Matcha lovers, listen up! As premium matcha becomes harder to find due to soaring demand, now is the time to stock your pantry with some of our favorite matcha tea powders. We’ve all been feeling the pinch as the global matcha shortage has taken hold. But fear not! We’ve got you covered! If matcha is part of your daily routine, now is the time to stock up.  

At matcha.com, we’re passionate about sourcing the highest quality matcha directly from Japan. To help you navigate the shortage, here are five must-try matchas to savor and keep on hand, before they sell out.

Why is there a matcha shortage?

A perfect storm has led to the worldwide matcha shortage, driven by surging global demand and a fragile, time- and labor-intensive supply chain. In the past few years, matcha’s popularity has skyrocketed, largely thanks to social media and wellness culture, and production simply can’t keep pace. Matcha is made from shade-grown tencha leaves, which are harvested only a few times a year, handpicked, and stone ground to protect from oxidation. It’s a meticulous process that is hard to scale or speed up. Japanese farmers are trying to convert cultivation of sencha (ordinary green tea) fields to tencha, but that will take time. Meanwhile, trade tensions such as new U.S. tariffs on Japanese imports have added pressure, driving up costs and tightening availability even more.  

The fake matcha problem

As real, high-quality matcha has become harder to find, the market has become flooded with deceptive “matcha” alternatives. These products fail to deliver on quality, taste, and health benefits. They are usually made from cheaper, sun-grown teas, such as sencha or bancha, that weren’t meant to be used in powder form. Some are even made from non-tea plants like moringa or mulberry leaves. They’re frequently machine-ground, lack the vibrant green color, silky texture, and rich umami taste of authentic shade-grown tencha. They also lack matcha’s incredible health benefits, such as L-theanine, EGCG, and chlorophyll. Fake matcha also undermines centuries of Japanese tradition and the farmers who preserve it. That’s why it’s critical to buy from trusted sources, like matcha.com.

5 matchas to stock up on

Here are five of our favorite, high-quality matcha tea powders you’ll want to stock up on before supplies run out:

1. Tenchi Ceremonial Organic:

Its name is inspired by the balance found between heaven and earth and is genuinely one of the finest organic ceremonial matcha powders. Harvested once a year in early spring by one of Japan’s oldest and most revered tea farms, it offers an extraordinary, balanced, umami-rich flavor profile. You might want to grab at least two tins, so you’re covered for your everyday matcha routine and special occasions!

Try our Tenchi Ceremonial Organic Matcha here. 

2. Premium Ceremonial Master’s Blend

For bold, intense flavor crafted for true matcha aficionados, the Master’s Blend is your go-to. This rich, full-bodied ceremonial matcha delivers a robust umami experience without any hard bitterness- perfect for thick koicha preparations. This one is a real standout and ideal for espresso lovers making the switch to matcha!

Find our Premium Ceremonial Master’s Blend here. 

3. Original Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Our Original Ceremonial Grade matcha strikes a beautiful balance between tradition and indulgence. Renowned for its bold umami flavor, dreamy vibrant green color, and slightly sweet flavor. This one is perfect for your everyday ritual. Pro tip: Buy a larger 80 g tin if you’re heavy-handed with daily servings. It holds about 80 servings!

Stock up on our Original Ceremonial Grade Matcha here. 

4. First Harvest Sipping Matcha

As the name implies, this one is seasonal, sourced from the earliest spring leaves. Celebrated for its delicate sweetness and slight vegetal notes, it’s ideal for savoring slowly. Because it’s limited by season, you may want to buy at least two! One for now, and one tucked away for later.

Find our First Harvest Sipping Matcha here. 

5. “Matcha on the Go” Organic Ceremonial Sticks

Life doesn’t stop, even for matcha lovers. These single-serve, individually packaged sticks made it super easy to stay focused and energized, even when you’re on the move.

Stock up on “Matcha on the Go” Ceremonial Sticks here. 

How to store your matcha

To keep your matcha fresh, store unopened tins in a cool, dark place away from heat, light, or moisture. Think pantry, not fridge. Unopened matcha can stay fresh for up to a year, but it’s best to buy what you’ll use within 6-12 months for peak flavor and nutrients. Avoid freezing or refrigerating before opening. Once you do open a tin, it’s best to store it in the original container in the fridge or freezer and enjoy within 4-8 weeks.

Bottom Line

The matcha shortage isn’t just a rumor, and it is definitely affecting people. And with fake matcha flooding the market, it’s more important than ever to buy from a trusted source. By stocking up on these five authentic blends now, you’re ensuring you never run out of delicious, high-quality matcha.

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.