Frequently Asked Questions

What is matcha?

(“MAHT-cha”) (plural: matchas)

Noun

A finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies and now popular worldwide for its distinct flavour, vibrant green colour, and health benefits. Matcha is prepared by whisking the powder with hot water, creating a frothy, smooth tea.

There are three grades of matcha—culinary, premium, and ceremonial—each distinguished by quality, taste, and texture. Matcha is also categorised by harvest: first harvest (highest quality, most flavour), second harvest (medium quality), and third harvest (more bitter profile). Different cultivars (varieties of the tea plant) are used to produce matcha, each contributing unique flavour notes and characteristics—similar to grapes for wine.

Instead of steeping tea leaves in hot water and then disposing them like normal tea, with matcha, you’re actually drinking the whole leaf, not just a tea infusion. This offers more nutrients, antioxidants, and caffeine than traditional green tea.

Why choose Hatcha Matcha?

Every detail of Hatcha Matcha—from where it’s grown to how it’s crafted—is designed to deliver unmatched flavour, purity, and nutritional depth.

Exceptional Origin & Fūdo (soil, climate, and topography)
Hatcha Matcha is cultivated in Uji, Kyoto—Japan’s most renowned matcha-growing region. It's the equivalent to Champagne in France. The area's unique Fūdo (climate, soil composition, geography, and cultivation traditions) contribute to a superior flavour and nutritional profile.

Fūdo (Japanese) and Terroir (French) refer to the natural environment—climate, geography, soil—which influence the character of tea and wine.

Ceremonial Grade & First Harvest
There are 3 grades of matcha: Ceremonial, premium, and culinary. Hatcha Matcha is the most superior matcha grown—Only the most tender young leaves from the very first spring harvest are used in Hatcha Matcha. These leaves contain the highest levels of nutrients, rich flavour, and vibrant colour—hallmarks of true ceremonial-grade matcha.

Pure & JAS Organic Certified
Hatcha Matcha is JAS Organic certified and grown without synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or GMOs. It’s gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, vegan, lab-tested, and completely free from harmful toxins.

350-Year-Old Orchard Heritage
Our matcha is grown in one of Uji’s oldest orchards, with over 350 years of continuous cultivation. This heritage ensures deeply rooted tea plants and consistent, high-quality harvests.

Shade-Grown for Intensity
In the final weeks before harvest, tea plants are carefully shaded under cloth. This boosts chlorophyll, amino acids (especially L-theanine), and antioxidants, enhancing both the nutritional content and smooth umami flavour.

Hand-Picked & Carefully Processed
Each leaf is eye-selected and hand-picked for quality. After harvest, leaves undergo controlled dehydration, are de-stemmed, and then stone-milled into an ultra-fine micro powder to enhance flavour, boost nutrient potency, and offer a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

Aged Like Fine Wine
After stone milling, Hatcha Matcha is stored in traditional barrels for over a year. This aging process deepens the complexity and smoothness of the flavour—much like aging a fine wine.

Vibrant Colour & Rich Flavour Profile
Expect a vibrant green hue from the high chlorophyll content and freshness. The aroma and taste is delicately sweet and umami-forward, with creamy, nutty, and floral notes thanks to expertly balanced Saemidori and Okumidori cultivars.

Exceptional Nutritional Content
Each serving delivers powerful antioxidants, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, fibre, iron, calcium, potassium and much more—making it not only delicious but a functional wellness booster too.

Warning: Continued use of Hatcha Matcha may result in unexpected benefits and functional dependency.

What makes Hatcha Matcha different from cheaper brands?

Most cheaper matcha is low grade, harvested later, often from substandard regions, and often use stems and branches of the plant, and processed with poor standard. This results in a rancid smell, blunt and bitter taste, and a darker and browner colour.

Hatcha Matcha is ceremonial grade, from first harvest leaves, grown in Uji, and aged like fine wine for an outstanding flavour profile, a distinct vibrant green colour, and superior nutritional content.

How do I prepare Hatcha Matcha?

The process of brewing matcha is a satisfying and simple daily ritual for many people. To make an iced matcha latte, we recommend the following steps:

  1. Sift 1–3g (1-3 tsp) of matcha into your matcha bowl (Chawan)
  2. Add 50ml of hot water (around 80°C / 158–176°F) and your choice of sweetener (e.g. honey or maple syrup)
  3. Whisk vigorously in an up-down motion until frothy using the matcha whisk (Chasen)
  4. Add your choice of hot or cold milk.

Adjust ratios to your liking.

What are the Hatcha Matcha health benefits?

Hatcha Matcha offers a range of health benefits, thanks to its rich nutritional profile and traditional production methods.

Jitter-Free, Slow Release Energy
Matcha contains moderate caffeine (30–40mg per serving), balanced by high levels of L-theanine. This amino acid slows caffeine absorption, providing calm, sustained energy and focus—without the crash or jitters of coffee.

Improved Cognitive Function
L-theanine boosts alpha brain wave activity, which is linked to relaxation and mental clarity. Combined with caffeine, it enhances attention, memory, and concentration—ideal for work, workouts, and holistic living.

Improved Digestion
The chlorophyll in shade-grown matcha supports gut health and detoxification. Prebiotics and fibre aid digestion and promote a healthy microbiome, reducing bloating and supporting regularity.

Radiant, Youthful Skin
Packed with antioxidants—especially catechins like EGCG—matcha helps fight free radical damage, reducing signs of ageing and supporting collagen production. This promotes clearer, firmer, and more radiant skin.

Muscle Recovery & Hydration
Matcha delivers essential electrolytes and minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron, which support muscle recovery, hydration, and oxygen transport—especially beneficial for pilates, yoga, running, or gym sessions.

Better Routines & Wellness Habits
Preparing matcha encourages mindfulness and intention. Whether it's your morning ritual or mid-afternoon reset, Hatcha helps slow down, reduce stress, and build healthier daily habits.

Additional Benefits

  • Rich in polyphenols and vitamins to support immune function.
  • EGCG is known to enhance fat oxidation and metabolic rate.
  • Natural anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce stress-related inflammation.

Does Hatcha Matcha contain caffeine?

Yes. A serving has about 30–40mg of caffeine—about the same as coffee—but thanks to the naturally present L-theanine amino acid, the caffeine energy is released calmly and smoothly over 8 hours, as opposed to the 1 hour spike and crash experienced with coffee.

Imagine a graph with Time on the x-axis and Caffeine Release on the y-axis. Coffee has a caffeine spike within the hour and depletion by hour 5. Matcha has a smooth bell curve caffeine release, peaking at hour 4 and finishing at hour 9.

What delivery options are available?

Delivery is free on orders over $120.

Standard delivery ($5): 2-8 business days.

Express delivery ($10): 1-4 business days.

All deliveries are packed and shipped from Melbourne, Australia and managed by Australia Post ensuring fast delivery and quality control.

Do you offer refunds or returns?

Due to the perishable nature of our products, we are unable to accept returns. But if there's a quality issue with your order, we'll endeavour make it right.

Just reach out to our team within 7 days of receiving it with a description of the issue and order number. Store credit, replacement, or refunds are only offered for items that arrive damaged or defective.

We are unable to offer refunds for change of mind.

Please note: sale items are final sale.

Do you offer wholesale or bulk orders for businesses or events?

Yes—we offer wholesale and bulk order options for stores, cafes, restaurants, wellness spaces, events, offices, and catering. We’re always excited to partner with like-minded businesses that align with our values.

Please email hello@hatcha-studios.com with a brief introduction and details of your enquiry, and we’ll be in touch with next steps.

Who can I contact for PR, marketing, or collaboration opportunities?

We love working with aligned creatives, storytellers, and brands. For all PR, marketing, and collaboration enquiries, please email us at hello@hatcha-studios.com with a short introduction and any relevant links or media kit. If it’s the right fit, we’ll be in touch.