Does Matcha have Caffeine?

Yes, matcha does contain caffeine.

Because you’re consuming the entire tea leaf, rather than steeping it, the caffeine content can be comparable to coffee depending on how it’s prepared.

A typical serving of matcha contains roughly 35–70mg of caffeine, while a standard cup of coffee sits closer to ~95mg.

So while matcha isn’t caffeine-free, it’s not necessarily lower in impact either.

The difference comes from what’s alongside it.

What else is in matcha?

Matcha naturally contains a combination of compounds:

• Caffeine
• L-theanine (an amino acid)
• Catechins (a type of antioxidant, including EGCG)

This combination is what makes matcha distinct.

L-theanine, in particular, is often associated with a calmer, more sustained form of focus, especially when paired with caffeine.

Matcha is also rich in antioxidants, but the difference people tend to notice first isn’t the long-term health aspect. It’s the immediate effect.

Why matcha feels different

Caffeine on its own tends to act quickly.

It’s absorbed rapidly, leading to a fast rise in alertness, often followed by a noticeable drop.

In matcha, the presence of L-theanine changes that dynamic.

This is why matcha is often described as providing a more steady and sustained form of energy, rather than a spike.

Not just caffeine, but how it's experienced

The difference isn’t just about how much caffeine is present.

It’s about how it’s experienced.

Matcha tends to feel:

• More stable
• More focused
• Less abrupt

Where coffee can feel immediate and intense, matcha is often described as more gradual and sustained.

For many people, this means:

• Fewer energy crashes
• Less jitteriness
• A more consistent level of focus throughout the day

A note on quality

Not all matcha will feel the same.

The way matcha is grown and harvested plays a role in both flavour and overall experience.

Higher quality matcha, particularly first harvest matcha, tends to have a more balanced profile, both in taste and in how it’s perceived.

Lower quality matcha can feel more bitter and harsher, which can influence how the caffeine is experienced.

A different kind of energy

For many people, switching to matcha isn’t about removing caffeine altogether.

It’s about changing the way it feels.

Something steadier. More considered. Easier to return to.

At Matchérie, the focus is on sourcing first harvest matcha that reflects this balance.

Something that works with you, rather than against you, whether it’s part of a morning routine or an everyday ritual.

Sources

• Baba et al., 2021 — Effects of matcha green tea on cognitive function
• Dodd et al., 2015 — Caffeine and L-theanine interaction