Matcha in the pollutant test: These powders are really harmless

The green powder from Japan has long since found its way into German kitchens. Whether prepared in a latte macchiato, in desserts or as a classic tea: Matcha is considered a superfood with high health potential. But what is really the quality of the products available? The Consumer Information Association Together with the Styrian Chamber of Labor, 14 matcha powders were examined for harmful substances. The results show clear differences between organic and conventional.

Of the products tested, nine received the top rating of very good, two were rated good, two were rated average and one was rated less satisfactory. Particularly striking: organic products consistently performed better than conventional matcha powder.

It’s really in the green powder

Matcha is finely ground green tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis tea plant. The special feature lies in the cultivation process: the plants are shaded several weeks before the harvest. This increases the chlorophyll content, giving the powder its characteristic intense green color. Unlike traditional green tea, the entire leaf is ground into the finest powder and consumed in its entirety.

But this is exactly where a potential problem lies. While with classic tea the leaves are removed after the infusion, you take Matcha preparations all ingredients. This means: Harmful substances that are stored in the leaves also completely enter the body. Tea plants have the ability to absorb heavy metals from soil and water and store them in their leaves. VKI nutritionist Teresa Bauer explains that this is particularly relevant with matcha because the entire leaf material is consumed.

Organic matcha is significantly less contaminated

The test included 14 pure matcha powders without additives that were purchased in supermarkets, drugstores, Asian shops, tea shops and online. Of the products examined, eleven came from organic and three from conventional cultivation. In the laboratory they were tested for heavy metals such as aluminum and lead, pesticides and pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

The result is clear: Overall, the organic products were significantly less contaminated with heavy metals. This is probably due to the stricter cultivation guidelines and more careful soil care in organic farming. The choice of growing region also plays an important role, as some regions naturally have lower levels of heavy metal contamination in the soil. Products tested included Billa Bio, Demmers Teehaus, Dennree, dmBio, Health Bar, Kissa, Lebepur, Müllers Teestube, NaturaleBio, Sonnentor, Stick and Lembke as well as Sweet Tea and Tian Hu Shan.

Pesticides only in conventional products

While no or minimal pesticide residues were detected in organic matcha powders, all three conventional products contained measurable amounts of pesticides. According to the experts, the low residues in organic products could arise from drift from neighboring conventional tea fields. Particularly problematic: Active ingredients that are not approved in the European Union were also found in the conventional powders. In one product, Sweet Tea Matcha Powder, the legal maximum residue level for the pesticide anthraquinone was even exceeded. The remaining samples remained below the legal limits, but still contained pesticides.

If you not only want to drink matcha, but also use it in baking, you can find it delicious baking ideas for your own kitchen.

How much matcha is healthy?

Despite its image as a superfood, matcha should be consumed consciously and in moderation. Nutrition experts recommend consuming a maximum of three grams of matcha powder per day. This corresponds to about a heaped teaspoon. There are several reasons for this limitation: on the one hand, matcha contains significantly more caffeine than conventional green tea, and on the other hand, with higher consumption, the small amounts of pollutants can become more relevant.

Matcha is generally not suitable for children due to its high caffeine content. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also limit their consumption or avoid it completely. If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is best to enjoy matcha in the morning and avoid consuming it in the evening. In addition to drinks, the green powder can also be used in… sweet baked goods process, whereby the same quantity recommendations apply here.

Conclusion

The current test shows: If you want to enjoy matcha, you should choose organic quality. The majority of the products tested performed well to very well, with organically grown powders having significantly lower levels of pollutants. Nine products received the top grade, which shows that high quality matcha is available on the market.

The conventional products, on the other hand, all contained pesticides, and in some cases even active ingredients that are not approved in the EU. One product even exceeded the legal limit. The organic versions were also ahead when it came to heavy metals. Investing in organic quality is worthwhile not only from an ecological perspective, but also from a health perspective.

Nevertheless, matcha is not a miracle cure and should be consumed in moderate quantities. The recommendation of a maximum of three grams per day provides good guidance. If you pay attention to these points, you can enjoy the green powder as part of a balanced diet.

Is organic matcha really healthier than conventional?

Yes, the test clearly shows that organic matcha contains significantly fewer heavy metals and little or no pesticides. All conventional products had measurable pesticide residues.

How much matcha can you drink daily?

Experts recommend a maximum of three grams of matcha powder per day. This corresponds to about a heaped teaspoon. Higher amounts can be problematic due to the caffeine content and possible absorption of harmful substances.

Why is matcha more contaminated than normal green tea?

With Matcha, the entire leaf is ground into powder and consumed in its entirety. With traditional green tea, the leaves are removed after infusion so that fewer harmful substances are absorbed.

Is matcha suitable for children?

No, matcha is not recommended for children due to its high caffeine content. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also limit their consumption or avoid it.

How do you recognize high-quality matcha powder?

High-quality matcha has a bright green color, a fine consistency and ideally comes from organic farming. The origin from Japan, especially from traditional growing areas, is another quality feature. Certifications and test results provide additional guidance.