Does Matcha Has More Caffein Than Coffee?

If you’re reaching for matcha because you want energy without feeling overly wired, there’s good news: matcha usually has less caffeine than coffee, but the story doesn’t end there.

A typical serving of matcha contains around 40–70 mg of caffeine, depending on how much powder you use. An 8 oz cup of brewed coffee often lands around 80–120 mg, and your favorite café drink can easily contain even more.

So why does matcha energy feel different?

Matcha is more of a slow burn

Coffee can hit quickly. You drink it, feel awake, and sometimes find yourself reaching for another cup a few hours later.

Matcha contains caffeine too, but it naturally comes with L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea. The combination is one reason many people describe matcha as a calmer, more gradual kind of energy.

Think less “WAKE UP NOW” and more “okay, I’m ready.”

Matcha vs. coffee

Coffee is great when you want a stronger caffeine kick. Matcha may be a better fit when you want something gentler for working, studying, creating, or simply getting through the afternoon without another big coffee.

And because matcha is made from finely ground tea leaves that you consume whole, you're also getting naturally occurring tea compounds, including catechins such as EGCG.

Will matcha make you crash?

Caffeine affects everyone differently, so there’s no drink that can promise zero crash.

But matcha’s combination of moderate caffeine and L-theanine is part of what gives it its reputation for smoother, more balanced energy. If coffee tends to leave you feeling too stimulated, matcha is worth trying.

So, is matcha better than coffee?

Not necessarily, they're just different.

Choose coffee when you want that bigger, faster caffeine boost. Choose matcha when you're looking for something a little softer, slower, and more ritualistic.