Caffeine is a stimulant that occurs naturally in both coffee beans and tea leaves — and matcha and coffee are two beloved drinks with plenty of caffeine in them. But which of these popular beverages has more caffeine? And how does the caffeine in matcha compare to that of coffee?
One cup of matcha can have up to 70 mg of caffeine, while one cup of coffee has around 95 mg. That said, matcha contains a type of caffeine that releases more slowly into the bloodstream as well as amino acids that can help to offset the jitters and anxiety commonly associated with coffee.
Let’s take a closer look at how much caffeine is in a matcha latte and how it compares to that of a cup of joe. We’ll also learn about the benefits of matcha and whether a decaf matcha exists.
How Much Caffeine Does Matcha Contain?
The caffeine content in matcha varies based on the quality of the tea leaves and how they’re processed. Generally, a cup of matcha contains about 60-70 mg of caffeine.
To put this in perspective, a typical 8 oz cup of coffee contains around 95 mg caffeine. So, while matcha does have caffeine, it has less than coffee.
Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. This unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine gives matcha its “slow release” energy that can last up to 6 hours.
Which Has More Caffeine: Matcha or Coffee?

Matcha and coffee both contain a fair kick of caffeine. However, a typical cup of coffee contains about 95-200 mg of caffeine, while a cup of matcha has about 60-70 mg of caffeine.
Still, it’s important to note that the way the body metabolizes the caffeine differs between the drinks. The caffeine in matcha releases into the bloodstream more slowly, leading to a more sustained energy boost than the sharp spike and crash associated with coffee.
In other words, while coffee and matcha both have caffeine, matcha’s effects are more subtle and long-lasting, whereas coffee’s effects are more immediate but also more short-lived.
Does Decaf Matcha Exist?
Yes, decaf matcha does exist, but the process of decaffeinating tea can sometimes strip away some of its flavors and other benefits, such as antioxidants.
Decaf matcha (on Amazon) is simply matcha powder treated to remove most of the caffeine. Decaffeination involves soaking the tea leaves in water and then adding a solvent, such as methylene chloride or ethyl acetate, to remove the caffeine.
While this process removes most of the caffeine, it can also lead to a loss of flavor and nutrients, making it more astringent and less sweet. For these reasons, many matcha aficionados prefer to stick with the regular stuff.
If you want to try a decaf option, buy from a reputable source and look for brands that use the natural CO2 decaffeination method, which is considered the best way to preserve flavor.
What Are the Benefits of Matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves that are ground into a powder. The powder is rich in antioxidants, including catechins, which are believed to provide a host of health benefits.
Some of the potential benefits of matcha include:
Boosting Metabolism and Burning Calories
One of the key components in matcha is a substance called EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, a type of flavonoid that is often classified as an antioxidant.
EGCG boosts metabolism and promotes weight loss by increasing body thermogenesis or heat production.
In one study, participants who consumed EGCG-rich green tea lost more weight and body fat than those who did not consume the tea.
Protecting Against Heart Disease
Regarding cardiovascular disease, matcha may have some advantages over coffee.
Caffeine can raise blood pressure in the short term by constricting blood vessels. But over time, it can help keep your blood pressure in check by stimulating the release of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers resistance to blood flow.
As we know, both beverages contain caffeine, but matcha has less than coffee does. Nonetheless, matcha also contains another compound that can offset the effects of caffeine on blood pressure. That compound is the L-theanine we mentioned earlier.
L-theanine may increase levels of GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve cells and has a calming effect on the nervous system.
So while matcha does contain less caffeine, the combination of L-theanine and lower amounts of caffeine may help offset some of the potentially negative effects on blood pressure.
Additionally, matcha is rich in antioxidants that can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These are two more risk factors for heart disease.
Reducing Inflammation
Matcha is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent because of the high levels of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds like histamine and leukotrienes.
Leukotrienes are a class of lipids involved in developing various inflammatory diseases like asthma, arthritis, and colitis. Histamine is a molecule released by immune cells during an allergic reaction and can cause inflammation, swelling, and itching.
So, by reducing the production of these inflammatory compounds, matcha can help to diminish the symptoms of various inflammatory diseases.
Improving Brain Function
Matcha is also rich in a type of flavonoid called catechin, which can improve cognitive function and protect the brain from age-related decline.
Catechin is a type of polyphenol, a class of phytochemicals that can cross the blood-brain barrier and scavenge for free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can damage brain cells.
Lowering Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
The catechins in matcha may reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol by relaxing the smooth muscles in your blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Catechins can also help to lower blood pressure by inhibiting the production of angiotensin II, a protein hormone that causes your blood vessels to constrict. When your blood vessels are constricted, it’s harder for your heart to pump blood, which can increase blood pressure.
Detoxifying the Body
Matcha is also a great detoxifying agent because of its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is a green pigment in plants that helps them absorb light and convert it into energy.
Chlorophyll is a potent detoxifier because it can bind to heavy metals and other toxins in the body and help to flush them out. It can also help to alkalize the body by balancing pH levels.
Boosting Energy and Endurance
Matcha contains a unique type of caffeine called theophylline, a more gentle and gradual form of caffeine that doesn’t lead to the jitters or energy crashes that coffee does.
Theophylline can increase energy and endurance by improving muscle blood flow and oxygenation. It can also help to reduce fatigue by inhibiting the production of adenosine, a molecule that leads to feelings of tiredness.
Improving Skin Health
Finally, matcha is also great for your skin because of its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content. The catechins in matcha can help to protect the skin from sun damage, while the flavonoids can help to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
The chlorophyll in matcha can also help to detoxify the skin and improve complexion.