Who is choosing matcha?

Shoppers requiring the FAIRTRADE Mark

If Fairtrade certification is non-negotiable, look for the FAIRTRADE Mark and read its claim on the product pack. Organic certification or a different fair-trade label does not answer the same question.

Drinkers making a whisked afternoon cup

For matcha whisked with water and served without added flavours, look at single-ingredient ceremonial powder rather than a flavoured blend.

Hosts making lattes or baking

If matcha will go into milk drinks or desserts, consider a powder positioned for those uses. Check whether the pack contains pure matcha or a blend with other ingredients.

What should you check?

Decide which certification you require, then choose the ingredient format and serving style that fit your afternoon tea.

Priority What to check Your needs
Certification Look for the FAIRTRADE Mark and read its on-pack claim if you require Fairtrade certification. Fairtrade International distinguishes its mark from other sourcing statements; Fair for Life is a separate scheme. Fairtrade certification matters more to me than a general ethical-sourcing statement, so I need to check the particular label on the pack.
Ingredients Read the ingredient list for 100% matcha or a stated matcha proportion and added flavours. Ocado lists Pukka Matcha Vanilla Chai as 67% matcha, with ginger, liquorice, cinnamon and vanilla. For a plain whisked cup, I want matcha without added flavours. For a spiced drink, the blend’s other ingredients may be part of the appeal.
Serving style Check whether the powder is intended for whisking with water, milk drinks or recipes, and follow its serving instructions. Clearspring gives a 1 g preparation for its ceremonial matcha and positions its premium grade for drinking and baking. If I am serving matcha plain, I will look at ceremonial powder; if I am baking, I need a powder suited to recipes.
Caffeine Measure the powder used and check the product’s serving information. During pregnancy, the NHS advises no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day from all sources combined. When I am keeping track of caffeine, the size of the bowl alone does not tell me how much matcha I have used.

Common buying mistakes

  • Treating every ethical claim as Fairtrade certification

    Organic certification, responsible-sourcing statements and Fair for Life certification do not establish that a product carries the FAIRTRADE Mark.

    If that particular certification matters, check the mark and associated claim on the pack. Treat other schemes on their own terms.

  • Buying a blend for a plain matcha cup

    A blend can change both the flavour and the proportion of matcha. Ocado lists Pukka Matcha Vanilla Chai as 67% matcha, alongside spices and vanilla.

    Choose an ingredient list stating 100% matcha for a plain whisked serving; choose a blend because you want its listed additions.

  • Choosing ceremonial powder solely for baking

    Matcha sold for whisking plain and matcha positioned for recipes serve different uses. Clearspring describes its premium grade as suitable for drinking and home baking.

    If cakes or milk drinks are the main use, check the powder’s recipe guidance rather than selecting ceremonial grade by name alone.

  • Ignoring the amount of powder used

    A small serving can still contribute to daily caffeine intake. The NHS pregnancy guidance limits caffeine from all sources to 200 mg a day.

    Measure the matcha serving and account for other caffeine sources when that limit applies to you.

Brand and product references

These product examples illustrate different matcha formats and claims; a brand name alone does not establish a particular certification.

Clearspring

Clearspring offers organic Japanese matcha in ceremonial and premium grades.

  • Its ceremonial product lists 100% organic matcha; Clearspring positions the premium grade for drinking and baking.
  • Check the pack for a FAIRTRADE Mark if Fairtrade certification is required; organic certification is a different claim.

JING Tea

JING Tea describes its ceremonial matcha as an organic, single-cultivar Okumidori powder for drinking plain.

  • The product information identifies the cultivar and describes the matcha as stone-ground.
  • JING’s direct-sourcing statement is a brand commitment, not proof that this product carries the FAIRTRADE Mark.

Pukka

Pukka Matcha Vanilla Chai is a flavoured matcha powder rather than single-ingredient matcha.

  • Ocado lists the powder as 67% matcha and states that 77% of its ingredients by weight are Fair for Life-certified fair-trade ingredients.
  • Fair for Life is not the FAIRTRADE Mark; the added ginger, liquorice, cinnamon and vanilla also change the drink’s flavour.

Pure matcha options on Joybuy

These matcha powders are options for a plain afternoon cup. If the FAIRTRADE Mark is essential, confirm the mark and its claim on the pack before choosing either one.

OMGTea Organic Matcha AAA+ 30g pack

OMGTea Organic Matcha AAA+ 30g

The product description presents this as ceremonial matcha for a plain, whisked drink. If Fairtrade certification is essential, check the physical pack for the FAIRTRADE Mark and its claim.

View on Joybuy
Whisper and Leaf Ceremonial Grade Matcha 100g bag

Whisper and Leaf Ceremonial Grade Matcha 100g Bag

The product description presents this ceremonial powder for traditional matcha preparation. Check the pack’s serving guidance if you measure portions, and look for the FAIRTRADE Mark and its claim if that certification is essential.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do I check whether matcha carries the FAIRTRADE Mark?

Look for the FAIRTRADE Mark on the pack and read its associated claim. Fairtrade International says the mark relates to its Fairtrade Standards; organic wording or a different fair-trade scheme does not establish the same certification.

Is Fair for Life the same as the FAIRTRADE Mark?

No. Ocado lists Pukka Matcha Vanilla Chai as having 77% Fair for Life-certified fair-trade ingredients by weight. That statement describes a different certification scheme, not a FAIRTRADE Mark claim.

Which matcha format suits a plain afternoon cup?

Choose single-ingredient ceremonial matcha if you plan to whisk it with water. JING positions ceremonial matcha for drinking plain, while Clearspring’s ceremonial product lists 100% organic matcha and gives a preparation using 1 g of powder.

How should I store matcha after opening?

Follow the instructions for the product you buy. Ocado’s listing for Clearspring premium matcha says to reseal and refrigerate it after opening.

Does matcha count towards caffeine intake during pregnancy?

Yes. The NHS advises no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy and includes tea among caffeine sources. Measure the matcha you use and account for other caffeine-containing food and drinks that day.