Caffeine in Japanese Green Tea: Matcha, Gyokuro, Sencha & More
How much Caffeine in Japanese Green Tea?
Caffeine in green tea are in general said to be one third of coffee. Caffeine in green tea is said to provide the bitter flavor. This caffeine in green tea will depend on when it was picked. Younger spring green teas are said to contain more caffeine, so high end Japanese green teas such as matcha and gyokuro will contain more caffeine.
Caffeine Compared to Black Tea and Coffee
Japanese green tea is about 1/3rd of caffeine compared to coffee and slightly less than black tea.
*Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(JAPAN) “STANDARD TABLES OF FOOD COMPOSITION IN JAPAN”
Caffeine among the different type of Japanese Green Tea
The very well known premium tea leaves, Gyokuro will have the most amount with 160mg. Next will be the matcha green tea containing 30 mg relatively very low. Sencha and Houjicha will have 20 mg and genmaicha will have the least caffeine with 10mg.
| Type of Japanese Green Tea | Amount of Caffeine (in 100g) |
| Gyokuro | 160mg |
| Matcha |
30mg |
| Sencha |
20mg |
| Houjicha |
20mg |
| Genmaicha |
10mg |
Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of JAPAN
How to Compare Caffeine Numbers Correctly
The figures above come from Japan’s Standard Tables of Food Composition, but not every tea is measured on the same basis. Infused teas and powdered teas such as matcha should not be compared as if they represent the same serving.
For sencha, genmaicha, hojicha, and gyokuro, the amount of caffeine in a cup changes with the amount of tea used, water volume, water temperature, and steeping time.
Genmaicha often uses less tea leaf per serving because roasted rice is part of the blend, but it still contains caffeine. Use the table as a reference point rather than a guaranteed amount for every cup.
Want to understand how brewing changes what is extracted?
Read: How Water Temperature and Steeping Time Affect Caffeine Extraction →
If this helped you find where you'd like to sit on the caffeine scale, here is where to start:
Roasted leaf tea with a warm, toasty aroma — a softer-tasting direction on the scale.
If there are any questions please feel free to ask anytime.
Thank you!
About the Author:
Yosuke Aso (Owner of ShiZen Tea)
I'm the founder of ShiZen Tea, a Japanese tea company based in Tokyo. As a young child, I had an opportunity to experience Japanese tea ceremony since my mother was into Sado back then. For more than 7 years of study of Japanese tea, I have gone to many tea farms and factories around Japan. Through the study, I have gained concrete knowledge of Japanese tea and been certified as the Japanese Tea Adviser. We have hand selected teas from around Japan and currently selling as our brand, ShiZen Tea. We also specialize in brewing/infusing Japanese tea, as we have served many customers in Japan through our cafe. Please check out our teas as well! Thank you!