Many drinks such as matcha tea, matcha smoothies and matcha latte are good and green, but the term matcha is not legally protected in terms of food law in many countries, Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Centre (VZ) says.
This lack of protection leaves buyers unclear about whether the green tea powder used has undergone the traditional manufacturing process, which includes shading of the tea plants and makes it comparatively expensive.
It is also not clear how the matcha tea purchased differs from conventional green tea products.
Consumers opting for matcha latte, matcha tea and similar products should examine the ingredients list and preparation and consumption recommendations on the packaging, say consumer advocates.
While the health-promoting effects of green tea powder are not proven, the tea plants can absorb aluminium depending on the growing area, which can damage the nervous system and bones in high amounts over the long term.
Matcha powder can also contain lead, which is harmful to the kidneys and cardiovascular system, the VZ says.
Unlike conventional teas, matcha is not filtered out; instead, the powder is stirred or whisked into a froth and consumed entirely.
Sometimes a product prominently displays matcha on the label but contains only small amounts, consumer advocates have found.
Consumer advocates advise not to drink more than three times a day and not more than one gram of mixed matcha green tea powder per cup, even in the absence of any instructions on the packaging.
Also, it is best to regularly switch products and brands to avoid a one-sided pollutant load and to consume other drinks occasionally.
Products with a high matcha concentration are not suitable for children because matcha can contain more caffeine than conventional green tea.
Depending on how they are made, matcha drinks can even approach the caffeine content of an espresso. – dpa
