FAQ
Product & Quality
What is matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that’s been a part of Japanese culture for over 800 years. It was first embraced by Buddhist monks, who drank it to help them stay calm and focused during long periods of meditation. Unlike regular green tea, you consume the whole leaf in powdered form, giving you a gentle, sustained energy and a moment of mindfulness in every cup. It’s not just a drink — it’s a ritual.
How is matcha different from regular green tea?
Unlike regular green tea, which you brew and then throw away the leaves, matcha is whisked directly into water or milk, meaning you’re drinking the entire leaf. That means more antioxidants, more L-theanine for a natural sense of calm focus, and a smoother, richer taste. It also means that the purity and origin of the tea really matter — and that’s where we never compromise.
What makes TWO Matcha unique?
At TWO Matcha, we offer only the highest quality organic matcha, grown without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals. What you get is pure, clean flavour and the full benefit of the tea leaf — exactly as nature intended. Every cup connects you to a long-standing Japanese tradition, while offering a simple moment of calm in your day.
Health & Benefits
What are the health and beauty benefits of matcha?
Matcha is a powerhouse of antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG, which help fight free radicals — the unstable molecules that contribute to ageing, inflammation, and chronic illness. These antioxidants support your immune system, boost metabolism, and help your body detox naturally, making matcha an ideal addition to your daily wellness routine.
But the benefits go beyond just internal health. Matcha is also known for its skin-loving properties. The high antioxidant content helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors, reduce redness, and promote a clearer, more radiant complexion. It can also help support collagen production, which contributes to firmer, healthier-looking skin over time.
Thanks to the natural combination of caffeine and L-theanine, matcha offers a calm, focused energy boost — without the jitters or crash you might get from coffee. This balance helps reduce stress, which in turn can positively affect
your skin and overall wellbeing.
In short, matcha is more than just a drink — it’s a daily ritual for health, clarity, and glowing skin.
Does matcha have caffeine?
Yes, matcha naturally contains caffeine. On average, a serving of matcha provides around 30–70 mg of caffeine — more than regular green tea, but typically less than a standard cup of coffee, which has about 95 mg. What sets matcha apart is how its caffeine works in harmony with a naturally occurring amino acid called L-theanine. This unique combination promotes calm focus and steady energy, without the jitters or crash often associated with coffee. It’s one of the reasons Buddhist monks have used matcha for centuries to stay alert and centred during long hours of meditation.
At TWO Matcha, our organic, single-origin matcha offers this gentle lift — ideal for starting your day, staying focused at work, or finding a moment of calm clarity in a busy afternoon.
Looking for a lower-caffeine alternative? Try our TWO Hojicha — a roasted green tea with only 7–15 mg of caffeine per cup. It’s smooth, soothing, and perfect for the afternoon or evening.
Is matcha safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Many women continue to enjoy matcha throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but as with anything during this time, it’s best to speak with your doctor or midwife first. Matcha does contain caffeine — typically between 30– 70 mg per serving — so it’s important to be mindful of your total daily intake based on your healthcare provider’s guidance.
In fact, Tea With Origin was created from this very question. Our founder, while breastfeeding her first child in Japan, went in search of a matcha she could trust — one that was pure, organic, and free from pesticides or chemicals. That journey led to Uji, Kyoto: the birthplace of Japan’s finest matcha, and home to generations of small-scale farmers who still grow tea with care, precision, and integrity.
Unlike regular tea, matcha is consumed whole — leaf and all — so the quality and purity of the tea matter more than ever. That’s why our matcha is always single origin, single cultivar, and certified organic. You’ll find no fillers, no additives, just clean, steady energy and antioxidants from a trusted source. Every body, and every pregnancy, is different. If you’re unsure, check with your doctor. And if you’re looking for something gentler, our roasted TWO Hojicha is naturally low in caffeine and makes a wonderfully calming cup for afternoons or evenings.
Preparation & Storage
How do I prepare matcha?
Preparing matcha is as much about intention as it is about technique — a quiet ritual that invites focus, patience, and presence. Here’s how to make a beautifully smooth cup:
- Scoop & Sift the Matcha: Measure 1.5 to 2 scoops of matcha using a chashaku (bamboo scoop) or a teaspoon. Sift it directly into your bowl to break up any clumps — this ensures a silky, even texture when whisked.
- Make a Paste with Cool Water: Add a small amount of room temperature water — just enough to cover the powder — and use a chasen (bamboo whisk) to gently blend it into a smooth, lump-free paste. Tip: Starting with cool water helps the matcha dissolve more evenly before introducing heat.
- Add Hot Water: Once the paste is smooth, pour in hot water (ideally between 70– 80°C / 158–176°F). Avoid boiling water, as it can scorch the matcha and compromise its delicate flavour.
- Whisk to Froth: Whisk briskly in a zig-zag W or M motion, moving from the bottom of the bowl upward. Aim for a fine, even foam on the surface — this should take about 20–30 seconds.
- Finish with Grace: Slow your motion into gentle circles to settle the froth. Lift the whisk slowly from the centre to leave a smooth, domed finish.
- Customise & Enjoy: Savour your matcha as it is for a traditional, pure experience — or add your preferred milk or milk alternative for a creamy matcha latte. A touch of honey or maple syrup can also enhance its natural sweetness, though it’s entirely optional.
These same steps can be followed for preparing our roasted TWO Hojicha , using the same care and intention.
Do I need a bamboo whisk?
Strictly speaking, no — but it does make all the difference.
A chasen (traditional bamboo whisk) is specifically designed to blend matcha powder smoothly and evenly, helping you achieve that signature frothy top and velvety texture. It gently aerates the tea, breaks up clumps without overworking the powder, and enhances both the flavour and mouthfeel.
While you can use alternatives like a milk frother or even a small kitchen whisk in a pinch, the results are rarely quite the same. If you’re serious about matcha — or simply want to honour the ritual — a chasen is a worthwhile and beautiful tool to have.
Think of it not as a requirement, but as an invitation to do things properly. We offer beautifully crafted chasen and other matcha tools in our Ceramics & Tools Collection — thoughtfully selected to elevate your daily tea ritual.
How should I store matcha?
Matcha is delicate — more so than most teas — and its freshness can fade quickly if not stored properly. To preserve its vibrant colour, nuanced flavour, and antioxidant potency, matcha should be kept away from light, air, heat, and moisture.
The best place to store it is in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dry cupboard. Once opened, it’s ideal to use it within 30–60 days for peak freshness, especially if you’re enjoying ceremonial-grade matcha. For longer storage, particularly in warmer climates, you can keep unopened tins in the fridge — but always allow the container to come to room temperature before opening, to avoid condensation that could degrade the tea. In short: treat matcha as you would a fine ingredient — with care, and it will reward you with every cup.
Sustainability & Ethics
Is your matcha sustainably sourced?
Yes, it is. We work directly with a small, family-run farm in Uji, Kyoto—one of the most respected regions in Japan for growing high-quality matcha. All of our teas are single origin and single cultivar, meaning they come from one place, one harvest, and one variety. We don’t blend or bulk mix, so what you’re getting is pure Uji matcha—nothing else.
We also believe that sustainability goes beyond the land. It’s about the people too. That’s why we pay our farmers up to twenty times more than what many traditional tea houses offer. It’s our way of supporting the craft, the community, and the future of truly good matcha.
Ordering & Shipping
What is the shipping policy?
Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that our fulfillment team has received your order. Once your order is fulfilled, you will receive an email notification with your tracking information. Shipping fees are non-refundable in the case of returns.
We ship worldwide, directly from Japan. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your destination and order size. Delivery times may vary depending on your location, and international orders may be subject to customs processing.
For more please refer to our shipping policy.
Where do you ship?
We ship worldwide! Wherever you are, we’ll get our matcha to you. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location.
How long does shipping take?
All orders are shipped directly from Japan. Delivery times vary by destination:
- Japan: 1–3 business days
- Asia-Pacific: 5–10 business days
- US & Canada: 7–14 business days
- Europe & other regions: 7–21 business days
Please note that customs processing may cause slight delays in some countries.
What is your return policy?
Due to the nature of our product and to ensure safety and freshness, we do not accept returns or exchanges. If your order arrives damaged or there’s an issue with your shipment, please contact us—we’ll do our best to make it right.
Farm Visits
Can I visit the matcha farms?
We work directly with a small group of family-run matcha farms in Wazuka, Kyoto. These relationships have been built over time and are based on trust, respect, and shared values. As these are working farms and not open to the public, visits are reserved for long-term wholesale partners or arranged through private, invitation-only experiences. We’re proud to share the craft and care of these farmers through our wazuka matcha offerings.