Matcha, Caffeine, and a Different Kind of Energy
Monday mornings often begin the same way. The weekend fades, routines return, and many of us reach instinctively for a cup of coffee. The roasted aroma, the sharp acidity, the immediate jolt of energy—it’s familiar and effective. But for those looking for a calmer, more sustained way to stay focused, matcha offers a different approach to caffeine.
Does Matcha Contain Caffeine?
Yes, matcha contains caffeine. As a powdered form of green tea made from Camellia sinensis, matcha naturally includes caffeine just like other teas. In fact, matcha often contains more caffeine than regular green tea due to how it is grown and consumed.
What makes matcha distinct is not just how much caffeine it contains, but how that caffeine is experienced.
Coffee and Matcha: A Fundamental Difference
Coffee is brewed from roasted beans, prized for its bold aroma, bitterness, and high caffeine content. Matcha, on the other hand, is made from young tea leaves that are shaded for several weeks before harvest, then stone-ground into a fine powder. When you drink matcha, you consume the entire leaf rather than an infusion.
This difference in cultivation and preparation results in very different flavor profiles and physiological effects. Matcha’s taste can range from softly sweet and vegetal to nutty, floral, or gently savory, depending on the blend and preparation.
How Matcha Caffeine Feels Different
Coffee is known for its immediate impact—but that surge of energy is often followed by a noticeable crash. Many people compensate by drinking multiple cups throughout the day.
Matcha provides a more gradual and sustained sense of alertness, often lasting up to four hours. This is largely due to L-theanine, an amino acid naturally abundant in matcha.
What Is L-Theanine?
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea plants, especially those grown under shade. In matcha:
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The shading process increases amino acid production
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L-theanine is present in higher concentrations than in regular green tea
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Consuming the whole leaf delivers more L-theanine overall
L-theanine moderates the absorption of caffeine, promoting calm focus rather than overstimulation. The result is alertness without the jitters commonly associated with coffee.
How Much Caffeine Is in Matcha?
Caffeine content in matcha depends on how much powder you use. On average:
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1 teaspoon (about 2 g) of matcha contains ~70 mg of caffeine
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This is comparable to a small cup of coffee
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The key difference lies in duration and smoothness of effect
Matcha is also gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause nervousness or rapid energy crashes.
Matcha vs Regular Green Tea
A typical cup of green tea contains about 35 mg of caffeine, roughly half that of matcha. Because matcha is consumed whole and has higher L-theanine levels due to shading, its energy effects tend to be stronger and longer-lasting than standard green tea.
Regular green tea is not shaded before harvest, so it does not develop the same amino acid profile. As a result, its caffeine effect is lighter and fades more quickly.
Is Matcha Too Good to Be True?
Matcha is often praised for additional qualities: antioxidants, chlorophyll, and a cleaner finish compared to coffee. While it is not a miracle ingredient, it does offer a thoughtful balance of stimulation and calm.
That said, good matcha is more expensive than coffee on a per-serving basis. This reflects the labor-intensive cultivation, careful storage, and small-batch production involved—especially for matcha made in Japan. Lower-quality matcha tends to be bitter or harsh, lacking the natural sweetness and depth that define well-made matcha.
YUZUKI does not see matcha as a replacement for coffee in all situations. Coffee still has its place. But for everyday focus, many people find that matcha supports a steadier rhythm through the workday.
Minimal Equipment, Simple Preparation
One of matcha’s quiet advantages is simplicity. To prepare a satisfying cup, all you need is:
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Matcha powder
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Water (hot or cold)
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A bottle or cup
A bamboo whisk can enhance the experience, but it isn’t required unless you’re preparing traditional styles like usucha or koicha.
Two Simple Ways to Enjoy Matcha
Light Matcha Tea
A thinner, refreshing style that’s especially pleasant after meals.
Ingredients
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1 tsp matcha
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12 oz / 350 ml water (≤ 80°C / 176°F)
Method
Combine matcha and water in a bottle and shake until smooth.
Cold Brew Matcha
Ideal for warm days or afternoon focus.
Ingredients
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1 tsp matcha
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8 oz / 235 ml cold water
Method
Shake matcha and water together until fully mixed.
