How Much Caffeine Is in Matcha? Matcha vs Coffee, Chai and Green Tea
A typical cup of matcha has about 40 to 90 mg of caffeine. Most people use 1 to 2 g of powder, and matcha contains roughly 19 to 44 mg of caffeine per gram, so a usual 2 g serving lands around 60 to 70 mg. That is usually less than a cup of brewed coffee and more than a cup of steeped green tea.
Why the caffeine in matcha varies
Matcha is whole tea leaves ground into powder, so you drink the entire leaf instead of an infusion. That is why it has more caffeine than regular green tea. How much ends up in your cup depends on three things:
- How much powder you use. This matters most. 1 g makes a light cup, 2 g a standard latte, and 3 to 4 g a strong, thick koicha.
- The leaves. Young, shade-grown first flush leaves tend to be higher in caffeine than older, later-harvest leaves.
- The drink. Milk does not remove caffeine. A matcha latte has the same caffeine as the matcha you whisked into it.
Matcha caffeine per serving
| Amount of matcha | Typical use | Approximate caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 g (about ½ tsp) | Light cup, beginners | 19 to 44 mg |
| 2 g (about 1 tsp) | Standard cup or latte | 38 to 89 mg |
| 3 to 4 g | Strong matcha (koicha) | 57 to 178 mg |
A 30 g tin of Nokū ceremonial matcha powder makes about 15 standard 2 g cups.
Matcha vs coffee, chai, green tea and hojicha
| Drink | Approximate caffeine per cup |
|---|---|
| Brewed coffee (240 ml) | 80 to 100 mg |
| Matcha, 2 g serving | About 40 to 90 mg |
| Black tea or chai | About 40 to 70 mg, depending on how strong it is brewed |
| Steeped green tea | 30 to 40 mg |
| Hojicha | Generally lower than matcha |
These are ranges, not exact numbers. The strength of your cup, the leaves and the brewing time all change the result. Masala chai is made with black tea, so a strong, long-boiled cup can come close to matcha, while a milky, lightly brewed one has less.
Is matcha stronger than coffee?
In caffeine, usually not. A standard cup of matcha has a little less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee. The difference most people notice is how it feels. Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that is linked to calm focus, so the energy tends to build slowly and fade gently instead of spiking and crashing. We explain this in detail in what L-theanine does.
How many cups of matcha a day is okay?
For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is considered safe. At about 60 to 70 mg per standard cup, one to two cups of matcha a day fits comfortably within that, even with a cup of chai or coffee as well.
Keep in mind the caffeine from everything else you drink in the day. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, sensitive to caffeine or on medication, many health bodies suggest a lower limit, so check with your doctor first.
Tips if you are sensitive to caffeine
- Use less powder. Start with 1 g instead of 2 g.
- Have it earlier. Caffeine can affect sleep, so keep matcha to the morning or early afternoon. See our guide to the best time to drink matcha.
- Do not drink it on an empty stomach if it makes you feel jittery.
- Try hojicha in the evening. Roasted hojicha powder is generally lower in caffeine. Compare the two in hojicha vs matcha.
FAQs
How much caffeine is in one teaspoon of matcha?
One teaspoon is about 2 g of matcha, which has roughly 40 to 90 mg of caffeine.
Does a matcha latte have more caffeine than coffee?
Usually not. A matcha latte made with 2 g of powder has a little less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee. Adding milk does not change the amount of caffeine.
Does matcha have more caffeine than green tea?
Yes. With matcha you drink the whole ground leaf, so a cup typically has more caffeine than steeped green tea.
Does matcha have more caffeine than chai?
It depends on how strong the chai is. A standard cup of matcha is often similar to or a little higher than a regular cup of chai.
Can I drink matcha every day?
Yes. One to two cups a day is a comfortable amount for most healthy adults. New to matcha? Start with our easy matcha routine for beginners.
Where to start
Nokū sells one matcha: first flush ceremonial matcha powder from Kagoshima, Japan, shade-grown and stone-ground with nothing added. Begin with 1 to 2 g a day and see how it feels. To make your first cup, follow our matcha latte guide.