Matcha and children: at what age can you drink it?

For a teenager, discovering matcha occasionally is not the same as drinking several large glasses every day. The useful things to consider are the amount of powder, caffeine from other foods and drinks, and the time of day. A well-prepared latte does not need extra scoops to be enjoyable.

What age: useful guidance, not a magic birthday

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry advises against routine caffeine use before age 12 and recommends no more than 100 mg a day for ages 12–18. The American Academy of Pediatrics takes a more restrictive position, advising children to avoid caffeine.

That does not make an occasional tasting equivalent to several caffeinated drinks a day. For teenagers, considering a known serving and the whole day's intake is more useful than declaring matcha off-limits until adulthood.

100 mg for 35 kg: putting the figures in context

EFSA proposes a reference level of 3 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight for children and adolescents, also applicable to daily intake.

For a 12-year-old weighing 35 kg, 100 mg is about 2.86 mg/kg, below that reference of 105 mg. It should not automatically be described as a dangerous dose. It is close to the daily reference, though, so tea, coffee, cola and chocolate consumed that day also count. Sleep and individual sensitivity matter even below this level.

How much caffeine is in a matcha latte?

The amount of powder matters more than the size of the glass. In matcha testing carried out in 2024 by the Bavarian public laboratory LGL, preparations using 1–2 g of powder supplied 13–68 mg of caffeine. These results indicate a range, not a measured caffeine value for each of our matchas.

A moderately dosed latte can therefore be well below 100 mg. A particularly strong preparation can exceed that amount: one glass is not a fixed dose. Milk softens the flavour but does not remove caffeine. Adding water or milk without reducing the powder leaves the total unchanged if the whole drink is consumed.

Keeping an occasional matcha simple

Choose a moderate serving with a known amount of powder rather than a large, multiple-dose latte.
Enjoy it early enough in the day to protect sleep.
Avoid stacking caffeinated drinks: an occasional latte and two or three every day are different levels of consumption.
Reduce or avoid caffeine if it causes nervousness, palpitations or trouble sleeping. Seek tailored advice if a relevant health condition or medication is involved.

Matcha is also about preparation and flavour. Enjoy it straight to explore the tea, or with milk for a softer texture: there is no need to make it extra strong to enjoy the occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Is an occasional latte at 12 or 16 necessarily a problem?

No, age alone does not establish that. A serving whose caffeine falls within the reference levels, without adding more throughout the day, is a different situation from several daily lattes. The actual amount, body weight and individual tolerance remain the useful considerations.

Is matcha forbidden during pregnancy?

Not automatically. EFSA gives a reference of no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy, from all sources combined. Include matcha alongside other caffeinated foods and drinks and follow any individual medical advice.

Are organic matcha and hojicha caffeine-free?

No. Organic describes the production method, not the caffeine content. Hojicha is also caffeinated tea, with the amount depending on the product and preparation.