Health and preparation guide
Caffeine in Japanese Tea
Short answer: caffeine content depends on the tea, the quantity used and the preparation method. Effects also depend on individual sensitivity. A tea name or mild taste is not enough to provide a precise value.
Safety reference levels
EFSA states that, for healthy adults, single doses of up to 200 mg and total daily intake of up to 400 mg from all sources generally raise no safety concerns.
During pregnancy, EFSA considers caffeine intake up to 200 mg per day from all sources not to raise safety concerns for the fetus. Breastfeeding should be treated separately: do not attribute the same 200 mg daily threshold to EFSA. French health guidance advises limiting caffeinated drinks and watching for infant irritability, agitation or sleep disturbance.
A dose of 100 mg close to bedtime may already affect sleep in some adults. Seek professional advice for pregnancy, medication or an individual medical question.
Why the amount varies
- mass of leaves or powder;
- cultivar, harvest and plant material;
- water temperature and extraction time;
- the actual volume consumed;
- the number of infusions;
- the proportion of tea in a blend such as genmaicha.
With matcha, the powder remains in the drink, so the amount of powder matters directly. With loose-leaf tea, the extracted amount depends on brewing.
Careful wording
| Tea | What can be stated |
|---|---|
| Matcha | Contains caffeine. The amount notably depends on the powder dose. |
| Sencha or gyokuro | Varies by product, leaf quantity and brewing method. |
| Hojicha | Not caffeine-free. Roasted taste is not a measurement. |
| Genmaicha | Not automatically low in caffeine. The base tea and tea-to-rice ratio matter. |
Sources
- EFSA, caffeine safety reference levels
- EFSA, pregnancy and breastfeeding distinction
- French health insurance, breastfeeding guidance
- FDA, caffeine consumption
Institutional sources checked 16 July 2026.
Editorial responsibility
This page is edited by Ateliers Thé Japonais using the cited sources. It has not been medically reviewed and does not replace professional advice.
Last review
Page checked on 16 July 2026. It provides general reference levels, not medical dosing or a product analysis.