How much caffeine is in matcha? (vs coffee)
Short version: a serving of matcha usually has a moderate amount of caffeine — typically less than a full cup of coffee — paired with L-theanine, which is what people mean when they call the lift "calmer." Every figure here is reported and approximate.
Last updated 2026-06-24 · prices noted "as of June 2026" and volatile — verify current before buying.
How much caffeine is in matcha?
- Roughly 28–66 mg of caffeine per serving, varying widely with grade, the amount of powder, and how it's prepared. Reported PMC / NIH — review of L-theanine + caffeine and matcha catechins ↗
- Because matcha is whole ground leaf you drink rather than steep-and-discard, it's more concentrated than ordinary steeped green tea. PMC / NIH — review of L-theanine + caffeine and matcha catechins ↗
Matcha vs coffee
Why matcha's caffeine feels different (the L-theanine angle)
Matcha is also notably high in L-theanine, an amino acid that, paired with caffeine, is associated with a state often described as 'relaxed alertness' — and is sometimes credited with a smoother, less jittery feel than coffee. The cognition and mood findings for this combination are mixed and often based on small studies — promising, not settled — so treat any 'no crash' claim as a general, hedged observation, not a medical fact. Reported PMC / NIH — review of L-theanine + caffeine and matcha catechins ↗
Matcha caffeine FAQ
Does matcha have more caffeine than coffee?
General information, not medical advice. Usually no, per serving. Reported figures put matcha at roughly 28–66 mg of caffeine per serving, while a typical cup of brewed coffee is often cited around 95 mg — so a single serving of matcha is generally less than a cup of coffee. It depends on how much powder you use and how it's prepared, and these are general, approximate figures, not a measurement of your specific cup.
How much caffeine is in a matcha latte?
It tracks the amount of matcha used. A latte made with a single serving of matcha (roughly 28–66 mg of caffeine, reported) sits in that range; a double or a strong café latte can be higher. Milk doesn't change the caffeine — only the amount of matcha does. This is general, approximate information, not medical advice.
Why doesn't matcha cause a crash?
General information, not medical advice — and this is a hedged claim, not a settled fact. Matcha is high in L-theanine, an amino acid that paired with caffeine is associated with a state often described as 'relaxed alertness,' which some people experience as a smoother, less jittery feel than coffee. The research is promising but mixed and often based on small studies, so treat any 'no crash' framing as a general observation, not a guarantee.
Best matcha by use → · How to prepare it → · Is matcha safe? →