How much matcha should you drink per day?
Marie HubertSummarize with :
If you're like us, maybe you've already implemented matcha in your daily routine, or you are thinking about doing it. But there is a question we've all asked ourselves at some point or another: how much matcha can I drink in a single day without feeling the unwanted secondary effects of caffeine? This is what we're about to find out in this article.
Table of contents
Caffeine, the factor that limits how much matcha you can drink in a day
Caffeine is the most important thing you need to factor in when drinking matcha.
In Canada, the recommended daily limit of caffeine is 400mg for an healthy adult. For pregnant women, breastfeeding people and people who are trying to conceive, this daily limit is cut in half (200mg).
Even though matcha contains less caffeine than coffee, a cup of matcha made with 1 to 2 grams of powder still contains between 30 and 70mg of caffeine (against 90 to 150mg for a cup of coffee).
Caffeine and L-theanine, the perfect duo
The defining feature of matcha is its high L-theanine content, an amino acid that stimulates relaxation and mental focus. It allows caffeine to be released at a slower pace in the organism, which in turn allows for more stable and lasting energy, without the peak and crash effects of caffeine.
How much matcha you can drink depends on its quality
The quality of your matcha powder will greatly influence your daily consumption.
A ceremonial grade matcha from Japan will not only taste better, but also have a higher concentration of active principles, meaning it will contain more caffeine than a lower grade matcha (like culinary matcha for example).
How much matcha to drink in a single day?
We've finally made it to THE question: how much matcha can you drink in a single day? Well, the answer depends on a variety of factors:
- Your sensitivity to caffeine
- Your health
- Your lifestyle
A normal portion is about half a teaspoon of matcha powder (1 to 2 grams). This quantity contains from 30 to 70mg of caffeine, which is less than coffee, but more than most green teas.
The benefits of a regular consumption
If you drink matcha daily, no doubt you'll start experiencing its benefits early on. Maybe you'll notice an increase in your ability to focus, a better mental clarity and/or lower stress levels.
On top of this, matcha stimulates the metabolism, which is perfect if you're trying to maintain a certain weight or to find a balance in your lifestyle. Matcha is also appreciated for its detoxifying properties and its positive effects on the skin.
- increase your mental focus and your vigilance while also making you more relaxed
- lower your stress levels
- boost your metabolism
The risks of an overconsumption of matcha
Like every drink that contains caffeine, an overconsumption of matcha can lead to undesirable side effects. The most common are:
- nervousness
- sleeping disorder
- headaches and/or stomach aches
- heart palpitations
It is therefore crucial to listen to your body. If you're feeling any undesirable effects, lower your matcha consumption either by reducing the amount of powder you use or by allowing longer intervals between drinks. A moderate consumption is the key to get the best out of matcha.
Implementing matcha in your daily routine
There isn't really an ideal moment to drink matcha: it depends on your needs and your lifestyle. In the morning, it perfectly replaces coffee. Before a work out session or an important meeting, it boosts your energy levels and your mental focus. In the afternoon, it helps you staying energised and awake without being detrimental to your sleep schedule.
You can also vary how you consume matcha: matcha lattes, smoothies, pastries... Matcha is incredibly versatile, and you can adapt how you consume it to better suit your needs and lifestyle (or if you're just curious and want to try out new things!)
So: how much matcha can you drink in a day? For most of us, 1 to 2 portions will be enough to experience its benefits without its side effects. Listen to your body, choose a higher quality matcha (our organic ceremonial grade matcha is excellent!) and savour each cup like it's a little bubble of tranquillity in your busy day.
