MATSUThe short answer. Roughly 40–70 mg for a 2 g serving — between a cup of brewed tea and a single espresso. A double espresso typically has more.
- Is matcha an allergen? Pure matcha contains none of the major declarable allergens. On a café menu the allergens come from milk, syrups, cream and dessert bases rather than the tea.
- Is matcha vegan? Yes. Pure matcha is ground green tea leaf with no animal-derived ingredients or processing aids.
- Can we say matcha is healthy on our menu? We would advise against health claims — detox, fat-burning, immunity and similar statements are regulated in most markets. Describe origin, grade and process instead.
What is actually in matcha
Genuine matcha has one ingredient: ground shade-grown green tea leaves. No sweetener, no colourant, no filler, no anti-caking agent. Because the whole leaf is consumed rather than steeped and discarded, the nutritional profile differs from brewed green tea.
| Item | Approx. per 2 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | ~6 kcal |
| Caffeine | ~40–70 mg |
| L-theanine | ~20–40 mg |
| Carbohydrate / protein / fat | trace amounts |
| Sugar, added | 0 |
These are typical ranges for shade-grown matcha, not a certificate of analysis for a specific lot. If your market requires exact declared values for packaged retail, tell us and we will discuss what documentation is realistically available for your order.
Caffeine, in context
A 2 g matcha latte lands roughly between a cup of brewed tea and a single espresso. The practical difference customers report is the pace rather than the amount — L-theanine occurs alongside the caffeine in shaded leaf, which is why matcha is often described as a steadier lift. That is a description of the compound profile, not a health claim.
For a bar that serves both, it is useful to know that a double espresso typically carries more caffeine than a standard matcha latte. More on the comparison in matcha vs coffee for cafés.
Allergens and dietary status
Pure matcha contains none of the major declarable allergens — no milk, egg, gluten, soy, nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish or sesame. It is naturally vegan and, being a single-ingredient plant product processed without alcohol or animal derivatives, it is generally considered halal-suitable by nature.
On a café menu, allergens almost always come from the other components: milk and plant milks, syrups, cream products, biscuit and dessert bases. Matcha itself is usually the simplest line on the allergen matrix. Cross-contact in your own kitchen remains your responsibility to assess.
How to describe it on a menu
Menu copy that is accurate and still appealing:
- "Stone-ground Japanese matcha, shade-grown in Uji" — origin and process, both verifiable.
- "Single-ingredient: 100% green tea" — useful for allergen and vegan questions.
- "Whisked to order" — a service fact, not a claim.
- Grade name on premium drinks, e.g. "Uji Signature" — gives your ceremonial drink a reason to be priced higher.
What not to claim
The tempting lines are the risky ones. Unless your business is prepared to substantiate them under your local food-labelling rules, avoid claiming that matcha detoxifies, burns fat, boosts metabolism, prevents illness, or delivers a specific antioxidant benefit. Regulators treat these as health claims regardless of how the sentence is phrased.
MATSU sells producer-direct matcha and describes it by origin, grade, colour and use. We do not supply health claims for menus, and we would rather you did not need them — "shade-grown, stone-ground, milled recently" sells the drink honestly.
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine is in a matcha latte?
Roughly 40–70 mg for a 2 g serving — between a cup of brewed tea and a single espresso. A double espresso typically has more.
Is matcha an allergen?
Pure matcha contains none of the major declarable allergens. On a café menu the allergens come from milk, syrups, cream and dessert bases rather than the tea.
Is matcha vegan?
Yes. Pure matcha is ground green tea leaf with no animal-derived ingredients or processing aids.
Can we say matcha is healthy on our menu?
We would advise against health claims — detox, fat-burning, immunity and similar statements are regulated in most markets. Describe origin, grade and process instead.
Do you provide nutritional certificates?
The figures here are typical ranges rather than lot-specific documentation. If your market requires declared values for packaged retail, contact us and we will discuss what is realistic with our producers.
