Why You Can't Buy Matcha In Bags Like Other Green Tea

Matcha, a green tea powder from Japan, doesn't follow the same rules as other teas. It doesn’t come in bags; instead, you'll need a special bamboo whisk to prepare it.

This extra effort is because matcha isn't steeped like other teas are. It's consumed as a powder made from whole tea leaves, not cut or rolled like loose-leaf tea.

This full-leaf consumption is why matcha packs such a caffeine punch. The fine powder would not do well in a tea bag; if you tried to steep it, it would become clumpy.

Matcha originates from Japanese tea ceremonies, which explains its complicated preparation. It is also made with less water, so steeping it would dilute the flavor and consistency.