How to Store Matcha Properly and Make It Last Longer

Learn how to properly store matcha to preserve its color, quality, and flavor. A practical guide for cafés, and home brewers to extend matcha shelf life.

As matcha continues to gain global popularity, demand has surged to the point where shortages are becoming increasingly common. Many cafés and beverage businesses struggle to secure enough matcha to serve their customers. For those who still have matcha in stock—whether café owners, baristas, or home brewers—proper storage is essential to preserve quality and extend shelf life.

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder with a much larger surface area than loose-leaf green tea of the same weight. This allows matcha to release its color, taste, and compounds quickly when whisked with water, resulting in a rich and concentrated beverage. However, this same characteristic also makes matcha more vulnerable to quality deterioration if stored incorrectly.

The shelf life of matcha depends on several key factors, mainly related to environmental exposure.

Factors That Affect Matcha Quality

1. Light

Sunlight and artificial light can react with chlorophyll in matcha powder. When stored in transparent or translucent containers, matcha quickly loses its vibrant green color, turning yellowish and declining in overall quality.

2. Oxygen

Oxygen accelerates oxidation of the key compounds in matcha. Containers with excess air or frequent exposure will cause matcha to lose freshness and quality more rapidly.

3. Heat

High or fluctuating temperatures speed up chemical reactions within the powder, leading to faster quality degradation.

4. Moisture

Moisture or water triggers premature release of compounds in matcha. If exposed before brewing, matcha can clump and deteriorate quickly.

5. Odor Contamination

Matcha easily absorbs surrounding odors. Storing it near strong-smelling foods or materials can negatively affect its taste.

Best Practices for Storing Matcha

To maintain matcha quality for as long as possible, follow these guidelines:

1. Store matcha in opaque containers to block light exposure.
2. Use containers that allow air removal or include oxygen absorbers.
3. Keep containers dry, with moisture absorbers if needed.
4. Store in a cool, stable-temperature environment.
5. Ensure containers are tightly sealed after each use.

Additional Tips

• For long-term storage without opening, matcha can be kept in the freezer. Before opening, allow the foil pouch to return to room temperature to prevent moisture condensation.
• If matcha needs to be opened frequently, use an air-tight, air-removal container and store it at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator.

With proper storage, high-quality matcha can be preserved for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy consistent flavor, color, and performance—sometimes even well beyond a year.