Does Matcha Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?

A Side-by-Side Breakdown

The Morning Buzz Showdown

At 7:00 a.m., Sam stands in front of her kitchen cabinet, sleep still clinging to her eyelids. She’s faced with a choice that millions make daily: Should she brew a cup of her favorite dark roast or whisk up a vibrant green bowl of matcha?

She reaches for the matcha tin, wondering: Wait… doesn’t this have more caffeine than coffee?

You’ve probably heard that matcha is “supercharged” with caffeine — or, conversely, that it’s a gentler, slower energy. So which is it?

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the caffeine content of matcha vs. coffee, explain why they affect your body differently, and help you choose what’s best for your routine.

What Is Matcha, Anyway?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). Unlike traditional steeped tea, you consume the whole leaf when drinking matcha, which results in higher concentrations of nutrients — and yes, caffeine.

Matcha originated in Japan and has been used for centuries in tea ceremonies, meditation practices, and more recently, in lattes and smoothies around the world.

Caffeine in Coffee vs. Matcha: The Numbers

Let’s look at the data:

Conclusion: Coffee typically has more caffeine per cup than matcha. However, the experience of that caffeine is very different.

🧠 Matcha delivers a calm, sustained energy.
⚡ Coffee hits fast and hard — then fades.

Why Matcha Feels Different (Even with Less Caffeine)

The buzz from matcha is often described as smooth, focused, and long-lasting. That’s because matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that:

• Promotes calmness without drowsiness

• Increases alpha brain waves (linked to creativity and focus)

• Buffers the jittery effects of caffeine

In other words:

• Coffee gives you a spike of energy.

• Matcha gives you a balanced boost.

☕ Coffee = rollercoaster
🍵 Matcha = steady hike

Matcha vs. Coffee: Key Differences

So… Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Matcha If You Want:

• A calmer, sustained alertness

• Fewer jitters or crashes

• Antioxidant benefits

• A ritualistic, slower morning routine

Choose Coffee If You Want:

• A fast jolt of energy

• A strong flavor profile

• More caffeine per ounce

• A boost for intense activity or deadlines

What About Lattes? (Coffee vs. Matcha Lattes)

• Matcha latte (1 tsp matcha + milk): ~70 mg caffeine

• Caffe latte (1 shot espresso + milk): ~75 mg caffeine

👉 In this case, the caffeine is about the same. But again, the matcha latte delivers it more gradually.

The Science Behind It

According to a study in Nutrients (2017), L-theanine and caffeine work together to improve attention and cognitive performance more effectively than caffeine alone.¹ This synergy is unique to matcha and other green teas — and helps explain the more stable energy curve.

Another study by the USDA shows that brewed coffee averages 95 mg caffeine per 8 oz cup, while matcha averages closer to 60–70 mg for a teaspoon of powder.²

Caffeine Tolerance & How You Feel It

Your personal experience may vary.

• If you’re caffeine-sensitive, matcha might be a better choice.

• If you drink several cups of coffee daily, you’ll likely find matcha too mild unless you use more powder.

Also, how much caffeine is extracted from matcha depends on:

• Water temperature

• Quality of the powder

• How much powder you use

Can You Combine Both?

Yes — some people alternate or even combine matcha and coffee depending on the time of day.

Example routine:

• ☀️ Matcha in the morning for calm energy

• ☕ Coffee mid-morning for extra alertness

• ❌ No caffeine after 2–3 PM to avoid sleep disruption

This balance can give you the benefits of both worlds without overdoing it.

What About Decaf or Low-Caffeine Options?

• Decaf coffee: Still has ~2–5 mg caffeine

• Low-caffeine matcha: Some brands offer ceremonial-grade matcha with less caffeine

If you’re looking to cut back but still want the flavor and ritual, matcha is often a better pick.

A Word on Quality

Not all matcha is created equal. Look for:

• Vivid green color (dull = low quality)

• Made in Japan (Uji and Nishio are famous regions)

• Ceremonial grade for drinking

• Culinary grade for baking or smoothies

Higher quality matcha often has a sweeter, smoother taste — and more L-theanine.

🏷️ Brands matter. Skimping on matcha can lead to bitter, chalky results.

What We Think at Coffea Alchemy

At Coffea Alchemy, we’re all about celebrating the beauty and power of coffee—but we also respect a good cup of matcha.

In fact, exploring both helps you better understand how caffeine can work for you, not against you.

Whether you’re a coffee purist, a tea enthusiast, or someone just trying to kick an afternoon energy crash, knowing the difference between these two drinks is a powerful step in building your ideal routine.

And hey — why not keep both in your kitchen?

Final Thoughts

So, does matcha have more caffeine than coffee?

No — not technically. But how it affects you is a different story.

Coffee hits fast and fades fast. Matcha flows slowly and keeps you focused longer. Choosing between the two isn’t just about caffeine — it’s about how you want to feel.

So tomorrow morning, when you’re staring at the mug vs. the whisk, ask yourself:

Do you want a blast or a balance?

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