Who is choosing the drink?

Fairtrade-first matcha shoppers

You want the claim to apply to the product you buy, rather than assuming that an organic label or Japanese origin means Fairtrade certification.

After-dinner latte drinkers

You plan to mix matcha with milk or a plant drink and want to check the ingredients, serving size and caffeine before making it an evening drink.

Plain-matcha drinkers

You prefer matcha whisked with water. Clearspring and JING describe ceremonial styles as suited to drinking plain, so preparation style matters alongside any Fairtrade claim.

What should you check before buying?

Start with the Fairtrade claim on the exact product, then choose a preparation style and serving size that suit your after-dinner drink.

Priority What to check Your needs
Fairtrade claim Look for the FAIRTRADE Mark on the current pack or listing. The Fairtrade Foundation says its Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient mark identifies a named Fairtrade-sourced ingredient, so check which ingredient the claim covers. I want the Fairtrade claim to apply to the tea I am buying, not just to another product sold by the same retailer.
Drink format Check whether the powder is described for lattes or for whisking plain with water. Read the ingredients if you want pure matcha rather than a prepared latte mix. For a milky after-dinner drink, I want a matcha intended for that preparation. If I drink it plain, I can compare ceremonial-style options instead.
Caffeine and portion Compare caffeine figures using each product’s stated powder weight or serving size. Clearspring estimates approximately 32 mg per 1 g of its premium-grade matcha; that figure is specific to that powder. I want to know what my intended serving contributes before choosing matcha for the evening.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming organic Japanese matcha is Fairtrade

    Organic production and Japanese origin describe different attributes from Fairtrade certification. Neither establishes a Fairtrade claim for an individual matcha.

    Check the current product pack or listing for the FAIRTRADE Mark. If it carries a Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient mark, read the ingredient named beside it.

  • Applying a retailer’s tea commitment to its matcha

    M&S Food states that its tea is 100% Fairtrade, but a retailer-wide statement does not by itself establish the status of a particular matcha or café drink.

    Check the exact product rather than relying on a claim about the wider range.

  • Comparing caffeine without comparing serving sizes

    A caffeine figure applies to the amount of powder stated alongside it. Clearspring’s estimate of approximately 32 mg relates to 1 g of its premium-grade matcha, not every matcha serving.

    Check the powder weight you intend to use and the caffeine information for that product when deciding whether to drink it after dinner.

  • Choosing ceremonial grade solely for a milky drink

    Clearspring and JING position ceremonial matcha for drinking plain, while their other matcha descriptions include uses such as lattes or baking.

    Choose according to how you will prepare the drink, and check any Fairtrade claim separately from the grade.

Brand and retailer references

These ranges illustrate preparation choices and Fairtrade checks; a brand’s wider range does not establish certification for an individual matcha.

Clearspring

Lists organic Japanese matcha in premium and ceremonial grades.

  • Clearspring describes its premium grade for drinking and baking, and its ceremonial grade as suited to a smoother plain preparation.
  • Check the specific pack for a Fairtrade claim; the grade and organic description do not establish one.

JING

Lists matcha for plain preparation alongside a latte-oriented format.

  • JING distinguishes matcha whisked with water from more robust powder used in lattes and cooking.
  • Check any Fairtrade claim on the particular product, independently of its intended preparation.

M&S

M&S Food states that its tea is 100% Fairtrade.

  • Its stated tea commitment is relevant if you are willing to drink an infused tea instead of matcha.
  • That statement does not establish Fairtrade certification for a specific matcha product or café drink.

Teapigs

Has a matcha category and tea ware for home preparation.

  • Its range gives shoppers matcha formats to examine for their intended drink.
  • Check the ingredients, caffeine information and any Fairtrade claim on the product you select.

Waitrose

Lists Clearspring Matcha Shot, described as organic matcha green tea powder.

  • The listing identifies its ingredient as 100% organically grown matcha green tea powder.
  • A retailer’s wider Fairtrade range does not establish a Fairtrade claim for this matcha.

Joybuy tea option

This black tea is an option to consider if you are willing to change the after-dinner drink rather than buy matcha. Check its Fairtrade claim on the current pack before making that choice.

Clipper Organic Fairtrade 80 Tea Bags 232g

Clipper Organic Fairtrade 80 Tea Bags 232g

This is black tea for a hot drink, not matcha. The pack contains 80 tea bags weighing 232 g in total. Its product title makes a Fairtrade claim; check the current pack for the FAIRTRADE Mark and its scope, and check caffeine information if that matters for your after-dinner serving.

View on Joybuy

Questions about Fairtrade matcha

Does organic matcha also count as Fairtrade?

No. An organic claim does not establish Fairtrade certification. The Fairtrade Foundation advises shoppers to look for the FAIRTRADE Mark; check the current matcha pack or listing and what its mark covers.

What does the Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient mark cover?

According to the Fairtrade Foundation, it identifies one Fairtrade-sourced ingredient, named beside the mark. On a latte mix or flavoured drink, check that name rather than assuming the claim covers every ingredient.

Which matcha should I consider for an after-dinner latte?

Look for a powder described for lattes or versatile drinking use if you will add milk or a plant drink. Clearspring and JING describe ceremonial styles for drinking plain with water. Whichever style you choose, check its Fairtrade claim and caffeine information separately.

How should I check caffeine in an evening matcha?

Use the caffeine figure for the specific product and compare it with the amount of powder you will prepare. Clearspring estimates approximately 32 mg per 1 g of its premium-grade matcha; do not apply that figure to another powder or a differently sized serving.