Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. The tea plants are shade-grown for several weeks before harvest, which increases chlorophyll and L-theanine content. The leaves are then dried and ground into a vibrant green powder.

Matcha is primarily used as a flavor ingredient, lending a distinct, slightly bitter, and vegetal taste to foods and beverages. It is also valued for its vibrant green color. Manufacturers commonly add it to ice cream, yogurt, powdered drink mixes, baked goods, and confectionery.

Matcha is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It contains caffeine and antioxidants like catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). While some studies suggest potential health benefits associated with green tea consumption, such as antioxidant effects, regulatory bodies like EFSA have not established specific health claims for matcha. JECFA has evaluated green tea extract, but not matcha powder specifically, and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified).