and caffeinated—a nice alternative to coffee for those who want a more vegetal, clean taste and less jitters after enjoying a warm (or iced) cup. In fact, matcha is proven to have several health benefits, including helping to reduce stress, boost brain health, and slow signs of aging. It’s also a favorite for those who lean towards decaffeinated drinks, as matcha has less caffeine than coffee.

Yes, matcha still has some caffeine, making it a great morning beverage and a questionable after-dinner treat for those who want a nighttime jolt. Here’s what you need to know about matcha’s caffeine content. 

How Much Caffeine Does Matcha Have?

“The caffeine content in a cup of matcha varies based on how it is prepared,” says Kristina Tucker, Chief Communications Officer at The Republic of Tea. “Ceremonial matcha usually has around 30 to 60 milligrams per serving.

Various types of matcha can also have different caffeine content. 

“The caffeine content in matcha can vary depending on several factors,” adds Tucker. “The type of matcha plays a role—ceremonial matcha may have more caffeine than culinary [matcha] because it is procured from younger, shade-grown leaves that likely contain naturally higher levels, though this can vary from leaf to leaf.” 

Additionally, since matcha is a fine powder made from the whole green tea leaf, while green tea is brewed from leaves, it has a bit more caffeine than a typical cup of green tea. More specifically, a standard cup of green tea has roughly 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine.

Is Matcha Higher in Caffeine Than Coffee? 

Matcha has less caffeine per ounce than coffee.  “An 8-ounce cup of coffee generally has about 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine,” Tucker says. “While matcha often has less caffeine than coffee, it provides a smoother, more sustained energy boost—thanks to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that may promote calm alertness.”

How to Make Matcha Less Caffeinated

If you love the taste of matcha but aren’t looking for a caffeine rush, it is possible to make matcha less caffeinated, no special tea blend required. 

“Preparation significantly matters—using more powder can increase the caffeine in your cup. If you are aiming for less caffeine in your matcha, a few easy adjustments can help,” Tucker explains. “Use a smaller amount of matcha powder, and consider adding an ingredient like milk or a milk alternative, or even a spice like ginger or a seed like chia. These simple tweaks can lower the caffeine content and create a milder flavor.”