How Much Caffeine Is in the Matcha You Drink?

You measure your matcha by the spoonful and wonder how much caffeine ends up in the bowl. It contains caffeine, but no single amount applies to every powder or every cup. The weight of the matcha you use matters, and “theine” is another name for the same substance.

We recommend weighing the powder before comparing two bowls: a level spoonful and a heaped one don't make the same portion. This makes your preparation more consistent, without revealing the exact caffeine content of a product that hasn't been analyzed. Even a measured figure cannot, by itself, establish any health benefit from matcha.

How much caffeine is in a cup of matcha?

For preparations made with about 1/2 to 1 tsp (1 to 2 g) of matcha powder, 13 to 68 mg of caffeine was found in an analysis of products sold in Bavaria. The sample included 41 pure matcha powders and six green tea blends containing matcha. That range describes those products at those amounts. No Kura-ge lot was measured.

To answer “how much is in my matcha?”, first define the portion. Note the weight of powder you enjoy: you can then compare your own cups from one day to the next. If you change powders, that habit still doesn't become an analysis of its caffeine content.

Are theine and caffeine different substances?

No. “Theine” and “caffeine” are two names used for the same substance. The label may favor the first word; that doesn't mean your cup is free of caffeine.

We use “caffeine” when comparing tea, coffee, and other drinks. One term avoids the impression that the stimulant changes with the plant; it still doesn't tell you how much is in your bowl. L-theanine in tea is another constituent, not a second name for caffeine.

Why does the amount vary from bowl to bowl?

The powder's caffeine content depends on the product, while the amount consumed depends on how much powder you add. Adding water or milk makes a longer drink without removing the caffeine supplied by the powder. To compare two trials, keep the tea weight the same and then adjust the water to your taste.

Color can't be used to calculate caffeine. It tells you how the tea looks; only a measurement tells you its caffeine content. When comparing matcha with coffee, look at the portions actually consumed, too.

What can this figure tell you about effects?

How you feel after a cup doesn't tell you its caffeine content. The weight of the powder is a guide for preparation, not a predictor of how any one person will feel.

To understand energy after drinking matcha, a caffeine measurement isn't enough: your starting level of fatigue and your sensitivity matter, too.

When should you watch the time and portion?

If you drink matcha late in the day, consider your sensitivity, the amount of powder, and when you go to bed. Note when you drink your cup and how you sleep to compare several evenings. If you want to reduce caffeine, decaffeinated Japanese tea also calls for checking the residual amount stated for the product.