It’s Monday. The weekend was amazing—but now it’s time to refocus. Whether you’re back at the office or working from home, the daily ritual begins: brew a cup of coffee, inhale the roasted aroma, and take that first slightly acidic sip. The caffeine jolt hits fast—and then often fades just as quickly.

But what if there’s a better way to energise your day?

Does Matcha have Caffeine?

Yes—matcha does contain caffeine. Matcha is a type of green tea, and like all tea, it naturally contains caffeine. However, thanks to a unique shading process that occurs in the weeks before harvest, matcha retains higher levels of both caffeine and L-theanine than standard green tea.

What sets matcha apart from coffee isn’t just how much caffeine it contains—but how that caffeine affects your body.

Coffee vs. Matcha: The Basics

Coffee is brewed from roasted beans. It’s bold, bitter, aromatic, and known for its high caffeine content. Matcha, on the other hand, is made by grinding whole tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant into a fine powder. You’re consuming the entire leaf, not just an infusion—so you’re getting a more concentrated dose of its active compounds.

The flavour of matcha can vary depending on its quality and preparation—from sweet and vegetal to nutty, floral, or even umami-rich.

Matcha Energy vs. Coffee Jitters

Coffee delivers an immediate caffeine spike. You feel energised—but that energy often crashes just as quickly, leaving you drained or jittery. That’s because the caffeine in coffee is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream.

Matcha offers a gentler, more sustained release of energy—lasting up to 4–6 hours—thanks to its high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting calm, focused alertness. L-theanine moderates how your body absorbs caffeine, resulting in smoother, longer-lasting energy without the crash or jitters.

What is L-theanine?

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants. When matcha plants are shaded before harvest, they produce more L-theanine to protect themselves from sunlight. That’s why matcha contains significantly higher levels of L-theanine than standard green tea.

By consuming the whole leaf in powdered form, you get even more of this calming compound—enhancing mental clarity and promoting relaxation without drowsiness.

How much Caffeine is in Matcha?

The caffeine content in matcha depends on how much powder you use. A single teaspoon of matcha (about 2g) contains approximately 70mg of caffeine—comparable to a cup of brewed coffee.

But unlike coffee, matcha provides a slower, more balanced release of energy. It’s ideal for people who want to stay alert without feeling anxious or overstimulated. Matcha is also gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause digestive upset than coffee.

Comparing Caffeine Levels

• Brewed Coffee: 80–100mg per cup

• Matcha (1 tsp): ~70mg per cup

• Green Tea: ~35mg per cup

Matcha vs. Green Tea

Regular green tea contains far less caffeine and L-theanine than matcha. This is because green tea is made by steeping the leaves, while matcha involves consuming the entire leaf. In addition, green tea plants are not shaded before harvest, so they contain lower levels of L-theanine.

The result? A cup of green tea offers a much milder and shorter-lived energy boost than matcha. If you’re looking for a sustained, calm focus—matcha is the clear winner.

But is Matcha too good to be true?

Not at all—but quality matters.

Matcha contains:

• More antioxidants than coffee

• Natural chlorophyll, known for its detoxifying properties

• No acrid, lingering coffee breath

• No harsh acidity that irritates the stomach

That said, good matcha can be more expensive than coffee—because of the labour-intensive growing, harvesting, and storage processes. High-quality matcha is mostly grown in Japan, where strict cultivation methods and shading techniques lead to its naturally sweet, smooth, and vibrant flavour.

Poor-quality matcha is often bitter, astringent, and dull in colour. It’s worth investing in ceremonial or premium latte-grade matcha if you want a truly enjoyable experience.

For the record, we still enjoy coffee occasionally. But we’ve swapped out our daily brew for matcha—and we haven’t looked back.

Less Equipment, More Convenience

Making matcha is simple. All you need is:

• Matcha powder

• Hot or cold water

• A bottle or jar to shake it up

That’s it. No machines, no filters, no messy grinds. A bamboo whisk (chasen) adds a traditional touch, but it’s not essential—especially if you’re on the go.

Easy Matcha Recipes to Replace your Coffee Ritual

1. Hot Matcha Tea

A lighter-than-usual matcha tea that’s smooth, warming, and perfect after lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp matcha powder

• 350ml (12 oz) hot water at ~80°C (176°F)

Method

Add the matcha and water to a bottle or jar. Shake vigorously until smooth. Sip and enjoy.

2. Cold Brew Matcha

Crisp, refreshing, and ideal for busy mornings.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp matcha powder

• 235ml (8 oz) cold water

Method

Add matcha and water to a bottle. Shake until fully mixed and slightly frothy. Pour over ice or drink straight from the bottle.

In summary: Matcha may not replace your coffee forever—but it can certainly offer a smoother, longer-lasting, and more balanced boost to your day. With the added benefits of L-theanine and antioxidants, it’s more than just an energy source—it’s a wellness ritual.