Frau genießt Matcha

Caffeine for Connoisseurs: Matcha as a Coffee Alternative

Is Matcha an alternative to coffee? We're exploring the caffeine content of matcha.
Reading time: 4 minutes

Matcha is taking the world by storm! An essential in Japanese tea culture for centuries, this green powder from Japan has captured hearts globally, and for good reason. Renowned for its distinctive umami flavor, did you know that Matcha naturally contains caffeine? Discover what’s behind this trend drink and why Matcha is becoming a popular coffee alternative.

Unique Matcha: Start Your Day Right

Many love the taste of Matcha, especially as a morning companion. Begin your day with energy and a cup of Matcha. Preparing it can be a mindful ritual where you take deliberate time to enjoy the process. What makes this Japanese green tea special? Unlike other teas, where you steep the leaves before removing them, Matcha is consumed in its entirety, giving you the full essence of the finely ground green tea leaves.

Matcha-bowl with Chasen

Matcha is made from Tencha green tea, grown in Japan using a special cultivation technique. Tea fields are shaded with nets 3-5 weeks before harvest, a method unique to Japan that results in an intense umami flavor. Beyond its deliciousness, Matcha’s natural caffeine content is irresistible. Here’s what that means for you.

Matcha vs. Coffee: The Caffeine Comparison

When it comes to caffeine, values vary by preparation and type. A cup of brewed coffee offers roughly 70 to 140 mg of caffeine, while an espresso shot contains about 60 to 100 mg. Despite the smaller serving size (most espresso cups are just 30 ml), the concentrated coffee grounds result in high caffeine content. In a cup of Matcha, you can find about 30 to 60 mg of caffeine, depending on strength. The caffeine amount is influenced by factors like powder-to-water ratio, harvest time, growing conditions, and tea type.

Matcha Caffeine: What You Should Know

Like all teas, from the Camellia Sinensis plant, Matcha naturally contains caffeine. In our Matchas, there’s about 3 g of caffeine per 100 g. This can enhance your focus and concentration. In our caffeine check, Matcha emerges as the winner, thanks to the powder-to-water preparation ratio.

If you’re looking to shake up your morning routine, you should try the versatile Matcha as an alternative to coffee. This Japanese green tea powder is flexible—you can enjoy it pure or as a Latte with milk (or a milk alternative). There's even Culinary Grade Matcha, which is perfect for recipes like smoothies, cakes, and other treats.

Iced Matcha Latte

It’s All in the Right Amount

Want to savor the unmistakable creamy-sweet taste for yourself? Start preparing Matcha right away! A serving consists of about 1 teaspoon or 2 g of powder. For the perfect morning kickoff, dissolve it in 70°C hot water. If you’re easing into Matcha, use a bit more water. For a richer, intense flavor, use less. Experimentation is encouraged to find your perfect Matcha experience. Our preparation tips are also on the packaging and our product pages.

How to Spot Quality Matcha

To ensure you’re getting authentic Matcha, check its country of origin. True Matcha is made from Tencha, a specially shaded green tea from Japan. Lower-quality products often masquerade as Matcha but turn out to be other ground green teas. To avoid disappointment, ensure your Matcha is authentically Japanese for premium quality enjoyment.

You can also assess quality with your senses: a good Matcha is creamy on the palate, boasts a vibrant green color, is finely ground, and delights with an intense umami taste without bitterness. If the powder clumps, that’s not a problem: finely ground powder gets static, causing the particles to attract each other. For a premium taste, we source our Matchas directly from long-term partners in Japan, crafted every year with precision in Kagoshima.

Matcha powder in a strainer