Matcha is shade-grown green tea, stone-ground into an ultra-fine powder. The shade-growing process, covering the plants for three to four weeks before harvest, concentrates chlorophyll and amino acids in the leaf, giving quality matcha its vivid green colour and smooth, umami-forward flavour. Unlike a steeped cup of tea, matcha involves consuming the whole leaf, which means every nutrient, antioxidant, and caffeine molecule stays in the drink.
New Zealand's matcha moment has arrived properly. Where it was once a café novelty, it's now a daily ritual for a lot of Kiwi tea drinkers, whisked into hot water before work, blended into a smoothie, or stirred into oat milk for a mid-morning latte. T2's range is built for all of it.
Choosing your matcha powder
T2's matcha powder range runs from ceremonial-grade unflavoured tins through to creative, flavoured everyday options. Here's how to find the right one:
For traditional preparation and purists: The 100% Certified Organic Horai Matcha and the standard Matcha Powder Tin are the go-to options for traditional bowl preparation or a classic matcha latte. These are unflavoured and let the tea speak for itself.
For lattes, smoothies, and experimenting: The flavoured range, Yuzu Matcha, Brown Sugar Matcha, White Chocolate Matcha, Blood Orange Matcha, Peach Matcha, and Salted Matcha Milkshake — are built for everyday drinking. The flavourings are balanced to work with milk without overpowering the matcha base.
For regular drinkers: The 50g tin and the 100% Certified Organic Matcha Powder Refill offer better value for anyone going through a tin a month or more.
For gifting: The Matcha Mixtape Gift Pack includes a selection of matcha flavours, a good way to try the range before committing to a full tin.
For the full matcha setup: If you need more than just the powder, a bamboo whisk, matcha bowl, or a flask for on-the-go, T2's full matcha range has the complete toolkit alongside the powders.
FAQ
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes. Matcha contains around 35–70mg of caffeine per teaspoon — broadly comparable to a single espresso. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that moderates the caffeine response. Many people describe the effect as more sustained and less jittery than coffee.
How do I store matcha powder?
Store in an airtight container, away from light and moisture. Once opened, use within 4–6 weeks for best flavour and colour. The fridge is a good option for longer storage, just ensure the lid is tightly sealed before putting it in.
