Here’s a few FAQs that may come up with your customers. Matcha is an exciting, yet somewhat confusing subject. I hope that this helps you feel competent and confident in answering your customers’ questions.

What is matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea grown exclusively and consumed primarily in Japan. It’s made from specific varietals of green tea that are shade grown, processed, dried, and then pulverized into a fine powder in slowly rotating stone mills. That powder is then whisked with hot water to form a concentrated beverage. Think of it as the espresso of tea.

Is our matcha ceremonial grade?

No. Barista Matcha is a blend of ceremonial and standard grade matchas that is designed to cut through the taste of milk. Ceremonial grade matcha’s subtle flavors are best enjoyed on their own as a matcha shot.

Is matcha good for you?

It’s complicated. Matcha has a lot of caffeine – about 100mg (a typical cup of coffee has around 120mg). Matcha is also loaded with chlorophyll and L-Theanine – an amino acid associated with the production of alpha brain waves (think meditation and yoga). It also contains between 10 and 20x as many antioxidants as a standard cup of green tea. This is all because you’re consuming the entire tea leaf when you drink matcha. It also purportedly contains various “nootropics,” or compounds that increase cognitive functions like memory and focus.

Is our matcha organic?

Yes – all our matcha is USDA certified organic.

What can I drink matcha in?

We recommend it in a cappuccino or latte sized drink and can sweeten it on request – but anything containing espresso could theoretically contain matcha instead (note that the flavors of our signature beverages will not pair well with the umami flavors of matcha).

Do you have decaf matcha?
No – there isn’t a way to decaffeinate matcha.