Matcha does not have one fixed flavour. You may notice vegetal, savoury, grassy or gently sweet notes, alongside some bitterness. The balance changes with the powder, its freshness, the amount you use and the temperature of the water.
A first sip of plain matcha can be more intense than a latte because there is nothing to soften it. That intensity does not automatically mean the tea is bad. Equally, a bright green colour is not proof that every cup will be delicious.
Try it before changing everything
Make a small bowl with a measured amount of powder and water. Taste it warm. If it feels too strong, add a little water and taste again. If the cup is rough or dull, make a second one with slightly cooler water. Changing one variable at a time will tell you more than adding sweetener immediately.
For a latte, use enough matcha that you can still taste it through the milk. Milk and sweeteners affect the result, so the powder that works in a plain bowl may not be the one you prefer in a latte. Our choosing guide starts with how you drink it.
When the flavour seems wrong
A stale smell, persistent clumps or a harsh finish may point to storage or preparation issues. Check the package’s storage advice and our guides to keeping matcha fresh and fixing bitter matcha. If the same powder stays unpleasant after a few careful attempts, another powder may simply suit you better.
