Reading time: 6 minutes - Last updated: August 2026

A serving of 1.5 to 2 grams of matcha contains an average of 30 to 70 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 80 to 120 milligrams in a cup of coffee. Even so, many people find matcha to be more stable and longer-lasting, thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, which slows down the absorption of caffeine.

Want to experience the difference yourself? Start with the 30-gram introductory pack of ceremonial matcha from Kagoshima. Free shipping on orders over €50.

How much caffeine is in matcha

Matcha contains 30 to 70 milligrams of caffeine per serving, compared to 80 to 120 milligrams in coffee. Yet, the effect often feels stronger and more stable.

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum), a 125-milliliter cup of green tea contains an average of about 20 milligrams of caffeine. Because you consume the entire leaf with matcha instead of just an infusion, the caffeine intake per serving is higher than with loose-leaf green tea, typically between 30 and 70 milligrams per 1.5 to 2 grams of matcha powder (Voedingscentrum, https://www.voedingscentrum.nl/encyclopedie/thee.aspx).

Why matcha works differently than coffee

In coffee, caffeine is present in a free state and creates a quick spike. In matcha, caffeine is bound to catechins, causing it to be released more gradually.

The difference lies not only in the amount of caffeine, but primarily in how your body absorbs it. With coffee, caffeine is freely available, which causes a quick spike and often an equally quick crash. With matcha, caffeine is bound to catechins, allowing it to be released more gradually: more stable energy without peaks and valleys. Want to read a more in-depth comparison with coffee? Check out matcha versus coffee: what is better for energy and focus.

The role of L-theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in matcha that promotes calm, focused alertness rather than jitters.

While coffee often makes you feel restless, the combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha provides calm alertness, better concentration, and less stress. This combination of caffeine and L-theanine is unique to tea, and especially to matcha, where you consume a higher concentration than in loose-leaf green tea. You can read more about this mechanism in matcha, stress, and L-theanine.

How long does the energy from matcha last

The energy from matcha lasts for an average of 4 to 6 hours, thanks to the gradual release of caffeine.

This is because the caffeine is released gradually into your body. Therefore, you don't experience a harsh peak, but rather a stable energy level throughout the day. This makes matcha suitable for working, studying, and exercising. Curious about when is the best time to drink matcha for this effect? Read when to drink matcha for the best effect.

Why quality makes the difference

Not all matcha contains the same amount of L-theanine. Ceremonial matcha from the first harvest in Kagoshima provides more of this amino acid than lower grades.

Cheap matcha contains fewer nutrients, more bitterness, and less of the L-theanine effect that distinguishes matcha from coffee. High-quality ceremonial matcha, like Unmatched Matcha from Kagoshima, provides more L-theanine, a smoother taste, and more stable energy. Still not sure which matcha to choose? Read the complete buying guide for the best matcha. And for the correct preparation, so you get the most out of that quality, read how to prepare matcha perfectly, step by step.

Ready for stable energy? View the full collection of ceremonial matcha or go straight to the 30-gram pack, the bestseller for beginners.

Frequently asked questions

How much caffeine is in a cup of matcha?

A 1.5 to 2-gram serving of matcha contains an average of 30 to 70 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the amount of powder and the quality.

Is matcha stronger than coffee?

Not in terms of caffeine content; coffee contains more. But often yes in terms of the perceived effect: many people experience matcha as more stable and long-lasting due to the combination with L-theanine.

Do you get a crash from matcha?

Most people do not experience a crash after matcha, thanks to the slow release of caffeine combined with L-theanine. Your energy tapers off gently instead of dropping suddenly.

How much matcha can you drink per day?

That depends on your sensitivity to caffeine. Read the full advice in how much matcha per day.

Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee, but it works differently in your body. Due to the slow release and the presence of L-theanine, matcha provides stable energy and better focus, provided you choose ceremonial quality.

Start today: order the 30-gram introductory pack of ceremonial matcha from Kagoshima. Free shipping on orders over €50, delivered tomorrow.