Why is Matcha So Expensive?
If you’re a matcha fan, you know how expensive it can be compared to other teas. But have you ever wondered: why is matcha so expensive?
Several factors contribute to matcha’s price, including the cultivation process, labor-intensive harvesting, the skill involved in stone-ground matcha, and sourcing from specific regions of Japan. Additionally, the different grades of matcha, such as ceremonial and culinary grades, affect the price.
In this blog, we explore the reasons behind matcha’s cost and provide tips for preserving its shelf-life. You’ll learn more about the specific factors influencing price and the difference between expensive and cheaper matcha.
Why is Matcha So Expensive?
When you think of matcha, one word that might come to your mind is “expensive.” But why is matcha so pricey?
Matcha is expensive due to several reasons. Several factors are behind the cost of matcha, such as the cultivation process, labor-intensive harvesting, skill involved to stone-ground matcha, and the sourcing from specific regions of Japan, which will also influence the price.
Let’s dive into more details on the factors that make matcha so expensive.
Quality and Grades of Matcha
Different grades of matcha, such as ceremonial grade and culinary grade, affect the price.
Ceremonial grade matcha is of higher quality and has a more vibrant green color. It’s made from young leaves. While culinary grade matcha is made from older leaves and has a slightly bitter taste.
Cultivation and Processing
Matcha is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, also the source of oolong, green and black tea.
The cultivation process involves shading the tea plants a few weeks before harvest, increasing chlorophyll production, and producing vibrant green color and concentrated nutrients. This shading process also affects growth and requires additional labor and care.
Labor-Intensive Harvesting
Another factor contributing to matcha’s high price is labor-intensive harvesting. Harvesters hand-pick the leaves, selecting only the youngest ones to provide a higher-quality final product.
Afterward, they steam the leaves, dry them, and meticulously devein them before stone-milling them into a fine green powder. This step also ensures quality control by using only the best leaves.
Strong-Grinding
Matcha comes in a finely ground powder form, unlike traditional teas. Green tea leaves are ground using a stone mill to ensure perfect consistency, green color, and form. When compared against traditional teas, such as matcha vs hojicha, the latter comes in loose leaf form.
Geographical Factors
The geography of matcha production plays a significant role in its price. The premium-quality matcha is primarily cultivated in regions like Uji, Kyoto, Shizuoka, and Nishio.
These regions’ climate, soil, and sunlight provide the perfect conditions for growing high-quality tea plants rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids. Consequently, the limited supply and geographical restrictions contribute to a higher price.
Preparation
Producers stone-mill the dried green leaves using granite grinders to achieve matcha’s unique taste and texture. This slow and tedious process preserves the quality of the matcha green tea powder. In contrast, they dry traditional green tea and leave it in a loose leaf format.
Global Demand
Lastly, the growing global demand for matcha has put pressure on the supply chain, causing prices to rise. Matcha’s popularity has exploded beyond traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It’s now used in various beverages, desserts, and foods worldwide.
Not to mention, sweetened matcha drinks are a staple at Starbucks and many cafes. This customer demand and cost factors influence the price of matcha.
Hopefully, you’ll gain more appreciation for matcha, knowing how tedious and strenuous it is to make it!
How Much Does Matcha Cost?
Matcha prices can vary greatly depending on its quality, production method, and where you purchase it. Entry-level matcha might cost around $10 to $20 for 30 grams, while the same amount of higher-grade matcha could range from $30 to $60.
High cost
On the higher cost end, Ippodo Tea offers matcha called Kanza, which is $72 for 20 grams ($3.60/gram).
Kanza is the highest-ranking matcha in Ippodo Tea’s collection. It has a beautifully strong fragrance, unwavering umami, clean aftertaste, and silky character. It’s the most luscious matcha in their lineup, prepared by master blenders after receiving feedback from fans of full-bodied matcha blends.
Medium cost
Sendbird Tea offers a ceremonial grade matcha called Otome which costs $29.99 for 20g ($1.49/gram).
Matcha Otome is a ceremonial grade organic green tea powder with a fresh aroma of sweet grass and rich, velvety notes of chocolate. It comes from Kyoto’s esteemed Uji prefecture, renowned for producing the best matcha. Matcha Otome is perfect as is or in drinks, such as matcha lattes, smoothies, and cocktails, and is known for its impressive health benefits.
Lower cost
Ocha & Co. offers organic matcha at a lower cost, which is $30 USD for 100 grams ($0.30/gram).
Ocha & Co.’s matcha powder is a smooth and balanced flavor of 100% natural, shade-grown matcha powder. They use young leaves that are steamed to seal in goodness before traditional grinding. Grown organically in Japan’s highest plantations, it has a low bitterness and rich, vibrant color.
When purchasing matcha, consider the color, aroma, and texture. Bright green, vibrant matcha with a pleasant grassy aroma generally indicates higher quality. On the other hand, a dull, pale green color may suggest a lower-quality tea.
Purchase Uji matcha if you want a premium tea. It’s sourced from Uji which is a city near Kyoto and it’s one of the high-quality types of matcha.
What Is The Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Matcha?
The difference between cheap and expensive matcha also lies in the production method.
High-quality matcha goes through a meticulous, labor-intensive process, contributing to its higher cost:
- Shading: Farmers shade high-quality matcha for several weeks before harvesting it, which increases its chlorophyll content and enhances its color and flavor.
- Hand-picking: Harvesters hand-pick only the finest tea leaves to ensure the highest caliber for expensive matcha.
- De-stemming and de-veining: Producers delicately process the leaves to remove the stems and veins that can contribute to a bitter taste.
- Grinding: Producers then use traditional stone mills to grind the leaves into the matcha fine powder slowly. Each mill produces only a limited amount of matcha daily to preserve quality.
While cheaper matcha generally lacks these finer details in production, expensive matcha ensures you receive the best possible flavor, nutrition, and overall experience with each cup.
Here’s how you can tell the difference between cheap and expensive matha.
| Factors | Cheap matcha | Expensive matcha |
| Tea Leaf Quality | Often made from lower-quality tea leaves, usually from later harvests | Made from higher-quality, early-harvest tea leaves |
| Flavor | It can have a bitter taste due to higher amounts of astringencyLess vibrant, grassy aroma and flavor | Smooth, complex flavor profile with little to no bitternessPronounced, pleasant grassy aroma |
| Color | It may have a dull, pale green color | Bright, vibrant green color |
| Health Benefits | Lower levels of antioxidants and amino acids | Higher concentration of antioxidants and amino acids, such as L-theanine |
The Difference Between Culinary and Ceremonial Grade Matcha
One of the reasons that determine why matcha is expensive is the grade.
There are different grades of matcha, primarily divided into two categories: ceremonial grade and culinary grade. Each grade of matcha has its own unique characteristics and uses.
Let’s break down the flavor, texture, and uses for each.
Ceremonial Grade Matcha
Ceremonial grade matcha is high-quality and typically used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
This grade of matcha is made from the finest shade-grown leaves that are handpicked, steamed, and stone-milled. Its distinctive characteristics include a vibrant green color, delicate aroma, and smooth, natural sweet flavor.
You can enjoy ceremonial-grade matcha as a standalone beverage, prepared with hot water and whisked to create a frothy, rich tea. Nishio, a city in Japan, has a reputation for producing exceptional ceremonial-grade matcha.
Culinary Grade Matcha
Culinary grade matcha is specifically made for cooking and is often incorporated into various recipes, from beverages to desserts.
It’s a more affordable option but still offers a range of health benefits. Culinary grade matcha is typically made from older tea leaves that may have spent more time in the sun. This grade has a stronger, bitter flavor, grainy texture, and a slightly yellowish-green color.
You can culinary grade matcha in lattes, smoothies, and milkshakes. It’s also used in various desserts, including cakes, cookies, ice cream, and chocolate truffles. The bitterness of culinary-grade matcha balances well with the sweetness of these dishes, creating unique and distinctive flavors.
Latte grade matcha
Latte grade matcha is a type of culinary grade matcha that’s specifically made for making matcha lattes.
It’s a lower grade matcha that is much cheaper but still has a high-quality taste perfect for making lattes.
Latte grade matcha is made from older tea leaves with a more bitter taste and a slightly less vibrant green color. Some brands even pre-mix latte grade matcha with sweetener or powdered dairy. This makes it a lot more convenient and simpler to make delicious matcha.
The texture of latte grade matcha is also different from ceremonial grade matcha. It’s coarser and less smooth, so it can easily mix with milk. This texture also helps to create a frothy and creamy latte that is perfect for a cozy afternoon or morning drink.
Top Tips For Preserving The Shelf-Life Of Matcha
When enjoying matcha, choose a high-quality product and store it properly to maintain its freshness.
Matcha is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture. Proper storage will keep your matcha fresh and maintain its flavor for as long as possible.
Let’s walk through choosing the right grade of matcha and the appropriate storage techniques to preserve its shelf-life.
Container: Store your matcha in an airtight container like a metal tin. This helps protect the powder from exposure to light and air, which can cause the tea to oxidize and lose its flavor.
Location: Keep your matcha in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing it near your stovetops, ovens, or sunny windows to minimize exposure to heat and humidity.
Temperature: Keep your unopened matcha in the refrigerator for long-term storage to reduce oxidation and prolong its freshness. However, remember to allow the container to come to room temperature before opening it to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
Following these simple tips, you can preserve your matcha experience by picking the appropriate grade and properly storing it, preserving its rich flavor and vibrant color.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha
Drinking matcha daily can provide various health benefits, but the right amount depends on your preference and tolerance for caffeine. One to two cups daily is typically sufficient to enjoy its potential benefits, like antioxidants and increased mental focus.
The production process of matcha is more labor-intensive and meticulous than other tea types. The tea leaves are shade-grown, hand-picked, steamed, air-dried, and then stone-ground into a fine powder.
Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality, made from the youngest, most tender tea leaves. Carefully selecting leaves ensures that only the purest and most flavorful matcha powder is produced. Ceremonial matcha has a much more vibrant green color and a naturally sweet flavor with less bitter notes.
Authentic matcha comes from specific regions in Japan, particularly Uji and Nishio, known for their optimal climate and fertile soil. The production methods, quality of the tea leaves, and expertise of the tea farmers contribute to the overall cost of matcha.
High-quality matcha can range from around $20 to $50 or more per ounce, influenced by various factors such as grade, production process, and the source of the tea leaves. Ceremonial-grade matcha typically falls within the higher end of this price range.
Matcha is more expensive than coffee due to its labor-intensive production process and the premium quality of tea leaves used to create it. Matcha’s popularity, versatility, and numerous health benefits drive its demand, resulting in a higher price than coffee.
Final Thoughts
Although it can be expensive, nothing beats the naturally sweet, frothy and delicious taste of matcha!
Several factors determine the price of matcha, including the cultivation process, labor-intensive harvesting, the skill involved in stone-grounding the tea, and the sourcing from specific regions of Japan. The quality and grades of matcha, such as ceremonial and culinary, also impact the price.
Not every brand of matcha is super expensive. There are still medium and lower-cost matches that offer delicious tea. If you’re looking for a good matcha, try a few to see what matches your taste and budget!
