Why matcha availability can vary

Tea depends on a harvest

Matcha starts with tea grown and harvested in a particular place. Producing more finished tea involves growing, processing and milling capacity; it is not simply a matter of filling more packs.

Tea plants are shaded before the leaves are harvested. The leaves are steamed and dried, then refined and milled into matcha. Production methods, harvest timing and the tea selected for a blend all influence the finished product.

A popular product can sell out

Stock depends on the quantity available from a producer, demand for that particular tea and the time needed for the next delivery. A sold-out product does not by itself show that every region or supplier faces the same situation.

This guide explains general factors rather than providing live market figures. For current availability, check the selected product and variant on our website.

Compare the right details

If your usual tea is unavailable, start with how you drink it. For latte, look for a tea recommended for milk. For matcha with water, compare the tasting notes and recommended preparation.

Region and cultivar can help you explore, but two teas with the same origin are not necessarily interchangeable. Start with a small pack and use the same measured recipe to compare them.

Buy for your routine

Choose a quantity you expect to use while the tea is fresh. Keep the pack tightly closed and follow its storage instructions and best-before date.

Use our matcha guide to find an alternative and our FAQ for common questions. All Matchatori matcha comes from Japan.