How to Store Matcha Powder, According to Tea Pros

Whether you’re using special tools to brew your daily matcha by hand, relying on a machine to make a fresh, delicious matcha latte, or experimenting with matcha cocktails, one thing is for sure: You want to make sure your matcha is fresh. Especially if you’re buying expert-sourced matcha from Japan, it’s absolutely essential to understand how best to store this delicate, delicious tea. Sadly, like with coffee storage, many who have entered the home matcha game could be doing a lot more to ensure maximum longevity and flavor. 

“One of the biggest mistakes is putting matcha in the fridge without sealing it properly,” said Tomoko Honda, head of global operations for Ippodo Tea Co. “Matcha can easily absorb odors from nearby foods, which can ruin flavor.” Honda pointed out that most tea companies design their packaging to keep matcha as fresh as possible, so sticking with that can often be a safe bet. In any case, Honda said that when stored correctly, matcha can maintain its freshness for up to six months, though “it’s best to enjoy it within a couple weeks for the best taste and aroma.” If you’re looking for some new matcha storage solutions, here are a few great (and affordable) options. 

Best Matcha Storage Containers

Sweejar Ceramic Storage Jar

I also talked to Susannah Lee, owner of Thistle & Sprig Tea Co., who elaborated on what makes matcha lose its freshness. “Matcha, like all teas, is most sensitive to three things: light, moisture, and oxygen,” she said. “People like to store matcha in glass because it looks pretty, but light will quickly degrade chlorophyll and fade its lovely, vibrant green color.” She recommended an opaque, airtight canister to keep out light and moisture, which is “a deathknell to matcha.” This ceramic canister has a wooden lid that twists for an airtight seal, making it a great option for matcha storage.

Miamolo Ceramic Jar

Lee also recommended storing matcha in a cool, dry place, but said “if your canister blocks out light, moisture, and air, that will make the single biggest difference.” This 5-ounce ceramic jar has a strong sealing lid, and its smaller capacity leaves even less room for oxygen inside. It’s currently the No. 1 new release in Amazon’s food jars and canisters category, and it’s only $10.

Planetary Design Airscape Stainless Steel Canister

This barista-loved canister has a plunger lid that removes oxygen, giving a truly airtight seal. Its dark exterior and top prevent harmful UV rays from entering and damaging your matcha, and it can hold around 250 grams of material inside.