How much caffeine does matcha contain?

When I joined the Cuzen Matcha team this autumn, I found myself eager to drink matcha daily, but I was pregnant and cautious about what I was drinking. So, I decided to delve deeper into common concerns about caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

I wanted to know exactly how much caffeine is in matcha. And how much is too much for the pregnant or breastfeeding mother?

  • A person holds a glass of iced matcha with two hands, having a Cuzen Matcha moment.

Contents

  1. Caffeine in matcha and other teas
  2. Guidelines for those pregnant and breastfeeding
  3. Prioritizing your well-being

1. Caffeine content in matcha

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF), a single cup of matcha, made with 1.5 grams of matcha powder (Matcha Maker level two) contains 48 milligrams of caffeine. Our Cuzen Matcha Maker settings provide for three strength levels.

Matcha Maker strength level Matcha quantity Caffeine content per cup*
Level 1 1g 32mg
Level 2 1.5g 48mg
Level 3 2g 64mg

*The caffeine content varies slightly, depending on the batch.

I also wanted to know how Cuzen Matcha’s caffeine content measures against other drinks. Drawing from the same data provided by the MAFF, here’s a comparison based on the standard serving size of 150 cubic centimeters, or about five fluid ounces— the typical size of a small cup of coffee. The matcha listed in the chart below represents a level two shot made with the Cuzen Matcha Maker. Because the entire leaf is ground and consumed, matcha contains more caffeine compared to other teas. Even still, its caffeine content is still lower than coffee and roughly equivalent to black tea.

Beverage Caffeine (per 150cc/5 fl oz)
Gyokuro (Infusion) 240mg
Coffee (Infusion) 90mg
Matcha (Powder) 48mg
Black tea (Infusion) 45mg
Sencha (Infusion) 30mg
Hojicha (Infusion) 30mg
Genmaicha (Infusion) 15mg
Oolong tea (Infusion) 30mg

2. Guidelines for those pregnant and breastfeeding

Various international organizations and governments recommend limiting caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Here’s a summary of their guidelines:

Organization Recommendation
World Health Organization Cautions against more than 300 mg or more per day for pregnant women. (2016)
UK Food Standards Agency Cautions against more than 200mg a day for pregnant women. (2008)
European Food Safety Authority States that habitual intake of up to 200mg per day poses no increased health risks for the fetus or infant of pregnant and breastfeeding women. (2015)
United States Department of Agriculture States in their Dietary Guidelines for Americans that women who could be or who are pregnant should consult their healthcare providers for advice concerning caffeine consumption. (2020-2025 Guidelines）

At Cuzen Matcha, we offer completely organic tea leaves from Japan, cultivated with natural pest-control methods and fertilized with organic matter, mixed right on the farm.

3. Prioritizing your well-being

We hope that providing information about matcha’s caffeine content and the implications for pregnancy and breastfeeding will be useful in assisting mothers with informed decision-making. While matcha offers a delightful and nutritious beverage option, it’s crucial to follow recommended caffeine guidelines for the health and well-being of both mother and child. At Cuzen Matcha, we’re committed to providing organic and safe products, and we encourage our customers to make informed choices regarding their matcha consumption during this special time. Your health matters to us, and we’re here to support you on your journey.

The information provided on this webpage is sourced from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan, as accessed on November 15, 2023. Cuzen Matcha assumes no responsibility for any claims or consequences arising from the data and content related to caffeine and/or matcha intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important to acknowledge that matcha contains caffeine. We strongly recommend consulting medical professionals for advice if you have concerns about caffeine and/or matcha consumption during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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