Yes, caffeine is present in matcha. In fact, it typically has more caffeine than other kinds of green tea. Additionally, it includes antioxidants like vitamin C, quercetin, and l-theanine.
Matcha is made from powdered tea leaves, not the tea leaves that make up other varieties of green tea that are infused in water. As a result, matcha contains more caffeine per serving than some other kinds of tea.
Continue reading to find out more about matcha tea’s caffeine content as well as what to do if you’ve had too much.
What Is Matcha?
Among green teas, matcha is one. It comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and has a Japanese origin. The source of black, white, and other varieties of green tea is the same plant.
However, matcha cultivators make the tea in a conventional manner by protecting the tea plants from direct sunlight for the majority of the growing season with bamboo mats.
Tea plants can produce more amino acids and antioxidants thanks to shading than non-matcha green tea. The tea leaves are then processed into a powder by manufacturers. Its distinctive flavor is non-bitter, and it is a vivid shade of green.
Does Matcha Have Caffeine In It?
Matcha powder does contain caffeine, just like regular green tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, and depending on how much powder you use, you can actually get more caffeine per cup when drinking matcha because you consume the entire tea leaf rather than just an infusion.
Matcha is traditionally prepared in Japan using one or two teaspoons of powder, with each teaspoon containing about 70 mg of caffeine. Black tea contains about 50mg, while a typical cup of green tea has only half that amount. In contrast, coffee contains anywhere between 95 and 200 mg of caffeine.
It matters which matcha recipe you use. Only two to four ounces of hot water are whisked into matcha in the traditional manner. Matcha’s concentrated caffeine could start to kick in if you use three to six teaspoons of powder to fill a 12-ounce mug with the desired consistency.
Is The Caffeine In Matcha Bad For You?
Matcha green tea powder has about the same amount of caffeine as a typical cup of coffee if you stick to the suggested serving size. What amounts of caffeine are excessive or safe? Different studies reach different conclusions, but 300 mg seems to be a safe upper limit.
There are several health advantages to caffeine use in moderation. First off, it boosts metabolism and can aid in fat burning, particularly if taken before exercise. A big reason why worker bees yearn for an afternoon espresso when they sense their attention waning is that caffeine has also been linked to enhanced performance in cognitive tasks.
The effects on neuroprotection may also be present. Caffeine appears to help protect dopaminergic neurons in the brain, which can halt the progression of some neurological conditions, though the exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood.
How about drinking too much coffee? (every day in excess of 300mg.) The short-term side effects can include an elevated or irregular heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia. Caffeine dependence over time can seriously impair your ability to sleep, put a strain on your liver, and cause headaches and other withdrawal symptoms if you try to cut back on your consumption.
Caffeine In Matcha Vs. Regular Green Tea
Regular green tea contains less caffeine than matcha.
The caffeine content in one cup (240 mL) of green tea is thought to be around 30 mg. A serving of matcha made with 2–4 grams (1/2–1 teaspoon) of powder may contain 38–176 mg of caffeine.
However, research indicates that the amount of caffeine in green tea varies depending on the variety, level of freshness, and brewing time.
According to one study, the caffeine content of green tea can range from 10 to 23 mg per gram of tea leaves to 20 to 90 mg per cup.
Matcha contains 19–44 mg of caffeine per gram, which is more than the majority of regular green teas.
Effects Of Caffeine
Some individuals can handle caffeine well and may only experience a slight boost in energy and focus after consuming matcha tea. Others might encounter negative effects.
Some potential signs a person is experiencing side effects from caffeine include:
- anxiety or “jitters”
- fast heartbeat
- nausea
- headache
- difficulty sleeping
Various people react differently to caffeine, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Reliable Source. The effects may also be more pronounced in people with underlying heart and other conditions.
If a person experiences symptoms from consuming too much caffeine, it may help to:
- drink lots of water
- eat food
- go for a gentle walk to reduce anxiety
- take deep breaths from the diaphragm to promote calmness
- do something to distract them from the anxiety, such as reading a book or watching a movie
Caffeine toxicity is a possibility, though it is uncommon. For immediate assistance, call 911 if a person is experiencing severe symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, breathing problems, convulsions, or other physical symptoms.
Summary: Caffeine Contained
The green tea variety matcha contains caffeine.
Depending on how much powder you use, it has more caffeine than the majority of regular green teas and could even have more than coffee. The caffeine content of matcha varies, though, according to the variety, freshness, and brewing time.
To increase your caffeine intake, you can sip matcha tea. It is simple to make at home, or you can purchase it at some cafes and coffee shops.