Matcha Caffeine: How Long Does It Last?

While both matcha and coffee contain caffeine, the caffeine in matcha is far more effective and offers sustained long-lasting energy.

Key Takeaways

In this article, we will explain how long matcha’s caffeine lasts and why it provides more sustained energy than coffee.

Before we go there, let’s brush up on our knowledge of matcha and caffeine!

Matcha and Caffeine

Matcha contains higher levels of caffeine compared to other types of tea. The caffeine content in matcha is between 19 and 44 mg per gram. This indicates that 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of matcha powder contains 38–88 mg of caffeine.

A typical 8-ounce serving of green tea has around 20 to 50 milligrams of caffeine; on average, a cup of green tea contains around 30 mg of caffeine.

The caffeine content in a regular cup of coffee is 95 mg, whereas a shot of espresso (1 oz) has 64 mg.

So a cup of matcha tea contains more caffeine than a regular cup of loose-leaf green tea but less than a regular cup of black coffee.

Matcha’s caffeine level varies according to the type and quality of matcha used, the method of preparation, the steeping time, and the brewing temperature.

It is advisable to carefully read the packaging or to ask about the caffeine content of the matcha you are purchasing from your tea supplier.

Matcha Latte Caffeine

A matcha latte contains around 64 mg of caffeine per 8-oz cup. It depends on how much matcha powder you use.

One gram of matcha powder contains between 19 and 44 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the type and grade.

One scoop of matcha powder equals approximately one gram. A matcha latte is typically brewed with two scoops of matcha.

If you use more matcha green tea powder, your matcha green tea latte cup will have more caffeine, and if you use less powder, your cup will have less caffeine.

How Long Does Matcha Caffeine Last?

Caffeine from matcha is absorbed and released gradually over a period of 4-6 hours by the body. This implies that matcha gives a sustained energy boost without coffee’s 30-minute rise, slump, and jitters.

While matcha has less caffeine than coffee, the caffeine in matcha is far more effective. What is the explanation behind this?

Caffeine in tea is generally more slowly absorbed into the bloodstream than caffeine in coffee. Matcha’s gradual release of caffeine provides sustained long-lasting energy. It does not provide the same jolt or rush as coffee.

Additionally, matcha does not cause the “crash” that many individuals feel an hour or two after drinking coffee.

The dominant idea for why this is the case is that the amino acid L-theanine has a role.

L-theanine: what is it and why is it so important?

L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in the tea plant Camellia sinensis. While green tea is widely considered a good source of L-theanine, studies have revealed that matcha contains up to five times as much L-theanine as any generic green tea.

Consider L-theanine as a big bundle of glutamate molecules that are bound together. When we consume a cup of high-quality matcha, huge amounts of these glutamates enter our circulation.

They swiftly pass the blood-brain barrier, sometimes in a matter of seconds. Following that, these molecules activate the brain’s alpha waves.

The presence of alpha waves suggests an alert state. They are present only when we feel alert and conscious. L-theanine is responsible for initiating these waves. That is why, when we drink matcha, we feel focused and alert.

In comparison, while coffee may make us feel alert, that alertness is frequently accompanied by jitteriness and is frequently followed by a “crash.” Matcha does not cause jitters or crashes.

Additionally, L-Theanine allows our bodies to absorb the natural caffeine found in matcha more slowly, resulting in a continuous 3–6 hour period of energy without the crash or jitters associated with other caffeinated beverages.

Why Does Matcha Contain L-theanine?

Because of the shadow growing process that matcha goes through, it contains L-Theanine. Layers of shade are placed on the tea plantation fields before harvest, ultimately blocking direct sunlight.

When there is less sunlight for photosynthesis, the tea plant begins a sequence of chemical reactions that result in an increase in the production of different amino acids.

These amino acids contribute to the matcha’s sweet, umami taste, as well as some of the beneficial components present in matcha, such as L-theanine.

The end product is a vibrantly green tea leaf that adds a lovely green hue to matcha powder.

Why matcha instead of coffee?

One cup of regular coffee provides a caffeine boost that lasts around 1-3 hours. Additionally, you’ll want to drink more when you’re feeling low on energy. Most coffee consumers cannot rely on a single cup of coffee to get them through even half of the day.

We’re not saying that coffee isn’t good for you; just the contrary. Coffee, when consumed in moderation, is beneficial to your health. Excessive consumption becomes a problem.

Any caffeine intake of more than 400 mg a day is excessive and harmful to your health. Approximately 4 cups of regular coffee.

Matcha is better than coffee. Consuming matcha on a regular basis might benefit your energy levels and health in general.

As discussed previously, it continuously releases caffeine, prolonging and stabilizing its effects.

Additionally, its high L-theanine content implies that caffeine is more effectively used to increase focus and attention.

I should mention here that matcha is more expensive compared to other green teas.

How Much Matcha Should I Drink Daily?

It’s recommended to stick to 1–2 cups per day and seek for certified organic versions to get the many health benefits of matcha.

Matcha should be consumed in moderation, in accordance with your body’s needs. To be safe, keep your matcha consumption under 5 cups a day.

The best time to drink matcha for energy is after a meal (breakfast or lunch) since this will help you avoid the afternoon slump and will also ease your digestion slightly. Before a workout for an energy boost.

Try not to drink matcha early in the morning on an empty stomach, it is best not to drink it after 5 p.m. as we mentioned matcha caffeine is absorbed and released over 4-6 hours by the body.

Additionally, avoid drinking matcha with your main meals, as it may hinder your body’s absorption of certain nutrients.

Finally, matcha is a wonderful beverage that is packed with health benefits and is a total game-changer for many of us when we need an energy boost.

Caffeine in matcha is gradually released and absorbed by the body over a period of 4-6 hours.

Additionally, the amino acid L-theanine slows the absorption of the natural caffeine contained in matcha, resulting in a sustained period of energy without the crash or jitters associated with coffee or other caffeinated beverages.

Hopefully, this article on how long matcha caffeine lasts has clarified things for you.

Next time when you need a cup of coffee replace it with a cup of matcha and you’ll quickly notice the difference in an energy boost.