Matcha green tea is green tea that’s been ground into a fine powder. With growing strength in the West, it’s easy to see why this sake alternative is a hit not only in Japan and elsewhere throughout Asia.
Matcha caffeine vs coffee caffeine
A typical matcha has around 70 milligrams of caffeine. This is less than the 95 milligrams in an average cup of coffee. But, matcha is generally drank in smaller amounts than coffee so the overall caffeine intake may be about the same.
One major distinction between matcha caffeine and coffee caffeine is the way it gets released into your system. Matcha caffeine is released more slowly and over a longer duration of time compared to coffee caffeine. What this means is that matcha gives you a longer, less shaky buzz.
Green tea vs matcha – caffeine.
Regular green tea has a lower caffeine content than matcha. An average serving (8 oz) of green tea contains around 30 mg caffeine. This is because matcha is made by grinding the whole tea leaf into a powder, whereas regular green tea is made by steeping the leaves in water.
Summarizing
If you want a pronounced caffeine kick without the inevitable coffee crash, matcha is for you. It’s also a great option for those looking for a healthier drink because matcha is chock-a-block with antioxidants and other nutrients.
Some additional things to keep in mind about caffeine content in matcha:
- The caffeine content of matcha can differ depending on the type of matcha, quantity and method used.
- You can have matcha as a tea or be added to other foods, from smoothies and lattes to baked goods.
- This is particularly crucial to consider with matcha powder if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
- If you are pregnant or nursing, it’s recommended that you consult your healthcare provider prior to consuming matcha.