What should you not mix with matcha?

While matcha is versatile, there are a few ingredients you should avoid mixing with it to enjoy the pure taste of your premium matcha: Boiling water — Water that’s too hot (above 80°C / 176°F) can scorch the tea and result in bitterness. High-acidity ingredients — Citrus juices like lemon or orange can clash with the subtle umami and creamy sweetness of matcha. Overly sweet syrups or sugars — These can overpower the delicate flavors, especially in high-grade matcha. For the best experience, keep your matcha simple, or use mild additions like vanilla or cinnamon if you're experimenting. However, there are no hard and fast rules, especially if you'd like to use matcha in cocktails or other creative drinks.

What is the correct way to drink matcha?

The correct way to enjoy matcha starts with the right preparation: Sift 1–2 grams of matcha into a bowl to avoid clumps. Add about 60–70ml of hot water (ideally 70–80°C / 158–176°F). Whisk briskly in an "M" or "W" motion using a bamboo whisk (chasen) until a fine layer of froth appears. Drink immediately after preparation for the best flavor and nutritional benefit. High-quality matcha is meant to be sipped slowly and mindfully, ideally without distractions, so you can fully appreciate its aroma, texture, and taste.

Ceremonial Grade Matcha | Matcha Green Tea

Matcha

Discover our exceptional, high-quality matcha selection, with the distinctive sweet and flavorful taste of Kyushu-grown leaves. Freshly picked, freshly ground every two weeks, freshly packed: from the leaves to your bowl; nothing fresher than IKKYU matcha!

Matcha (抹茶) is a delicious powdered green tea made from shaded leaves that has a higher concentration of L-theanine amino acid, antioxidants, and other nutrients. It has been drunk for centuries in Japan and is an essential part of a Japanese tea ceremony. Today, its health benefits, notably its detox effects thanks to its antioxidants and its metabolism boost, make matcha a prized beverage around the world.

Unlike other kinds of Japanese green tea, matcha is made of finely ground tea leaves that dissolve in hot water. Once whisked, the powder becomes suspended in the water and develops a frothy foam. After the tea leaves used to make matcha, known as tencha (碾茶), are shaded, they are typically hand-picked, and the stems and veins of the leaves are removed before being stone-ground or milled into a fine powder.

The careful grinding gives matcha a fine, silky mouthfeel when whisked. Matcha should be smooth and naturally sweet, with balanced astringency and bitterness. Drinking matcha is said to have many positive health benefits, which you can read more about in our free Matcha Health Guide.

To prepare matcha, you want to make sure that you have the right tools and accessories. To learn more about how to prepare matcha, watch the video below with Tea Instructor Yuka san.

Finally, if you are small cafe and restaurant professionals looking to purchase high-quality matcha for your business in bulk quantities, please make sure to visit our new special area: BARISTA CORNER. It's a quick way to supply your stocks without commitment.

How to prepare Matcha

Tea instructor Yuka san and IKKYU team member Jana prepare together a bowl of delicious premium matcha from Yame. They share with you tips and key points to whisk the perfect sweet and healthy matcha.

You will also learn the name of the different utensils and how to properly use and take care of them. Storing your Matcha is also a key point covered in this full feature video. Have a look and enjoy this moment with a tea instructor directly from Japan translated for you !

Discover the true essence of Japanese green tea at IKKYU

More than just a beverage, matcha is an immersive experience; a moment to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate the present.

IKKYU is dedicated to bringing you the finest high-quality matcha, trusted by tea connoisseurs worldwide.

Handpicked selections you won’t find elsewhere
Enjoy rare and exceptional green tea varieties found only at IKKYU. Our collection showcases hand-selected teas from Japan’s renowned producers, known for their depth, complexity, and elegance. Every tea is expertly reviewed and endorsed by certified instructors and sommeliers, ensuring unmatched taste and quality.
From farm to cup traceability
Sourced directly from esteemed matcha masters in renowned matcha terroirs in Kyushu, such as Yame, Kirishima, or Sonogi, we provide complete details about our tea’s origin, quality, and authenticity. Feel free to reach out to our team for more information about a specific product.
Uncompromising freshness in every sip
Freshness is essential to a vibrant, full-bodied ceremonial matcha experience. That’s why our stock is renewed several times a month or even prepared at the time of order, ensuring that each package is freshly packed by our producers and retains its brilliant color, rich aroma, and smooth taste upon arrival.
Tailored brewing instructions
To help you achieve a perfectly smooth, frothy cup, we offer precision brewing instructions for every variety, along with expert insights from our trusted tea producers.
Curated advice for discerning tastes
Selecting the perfect ceremonial matcha is an art. That's why our team is always on hand to provide tailored recommendations that suit your unique palate. You may also explore our curated resources and FAQs for more in-depth insight into traditional Japanese tea making.

Upgrade your matcha ritual

Enjoying high-quality matcha goes beyond taste. It’s about creating a moment of calm and intention in your day. Whether it’s part of your morning routine or an afternoon reset, preparing matcha offers a simple way to slow down and reconnect.

To get the most out of your matcha experience, the right tools make all the difference. Traditional accessories like a bamboo whisk (chasen), tea bowl (chawan), and scoop (chashaku) help you achieve a smooth, frothy texture while preserving the delicate flavor of the tea. After all, proper whisking technique enhances the mouthfeel and brings out the natural sweetness and umami of high-quality matcha. Even small details, like sifting your matcha or using the correct bowl, can significantly improve your results.

At IKKYU, we offer a carefully selected range of traditional tools to help you prepare matcha the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. Explore our full collection of matcha accessories and appreciate craftsmanship, flavor, and the quiet beauty of Japanese tea culture.

Matcha storage and freshness tips

To preserve the flavor, color, and nutritional quality of your high-quality matcha, proper storage is essential:

Store in an airtight container to protect matcha from oxygen, which can dull its flavor and color
Keep refrigerated after opening to maintain freshness, especially in warmer climates
Avoid light and heat exposure, as they can degrade the delicate compounds in matcha
Keep away from moisture and humidity, which can cause clumping and spoilage
Consume within 2–4 weeks after opening for the best taste and aroma
Let matcha return to room temperature before opening (if refrigerated) to prevent condensation

Shop the finest high-quality matcha today

IKKYU allows you to indulge in the best Japanese green teas, regardless of where you are in the world. We ship your orders via FEDEX International Priority or DHL for fast and secure delivery. Processing takes two to five business days, depending on stock availability, with an average delivery time of 3-5 business days to North America and Europe.

Place your order online and elevate your tea rituals.

FAQs

Traditionally, matcha is prepared with just matcha powder and water, whisked to a smooth, frothy consistency. However, many people enjoy matcha with milk as a modern variation known as a matcha latte. You can add milk, cream, or plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy, or coconut), depending on your preference.

If you're new to matcha, a latte can be a gentle introduction, as milk can mellow out the natural umami and earthy notes of the tea. That said, to fully experience the complexity of high-quality matcha, we recommend trying it pure first.

While matcha is versatile, there are a few ingredients you should avoid mixing with it to enjoy the pure taste of your premium matcha:

Boiling water — Water that’s too hot (above 80°C / 176°F) can scorch the tea and result in bitterness.
High-acidity ingredients — Citrus juices like lemon or orange can clash with the subtle umami and creamy sweetness of matcha.
Overly sweet syrups or sugars — These can overpower the delicate flavors, especially in high-grade matcha.

For the best experience, keep your matcha simple, or use mild additions like vanilla or cinnamon if you're experimenting. However, there are no hard and fast rules, especially if you'd like to use matcha in cocktails or other creative drinks.

Matcha contains catechins, which are powerful antioxidants (particularly EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate) that may support fat oxidation and boost metabolism. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of green tea, including matcha, can contribute to weight management when combined with a balanced diet and exercise.

While matcha alone won’t target belly fat specifically, its natural compounds may support overall fat burning and energy expenditure, making it a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle.

The correct way to enjoy matcha starts with the right preparation:

Sift 1–2 grams of matcha into a bowl to avoid clumps.
Add about 60–70ml of hot water (ideally 70–80°C / 158–176°F).
Whisk briskly in an "M" or "W" motion using a bamboo whisk (chasen) until a fine layer of froth appears.

Drink immediately after preparation for the best flavor and nutritional benefit. High-quality matcha is meant to be sipped slowly and mindfully, ideally without distractions, so you can fully appreciate its aroma, texture, and taste.