Most people assume matcha is supposed to taste bitter. It is not. Good matcha tea has natural sweetness, complexity, and an umami taste. When your matcha tastes bitter (bitterness dominates), something went wrong either long before the sip reached your mouth, or it’s your fault. In this guide, we break down the two factors that

Ever wondered why some matcha is smooth and mellow while others taste bitter, earthy, or just plain flat? Turns out, it’s not just your imagination—and it’s definitely not all about price or the word “ceremonial” on the label. Real scientific research looked at 11 matcha samples from Japan and China, breaking down exactly what makes