Matcha vs Coffee: Caffeine, Taste and Which Is Right for You?

If you love coffee but sometimes want something a little different, matcha is an interesting alternative. Both drinks contain caffeine, both have their own rituals, and both can become a serious part of your morning routine — but they are very different in taste, preparation and caffeine content.

What is matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves. Instead of steeping the leaves and removing them, as you would with ordinary tea, matcha powder is whisked directly into water or milk. That gives it its distinctive green colour, earthy flavour and smooth texture.

Does matcha have caffeine?

Yes. Matcha naturally contains caffeine. Harvard Health reports that an 8-ounce serving of matcha typically contains around 38–89mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of coffee is commonly around 100–120mg. The exact amount varies depending on how much powder or coffee you use and how the drink is prepared.

That means matcha can be a useful option for people who still want caffeine but do not necessarily want the same amount they would get from a typical coffee. It is not caffeine-free, though, so anyone sensitive to caffeine should still take that into account.

Why does matcha sometimes feel different from coffee?

Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid naturally found in tea. It is often discussed alongside caffeine because the combination may influence how alertness feels. Research is still developing, so it is better to think of matcha as a different caffeinated drink rather than a guaranteed “no-jitters” solution.

What does matcha taste like?

Good matcha has a fresh, grassy and slightly savoury flavour with some natural sweetness. It is very different from the roasted, chocolatey, nutty or fruity notes you might find in coffee. If you are used to lattes, a matcha latte can be an easy place to start because milk softens the stronger green-tea flavour.

Matcha vs coffee: which is stronger?

If by “stronger” you mean caffeine, coffee usually wins. If you mean flavour, that depends entirely on your taste. Espresso is intense and roasted; matcha is vegetal, creamy and earthy. Neither is automatically better — they simply suit different moods.

When might you choose matcha?

• When you want a caffeinated drink that is usually lower in caffeine than coffee.
• When you fancy something creamy and different from espresso-based drinks.
• When you enjoy a slower preparation ritual.
• When you want an alternative for your afternoon drink.

When might coffee still be the better choice?

• When you want a stronger caffeine hit.
• When you love the flavour of espresso or freshly ground beans.
• When speed matters and you already have your coffee setup dialled in.
• When you want the huge variety of brewing styles coffee offers.

Can you enjoy both?

Absolutely. You do not need to become a “coffee person” or a “matcha person”. Plenty of people enjoy coffee in the morning and matcha later in the day, or simply switch between them depending on the mood.

At Velin Brew, our whole approach is about making better drinks simpler — whether that means a proper espresso, a smooth pour-over or learning a completely new ritual like matcha.

Source: Harvard Health Publishing, “Matcha: A look at possible health benefits” (2024). Caffeine content varies by product and preparation.