Matcha During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Pregnancy is a time of immense change, physically, emotionally and hormonally. It's also a time when many women re-evaluate what they put into their bodies. One question we hear often is: can I drink matcha during pregnancy? For most women, the answer is yes, in moderation - here's what to consider so you can make the choice that's right for you.
Can You Drink Matcha While Pregnant?
Matcha is finely ground green tea, so it naturally contains caffeine, but less than coffee. A standard serve (1g or ½ tsp) has around 30-40mg of caffeine, compared to 95-120mg in a cup of coffee.
Australian health guidelines recommend keeping total daily caffeine under 200mg during pregnancy. That includes all sources - tea, coffee, chocolate and soft drinks combined. One or two serves of matcha a day sits comfortably within that limit for most women, and because you measure matcha yourself, you know exactly how much caffeine you're having (unlike a takeaway coffee, which can vary widely).
As with anything during pregnancy, check with your midwife, GP or naturopath about what's right for you - every pregnancy is different.
Things to Keep in Mind
A few honest considerations, because we'd rather you feel informed than sold to:
Count your total caffeine. If you're also having coffee, tea or chocolate, factor matcha into your 200mg daily total.
Time it well. Green tea compounds may reduce how well your body absorbs folate and iron when consumed with meals or supplements. Enjoy your matcha between meals, a couple of hours away from your prenatal vitamins.
The first trimester. Some women choose to keep caffeine especially low early in pregnancy. If that's you, matcha can wait, or be enjoyed in smaller amounts.
Quality matters. Choose a tested, high-grade matcha with no additives, flavourings or sweeteners.
Why Many Mums-to-Be Choose Matcha Over Coffee
Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works alongside caffeine to promote calm, steady focus rather than a spike and crash. Many women find it gentler on the stomach than coffee, which matters when nausea or heartburn are already in the picture. It's also rich in antioxidants, particularly EGCG.
For many mums-to-be, matcha becomes a grounding daily ritual: a gentle lift, and a mindful moment of calm in a busy day.
Choosing a Pregnancy-Friendly Matcha
If you're including matcha in your pregnancy, choose one that is ceremonial grade (made from young first-harvest leaves, with no bitterness), free from additives, sweeteners and flavourings, and tested for purity. Our Ceremonial Matcha is sourced from Uji, Japan and stone-ground in small batches - one measured scoop gives you a consistent 30-40mg of caffeine.
How to Enjoy Matcha in Pregnancy
Start with ½ tsp (1g) whisked into 80°C water (hot, not boiling, to preserve the antioxidants). Add warm plant milk for a latte, or pour over ice.
Matcha and Pregnancy FAQs
How much matcha can I have a day while pregnant?
One to two serves (1g each) keeps you around 30-80mg of caffeine, well under the 200mg guideline, provided you account for other caffeine sources.
Is matcha safe while breastfeeding?
Small amounts of caffeine are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. The same moderation applies, and caffeine passes into breast milk in small amounts, so many mums time their matcha for after a feed. Check with your healthcare professional.
Does matcha have less caffeine than coffee?
Yes. A standard serve of matcha has around 30-40mg, versus 95-120mg in a typical cup of coffee.
Supporting the Rest of Your Pregnancy Journey
Matcha is just one part of a nourishing pregnancy ritual. Many of our customers pair it with our [Red Raspberry Leaf Tea] in the third trimester, and keep our Nursing Tea on hand for the feeding journey ahead. You'll find both in our [Pregnancy Tea Bundle].
Always chat with your midwife, naturopath or healthcare provider before introducing new herbs or teas during pregnancy. Every pregnancy is unique.
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