Love matcha and want to enjoy every delicious sip of that vibrant green tea? Then knowing the shelf life of matcha powder and how to store it is key, so you don't wind up with a bitter or stale tasting matcha drink. In this quick guide, we’ll share our best tips on storing matcha to keep its quality and flavor.
You can think of this as advice from a trusted tea expert, but in a friendly, down-to-earth way.
Once matcha leaves are ground into powder, the clock starts ticking on its flavor. So, that's why it's super important to know the best practices for storing matcha powder to maintain its optimal freshness. We'll cover ideal storage conditions, how light and temperature affect it, and what to expect from different packaging.
Whether you're new to matcha or a seasoned fan, join us as we have a friendly chat about how to keep your matcha fresh and tasty. Let's dive in!
Shop our organic matcha powders
Our shop offers two delicious matcha powders for you to choose from: organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha, or our organic Mushy Matcha mix (ceremonial grade matcha mixed with lion's mane mushroom powder).
Grab a bag for your own kitchen, or buy in bulk for your coffee shop, cafe, juicery, or other business that requires matcha-y goodness.
What is matcha powder and why is shelf life important?
We’re guessing you already know this, but matcha powder is a finely ground, vibrant green tea that has become increasingly popular all around the world. While traditional tea leaves are steeped in hot water and then tossed out, matcha green tea is drunk in its entirety. The green tea leaves are ground into a fine powder and then whisked with hot water to make a foamy and frothy tea.
Matcha's unique flavor comes from how it's made. It's grown from the Camellia sinensis plant, and the leaves are shaded from the sun for a few weeks before harvesting. This boosts the chlorophyll, giving matcha its bright green color and umami taste.
Now, the shelf life of matcha powder is super important because -- while matcha doesn't necessary "go bad," -- it's still very delicate. Once the leaves are ground, the powder can lose its color, aroma, taste, and even nutritional value when exposed to air, light, and moisture.
To keep your matcha fresh and flavorful, you’ll want to prioritize proper storage and handling.
Understanding the factors that affect matcha powder shelf life
There are several main factors that can impact the shelf life of matcha powder, and understanding these elements is important for maintaining the quality and freshness of your matcha.
We’ll highlight those factors real quick, so we can get to the good stuff.
How air affects matcha tea powder
One of the main things that can degrade matcha is exposure to air.
Matcha powder is highly susceptible to oxidation, which is a fancy way of saying it can go bad pretty quickly if it’s exposed to oxygen.
This oxidation process can cause the matcha to lose its bright green color and develop a dull, yellowish hue. Plus, oxidation can mess with the delicate flavors and aroma of the matcha, leaving it with a stale taste.
Light and matcha tea powder
Another crucial factor to matcha shelf life is light exposure. Matcha powder is sensitive to light, and letting your matcha powder be exposed to sunlight or even artificial lighting for long periods of time can damage the chlorophyll and other sensitive stuff in the powder.
Unfortunately, this can cause a loss of color, flavor, and nutritional value over time.
How temperature and humidity can affect matcha powder
Temperature and humidity are also something to consider when trying to extend the shelf life of your matcha powder. Exposure to high temperatures or humid environments can cause the powder to clump and lose its fine texture.
So by storing your matcha in a cool, dry environment, you can help keep its freshness and quality for a longer period.
The importance of proper storage for matcha powder
By now you know that storing your matcha powder properly is really important to maintain its freshness and quality, right?
So, it’s time to get into some tips for how to get the longest shelf life out of your matcha.
By investing in the right storage solutions, like airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags, you can significantly improve your chances of keeping your matcha fresh for longer.
Also, by storing the powder in a cool, dark, and dry environment, you can enhance its shelf life even longer and maintain its vibrant color and rich, umami-forward taste.
Tips for storing matcha powder to extend freshness
To ensure that your matcha powder retains its freshness and flavor for as long as possible, here are some essential tips to follow:
1. Airtight storage
Store your matcha powder in an airtight container or bag to minimize exposure to air and prevent oxidation. If your matcha powder is originally packaged in a bag (like ours is), then consider transferring your matcha to a different container.
(You can also squeeze all the air out of the bag before putting the sealed bag in an airtight container.)
When shopping for the best matcha storage, opt for a ceramic container or an opaque matcha container that can create an effective seal. Remember: Don't use a glass container, because we don't want the sunlight to be able to reach our matcha!
2. Avoid light exposure
Like we just mentioned, since matcha powder is sensitive to light it's best to store it in a dark, cool place, like a pantry or a cabinet. If you leave your matcha exposed to sunlight or even artificial lighting, it can degrade the powder's color, aroma, and flavor.
3. Maintain a consistent temperature
Dramatic fluctuations in the temperature of your storage can mess with the flavor and quality of your matcha, so keep it at a fairly controlled temperature. Store your matcha powder in a cool, stable environment, like the pantry or your refrigerator.
If you do choose to keep your matcha in the fridge, make sure your container is airtight to avoid condensation and clumping of your powder.
4. Control humidity
High humidity can cause matcha powder to absorb moisture, leading to clumping and loss of quality. Store the powder in a dry environment.
While you can store your matcha in the refrigerator, make sure when you take it out that you put it back right away after using. Otherwise, condensation and the temperature change can damage the matcha.
5. Minimize headspace
When storing matcha powder, try to minimize the amount of air space (headspace) in the container. The less air that surrounds the powder, the slower the oxidation process will be.
6. Rotate your stock (important for cafe owners!)
Practice the "first in, first out" principle when it comes to your matcha powder supply. Use the oldest containers first to ensure that you're consuming the freshest powder and minimizing waste.
7. Consider smaller packaging
If you don't consume matcha powder frequently, opt for smaller packaging sizes to reduce the amount of air exposure each time you open the container.
By following these storage tips, you can help keep your matcha fresh much longer. Your matcha will maintain its vibrant color, rich aroma, and delicate flavors, allowing you to enjoy your green tea and matcha lattes as long as possible.
How to tell if your matcha powder has gone bad
Knowing that matcha can go bad is one thing.
Determining whether your matcha powder has gone bad is another.
(And again, when we say it's "gone bad," we mean it's lost it quality and nutrients to the point where you're probably best off buying a new batch.
It can be a bit tricky to tell when it's time to say goodbye to your matcha, because the signs of deterioration may not be immediately obvious. Don’t worry though, there are a few key indicators that can help you identify when it's time to say goodbye to your matcha and get a new stash.
1. Change in color
One of the most obvious signs of spoiled matcha powder is a change in color.
Fresh, high-quality matcha should have a vibrant, almost neon-like green hue. If the powder has taken on a dull, yellowish, or grayish appearance, that’s a super clear sign that your matcha has started to expire.
2. Change in aroma and flavor
Another telltale sign is a change in aroma. Freshly ground matcha powder should have a rich, grassy, and slightly sweet fragrance. If the powder has lost its distinctive aroma or developed an off-putting, stale, or musty smell, then your matcha has likely lost its freshness.
The taste of the matcha powder is another solid indicator of its quality. Fresh, high-quality matcha should have a smooth, umami-rich, and slightly sweet flavor profile. If the powder tastes flat, bitter, or has developed an unpleasant aftertaste, it's a sign that the matcha has deteriorated and should be tossed.
3. Change in texture
In some cases, you might notice that your matcha powder has started to clump or develop a gritty texture.
This might happen if your matcha had exposure to moisture, and probably means the powder is no longer its best quality.
Keep in mind, some small clumps are normal! Just use your bamboo matcha whisk to gently break up the clumps before you add your hot water and whisk.
If you notice any of these signs in your matcha powder, it's probably best to just replace your matcha with a fresh batch so you can fully enjoy your homemade drinks without any bitter or stale flavors.
Creative ways to use matcha powder before it expires
Look, we get it. We’re matcha-obsessed too, so sometimes people like us end up with a surplus of matcha powder at home that’s nearing its expiration date.
Rather than letting it go to waste, there are tons of creative and fun ways to use it all up before it goes bad.
Of course, you can always go on a matcha-drink-binge and whip up endless matcha concoctions. From matcha lattes and smoothies to matcha mocktails and cocktails, matcha powder can add a vibrant green hue, a rich umami flavor, and a boost of antioxidants to your favorite drinks.
But let’s explore a couple other ways we can use up our matcha powder, drinks aside.
1. Baking with matcha powder
While we usually recommend choosing culinary grade matcha for baking (since it’s more affordable than ceremonial grade and designed to have a stronger flavor for mixing with ingredients), you can absolutely bake with ceremonial grade matcha, too.
If you’ve got enough leftover ceremonial grade matcha powder lying around to bake something, and you don’t want it to go to waste, it can be the perfect way to add some razzle dazzle to your regular baking creations.
From matcha-infused cookies and cakes to matcha-swirled cheesecakes and muffins, the possibilities are endless. The earthy, slightly sweet notes of matcha pair beautifully with a variety of flavors, making it a versatile ingredient for whatever you’re cookin’ up.
2. Gettin’ savory with matcha
Beyond beverages and baked goods, matcha powder can also be used to add a delightful touch of green goodness to savory dishes. Try adding your matcha to homemade dressings, marinades, or even as a seasoning for roasted veggies or grilled meats.
We know, it sounds a little crazy, but the umami-forward flavor of matcha can add some exciting changes to your everyday meals.
Want more inspo? This blog post from PureWow highlights some amazing savory matcha recipes you can try today.
3. Matcha for skincare and wellness
You may have noticed an increase in skincare products containing matcha. So why not make your own matcha skincare products at home?
Add matcha powder to your wellness routine by exploring how to use the powder in DIY face masks and body scrubs. This is a great way to take advantage of the antioxidant-rich properties of matcha to give your skin and body a boost of nourishment.
4. Natural food coloring
Did you know you can use matcha green tea powder as natural food coloring for homemade healthy treats? Not only does matcha add antioxidants to your food, but it doesn’t contain the artificial coloring and sketchy ingredients you’ll find in most food coloring.
Oh, and if you want even more natural and non-toxic food coloring, try our best selling blue spirulina powder (for a bright blue color) or our butterfly pea flower (for a vibrant purple). Both of these ingredients can give your cooking and baking creations a super vibrant splash of color without any of the sketchy stuff included in most food colorings.
5. Sharing is caring
Finally, if you have a particularly large surplus of matcha powder, you can consider sharing the wealth with friends or family. Matcha powder makes a wonderful gift, and you can inspire others to get as excited as you are about this amazing green tea.
By getting creative with your matcha powder and finding new ways to use it up before it expires, you minimize waste and maximize how much you get to enjoy this amazing superfood.
Conclusion and final thoughts on matcha powder shelf life and storage
Alrighty, fellow matcha lover, this concludes our post on matcha powder shelf life and storage. To recap, the best way to make your matcha green tea powder last longer is:
- Store it in an airtight container
- Avoid light exposure
- Maintain a consistent temperature
- Control humidity
- Minimize headspace
- Rotate your stock (first in, first out)
- Consider smaller packaging
That’s all for today! We hope these tips help you keep your matcha fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Want more matcha and superfoods inspiration and recipes? Be sure to give us a follow and shoutout on Instagram @goodandsuper. We’d love to connect 🙂