Green tea generally contains less caffeine than coffee, but the exact amount can vary widely depending on the type and preparation of each.
- A typical 8-ounce (240 ml) cup of green tea contains about 30 to 50 mg of caffeine
- A standard 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee usually has 80 to 100 mg of caffeine , with some types like pour-over or cold brew reaching up to 175-200 mg
However, some varieties of green tea can have caffeine levels comparable to or even exceeding coffee:
- Gyokuro (Japanese green tea) can contain around 120-140 mg of caffeine per serving due to special shading before harvest
- Matcha (powdered green tea) typically has about 100-136 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving because you consume the whole leaf powder
- Other high-caffeine green teas include Mao Feng (~115 mg) and Darjeeling green tea (~96 mg)
The caffeine in green tea is often perceived differently because it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes a calming effect and smooths out the stimulant impact of caffeine. This results in a more stable, less jittery energy compared to coffee, which delivers caffeine more rapidly into the bloodstream
Summary comparison:
Beverage| Typical Caffeine per 8 oz Cup| Notes
---|---|---
Regular Green Tea| 30–50 mg| Lower caffeine, contains calming L-theanine
Coffee| 80–100 mg (can be higher)| Higher caffeine, faster stimulant effect
Gyokuro Green Tea| 120–140 mg| High caffeine green tea
Matcha| 100–136 mg| Powdered tea, full leaf consumed
In conclusion, coffee generally has about 2 to 3 times more caffeine than standard green tea, but certain green teas like matcha and gyokuro can rival or exceed coffee's caffeine content. The presence of L-theanine in green tea also changes how the caffeine affects the body compared to coffee
