About Our Teas (Matcha & Hōjicha)

What is matcha?

Matcha is a special type of green tea powder made from shade-grown tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea with leaves steeped in water, matcha powder is whisked directly into water, meaning you consume the entire tea leaf and receive its full benefits. At Tanuki Matcha, we source our matcha directly from Kyoto, Japan, where it's stone-ground to the perfect consistency.

What's the difference between ceremonial grade and other matcha?

We exclusively offer ceremonial-grade matcha, which is the highest-quality matcha available. It's made from the youngest tea leaves, producing a smooth, naturally sweet taste with little to no bitterness. This grade is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies and is perfect for drinking straight, unlike culinary-grade matcha,, which is better suited for cooking and baking.

Is your matcha organic?

Yes, our matcha is USDA and JAS-certified organic and tested for purity. We source directly from trusted farmers in Shizuoka who follow traditional growing methods.

How much caffeine is in your matcha?

One serving of our matcha (2g) contains roughly 60-70mg of caffeine, similar to a cup of coffee. However, matcha's caffeine is released slowly due to the presence of L-theanine, providing sustained energy without the typical coffee crash.

How should I store my matcha?

Store your matcha in the tin in a dark, dry area or the refrigerator after opening (if put in the refrigerator, ensure you let it get to room temperature prior to enjoying again to avoid condensation in the tin). This helps maintain its vibrant color, fresh taste, and nutritional properties. Please keep it away from heat, light, and moisture. Your matcha should last about 6 months upon opening.

Preparation

What's the best way to prepare matcha?

Don't have traditional tools? You can also use a small jar with a tight lid to shake the matcha and water together!

Do I need special tools to make matcha?

While traditional tools (bamboo whisk, bowl, and scoop) create the best experience, you can start with matcha powder and experiment with different preparation methods. 

Why is my matcha or hōjicha clumping?

Clumping is natural due to the tea powder's delicate texture. To prevent this, always sift your matcha before whisking, and ensure your water isn't too hot. Start whisking immediately after adding water.

What is hōjicha?

Hōjicha is a unique Japanese green tea that's roasted over high heat, giving it a distinctive reddish-brown color and warm, toasty flavor. Unlike most Japanese green teas, hōjicha is roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal, transforming the leaves and creating a tea with notes of caramel, roasted nuts, and a subtle sweetness. Originally developed in Kyoto in the 1920s, this roasting process gives hōjicha its signature comfort-in-a-cup quality.

How does hōjicha taste different from regular matcha?

Unlike the vegetal notes of regular green tea or matcha, hōjicha has a rich, toasty flavor profile with natural sweetness and no bitterness. Its smooth, nutty taste with caramel undertones makes it especially appealing to those who find regular green tea too astringent. Many of our customers describe it as naturally sweet and comforting.

How much caffeine is in hōjicha?

Hōjicha is naturally low in caffeine due to the roasting process, which reduces caffeine content. It contains roughly 7-15mg of caffeine per cup, making it an excellent choice for afternoon or evening drinking, or for those sensitive to caffeine. For comparison, this is about 1/3 the caffeine content of regular green tea and 1/10 of our matcha.

How do I prepare hōjicha?

Preparing hōjicha is simple:

How should I store hōjicha?

Store your hōjicha in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Unlike matcha, it doesn't need to be refrigerated. Properly stored, it will maintain its flavor for about 6-12 months upon opening.

Can hōjicha also be used for cooking?

Yes! Hōjicha's unique roasted flavor makes it excellent for baking and cooking. It can be used to make lattes, ice cream, cookies, and other desserts. The roasted notes pair exceptionally well with milk and vanilla flavors. 

Orders & Shipping

How long will my order take to arrive?

We process orders within 3-5 business days. Once shipped, domestic orders typically arrive within 2-5 business days. You'll receive a tracking number via email once your order ships.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes! We offer free domestic shipping on all orders over $49. Shipping costs will be calculated at checkout for orders under $49.

Do you ship internationally?

We currently ship within the United States only. International shipping is coming soon!

More shipping questions?

Click here for our Shipping Policy and Returns & Refund Policy. 

Other

Do you offer wholesale?

We do! 🌿 Tanuki Matcha partners with select cafes, boutiques, and retailers across the U.S. who share our love for authentic Japanese tea. If you’re interested in carrying our matcha or hōjicha, reach out to us at hello@drinktanukimatcha.com and tell us a little about your business.

Is your tanuki illustration original? Where is it from? 

Yes! I own the Tanuki logo, which is completely original. I partnered with an incredible artist, Norma Jara, who brought my vision to life. I have a little Tanuki plushy that I've had for years, and I sent the picture to her as inspiration for my brand. 

Norma Jara is a designer who creates visual and creative solutions for businesses seeking a unique identity. She specializes in illustration, branding, product design, and service design in Osaka, Japan.

You can find her on Instagram at @bynormajara or reach her via email at normajaraarellano@gmail.com.

Still Have Questions?

Don't see your question answered here? Feel free to submit a question through our contact form. I personally respond to all customer inquiries and am happy to help!