Matcha vs Coffee: How Caffeine Works Differently in Your Body

Recently, matcha has grown in popularity, moving from a niche drink in Japanese tea ceremonies to a staple in cafés, wellness routines, and home kitchens. But, coffee consumption isn’t slowing down and it’s still the go-to wake-up drink for many people. The rise in matcha consumption has sparked a new conversation: matcha vs coffee. While both will give you a caffeine kick, the way that caffeine is absorbed and its effects on the body are very different. 

Understanding these differences can help you decide when to grab either a coffee or a matcha to best support your energy levels, focus, and wellbeing.

How Much Caffeine Is in Matcha and Coffee?

One of the most common questions in the matcha vs coffee debate is simply: which has more caffeine?

A standard cup of brewed coffee contains around 80–100mg of caffeine. This can vary depending on the type of beans, roast, and brewing method. Espresso is much more concentrated, with about 63mg per shot (30ml).

A typical 2g serving (about half a teaspoon) of matcha powder contains 60–70mg of caffeine. This is less than a cup of coffee, but more than most regular green teas.

So while coffee usually delivers more caffeine per cup, matcha still provides a significant boost. One of the reasons for more people switching to matcha is the lower caffeine content. 

How Is Caffeine Absorbed in the Body?

So, this is where the matcha vs coffee comparison gets interesting.

The caffeine in coffee is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Many people feel the effects within 15 minutes, and peak caffeination often comes at around 45 minutes. This fast absorption explains why coffee can give you a quick burst of energy, but it’s also why some people may experience jitters or a mid-afternoon crash.

The caffeine in matcha behaves differently because it’s combined with L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea. L-theanine slows down the absorption of caffeine, creating a gentler and more sustained release of energy. Instead of a sudden spike, matcha provides a calm but focused alertness that can last 4–6 hours. This smoother energy curve is a major driver behind the surge in matcha’s popularity among professionals, students, and wellness enthusiasts.

Effects on the Body and Mind

Let’s break down the differences in how coffee vs matcha actually feel in the body.

Coffee’s effects:

• Quick surge of alertness and energy

• May increase heart rate and blood pressure

• Often linked with improved short-term memory and physical performance
  
  

Matcha’s effects:

• Steady, balanced energy without spikes

• Promotes focus and mental clarity due to L-theanine

• Contains antioxidants (like catechins) that support overall health
  
  

For many new matcha drinkers, this combination of calm alertness and additional health benefits makes it an appealing alternative to coffee’s more intense effects.

Matcha vs Coffee: Which Is Better?

While as a coffee roaster, you may expect us to say that obviously coffee is better, there’s no universal winner in the matcha vs coffee debate. It all depends on your goals and lifestyle.

Choose coffee if you need a fast, strong energy hit, like before a workout or to kick-start a busy morning. And choose matcha if you want long-lasting focus, calm alertness, and a smoother caffeine experience without the significant spike.

The surge in matcha consumption suggests that more people are looking for alternatives to the quick, sometimes harsh buzz of coffee. For many, matcha offers a middle ground, enough caffeine to stay productive, but without the side effects that can come with too much coffee.

The matcha vs coffee question isn’t just about taste, it’s about how your body processes caffeine. Coffee delivers speed and intensity, while matcha offers balance and focus. With the rise in matcha consumption, people are obviously paying more attention to how their energy sources affect not just productivity, but also wellbeing. Understanding how caffeine works differently in these drinks can help you make the best choice for your day.