Does Matcha Expire? Understanding Its Shelf Life and How to Keep It Fresh
We often receive questions from customers such as, "How long is the shelf life of matcha?" One distinguishing feature of matcha compared to other teas is its relatively short shelf life. At our company, we set the shelf life at 6 months. For other brands, the typical range is around 4 to 8 months, but in overseas markets, it is not uncommon to see products with shelf lives of 2 to 3 years. Many customers are surprised by this difference.
Why Matcha Has a Short Shelf Life
Matcha is an exceptionally delicate tea. One key reason for this is its extremely fine particle size. The average particle diameter of matcha ranges from a few microns to a few dozen microns, which is much finer compared to the thickness of human hair (approximately 80 microns). The finer the particles, the larger the surface area, making matcha more susceptible to the effects of oxygen, light, and heat. This is the primary reason for matcha’s short shelf life.
Matcha Deterioration: Effects of Light and Heat
The deterioration of matcha quality can largely be attributed to two factors: light-induced degradation and heat-induced degradation.
Light-Induced Degradation
When exposed to light, the chlorophyll in matcha, which gives it its vibrant green color, breaks down, causing the color to fade to a pale, whitish tone. Additionally, its unique aroma diminishes, and over time, an unpleasant smell may develop. However, since matcha is typically stored in light-blocking cans or aluminum pouches, light-induced degradation is not usually a significant concern. That said, in some cafés, you may see matcha stored in transparent canisters. From the standpoint of quality preservation, this is a poor practice and should be avoided.
Heat-Induced Degradation
Heat-induced degradation, on the other hand, poses a more serious issue. For matcha, "heat" does not necessarily mean high temperatures as we perceive them; even temperatures of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), typical room temperatures, can cause noticeable changes. Mechanically, this can be categorized as heat-induced deterioration, but because it progresses over time, it might be better understood as time-related degradation.
The higher the temperature, the faster the deterioration occurs. Chlorophyll breaks down more rapidly, leading to fading and a noticeable shift to a yellowish color. Unlike light-induced degradation, this process cannot be prevented even with light-blocking measures. Similarly, methods such as oxygen absorbers or nitrogen flushing offer minimal protection against heat-induced degradation.
The reason we, along with many other tea manufacturers, set matcha’s shelf life at 6 months is precisely because this heat-related deterioration (or time-related degradation) tends to push the product beyond acceptable quality standards roughly six months after grinding.
Differences in Shelf Life Between Japan and Overseas Markets
In Japan, the typical shelf life for matcha ranges from 4 to 6 months, with some products extending up to 8 months. However, in overseas markets, it is common to find matcha products with shelf lives set at 2 to 3 years. This disparity is primarily influenced by the logistics of international distribution.
For exported goods, it often takes several months for matcha to reach store shelves overseas. A short shelf life would make distribution challenging, necessitating the assignment of longer expiration dates. However, the quality of matcha is directly tied to the time elapsed since it was ground. Even with high-grade matcha, prolonged storage inevitably results in a loss of freshness. If consumers purchase matcha without checking the expiration date or production date, they risk making a suboptimal choice.
Case Studies: UK and France
A survey of matcha products purchased from cafés and supermarkets in London and Paris revealed that the average remaining shelf life (the number of days from the purchase date to the expiration date) across 22 products was 491 days. This suggests that the average shelf life is likely around 2 years.
Case Study: United States
Similarly, an analysis of 7 matcha products purchased in New York found an average remaining shelf life of 433 days. Many products appear to have shelf lives set at 1.5 to 2 years. Interestingly, in the United States, some matcha products did not include expiration date labels.
Common Misconceptions
Many regular matcha drinkers are aware that once they open a new package of matcha, it should be consumed relatively quickly. However, it seems that fewer people pay attention to how much time has passed since the matcha was originally produced.
As mentioned earlier, the heat-induced deterioration of matcha cannot be avoided even when it is in a sealed state. This means that focusing solely on how quickly matcha is consumed after opening is misguided. Understanding that the time elapsed since production is just as critical is an essential point for anyone looking to fully enjoy matcha at its best.
Our Approach
Shelf life standards vary widely depending on the tea manufacturers and retailers, making it difficult to determine when a particular matcha product was actually produced. Since the quality of matcha begins to deteriorate immediately after grinding, it is most logical to focus on the production date rather than just the expiration date.
At our company, to ensure our customers receive the freshest matcha possible, we only begin grinding matcha after an order has been placed. Once grinding is complete, the product is promptly shipped via DHL directly to the customer’s doorstep. This process allows us to deliver matcha just 2–3 days after production.
By utilizing e-commerce and air freight, we offer services that solve the distribution isuues mentioned earlier. Direct transactions with Japanese tea manufacturers and air transport are highly effective for maintaining matcha’s quality and are practices we strongly recommend. Given matcha’s high value, it is particularly suited for air shipping. Additionally, with the recent advancements in e-commerce infrastructure, we foresee a rise in cross-border transactions involving smaller quantities, as opposed to relying solely on local sourcing.
Optimal Storage Methods for Matcha
To keep matcha at its best, storing it at a low temperature is essential. Below are some recommended storage methods, which allows you to naturally understand why 30g cans are the standard size in Japan.
For Unopened Matcha: Store in the Freezer
- Storing unopened matcha in the freezer significantly slows down deterioration.
- When ready to use, take it out of the freezer the day before and let it return to room temperature before opening. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation, which may compromise the quality of the matcha.
For Opened Matcha: Seal and Store at Room Temperature
- Avoid repeated temperature fluctuations between low and room temperatures, as these can negatively affect the quality of the matcha. Therefore, we do not recommend placing opened matcha back in the freezer or refrigerator.
- After opening, keep the matcha sealed tightly to minimize air exposure, and store it at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
- To maintain its flavor, consume the matcha as quickly as possible after opening. For home use, it is best to choose a container size you can finish within one month, preferably within two weeks.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy matcha at its freshest and most flavorful.
Is It Safe to Drink Matcha After Its Expiration Date?
Matcha that has passed its expiration date simply indicates that it no longer meets the quality standards recommended by the manufacturer. Since matcha is a dried product, it does not immediately develop harmful substances, so it is still safe to consume. However, matcha stored at room temperature for more than six months is likely to have undergone significant changes in flavor and color compared to its freshly ground state.
To fully enjoy the authentic appeal of matcha, consuming it within the expiration date is highly recommended. As a reminder, in Japan, matcha’s shelf life typically ranges from 4 to 8 months.