Frequently Asked Question

1. What makes Akira Matcha different than other types of ceremonial matcha? - Unlike other ceremonial matcha powders, there is no need to sift Akira Matcha before whisking, and it can be easily whisked with low likelihood of clumping. - We are fully transparent in how our Matcha is made and processed, please watch the video to learn our process from shading to stone grinding. - Customer safety is our first priority, and we have attached the results of radiation and lead testing in the images section.
2. I mainly drink Matcha as a tea, what grade of Matcha should I be using? If you are seeking a "tea-ceremony" flavor and quality, be careful to avoid culinary grade matcha powder. The difference between low quality and high quality Matcha in color, aroma, and taste is drastic.
3. I mainly drink Matcha as a latte, should I be choosing "ceremonial" or "culinary" grade? We highly recommend using Ceremonial grade when making a latte for two reasons: First, the milk (dairy or non-dairy) and the sweetener added to a ceremonial matcha will be complementing its flavor, while in case of culinary Matcha they will be used mainly to hide the astringent and grass-like flavor. Second, with ceremonial matcha you will need significantly less milk and less (or no) sweetener to create a delicious beverage, which will translate into lower overall calorie content, and this is of particular importance to those consuming Matcha as part of a healthy lifestyle dedicated to weight loss and an overall well-being.
4. Has this Matcha been tested for radiation and lead? Yes, we test for contamination. Radioactive cesium (Cs-134 and Cs-137) is not detected in our Matcha, and lead level is < 0.5 PPM
5. How is Matcha caffeine different than that in coffee? Caffeine in Matcha tea, while significantly less than what's in a cup of coffee, will provide energy that is known to last at least two hours and as long as four to six hours. Compared to coffee, the caffeine in Matcha tea powder is believed to be absorbed slowly which reduces the likelihood of caffeine spike, jitters or crash. Matcha is rich in L-Theanine, which is believed to act as a natural relaxant, that together with caffeine, may produce a "calming focus".
6. What is the shelf life of Matcha? Matcha should be consumed within 12-14 months from grinding, assuming it was properly stored in a cool and dark environment away from heat, light, and humidity. Once package is opened, it should be consumed within one to two months and continued to be stored properly (preferably by refrigeration).

We offer a variety of first harvest Japanese matcha powders in different sizes; choose the matcha that is right for you!

If you are interested in drinking matcha as a tea (with water only) or in an unsweetened/lightly sweetened latte, we recommend using ceremonial matcha like our Akira Matcha or Amaya Matcha. If you are interested in drinking matcha in a strongly sweetened latte or in smoothies, or if you are using it for baking, we recommend using Oishi Matcha.

Please read before purchase: If you purchase a 30g tin, please note that it is supposed to have 30 servings (based on weight), however, most people will find themselves going through the tin after making 15-25 beverages. The 30g of matcha powder are NOT expected to fill up the tin to the brim; matcha will fill approximately half the can only, and this is normal.