Is Matcha Supposed To Taste Bitter?

“Why is it so bitter?”

You must have heard people saying this, or you must have experienced it when trying matcha for the first time.

Many people have experienced this and given up after just one sip, believing that matcha is bitter in taste. One only experiences this if the choice of matcha is not a good quality matcha. Also, the experience depends on how the matcha is prepared. 

If your first experience wasn’t great, it’s not because matcha is bad; it’s because the powder or preparation probably wasn’t right. In this blog, let’s uncover why matcha sometimes tastes bitter, what you can do to fix it, and how Bree Matcha ensures you always get the best-tasting matcha powder every single time.

Understanding Matcha and Why Quality Changes Everything

Matcha is not like green tea; it is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown Japanese tea leaves for a vibrant, nutrient-rich quality.
Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves and throw them away, with matcha, you drink the entire leaf, which means more antioxidants, vitamins, and clean energy.

But not all matcha is created equal. The biggest difference lies in the grade:

• Ceremonial grade matcha – This is made from the top-tier, shade-grown leaves, which bring out the natural sweet flavor and bright green color.

• Everyday matcha –  A fine Japanese matcha suitable for daily consumption, with a perfect blend of  1st harvest ceremonial matcha and 2nd harvest of premium matcha.

So, if your matcha tastes unpleasant, it’s probably the grade or quality that’s letting you down.

Why Does Matcha Taste Bitter?

Bitterness in matcha usually comes from two main reasons: the quality of the powder and the way it’s prepared.

1. Low-Quality or Non-Shade-Grown Leaves

This type of matcha is often made from older leaves and stems, which contain more tannins, which have a strong bitter aftertaste.

2. Overheating or Burning the Powder

If hot boiling water is used to make matcha, it will destroy the matcha flavour by breaking down the delicate compounds and making it bitter.
Fix: Always use hot, not boiling water. Aim for water that’s just below boiling, around 70–80°C.

3. Not Sifting or Whisking Properly

Not whisking the powder properly can also cause bitterness. Sift premium matcha powder and whisk it properly until you get a smooth and frothy texture.

How to Identify Good Quality Matcha

If you want to enjoy matcha the way it’s meant to be, look for these signs:

• Color: Vibrant, bright green (not dull or yellow).

• Texture: Silky, fine powder that dissolves easily.

• Aroma: Fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet.

• Taste: Creamy, umami, and smooth with no bitterness.

• Origin: Authentic Japanese matcha is always a good sign of quality.

This is why Bree Matcha stands out amongst the best matcha brands in India, sourced directly from Japan, made from shade-grown young leaves, and stone-ground for the finest texture and taste. 

Making Matcha That Actually Tastes Good

If you have tried matcha once and not liked the taste, you might be surprised by how much of a difference is experienced by just preparing the matcha the right way: 

1. Take 1 tbsp of Bree Matcha Powder 

2. Sift it into a bowl to remove clumps.

3. Whisk the matcha in “W” mothing with 2tbsp warm water until frothy. 

4. Add more water or milk to taste for a classic matcha tea recipe or a creamy matcha latte.
   

If you prefer convenience, you can buy a matcha tea set online, which makes whisking smoother and adds to the mindful ritual.

Matcha’s Unique Flavor: Umami Over Bitterness

A good-quality and real matcha contains a flavor called umami: a rich taste which is a perfect balance of smoothness and sweetness, which comes from L-Theanine, an amino acid that gives calm focus. 

So when you choose a premium matcha powder like Bree Matcha, you’re not just choosing taste, you’re choosing balance, clarity, and calm energy in every sip.

The Bree Matcha Difference

Our matcha is sourced from Kagoshima, Japan, using the traditional shade-grown method and stone grinding technique. 

Whether you’re new to matcha or looking to upgrade your daily ritual, Bree Matcha offers both ceremonial-grade matcha and everyday matcha powder so you can enjoy authentic flavor every day.

If you’re wondering which is the best matcha powder to buy, this is where you start.

Final Thoughts: Matcha Isn’t Meant to Be Bitter

Bitterness isn’t part of matcha; it’s a sign of poor quality or wrong prep.
When you use authentic, good-quality matcha and make it the right way, it tastes smooth, fresh, and naturally sweet.

If you have tried matcha and did not like the taste, give it another chance by experiencing the difference with Bree Matcha and discover what the real matcha tastes like.