Does Matcha Have Caffeine? A Guide to Matcha and Energy

Does Matcha Have Caffeine? A Guide to Matcha and Energy

Natalie Rouse

Natalie Rouse

Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) BSc MRes MSc

April 27, 2026

Does matcha have caffeine? Yes - around 60–70mg per serving (2g).


If coffee has ever left you jittery or crashing by mid-afternoon, there’s a reason for that. Two drinks can contain similar amounts of caffeine, but feel completely different.


Matcha works differently. That comes down to how it’s absorbed and used in the body. The energy is steadier. Less spike, less drop-off. The kind that carries you from your first emails through to mid-afternoon - without that 3pm dip.


How Much Caffeine Is in Matcha? (mg per serving explained)

A standard 2g serving of matcha contains approximately 60–70mg of caffeine.


Which is equivalent to around half an espresso. However, that number can shift slightly depending on:


  • grade (ceremonial vs culinary)
  • how much you use (a level scoop vs a generous one)
  • growing conditions (shade-grown leaves contain more caffeine)
  • origin and processing

Some matcha sits closer to 55mg per serving, others closer to 75mg.


Does Matcha have more caffeine than Green Tea?

Yes - matcha has more caffeine than regular green tea. A standard cup of green tea usually contains 25–30mg.


The reason comes down to how it’s made. With green tea, you steep the leaves in water and then discard them. With matcha, you consume the whole leaf - ground into a fine powder. That means you’re getting everything the leaf contains, including more caffeine.


Does adding milk reduce the caffeine?

No. A matcha latte contains the same caffeine as matcha made with water. Milk softens the taste, not the effect.


Matcha vs Coffee vs Tea: What’s the Difference?

Drink


Caffeine per Serving


Serving Size


Matcha (2g powder)


60–70mg


~240ml


Espresso (single shot)


63mg


~30ml


Filter coffee


145mg


~240ml


Black tea


40–70mg


~240ml


Green tea


30–50mg


~240ml


Energy drink


80-300mg


~250ml


 


On paper, matcha sits somewhere in the middle. But the experience is different because caffeine content is only part of it. What matters more is how that caffeine is delivered - and how your body responds once it’s there.


For a deeper comparison, see Matcha vs Coffee: Which Is Better for You?


Why Matcha Feels Different from Coffee

Matcha contains L-Theanine, which is an amino acid that works alongside caffeine. L-Theanine is linked to alpha brain wave activity, associated with calm, focused attention1.


Instead of hitting your system all at once, caffeine in matcha is released more gradually. That shift changes the experience completely. You still feel alert. You still get the lift. But it’s steadier, more focused, less likely to tip into that slightly “on-edge” feeling.


This isn’t just a theory - it’s been studied:


  • Matcha has been shown to improve attention and reduce perceived stress¹
  • It may also support stress response in women²
  • L-Theanine combined with caffeine has been shown to support focus without overstimulation³

What that looks like day to day

If your energy tends to swing between "on edge" and "completely drained", you’re not imagining it.


Coffee can feel great - until it doesn’t. A sharp lift, then a drop. Sometimes with a side of jitters, or that wired-but-tired feeling later on. Matcha is a steadier kind of energy.


The energy builds more gradually, peaks later, and holds. For most people, that means:


  • no sudden crash at 3pm
  • fewer jitters mid-morning
  • less chance of lying awake replaying the day

Is Matcha a Good Source of Energy?

Most people find the energy from matcha lasts longer and feels steadier than coffee. And for many women, the difference shows up in ways that matter:


  • more stable focus
  • fewer dips in mood or energy
  • less background anxiety

Because being energised isn’t just about being awake. It’s about how you feel while you’re getting through your day.


Making that energy work harder

Pairing matcha with protein can help support:


  • satiety
  • blood sugar balance
  • longer-lasting focus

That’s the thinking behind our Matcha Protein Latte - ceremonial-grade matcha combined with 18g of complete protein, designed to support your morning without the crash.


How Much Matcha Can You Drink Per Day?

For most adults, 1–2 servings per day (2–4g) is considered safe.


That provides:


  • 60–140mg of caffeine

For context:


  • NHS guidance: up to 400mg per day for adults
  • During pregnancy: 200mg per day

One serving of matcha sits well within both.


If you’re sensitive to caffeine

Start with half a serving (1g) and see how you feel.


If caffeine affects your sleep, aim to have matcha before 2–3pm. L-Theanine softens the effect, but it doesn’t remove it entirely.


Who should be mindful

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women - monitor total caffeine intake
  • Children - not recommended

Does the Type of Matcha Affect Caffeine?

Yes, but only slightly. Matcha generally falls into two categories:  ceremonial-grade, which is designed for drinking, and culinary-grade, which is typically used in recipes.


  • Ceremonial-grade matcha → ~60–70mg per 2g
  • Culinary-grade matcha → ~50–60mg per 2g

The bigger difference is in L-Theanine content.


Ceremonial-grade matcha tends to contain more of it, which is why the energy feels smoother and more balanced. So while caffeine levels are similar, the experience can feel noticeably different.


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Frequently asked questions:

At Free Soul, your well-being is our priority, and although we pride ourselves on our expertise in women's health and wellbeing, it is important to acknowledge the individuality of each person. Features published by Free Soul are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease, or replace the advice of your GP. We always recommend consulting with a healthcare provider if you encounter any health concerns, and we’ll always be here to support you so you’re never alone on your journey.