Bitter matcha is the most common complaint from beginners. The good news: it’s almost always fixable.
The Three Main Causes
1. Water Too Hot
This is the #1 cause of bitter matcha.
Boiling water (212°F / 100°C) extracts catechins — the antioxidants in matcha — too aggressively. These catechins are healthy but taste bitter.
The fix: Use water at 160-175°F (70-80°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, boil water and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
2. Too Much Matcha
More matcha doesn’t mean better matcha. It means more concentrated flavor — including bitterness.
The fix: Use 1-2 grams (½ to 1 teaspoon) per 2oz of water. Start with less and work up to find your preference.
3. Stale or Low-Quality Matcha
Matcha oxidizes quickly once opened. Old matcha loses its sweetness and becomes bitter and flat.
Signs your matcha is stale:
- Color has faded (brownish or yellowish)
- Smell is weak or musty
- Taste is one-dimensional
The fix: Use fresh matcha. Once opened, use within 1-2 months. Store properly (cool, dark, airtight).
Other Possible Causes
Lower Quality Matcha
Cheap matcha is often made from older leaves or lower-grade tea plants. These naturally contain more bitter compounds.
If you’re using matcha under $10/30g, quality might be the issue. Try a reputable brand in the $15-25 range.
Culinary Grade Drunk Straight
Culinary grade matcha is designed for lattes and baking — it’s meant to taste strong enough to come through milk. Drunk straight, it can taste too intense.
For drinking straight, use ceremonial grade.
Personal Sensitivity
Some people are more sensitive to bitter tastes than others. If you’ve tried everything else, you might just prefer matcha with milk and sweetener — and that’s fine.
Quick Fixes
Already made a bitter cup?
- Add a small amount of honey or sweetener
- Add milk to make it a latte
- Add ice and cold water to dilute it
For next time, adjust temperature, amount, and check freshness.
Troubleshooting Checklist
| Possible Cause | Check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water | Did you use boiling water? | Let water cool to 175°F |
| Too much matcha | Did you measure? | Use 1-2g per 2oz water |
| Stale matcha | When did you open it? | Use fresher matcha |
| Low quality | What did you pay? | Try a better brand |
| Wrong grade | Drinking culinary straight? | Use ceremonial grade |