Does Matcha Have Caffeine: Guide to Switching to Matcha

Does matcha have caffeine?

Everything you need to know about switching to matcha.

Matcha is one of our most popular teas and it's having a big moment. TikTok influencers are singing its praises and it’s packed on the shelves of local health food shops. And it might be the way to painlessly break your coffee addiction.

That magical combination of lower levels of caffeine and the creamy latte-goodness of matcha makes it the ideal swap for coffee. Matcha is loved for its benefits – antioxidants, L-theanine, and low caffeine. But what keeps everyone returning for matcha is its smooth powder form that easily is whisked up into a latte at home or at your local cafe.

An introduction to matcha

Matcha has been used as part of the Japanese tea ceremony since the 12th century. Our ceremonial matcha is grown in the Shizuoka prefecture on Japan’s Pacific Ocean coast and is grown in covered, shaded conditions for the last 3 weeks of growth before picking.

“The beautiful emerald color is the result of shading the tea leaves but it also boosts amino acid and caffeine production.“

Olivia,
T2 Tea Developer

T2 Branded cube made from powdered matcha

Does matcha have caffeine? Matcha caffeine vs coffee

Matcha naturally contains both caffeine and a compound called L-theanine. In short, L-theanine has a calming effect so it balances the stimulatory effects of caffeine. It also works to slow down caffeine absorption and to steady and sustain energy levels without the jittery feeling.

Coffee is absorbed more quickly. This might cause the all-to-familiar 'coffee rush' – which involves an initial boost in energy and the inevitable crash a few hours later.

“Matcha is commonly used as a replacement for coffee, giving the feeling of increased alertness without the dreaded post-coffee energy crash.“

Olivia,
T2 Tea Developer

Three tips for switching to matcha

Take it slow. Help avoid headaches and other signs of caffeine cravings by slowly moving to a caffeine-lighter option like matcha. Start with swapping one cup a day for matcha.

“I wanted to drink less caffeine, especially in the afternoons. So started by swapping my post-lunch coffee with a matcha.” Grace, T2 Marketing Manager
Brew matcha to your taste. To make matcha irresistibly tempting – brew it your favourite way. Try it in a hot latte or iced, try flavoured matcha, a sweetener like honey, or even flavoured syrup (strawberry or caramel go well with matcha's grassy notes).

“I also enjoy the process of matcha – I whisk up a matcha shot and serve it with vanilla soy milk in a latte. I love that the sweet vanilla soy milk gives me an extra boost of energy on top of the matcha.” Grace, T2 Marketing Manager
Enjoy the process. A reason many of us love our daily brew is because it breaks up the day. So, make sure you pick out your favourite mug, and take your time whisking your matcha into a light, frothy mixture.