Matcha has taken the world by storm recently, which we are, of course, all about. Once a niche type of tea mostly consumed in Japan, matcha green tea has become a global sensation. It has been fully embraced by wellness influencers, health-conscious consumers, and even coffee lovers. While matcha’s popularity is exciting, it has also led to an influx of lower-quality matcha on the market. With this, we’ve seen an uptick in new consumers trying poor quality matcha and being turned off from it, especially when they may have fallen in love with the tea and all its health benefits if they had only tried a high-quality option.

Most people try matcha for the first time by ordering it at a coffee shop. While there are a few cafés serving high-quality matcha, many use lower-grade options to cut costs. They may also be heavily sweetened with syrups or flavored powders, masking matcha's natural taste. This can lead to two problems: people either dislike the matcha itself due to poor quality or develop a taste for overly sweetened versions that don't reflect what authentic matcha should be. Without experiencing a properly prepared, high-quality matcha, it's easy to dismiss it altogether.

As matcha becomes more mainstream, many people are eager to try it for the first time. Unfortunately, they may unknowingly purchase or drink lower-quality options—sometimes without realizing that matcha quality varies dramatically. Unlike coffee or wine, where consumers may be more aware of the difference between high-end and budget options, many first-time matcha drinkers assume all matcha is created equal, and this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

A quick glance at social media reveals countless posts from people who have tried matcha and disliked it, describing it as "bitter," "fishy," or "muddy." More often than not, these individuals have unknowingly chosen a poor-quality matcha that lacks the smooth, umami-rich taste that makes premium matcha so enjoyable. Unfortunately, a bad first experience may turn people away from this incredible tea for good.

To truly appreciate matcha, it’s essential to choose a high-quality option. Here’s what to look for:

1. Vibrant Green Color – One of the easiest ways to gauge quality is by looking at the color. High-grade matcha is bright, almost neon green, thanks to its rich chlorophyll content. Lower quality matcha, on the other hand, often appears dull or will be a brownish yellow due to poor cultivation and processing.

2. Smooth, Umami-Rich Flavor – A good matcha should taste smooth, slightly sweet, and umami-forward, not overly bitter or fishy. If your matcha tastes harsh or astringent, it’s likely a lower grade, possibly meant for cooking rather than drinking.

3. Fine, Silky Texture – High-quality matcha is finely ground is both silky and smooth. Lower quality matcha can be grainy or clumpy, which no one likes.

4. Origin Matters – Authentic, high-quality matcha comes from Japan, specifically regions like Uji, Nishio, and Shizuoka, which have centuries of expertise in matcha cultivation. If the origin is unclear or not from Japan, proceed with caution.

5. Shade-Grown and Stone-Ground – Matcha is shade-grown a few weeks before harvest and it’s this process that increases its chlorophyll and amino acid content (which enhances umami). It’s then stone-ground into a fine powder, preserving its delicate flavors and nutrients. Poor quality matcha may not be shade-grown properly, and heat may be used to grind it into a powder, which oxidizes the leaves, destroying the benefits and giving you a bitter taste.

Why This Matters

There’s more to high-quality matcha than just the smooth and delicious taste. Matcha also offers enormous health benefits, which you won’t get in a lower-grade option. A well-crafted matcha provides a jitter-free and balanced energy boost and powerful antioxidants like EGCG that support overall health. These benefits are greatly diminished when matcha is processed poorly or made from inferior leaves.

Moreover, choosing high-quality matcha supports ethical farming practices. Many mass-market matcha brands cut corners, using older, lower-grade leaves and mechanized processing methods that sacrifice quality. Authentic, premium matcha is carefully cultivated using traditional techniques, ensuring sustainability and fair compensation for farmers.

How to Ensure You’re Getting the Best Matcha

• Buy from reputable sources- Avoid generic or overly cheap matcha from big-box stores. Instead, purchase from companies (like matcha.com) that specialize in matcha and provide transparency about sourcing and quality.
• Look for ceremonial grade for drinking – Culinary matcha is great for baking but is often too bitter for lattes or traditional whisked matcha. If you’re drinking matcha, opt for ceremonial grade.
• Check for freshness – Matcha should be packaged in airtight, opaque containers to prevent oxidation. If matcha is exposed to light or air, it will lose its vibrant color and flavor.
• Look at the ingredients- High-quality matcha will only contain matcha tea powder. Lower-quality options often add sugar to mask the bitter and astringent taste.

Bottom Line: Give matcha another try (if it’s high-quality)

Matcha’s rise in popularity is something to celebrate, but with great demand comes the need for consumer awareness. If your first experience with matcha wasn’t great, there’s a good chance the quality wasn’t up to par. By choosing high-quality matcha, you’re ensuring a delicious experience, reaping the full health benefits, and supporting traditional farming methods. So, if you’ve been on the fence about matcha, give it another try—but this time, make sure it’s the good stuff.