Few customers at Starbucks ever consider the exceptional suppliers behind Starbucks’ matcha powder. It takes diligent farming, top-notch manufacturing, and input from world-class suppliers to achieve the unmistakable smooth and rich flavor characteristic of matcha. In this piece, we will explore the different suppliers of Starbucks matcha powder, detailing the top ones that provide unmatched quality and authenticity in every cup. Suppose you are ever interested in the best Starbucks matcha, business people looking for suppliers, or simply interested in the processes. In that case, this is an informative tour of the companies supplying this distinctive product. Brace yourselves as we cover the top 10 matcha powder suppliers and delve into their unique offerings in this competitive industry.

1. AOI Tea Company

Founded: 1910

Introduction: A century-old supplier of tea, AOI Tea Company is reputed for its thriving Japanese matcha production. The company is based in Nishio, Japan, and is responsible for growing, harvesting, and processing the matcha. AOI Tea Company provides bulk matcha to multiple industries that need to pass strict quality control tests. The company prides itself on using traditional farming methods.

Main Products: Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha, Culinary Grade Matcha, Organic Matcha

Advantages: Long history of expertise, organic certifications, and authentically produced in Japan.

Disadvantages: Needs improvement in their lower-priced grades.

Website: aoitea.com

2. Marukyu Koyamaen

Founded: 1704

Introduction: Marukyu Koyamaen is a leading Japanese tea supplier with over three hundred years of experience. The company resides in Uji, Japan, and specializes in traditional, high-quality matcha. Their years of experience have given them recognition in international markets for their ceremonial and culinary-grade matcha.

Main Products: Sencha Tea, Cerimonial Grade Matcha, Organic Matcha.

Advantages: A long-standing tradition and top-quality ceremonial grade matcha.

Disadvantages: They have a few nontraditional products, so their selection is limited.

Website: marukyu-koyamaen.co.jp

3. ITO EN

Founded: 1966

Introduction: ITO EN is a leading tea company based in Japan. It is known worldwide for selling retail tea and providing its tea in bulk.The company has become a top supplier of premium matcha powder because it promotes sustainable tea farming and invests in innovative tea-processing technologies.

Main Products: matcha powder, bottled tea drinks, green tea blends.

Advantages: Strong international presence, innovative product development.

Disadvantages: Focus is split between ready-to-drink and bulk supply.

Website: itoen.com

4. Aiya Matcha

Founded: 1888

Introduction: Aiya Matcha is one of Japan’s largest and oldest matcha manufacturers. Specializing in organic and non-organic matcha for various sectors, the company strongly focuses on quality, sustainability, and green practices. Aiya’s products are cultivated in Nishio, which is at the heart of Japan’s finest tea-growing region.

Main Products: Ceremonial Matcha, Foodservice Matcha, Organic Matcha.

Advantages: Organic certifications and dedication to environmental sustainability.

Disadvantages: Premium pricing for organic grades.

Website: aiya-america.com

5. Yamamasa Koyamaen

Founded: 1836

Introduction: With close to 200 years of expertise, Yamamasa Koyamaen is another esteemed supplier from Uji, Japan. The company produces matcha known for superior taste and quality. It relies on artisanal methods blended with modern quality standards to produce an extensive range of tea products.

Main Products: Premium Matcha Powder, Tea Ceremony Supplies.

Advantages: Excellent quality control and artisanal production methods.

Disadvantages: Limited availability outside Japan.

Website: yamamasa-koyamaen.co.jp

6. Kissa Tea

Founded: 2010

Introduction: Kissa Tea, located in Europe, is a relatively new company that unifies tea traditions from the East with Western innovations. The brand prides itself on producing high-quality organic Japanese matcha and is focused on health-oriented consumers worldwide.

Main Products: Organic Matcha Powder, Detox Teas, Matcha Blends

Advantages: Strong brand value and easy access to European markets.

Disadvantages: Lacking product depth like most older Japanese brands.

Website: kissa-tea.com

7. Encha Organic Matcha

Founded: 2014

Introduction: Encha is a U.S.-based company that aims to deliver 100% organic matcha from Uji, Japan, sourced from family farms. The company focuses heavily on maintaining its brand integrity by ensuring no additives or synthetic materials are used, which is proper for consumers who are cautious about their health.

Main Products: Organic Ceremonial Matcha, Latte Grade Matcha, Culinary Matcha

Advantages: Full transparency, no compromises to organic products.

Disadvantages: Lower volume than other suppliers.

Website: encha.com

8. Matcha Source

Founded: 2006

Introductions: Based in Los Angeles, Matcha Source is a supplier and retailer of high-quality, graded matcha sourced directly from Japan. They offer matcha for individual and business use, both for drinking and cooking, backed by a strong customer service focus and a focus on educational support.

Main Products: Ceremonial Matcha, Culinary Matcha

Advantages: Excellent customer support and strong sales channels across the U.S.

Disadvantages: Less attention on higher-end grades.

Website: matchasource.com

9. Jade Leaf Matcha

Founded: 2014

Introduction: Jade Leaf Matcha, based in the US, specializes in organic Japanese matcha. It focuses on customer service and works with family-owned tea farms in Japan, helping sustain local economies and protecting the environment.

Main Products: Organic Matcha, Latte Mixes, Culinary Matcha.

Advantages: Jade Leaf Sourcing is transparent and holds USDA organic certification.

Disadvantages: The company seems to target primarily American customers.

Website: jadeleafmatcha.com

10. DoMatcha

Founded: 2005

Introduction: The DoMatcha brand operates in the premium market segment, with consumers deeply concerned about having authentic Japanese-sourced Matcha. Working with Uji and Kagoshima tea masters, DoMatcha ensures tradition is upheld while making matcha products readily accessible around the globe. There are products for ceremonial tea users, and DoMatcha also caters to culinary users.

Main Products: Ceremonial Matcha, Organic Matcha, Culinary Matcha.

Advantages: Wide range of offerings and international availability.

Disadvantages: Most offerings considered premium can strain the customer’s wallet.

Website: domatcha.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the supplier for Starbucks matcha powder?

Starbucks gets its matcha powder from reputable suppliers specializing in premium green tea products. Their supplier ensured that they provided stone-ground green tea that was finely milled to create the unmatched Starbucks flavor and silky texture of their matcha tea products. Even though the supplier is not officially propagated, it is common knowledge that the matcha undergoes stringent premium-grade checks to ensure consistency and taste with every sip.

2. Does Starbucks use any special ingredients for the matcha powder?

Starbucks matcha powder is prized because it is made with finely ground sugar and green tea leaves and sold for use. This concoction aims to strike the right balance of sweetness without overpowering the earthy taste of green tea, making it ideal for lattes and many others. It should be noted that, unlike pure ceremonial matcha, the Starbucks form is pre-mixed and contains sugar to enhance flavor and ease of use.

3. Is the matcha powder from Starbucks considered real?

Starbucks uses real green tea in its matcha powder; however, sugar is included, so purists may argue that it is not “authentic” ceremonial-grade matcha. Authentic matcha powder is unsweetened and is specially prepared for use in a tea ceremony. On the other hand, Starbucks uses grade A matcha for its various drinks, providing a consistent base for its powder-laden beverages.

4. Is the matcha from Starbucks organic?

There is very little information about the authenticity of the Starbucks matcha, so there is no official claim to it being organic. If someone is looking for organic matcha, they might need to check other premium suppliers. That said, Starbucks uses high-grade matcha, which may be deemed ‘organic’ because it is free from added synthetic chemicals, ensuring quality standards are met to deliver an appetizing drink.

5. Can the matcha powder from Starbucks be bought for personal use?

Starbucks does not sell its matcha powder through other outlets, making it inaccessible to consumers who wish to purchase it. Nevertheless, Starbucks-style beverages can easily be replicated at home using pre-sweetened matcha sold by a variety of tea brands. If you are seeking an experience the cafe offers, check the label on the jars or bags of powdered tea for pre-mixed matcha powders.

6. Why are Starbucks matcha beverages so popular?

Starbucks’ matcha beverages are exceptionally popular because of their creamy texture and balanced notes of sweetness and earthiness. The appeal goes beyond flavor—matcha devotees and novices appreciate the beverage’s consistency, convenience, and variety of customizable options such as lattes with different milk substitutes and flavor additions.