FAQ's

We have compiled some common questions regarding matcha. If you don't find what you are looking for however, please do get in touch at info@omgteas.co.uk.

1. How much can I consume in a day?

  • For health maintenance– ½ – 1 teaspoon of once a day, if you are following a healthy diet and are generally healthy and energetic.
  • For energy boosting, detox or weight loss/craving-killing– ½ – 1 teaspoon twice a day, however, you will need to judge your body’s own reaction. Some people report a full day’s effects from one cup in the morning.
  • Battling degenerative disease– ½ – 1 teaspoon three times a day (always seek advice from your doctor)
  • If you increase the serving size from ½ teaspoon to 1 level teaspoon the effects will be more powerful.  

2. When is it best to drink high-quality matcha?

Almost any time you need an energy boost or increased focus. However, we usually recommend that Matcha is consumed in the morning and early afternoon wherever possible due to the caffeine content, it is not advisable to drink Matcha just before bed (even though the caffeine content is still much lower than coffee and a lot of other types of teas). Morning time is very beneficial and is a good time to take Matcha after lunch is also good for avoiding the mid-afternoon slump. Some of our customers say OMG Tea keeps them alert and awake during an enjoyable night out.

3. Should I drink matcha on a full or empty stomach?

Matcha is an effective blood-sugar regulator so you should not feel hungry after drinking it. If you are not interested in its weight loss benefits than we would recommend you drink OMG Tea after eating. Also, some people may also find Matcha a little intense on an empty stomach, so we recommend eating a small snack before drinking.

 4. What is the healthiest way to prepare matcha?

Studies have shown that consuming Matcha with a little lemon or lime juice helps protect the Matcha during digestion allowing you to get more of the benefits from it. A splash of citrus can boost the antioxidant power by four times. If you don’t like the taste you could drink a small glass of warm water with the lemon/lime before you drink your Matcha.

5. What can I expect the first time I drink matcha, do some people have unusual reactions? Are there any side effects?

 People who are extremely sensitive to caffeine can find Matcha has a similar effect to coffee. If you are finding that 1/2 tsp is over stimulating, reduce your intake to 1/3tsp or even a 1/4 tsp per serving. These cases are rare as the caffeine in green tea is very different to that in coffee. The caffeine in Matcha is called Theophylline and it’s a different type to that in coffee, it gives a more sustainable release of energy throughout the day.

 6. Is matcha good for the skin?

Matcha is fabulous for general skin quality and blemishes as it’s loaded with antioxidants, the magical nutrients and enzymes responsible for fighting against the negative effects of UV radiation, giving us younger-looking skin; it can also help to slow down the ageing process. Topically applied it is also excellent which is why there are now Matcha beauty creams on the market, but they have large price tags. OMG Tea is just as good though, and much, much more affordable.

Here are 2 simple DIY face masks you can make at home: -

FACE MASK FOR OILY TO NORMAL SKIN

  • 1 tsp. Matcha Green Tea
  • Few drops of Water or Aloe Vera Gel
  • Put the Matcha into a small bowl and slowly add water or aloe Vera gel.
  • Don’t add too much liquid as it will slide off your face.
  • Aim for a thick consistency rather than a thin one.
  • Apply to clean face and leave for 15 minutes or longer if desired.

FACE MASK FOR DRY SKIN

  • 2 tsp. Matcha Green Tea
  • 1/2 tsp. Organic Coconut Oil
  • Water
  • Put Matcha into a bowl.
  • Add the coconut oil and a few drops of water.
  • Mix until thick paste forms.
  • Add only enough water to make it spreadable.
  • Don’t add too much liquid as it will slide off your face.
  • Apply to clean face and leave for 15 minutes or longer if desired. 

7. How does matcha both stimulate and relax me? Is matcha good for meditation?

Matcha has been used by the Zen Buddhist Monks for exactly these seemingly contradictory qualities. The timed release of energy by the caffeine and theophylline is at a rate that the body can deal with naturally (sustained 3-6 hours) while the powerful amino acid effect of the L-theanine relaxes and focusses. L-theanine encourages the transition from the beta brain waves of mental arousal to the alpha brain waves of relaxation. See more on L-theanine below.

8. Does matcha contain caffeine?

Yes it does but each ½ teaspoon serving (1gram) contains 34mg of caffeine, compared to 70-180mg for a cup of coffee. It is easily tolerated by most people for whom coffee makes them jittery this is because all of the other components that make up Matcha slow down the release of caffeine into the body. It usually takes three to six hours for this minimal amount of caffeine to be absorbed into the bloodstream; however, the mental alertness and energy are apparent almost immediately upon drinking it.

The ‘type’ of caffeine in Matcha is different to that of caffeine in coffee, called Theophylline, which gives you a much more sustainable release of energy throughout the day.

In contrast to coffee, this timed-release mechanism tends to inhibit any sudden insulin increases, so there is no “crash” associated with quick drops in blood sugar that so many coffee drinkers feel an hour or so after drinking a cup. Nor does Matcha stimulate the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, as coffee can.

In other words, Matcha doesn’t give you that “weird” feeling. If you’re wary of caffeine, you can relax! And let Matcha help you relax!

So in a nutshell the combination of caffeine, phytonutrients, antioxidants and amino acids produces a fabulous effect on Matcha drinkers – the envious ability to be able to focus and be productive over an extended period of a few hours (for some, up to six hours).

9. I am addicted to coffee, is matcha an alternative for me?

Definitely and probably the best alternative option for those addicted to coffee. Matcha gives an energy release 4-6 times longer than coffee, while also regulating blood sugar, meaning that you will feel both energised and content. The L-theanine effect relaxes and calms the nervous system, rather than over-stimulating it. Switch to Matcha and we can almost guarantee that you won’t need coffee to get you through your day. You might still like the coffee taste so go for de-caff as the coffee “hit” won’t be required anymore.

10. Will matcha help with high blood pressure?

Matcha is a natural blood thinner, and many studies now show that green tea consumption helps to relax the arterial walls and lower blood pressure. So yes, Matcha is great for those wishing to lower their blood pressure naturally without having to take prescribed medication. However, those with low blood pressure may want to consult with their healthcare provider before trying Matcha.

11. Does matcha affect cholesterol levels?

Studies have shown that green tea consumption helps to lower cholesterol levels. It is thought that this may be because it helps to inhibit lipid absorption in the digestive tract.

12. Who shouldn’t drink matcha?

Due to Its caffeine content it might be advisable for pregnant women to avoid drinking Matcha, particularly in the first trimester. There are studies that suggest that 200-300mg of caffeine a day is a safe limit for pregnant women. A typical serving of Matcha has 30mg of caffeine.

Matcha helps to prevent blood clots and relieves blood pressure due to its blood-thinning effects, good for many, but means it should be avoided by those already on blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin (Coumadin).

13. What is the difference between OMGTea’s matcha green tea grades?

OMGTea’s easily understandable ‘A’ system is to differentiate between each product.

This system is similar to one often used to select the finest grains of wood to craft high-end guitars.

AAA is the most premium quality.

OMGTea AAA Grade Highest grade for Matcha lovers who appreciate the fine taste and who like it traditionally straight Japanese style.

OMG Tea AA High grade for drinking alone or as a latte. It’s our midrange market matcha, still better than most premium or ceremonial matcha you will find on the market.

OMGTea A Grade OMGTea’s entry-level matcha and still higher grade than most matcha on the market today. Good for drinking straight and mixing or blending in smoothies or food.

14. Do I need to be worried about radiation?

We guarantee that all our goods are tested for radiation and will be within the legal standards. Furthermore, we will restrict the level of radiation of iodine 131 caesium 137 and caesium 134 to a maximum of 50 Bq/Kg.

So, no need to be worried! 

15. Can I drink matcha even when pregnant?

You obviously have to limit your caffeine intake when pregnant. Matcha does have a lot less caffeine than coffee but it does still contain caffeine.

16. How can I make matcha without a whisk?

A whisk is ideal. And also, a lovely aesthetic but we understand that some of you may not have access to one when you want to make your matcha for the first time. We recommend using a sieve to reduce any lumps for a smooth texture before adding your water or nut milk. Then you can use a fork, an ordinary milk frother or a blender if you have one handy. Or you can try out our 100% bamboo whisk.

17. Can matcha detoxify the body?

 Matcha is jam-packed with antioxidants which are critical in detoxing the body naturally and effectively. It’s a natural flush to your system, protects the liver from toxic substances like junk food, pollution and alcohol. Matcha boosts your immune system whilst also protecting it. Matcha is a winner for your overall wellbeing.

18. What is the difference between green matcha and white matcha?

There is not enough research on white matcha for us to be able to comment, however, what we will say is that the word matcha means powdered leaf in Japanese. White powdered tea comes from Africa and it is not a Japanese tea. Not all powdered teas can or should be called matcha. On the market you can buy teas called white matcha or black matcha and this is misleading, especially to a consumer. True matcha must be shade grown, freeze-dried when picked and then stone ground in granite stone mills. The only tea used for matcha is green tea, not white, oolong or black tea.

19. Which grade of your matcha tea has the highest EGCG?

Matcha green tea overall has more catechin content than other teas, due to the way that it’s cultivated and processed. However, different types of matcha have different catechin content. The top leaves (which are younger) of the tea plant contain more catechin than the lower leaves but, and this is why the A has more than the AAA, leaves from later harvests also contain more catechin. So, for example, the top leaves from ichibancha (first flush/harvest) have less catechin content than top leaves from nibancha (second flush/harvest). A will tend to be a blend from first and second flush where AAA is first flush.

20. Do I need to worry about aluminum?

We monitor heavy metal amounts in all of our products regularly and we are always within boundaries of current food-safety related laws. The possible intake of any heavy metal, including aluminium, per cup, mg/kg is way below any harmful limits. Our matcha can be enjoyed as a completely healthy and safe beverage which, as it is very rich in antioxidants, can actually help you to protect your body from negative environmental influences. The analysis is carried out on the raw matcha. If you calculate the amount of aluminium per cup of matcha, you will see quantities which are below the detection level at the laboratory (which is under 0.5)

The analysis is carried out on the raw matcha. If you calculate the amount of aluminium per cup of matcha, you will see quantities which are below the detection level at the laboratory (which is undmg/kg).

So, it is safe to say that you will not be able to detect any aluminium in a regular cup of matcha when prepared as instructed.

21. What is the best before date on your matcha and how do I store it?

The BBD for Matcha is usually 2-3 years (at OMGTea we set it at 2 years) if it’s kept in a dark, dry place at room temperature. The ideal way to preserve Matcha is of course to be refrigerated below +5C (41F) or fridge temperature after opening. The more it comes in contact with air and light, the faster the degradation. 

22. Why do you sell your matcha in tins rather than foil pouches?

Matcha tins 30g is by far the most ideal packaging method for Matcha tea. The tin is mechanically sealed air tight in Japan to ensure freshness; the lid is lined with a rubber sealant so that an airtight seal can be made again if the lid is screwed on properly. It is the ideal packaging to preserve Matcha tea as long as possible.