Why Is My Matcha Brown Or Yellow Instead Of Green?

One of the easiest ways to judge matcha quality is its colour. If your matcha looks dull, yellow, or brown instead of vibrant green, there’s a good chance you’re drinking low-quality matcha — and that’s exactly why it tastes bitter.

Here’s what your matcha colour is really telling you.

 

 

Brown or yellow matcha means old or low-grade leaves

Low-quality matcha is made from:

• Late-harvest tea leaves
• Leaves that weren’t shade-grown
• Powder that’s been sitting in warehouses too long

This causes oxidation, which turns matcha dull and brownish. Oxidised matcha tastes flat, bitter and weak, no matter how much you whisk it.

 

 

Why Japanese Uji matcha is so green

The best matcha in the world comes from Uji, Japan, where tea plants are shaded before harvest. This increases chlorophyll, giving matcha its bright green colour and rich flavour.

Looking for vibrant green matcha in Australia?

Maison Matcha uses ceremonial grade matcha sourced from Uji, Japan — naturally bright green, smooth, and naturally mellow in flavour.

Perfect for:

• hot matcha lattes
• iced matcha
• strawberry matcha
• everyday matcha rituals

 Discover Maison Matcha Ceremonial Original.

 

 

Unlike many flavoured matcha powders filled with sugar and creamers, our flavoured blends are made with 90% real ceremonial matcha.

That’s why they stay vibrant green and still taste like authentic matcha.

 Discover Maison Matcha flavoured matcha range.

 

Your matcha should look as good as it tastes

If your powder isn’t bright green, it won’t taste good either. Fresh, high-grade matcha should be:

• Smooth
• Creamy
• Naturally sweet
• Vibrant in colour

Anything dull is a shortcut.

If your matcha looks dull or yellow, it’s usually a sign of lower-grade leaves or oxidation.

Good matcha doesn’t need sugar or syrups to taste enjoyable, the quality speaks for itself.