Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN WILL MY ORDER BE SHIPPED?

Matcha Maiden orders in stock are usually dispatched within 1–3 business days of your purchase. The time it takes to arrive depends on your location and the shipping option you choose.

WHAT SHIPPING METHODS DO YOU USE?

We primarily use regular Australia Post services (except in the US). However, we make exceptions for stockists and bulk orders.We can also accommodate specific requests for express post, tracking, and international options. Please email us if you would like to make a request.

HOW MUCH DOES SHIPPING COST?

Click here to view shipping information.

WHERE DO YOU SHIP?

Matcha Maiden loves to please the people and her matcha family is growing so quickly – she now ships globally!! View Shipping Information.

CAN I COLLECT MY ORDER IN PERSON?

No, orders can only be delivered by post.

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE YOUR PRODUCTS?

Matcha Maiden is so grateful to have hundreds of beautiful stockists in the matcha family. Please see our stockist page for details.

CAN I BUY IT IN BULK?

Yes, definitely. Our matcha is available for bulk and wholesale orders. Please email us if you are interested.

HOW DO I BECOME A STOCKIST?

Matcha Maiden’s mission is to spread the matcha magic so is always open to new partners in crime. Please email us if you are interested in being our next potential match(a) made in heaven!

WHAT IF I’M EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH YOUR WEBSITE?

If you are having trouble checking out or other website issues please send us an email and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.

WHERE IS YOUR PRODUCT FROM?

Our matcha is sourced from the original matcha mecca in Kyoto, Japan.

WHAT IS YOUR ORGANIC CERTIFICATION?

Our product is certified JAS organic by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan, and is grown with only natural organic fertilisers and no agricultural chemicals or pesticides. JAS certification standards are stringent and accepted by the Australian organic certification bodies, so we have avoided double certification to help keep our matcha affordable and accessible for the communi-tea.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I USE?

One serve is 2g or about half a teaspoon. However, more can be used to create a stronger matcha flavour (if you’re as matcha-mad as we are) and a more vibrant colour green in the final product that you mix it with.

IS THERE CAFFEINE IN MATCHA?

Yes, matcha powder contains caffeine however much less than regular coffee. 1 gram of matcha contains about 25-30mg of caffeine while regular coffee contains about 80-100mg. Further, matcha powder also contains L-theanine which has a calming effect on the body and tempers the jittery effect that caffeine can otherwise cause. For that reason, we think matcha is much better caffeine source than regular coffee.

CAN I USE WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?

The level of caffeine in matcha is below the recommended maximum for pregnant/breast feeding women, but it is still recommended to keep caffeine levels low during pregnancy. We recommend you consult your doctor to assess things on a case by case basis depending on your regular personal caffeine consumption and other factors. Congratulations on the matcha-mini!

WHEN TO DRINK MATCHA TEA?

There is not ‘BEST’ time however it could be a good idea to have matcha before a workout for a caffeine hit or first thing in the morning to kick-start the metabolism. For those who are caffeine sensitive, we would suggest to have it in the morning!

WHEN SHOULD I DRINK MATCHA FOR WEIGHTLOSS?

Although matcha doesn’t directly cause weightloss, it has been suggested to boost fat oxidisation so having a matcha tea first thing in the morning could help increase fat burning, since the body should already be in fat burning mode!

CAN MATCHA PREVENT CANCER?

Again, although matcha doesn’t directly prevent cancer, it’s extremely high antioxidant content help to neutralise free-radicals and oxidative stress- both of which are linked to cancer!

CAN MATCHA CAUSE GAS?

Generally speaking, matcha is simply green tea leaves ground into a powder so it shouldn’t cause gas. However, it is possible that matcha is sold with sugars, fillers and preservatives that do cause bloating and gas for some people. Matcha Maiden is 100% pure green tea, stone-ground into a powder- so no sugars, fillers, preservatives etc.

CAN MATCHA TEA GO BAD?

Matcha itself doesn’t go ‘bad’ unless it is exposed to other substances or contaminated with foods that do go bad. Matcha does get ‘old’ though which is mainly evidenced by the vibrancy (or lack thereof) of its natural green colour. Usually this is about 12 months after it’s made.

CAN MATCHA MAKE YOU DIZZY?

Generally, no.

CAN MATCHA REPLACE COFFEE?

Matcha is a great coffee replacement for those trying to ween of high levels of caffeine and for those who are caffeine sensitive. Matcha contains a amino acid, L-theanine, which helps to counteract the negative effects of caffeine that cause jitters and crashes. L-theanine helps to calm the body and mind while still getting the small caffeine hit that matcha naturally has. However, for those who love the taste of coffee matcha might not be the perfect match(a).

CAN MATCHA CAUSE BLOATING?

Generally speaking, matcha is simply green tea leaves ground into a powder so it shouldn’t cause bloating. However, it is possible that matcha is sold with sugars, fillers and preservatives that do cause bloating and gas for some people. Matcha Maiden is 100% pure green tea, stone-ground into a powder- so no sugars, fillers, preservatives etc.

CAN MATCHA MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT?

Matcha is simply green tea leaves stone-ground into a powder so good quality matcha will not make you gain weight. Some matcha may have fillers, sugars and additives that might it worth being conscious about. Matcha Maiden is made using 100% pure green tea.

WILL MATCHA GIVE ME ENERGY?

Yes, matcha contains caffeine (but not as much as coffee) so it will most certainly give you energy! Although matcha does have caffeine, it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine which helps to calm the mind and body, counteracting the negative side effects of caffeine on its own (the jitters and the crashes). This is why we love matcha- you get a sense of alertness whilst not getting the jitters!

WHEN DOES MATCHA POWDER EXPIRE?

Our matcha has a 1 year life!

ARE MATCHA LATTES VEGAN?

Given that matcha lattes are made with plant-based milks then yes, they will be vegan. Good quality, pure matcha itself is vegan (unless there are milk powders etc added to the matcha). It’s always a good idea to purchase pure matcha powder and your own plant based milk to make your own lattes than to opt for a ‘matcha latte mix’ as some may not be vegan.

ARE MATCHA LATTES SWEET?

Most ‘matcha latte mixes’ are sweetened however our Matcha Maiden is pure 100% matcha powder so that our Matcha Maiden family have the option to add or not add sugar tot heir home-made lattes. Store bought lattes may be sweet depending on the milks used and if a sweetener is added by the barista. Home-made lattes with a pure matcha powder can be made completely sugar free!

ARE MATCHA LATTES GLUTEN FREE?

Pure 100% matcha powder is naturally gluten free as it’s simply stone-ground green tea leaves! As milk is also naturally gluten free, a matcha latte should always be gluten free (unless oat milk is used)

WHAT MATCHA GRADE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

There are 3 main grades of matcha- ceremonial grade, premium grade and culinary grade. As a general guide, ceremonial grade is usually used only for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies where the process is completed very thoroughly and a strict process, premium grade is a great alternative that allows for optimum quality for both everyday drinking as well as cooking whilst culinary is mainly for cooking and baking. Matcha Maiden is a premium grade that gives a high quality matcha drinking experience without breaking the bank!

WHY DOES MY MATCHA TASTE BITTER?

There are a myriad of reasons as to why your matcha might taste bitter but the ones we see most commonly are; pouring boiling water directly onto your matcha, aged matcha and/or poor quality matcha. The optimal water temperature for matcha is 80-85C, not boiling, so we recommend cooling down boiling water with cold water before adding it with the matcha. Boiling water can burn the matcha and result in a bitter taste!
Additionally, lower quality or ‘old’ matcha can taste slightly bitter.

HOW MUCH IS A SINGLE SERVING OF MATCHA?

The most recommended serving size is ½ a teaspoon which is ~1.5-2g.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SENCHA AND MATCHA?

The most obvious difference is in it’s physical form. Sencha is the dried green tea leaves that most people drink- it can be found in green tea bags or as loose leaf tea. Matcha on the other hand is stone-ground green tea and is found in powder form.
Sencha is also grown in direct sunlight whereas matcha is grown in shade in its final months, increasing its incredible L-theanine content! Sencha is prepared by steeping/brewing the tea leaves in hot water and then discarding the tea leaves whereas matcha is dissolved into water or a liquid so the whole tea leave, technically, is consumed (more health benefits!)

HOW DO YOU PROPERLY STORE MATCHA?

The best way to keep your matcha fresh is to keep it airtight and in a dry area- keeping the air out and humidity away keeps the matcha super fresh and green! Storing it in the fridge, in an airtight pack or tin can also keep it fresh.

WHAT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK?

Matcha Maiden loves to hear what you think and what ideas you can come up with. Please email us with any further questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you.