When you think of a healthy drink, matcha powder often comes to mind vibrant green, rich in antioxidants, and often linked to wellness trends. But how many calories does matcha powder actually contain? If you’re watching your caloric intake or pursuing a weight‑management plan, understanding “matcha powder calories” is essential.
In this article, we break down the calorie content of pure matcha powder, compare it with popular beverages, and explore how to enjoy matcha without sabotaging your diet.
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How Many Calories in Pure Matcha Powder
Nutrition Facts: Calories per Serving
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1 gram of matcha powder contains about 3 calories.
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A typical serving, e.g., a half‑teaspoon (≈ 1 g), is roughly 3 kcal.
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Even if you use a teaspoon or more, the calories remain very low: 3–4 kcal per teaspoon.
Matcha Powder on a Larger Scale
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Per 100 grams, matcha powder may total a few hundred calories, usually 340–400 kcal depending on brand.
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Typical usage for tea or beverages is only a few grams, so the caloric impact remains negligible.
Additional Nutrients (Beyond Calories)
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In 1 g of matcha: ~1 gram of protein, ~1 gram fiber, 0 grams sugar, 0 grams fat.
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This makes matcha powder a low-calorie, nutrient-rich option for healthy drinks.
Protect the freshness of your Matcha with sustainable, green packaging.
Why Matcha is Considered Low-Calorie (When Used Right)
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Matcha is essentially finely ground tea leaves, with minimal calories when mixed simply with water or low-calorie liquids.
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A traditional cup of matcha (powder + water) contributes only a few calories, often under 5–10 kcal per serving.
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This makes pure matcha an excellent choice for a warm or iced beverage without a significant calorie load.
Calories Can Spike: Matcha Latte, Smoothies, Matcha Drinks
While pure matcha powder is low-calorie, many matcha beverages lattes, milk drinks, iced blended matcha contain far more calories due to added ingredients.
How Additions Change Calories
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Milk, cream, sugar/syrup, whipped cream, or toppings (like boba, foam, flavor syrups) significantly increase total calories.
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Examples:
Beverage Type / Ingredients Estimated Calories Matcha Latte with whole milk (≈ 350 ml) ~190–250 kcal Matcha Latte with plant milk or low‑fat milk (unsweetened) ~70–130 kcal Sweetened matcha milk drink / matcha milk tea with toppings 250–600 kcal
Key Ingredients That Add Most Calories
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Full‑fat milk or cream
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Sugars or syrups
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Whipped cream, foam, sugary toppings
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Matcha for Weight Management & Health Benefits
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Low-calorie base helps avoid excess energy intake.
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Contains beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and catechins, supporting metabolism and wellness.
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Compared to sugary, high-calorie beverages, simple matcha drinks are lighter alternatives.
However, consuming high-calorie matcha drinks with milk, sugar, or toppings can negate the benefits.
How to Read Labels & Estimate Matcha Calories at Home
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Focus on how much matcha powder you use, 1–2 grams per serving is typical (~5–6 kcal).
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Check milk type, prefer unsweetened plant milk or low-fat/skim milk.
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Limit sugar, syrups, and heavy toppings.
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Add up all components: matcha + milk + sweetener + any extras = approximate total calories.
A simple recipe (matcha + water, or matcha + unsweetened milk) stays under ~10–30 kcal per cup.
FAQs
Q: How many calories does matcha powder have per gram or per teaspoon?
A: Roughly 3 calories per gram; 3–4 kcal per teaspoon.
Q: Can drinking matcha make you gain weight?
A: Not if you drink it plain or with low-calorie milk and no added sugar. High-calorie matcha drinks can contribute to weight gain.
Q: How many calories in a matcha latte?
A: It varies widely: 70 kcal (unsweetened plant milk, no sugar) to 190–250 kcal (regular milk), or 300–500+ kcal for sweetened/topped versions.
Q: Is matcha good for weight loss or diet?
A: Pure matcha is low in calories and rich in beneficial compounds, making it suitable for weight management if consumed without high-calorie add-ins.
Q: Does matcha powder have significant macronutrients (protein, fat, sugar)?
A: A typical serving (~1 g) has low calories, ~1 g protein, ~1 g fiber, and minimal fat or sugars.
