Matcha vs Coffee: How Much Caffeine Do They Really Have and Which One Should Power Your Day? (Bazan Coffee Guide)

In the world of modern caffeine rituals, two contenders rise above the rest: matcha and coffee. While both are beloved for their energizing effects, their caffeine content, delivery, and physiological impact are far from identical. This raises a vital question for any mindful sipper: how much caffeine in matcha vs coffee, and which option offers the best blend of energy, focus, and flavor?

This guide explores the caffeine differences between matcha and coffee from a scientific, sensory, and lifestyle perspective. Drawing on research from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), World Coffee Research, and Barista Hustle, we break down the numbers and help you choose the right brew for your needs, with Bazan Coffee as your ally in precision and flavor.

Quick Comparison: How Much Caffeine in Matcha vs Coffee?

Beverage (standard serving)

Avg. Caffeine (mg)

Brewed Coffee (8 oz)

95–120 mg (Arabica) / up to 200 mg (Robusta)

Matcha (1 gram powder)

60–70 mg

Matcha Latte (8–12 oz)

30–70 mg

Espresso (1 oz)

63–75 mg

Conclusion: Coffee generally contains more caffeine per serving, but matcha offers a gentler and longer-lasting effect.

Understanding Matcha: Caffeine with Calm

What Is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder of shade-grown green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Unlike steeped tea, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf, which increases both nutrient and caffeine intake.

How Caffeine Works in Matcha

  • Matcha caffeine is bound to L-theanine, a unique amino acid that promotes calm alertness and enhances cognitive focus.

  • Caffeine absorption is slower and more sustained, lasting 4–6 hours without a pronounced crash.

  • Barista Hustle research suggests matcha creates a “soft stimulation curve”, perfect for meditation, creative work, and study.

Matcha may contain less caffeine than coffee, but its effects feel smoother and longer-lasting. The presence of L-theanine offsets the common side effects of caffeine such as jitters or energy crashes.

Matcha vs Coffee: How Much Caffeine Do They Really Have—and Which One Should Power Your Day? (Bazan Coffee Guide)

Coffee: Fast, Powerful, Adaptable

How Much Caffeine in Coffee?

Coffee’s caffeine content depends on several factors:

  • Bean type: Robusta has nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica

  • Roast level: Lighter roasts retain slightly more caffeine by mass

  • Brew method: Cold brew and espresso are denser in caffeine

Bazan Coffee Caffeine Benchmarks:

Product

Bean Type

Avg. Caffeine (8 oz)

Best Use Case

Cau Dat Arabica

Arabica

90–110 mg

Pour-over

Special Vietnam Blend

Blend

120–150 mg

Espresso

Fine Robusta – Krong Năng

Robusta

160–200 mg

Cold brew

Coffee’s caffeine hits faster typically within 15–30 minutes and is ideal for high-energy mornings or physical productivity.

According to CQI studies, Bazan’s Robusta beans maintain high caffeine content without bitterness, thanks to controlled fermentation and medium-dark roasting. The caffeine profile supports enhanced alertness, improved memory retention, and neuromuscular performance, as reported in multiple SCA-backed studies.

Matcha vs Coffee: How Much Caffeine Do They Really Have—and Which One Should Power Your Day? (Bazan Coffee Guide)

Key Differences: How Matcha and Coffee Affect Your Body

Factor

Matcha

Coffee

Onset

Gradual (30–45 minutes)

Fast (15–30 minutes)

Duration

4–6 hours (stable)

2–3 hours (sharp peak)

Mood effect

Calm focus (L-theanine synergy)

Alert, stimulated

Crash risk

Low

Higher (especially with sugar)

Antioxidants

Catechins, EGCG-rich

Chlorogenic acids, melanoidins

Customization

Limited (fixed powder dose)

High (grind, dose, method)

Digestive effect

Gentle

Can be acidic or harsh if overbrewed

Coffee’s psychoactive effects are more immediate, which is excellent for athletes, executives, or those in need of short-term high performance. Matcha’s L-theanine-caffeine combination favors deep concentration and anxiety management.

How Much Caffeine in Matcha vs Coffee: By Scenario

For Mornings

  • Coffee wins with fast energy, especially via espresso or cold brew

  • Best with Bazan’s Fine Robusta for long workdays

For Studying or Meditation

  • Matcha wins for sustained, focused calm

  • Ideal in the form of ceremonial-grade matcha or oat milk latte

For Athletes or Physical Performance

  • Coffee wins, especially high-caffeine brews pre-workout

  • Choose Special Vietnam Blend for strength and flavor

For Sensitive Stomachs

  • Matcha is gentler, with lower acidity

  • Cau Dat Arabica from Bazan offers a soft, low-acid coffee option with medium caffeine

Matcha vs Coffee: How Much Caffeine Do They Really Have—and Which One Should Power Your Day? (Bazan Coffee Guide)

Myths and Misconceptions

Myth #1: Matcha has more caffeine than coffee.

  • Not true. Even premium matcha rarely exceeds 70 mg per gram.

  • Coffee often doubles that depending on roast and method.

Myth #2: All matcha is calming.

  • Only matcha with high L-theanine content provides this benefit. Many commercial-grade powders lack it.

Myth #3: Darker roasts have more caffeine.

  • Caffeine slightly decreases with longer roasts. Lighter roasts may feel weaker but retain more caffeine by mass.

Myth #4: Matcha never causes jitters.

  • Incorrect. High doses or low-grade matcha without sufficient L-theanine can still cause overstimulation.

Matcha vs Coffee: How Much Caffeine Do They Really Have—and Which One Should Power Your Day? (Bazan Coffee Guide)

FAQs: How Much Caffeine in Matcha vs Coffee?

Q1: Which gives more energy matcha or coffee?
Coffee gives faster, stronger energy. Matcha gives smoother, longer-lasting focus.

Q2: Is it okay to drink both in one day?
 Yes! Start with matcha and switch to coffee later or vice versa, based on your energy needs.

Q3: Can matcha replace coffee?
Only if you prefer slower stimulation. It may not match the same intensity.

Q4: Which is better for anxiety?
Matcha. L-theanine moderates caffeine’s effects and helps reduce jitteriness.

Q5: Can I combine matcha and coffee?
 Yes “green eye” drinks blend matcha + espresso. Try using Bazan’s Cau Dat Arabica for balance.

Why Bazan Coffee Wins the Caffeine Game

While matcha offers impressive benefits, Bazan Coffee gives you precision, potency, and pleasure:

  • Choose between high-caffeine Robusta or smooth Arabica

  • Customize your brew method to optimize caffeine and flavor

  • Enjoy traceable Vietnamese coffee with ethical sourcing and expert fermentation

  • Access the full spectrum of caffeine from mellow pour-over to bold cold brew

Whether you're a matcha loyalist or a coffee explorer, Bazan delivers consistent, elevated energy with flavor integrity.

Matcha vs Coffee: How Much Caffeine Do They Really Have—and Which One Should Power Your Day? (Bazan Coffee Guide)

Shop Bazan Coffee and Brew Energy on Your Terms

Explore Bazan’s premium Vietnamese coffee lineup:

  • Fine Robusta – Krong Năng: unmatched caffeine power, smooth bitterness

  • Special Vietnam Blend: bold yet balanced perfect for daily energy

  • Cau Dat Arabica: floral, complex, and ideal for mindful brewing

Visit our shop page and choose the brew that fuels your goals.

Because when it comes to how much caffeine in matcha vs coffee, Bazan gives you energy with expertise.

Drink smarter. Brew better. Choose Bazan Coffee.