Organic vs Non-Organic Matcha Tea Powder: Does It Matter?

If you are interested in trying some matcha green tea, you'll typically come across two main variants.

On the one hand, there's organic matcha. This type of matcha tea is growing in popularity as many people specifically search for it. On the other hand, you have non-organic matcha, which is what many people consider "contemporary" matcha tea.

Naturally, two questions present themselves. Firstly, what is the difference between the two? If both options give you matcha tea, how do they differ? Secondly, which one is the best option for you? Should you opt for organic matcha tea or the non-organic variant? Don't worry, both of these questions will be answered in our guide to all things matcha.

What Are The Key Differences Between Organic Matcha & Non-Organic Matcha?

To begin, how can some matcha tea leaves be certified organic while others are not? Well, according to the USDA:

"produce can be called organic if it's certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest"

Put simply, some matcha green tea is certified and has an organic certification because it follows specific farming methods. As such, this brings us nicely to the first - and arguably the biggest - difference between the two.

Matcha Farming

Interestingly, matcha farmers have been following similar practices for decades when growing matcha tea plants. Moreover, there is no difference in how a matcha tea plant is physically grown when comparing organic and non-organic variations.

Instead, the differences lie in the farming methods. Certified organic Japanese green tea powder farming has to follow certain rules for it to be classified as "organic matcha". As mentioned above, the big thing here is the use of organic fertilizers and other organic products. If you were to compare pure and natural matcha tea powder organic fields to non-organic ones, the big difference is that contemporary matcha farmers will still invoke pesticide use and other chemical substances. This is done to protect the non-organic matcha tea plants from pests.

With organic matcha farming, natural substances are used throughout the fields. Fertilizers also undergo stricter regulations to ensure that everything is as natural as possible. This means that modern-day organic matcha is much more similar to the traditional organic Japanese matcha from centuries ago. Back then, organic farming was common practice amongst Japanese farmers as chemicals and pesticides didn't really exist. So, you can argue that organic matcha is more traditional than non-organic matcha. However, when purchasing matcha tea that is produced in Japan, it is important to note that Japanese agricultural policies are very strict, and thus, even Japanese non-organic matcha will contain fewer pesticides and chemicals than other non-organic matchas.

Matcha Color & Taste

When you talk about organic matcha vs non-organic matcha, the color & taste have to be considered. The funny thing is, most people don't understand that there's a difference here. Surely all green tea is just...green, right? What's the big difference between organic matcha and non-organic version from this perspective?

Well, it all stems from the organic farming principles. Due to a lack of pesticides and chemicals, organic matcha is left to thrive naturally. It takes on pure nitrogen and can develop a different taste. Consequently, most people will agree that organic matcha has more of an earthy taste. It also looks brighter than non-organic matcha, which is usually a paler green tea. In many ways, organic matcha tea tastes more "natural" when you drink it. It almost feels as though you are drinking a natural product that's been grown from the earth.

Overall, organic matcha looks brighter and tastes more natural and earthy. On the other side of the spectrum, the non-organic version is slightly more processed - both in terms of taste and looks.

Why Is Organic Matcha Tea Better?

Ultimately, if you were to compare the two and pick which one is better, you'd have to side with organic matcha. Like all organic food, it is simply better for you from a health perspective. The tea plants are grown without pesticides or unnatural chemicals warping their chemical structure. Therefore, you have a more natural plant to make tea from, which is better than drinking something that's been processed and tampered with.

Moreover, the taste is a lot better. Now, it's understandable that different people have different taste preferences. Some of you may think that a sweeter tea is nicer. However, organic matcha has a more natural and earthy taste. It actually tastes like proper tea, rather than something artificial. It's more akin to the traditional matcha grown in Japan many years ago as well. There's a savory element that makes it easier to drink under any circumstances.

This translates to the smell too! It has a much nicer aroma as it smells like a beautiful matcha tea field. You get that natural scent of earthiness and nature that isn't replicated with other types of matcha green tea. The non-organic type smells different and artificial for a lot of people.

Try Encha Matcha For The Best Organic Matcha Tea

At Encha Matcha, we have organic green tea that is perfect for you. It's safely grown and produces a beautiful scent that's reflected in the umani, earthy taste. Each sip is a mouthful of perfection that can energize you throughout the day. All of our premium quality organic matcha powderis one of the only matcha powders that has beenUSDA and JAS organic certified, so that you can enjoy a cup of matcha without the use of chemical, pesticides, or the presence of harmful metals. Feel free to try our tea today if you want the best matcha experience.