Which Tea Has the Most Caffeine: Matcha is one of the most popular types of green tea in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not only packed with antioxidants like black tea, but it also has a unique taste that’s unlike any other kind of green tea.
If you’re a fan of matcha, then you probably already know that there are plenty of ways to enjoy this drink beyond just a traditional latte at your local coffee shop. You can use it as an iced tea alternative for cold days, or mix it into a smoothie for added nutrition.
But one thing many people don’t know about matcha is that it actually packs more caffeine per gram than regular brewed coffee.
If you’ve ever had a cup of matcha, you may have noticed that it tastes pretty strong. This comes from the fact that matcha is often blended using high-quality matcha powder which allows for a higher concentration of caffeine.
So what exactly does all of this mean? Is it safe to consume a lot of matcha when you want to stay awake or get things done throughout the day? Is it worth drinking more regularly?
The truth is that it depends on how much caffeine you’re consuming, because the amount of caffeine varies depending on the type of tea or coffee you’re making. For instance, brewed regular coffee generally has less caffeine than espresso shots, while iced coffee tends to be lower still. But matcha doesn’t fall into either category.
In fact, according to studies conducted by University College London researchers from 2021, matcha contains anywhere between 100 and 300 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which isn’t too shabby compared to other common drinks. The study also found that the higher the quality of matcha used, the higher the amount of caffeine you’ll find. That means you could even potentially get close to the maximum recommended daily allowance of 200mg by simply drinking regular matcha.
However, even though matcha is known to contain a fair amount of caffeine, it’s important to note that it’s also known for being a mild stimulant. One study from 2013 found that there was no difference in the rate of heart attacks among subjects who consumed matcha daily versus those who didn’t. Another study from 2015 concluded that “matcha consumption is unlikely to pose significant health risks in adults.”
So it’s definitely possible to drink enough to get the benefits of matcha without having much effect on your heart or your brain. However, you should always check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or supplement regimen that involves caffeine (including decaf).
Caffeine can interact with medicines like blood pressure medication, antidepressants, and birth control pills, so it’s best to avoid these combinations altogether. Also, since you might be getting a larger dose of caffeine through matcha, you should take care to limit alcohol intake to help prevent potential side effects like dehydration and headaches.
If you do decide to give matcha another try, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Start off small – Since matcha contains such a potent level of caffeine, it can cause side effects like headaches and anxiety if you drink too much. As such, you should start with smaller amounts of matcha instead of taking a big shot of espresso or sipping a large pot of coffee first thing in the morning.
Take breaks – Matcha is a powerful stimulant, so if you’re going to sip on it every day, it’s smart to wait at least 15 minutes after finishing a meal or eating anything else before you take another sip. Your body needs time to process the food you ingested before you can expect to feel its full effects.
Try blending – If you want to cut down on the caffeine in your matcha, you can easily blend it yourself with water. Just pour out a cup of room-temperature water and put 1/2 teaspoon of matcha powder in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth, and then strain through a mesh strainer to remove any bits of matcha. Drink immediately.
Drink slowly – While matcha can pack a punch, it works well as a relaxing beverage, especially during early morning meditation sessions or other calming activities. Don’t chug a whole cup of matcha all at once. Instead, take it in small sips over time to let your body adjust.
Don’t overdo it – If you find you need to quit drinking matcha, it’s better to reduce slowly rather than stop abruptly. The reason is that quitting suddenly will cause withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, headaches, irritability, and depression. These symptoms usually last around four weeks, during which it’s very difficult to recover without matcha.
Try mixing matcha into different beverages. Matcha is a great addition to iced lattes and smoothies, but you can also add it to hot tea and even cocktails! Just make sure to avoid drinking too much alcohol when you’re adding a little bit of matcha to a drink.
When you’re trying to determine whether or not matcha makes sense for you, it’s important to keep in mind that it can vary widely depending on both the brand and how you prepare it. Some brands of matcha contain ingredients like yerba maté extract, which contains natural caffeine like caffeine from tea.
Others include synthetic caffeine like EGCG, which is a compound found in green tea. Still others are made with actual tea leaves. If you’re looking to increase your caffeine intake from tea or coffee, you may be able to find a good matcha substitute that doesn’t raise your heart rate or wake you up too much.
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