Does Matcha Contain Caffeine? Here’s What to Know

Matcha is often chosen as an alternative to coffee, but does that mean it is caffeine-free? The short answer is no: matcha naturally contains caffeine.

However, the amount can vary, and comparing matcha with coffee isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. Here’s what you need to know before making it part of your routine.

Does matcha naturally contain caffeine?

Yes. Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves, and tea leaves naturally contain caffeine.

Because you consume the matcha powder itself rather than simply steeping the leaves and removing them, your drink will contain caffeine. Exactly how much depends on the matcha, the quantity used and the overall serving size.

That means there isn’t one caffeine figure that applies to every matcha drink or product.

Does matcha contain less caffeine than coffee?

It can but it depends entirely on the servings being compared.

The caffeine in a cup of coffee varies according to the type of coffee, how it is brewed and the serving size. Matcha varies too, particularly according to how much powder is used.

A lightly prepared matcha may contain less caffeine than a strong coffee, while a drink made with a larger amount of matcha could contain considerably more than expected. The most reliable option is to check the information supplied for the individual product.

How does matcha feel compared with coffee?

People often describe their experience of matcha differently from coffee, but responses to caffeine are personal.

Matcha naturally contains both caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea. However, this doesn’t guarantee that everyone will feel a particular effect. Your response may depend on your caffeine sensitivity, the serving size, what else you have eaten or drunk and the time of day.

If caffeine tends to make you feel restless, jittery or affects your sleep, it is still sensible to be mindful of your matcha intake.

Can you drink matcha in the evening?

You can, but it may not suit everyone because matcha contains caffeine.

The European Food Safety Authority notes that even a 100mg serving of caffeine may affect sleep in some adults when consumed close to bedtime. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you may prefer to enjoy matcha earlier in the day.

Your own experience matters. Some people can drink caffeinated drinks later without noticing a difference, while others find that an afternoon serving disrupts their sleep.

How much caffeine is considered safe?

The European Food Safety Authority states that caffeine intakes of up to 400mg spread throughout the day generally do not raise safety concerns for healthy adults, excluding pregnant women.

That figure includes caffeine from every sourcenot only matcha. Coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, energy drinks, chocolate, supplements and some medicines may all contribute to your daily intake.

Individual tolerance varies, so a general limit should not be treated as a target.

What about matcha during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The NHS advises limiting caffeine to no more than 200mg per day during pregnancy. NHS guidance also recommends a maximum of 200mg per day while breastfeeding.

This total includes all sources of caffeine consumed throughout the day. Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition should check the individual product information and seek appropriate professional advice if unsure.

How much caffeine will Sip & Glow contain?

Sip & Glow is still being developed, so we won’t publish a caffeine figure until our final formula and serving size are confirmed.

Once they are finalised, we want the product information to be clear and easy to understand. We would rather give you a verified figure than make an early estimate that could change as the formula develops.

The bottom line

Yes, matcha contains caffeine naturally. The precise amount depends on the matcha, quantity and serving size, so it is always best to check the information for the specific drink or product you are using.

For many people, matcha can become a lovely part of a morning or daytime ritual. But it is still a caffeinated drink, and it is worth treating it as one.

Follow Sip & Glow as we share honest guides and the real journey behind creating our first collagen matcha blend.

This article is for general information only and is not medical or nutritional advice. Always check individual product information and seek professional advice where appropriate.