Brewing guide

Caffeine and L-theanine balance

A typical bowl of matcha pairs roughly 60 to 70 milligrams of caffeine with around 50 milligrams of L-theanine.

Per gram numbers

Published assays and producer disclosures from Ippodo and Mizuba converge on roughly 34 milligrams of caffeine per gram of matcha powder. L-theanine in shaded tencha-based matcha typically lands around 20 to 30 milligrams per gram, depending on harvest and shading.

Per typical serving

A 2 gram usucha therefore delivers around 60 to 70 milligrams of caffeine and roughly 40 to 60 milligrams of L-theanine. Koicha at 4 grams roughly doubles both. These numbers are usable estimates, not exact figures, since they vary by cultivar, harvest, and shading.

What that means in practice

The caffeine load of a single usucha sits between a strong cup of black tea and a small cup of drip coffee. L-theanine and caffeine in tea have been studied together in cognitive research, but this app does not make health, medical, or treatment claims. Pay attention to your own tolerance and timing.

Terms used here

Caffeine in matcha
Roughly 30 to 40 milligrams of caffeine per gram of matcha powder.
L-theanine
Amino acid in shaded tea that contributes to matcha's umami taste.
Usucha (薄茶)
Thin matcha preparation whisked to a frothy, drinkable consistency.
Koicha (濃茶)
Thick matcha preparation kneaded slowly with very little water.

Put it in the journal

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The brew journal keeps your ratios, grades, and notes on this device so the next bowl starts from what actually worked.