Matcha Mania: How a Global Shortage Could Change Your Favorite Green Drink

-

Matcha Mania: How a Global Shortage Could Change Your Favorite Green Drink

Matcha, the vibrant green tea powder that’s taken the world by storm, is facing a global shortage in 2025, leaving fans of matcha lattes, smoothies, and desserts scrambling. From TikTok-fueled recipes to wellness influencers touting its antioxidant benefits, matcha’s popularity has skyrocketed, but Japan’s tea industry is struggling to keep up. Prices have doubled, cafes are facing supply delays, and some shops have imposed purchase limits. What does this mean for your daily matcha fix? This article explores the causes of the shortage, its impact on your favorite drinks, and practical ways to navigate the crisis, backed by insights from industry experts and recent reports.

Why Is There a Matcha Shortage?

The global matcha shortage, first reported in autumn 2024, stems from a perfect storm of surging demand, limited production, and environmental challenges. According to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, matcha production increased from 1,471 tons in 2010 to 4,176 tons in 2023, a 185% rise to meet global demand. Yet, this hasn’t been enough to satisfy the market, which is projected to reach $5 billion by 2028 with a 10.39% annual growth rate, per The Business Research Company. Here’s why the supply is strained:

  • Social Media Boom: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with 8.6 million #matcha posts and millions of views for #MatchaTok, have driven demand, especially for high-grade ceremonial matcha used in lattes. Influencers showcasing recipes have made matcha a lifestyle staple, particularly among Gen Z and millennials.
  • Tourism Surge: Japan welcomed a record 36.9 million tourists in 2024, many buying matcha in bulk as souvenirs or for resale, exacerbating shortages. Kyoto’s Ippodo Tea and Marukyu Koyamaen reported unprecedented sell-outs, with purchase limits imposed for the first time.
  • Climate Challenges: Heatwaves and unpredictable weather in 2025 reduced tencha (the leaf used for matcha) yields by 30–40% in Kyoto, per the Kyoto Tea Industry Association. Climate change affects leaf quality and quantity, disrupting harvests.
  • Labor and Production Limits: Matcha’s labor-intensive process—shade-growing tencha, hand-picking, and slow stone-grinding (40g per hour)—limits scalability. Japan’s aging farmer population (average age over 65) and declining tea industry workforce further constrain supply.

These factors have led to a supply-demand mismatch, with prices for tencha at Kyoto auctions soaring from ¥20,024/kg in 2024 to ¥43,330/kg in 2025, a 116% increase, per Uji Matcha Tea.

How the Shortage Affects Your Favorite Matcha Drinks

The shortage is hitting cafes, retailers, and consumers worldwide, with noticeable impacts on your go-to matcha beverages:

  • Higher Prices: Cafes like Sydney’s Moon & Back and Toronto’s 10 Dean report 10–30% price hikes for matcha lattes due to rising wholesale costs. In Singapore, artisanal matcha prices rose by $5 per 100g, per The Ethos. Consumers may see matcha lattes jump from $5–7 to $8–10 or more.
  • Supply Delays: Cafes face delays of weeks for matcha shipments, with some, like Second Cup, capping monthly purchases. This could lead to “sold out” signs for your favorite drinks.
  • Quality Shifts: The shortage primarily affects high-grade ceremonial matcha, leading some cafes to switch to lower-grade culinary matcha, which is coarser and more bitter, potentially altering the taste of your latte or smoothie.
  • Limited Availability: Retailers like Ippodo Tea have restricted sales to one tin per customer, making it harder to stock up at home. Online suppliers report restocks selling out in hours.

“Even tea ceremony schools in Japan suddenly couldn’t find the matcha they would usually buy,” said Anna Poian of the Global Japanese Tea Association, highlighting the shortage’s severity. For matcha lovers, this means planning ahead or adapting to changes in price and quality.

What Makes Matcha So Special?

Matcha’s appeal lies in its unique flavor, vibrant color, and health benefits. Made from shade-grown tencha leaves, matcha is ground into a fine powder, delivering a rich umami taste and higher caffeine (30–70mg per tsp) than regular green tea. Its L-theanine content promotes calm alertness without coffee’s jitters, while antioxidants like catechins support heart, bone, and gut health, per BBC Good Food. Social media has amplified matcha’s “clean girl” aesthetic, with cafes offering creative drinks like blueberry matcha lattes or matcha-infused cocktails. This versatility—used in lattes, desserts, and even skincare—has fueled its global craze, but its niche production (only 6% of Japan’s tea output) makes shortages inevitable when demand spikes.

Navigating the Shortage: Tips for Matcha Lovers

While the spring 2025 harvest (April–June) may ease shortages temporarily, experts like Yukino Matsumoto predict disruptions could persist for years. Here’s how to keep enjoying your matcha drinks:

  • Buy Early: Stock up on matcha before autumn, when supplies dwindle. Purchase from reputable suppliers like AKI Matcha or Uji Matcha Tea to ensure quality.
  • Choose Wisely: Opt for ceremonial-grade for drinking and culinary-grade for baking to preserve high-quality stocks. Check labels for origin (Uji or Shizuoka) to avoid low-quality dupes.
  • Explore Alternatives: Try other green teas like sencha or hojicha for a similar flavor profile with less strain on supply.
  • Support Local Cafes: Ask cafes about their sourcing to support those using authentic Japanese matcha, even if prices rise slightly.
  • Practice Mindful Consumption: Savor matcha in its traditional form (whisked with hot water) to appreciate its flavor and reduce waste, as suggested by the Global Japanese Tea Association.

Sample Matcha Latte Recipe:

  1. Sift 1 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha into a bowl.
  2. Add 2 oz hot water (175°F) and whisk until frothy.
  3. Heat 6 oz milk (or plant-based alternative) and pour over matcha.
  4. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.

This recipe maximizes flavor while using minimal powder, stretching your supply during shortages.

The Future of Matcha: Solutions and Challenges

Japan is taking steps to address the shortage. The government is offering subsidies to encourage farmers to grow more tencha, per The Japan Times. However, challenges remain:

  • Slow Production: New tea plants take five years to mature, and stone-grinding limits output, per Plant Based News.
  • Climate Impact: A 2021 study in Scientific Reports predicts reduced catechin levels in matcha due to climate variability, affecting quality.
  • US Tariffs: A 15% import tax on Japanese goods, announced in 2025, may further raise prices in the US, per BBC News.

Technology offers hope. Predictive analytics and demand forecasting can optimize supply chains, per Forbes. Some producers are exploring sustainable practices, like clean energy, to boost efficiency. Meanwhile, countries like China and Taiwan are increasing matcha production, though purists argue their quality doesn’t match Japan’s. “The Japanese have mastered the specific harvesting conditions,” said Rikko Osaki, a Shizuoka-based wholesaler, emphasizing the challenge of replicating Japan’s terroir.

Impact Beyond Your Cup

The shortage isn’t just about your latte—it’s reshaping Japan’s tea industry and cultural traditions. In Uji, the heart of matcha production, locals worry about over-tourism and the dilution of ceremonial practices as high-grade matcha is used in lattes or sweets. “It’s a bit sad to see high-grade matcha used in cooking, where its delicate flavor is lost,” said Atsuko Mori of Camellia Tea Ceremony. The Global Japanese Tea Association urges mindful consumption to preserve matcha’s heritage. On the flip side, the boom is a “gateway for more people to know about Japanese culture,” said tea master Rie Takeda, highlighting economic benefits as exports rose 25% to ¥36.4 billion in 2024.

Conclusion

The global matcha shortage is a wake-up call for fans of this beloved green tea. Driven by social media, tourism, and health trends, demand has outpaced Japan’s limited supply, leading to higher prices, delays, and potential quality shifts in your favorite drinks. While the spring 2025 harvest offers temporary relief, long-term challenges like climate change and labor shortages persist. By buying smart, exploring alternatives, and savoring matcha mindfully, you can keep enjoying your latte without breaking the bank. As the industry adapts with subsidies and technology, matcha’s future remains bright—but for now, sip wisely and cherish every vibrant green cup.

References

1. Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. (2025). Matcha Production Data. Link

[](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/02/23/food-drink/matcha-shortage-global-solutions/)

2. The Business Research Company. (2025). Global Matcha Market Report. Link

[](https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/matcha-shortages-likely-to-continue/)

3. Kyoto Tea Industry Association. (2025). Tencha Auction Prices. Link

[](https://ujimatchatea.com/blogs/news/matcha-shortage-price-increase-japan-2025)

4. Global Japanese Tea Association. (2025). Matcha Shortage Statement. Link

[](https://gjtea.org/unpacking-the-matcha-shortage-an-insightful-look/)

5. BBC News. (2025). Matcha Shortage and US Tariffs. Link

[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgq7w1n00xeo)

Popular posts from this blog

Here Are 9 Things That Will Happen To Your Body If You Start Eating 2 Eggs A Day

-
Image
A lot of times people have been questioning about the properties of the chicken eggs. Usually, they have been saying negative things. However, it has been proven that the composition of chicken eggs is actually very unique in several ways. Therefore, we have collected some evidence of recent studies, and in today's article we will talk about all the benefits chicken eggs can offer for the body. In fact, 2-3 eggs a day would be the perfect daily dose of eggs. 9 Things that Will Happen if You Eat 2 Eggs a Day 1. Slowing Down of the Aging Process One study which was conducted by Dutch scientists claimed that 87% of women from 35 to 40 years old consumed eggs and they managed to get rid of their age spots. What is more, their skin was lifted as well. Also, the wrinkles around the eyes that appeared in men smoothed as well. 2. Useful When Planning Children The B vitamins are a part of the formation of the sex hormones. for instance, B9 vitamin, ...
Read more

Cluster Headache Relief: Tips and Remedies to Feel Better

-
Cluster headaches are a rare form of headaches that are marked by debilitating one-sided pain. Cluster headaches derive their name from their occurrence in groups (clusters). They are also known as “suicide headaches,” owing to their reputation of rendering the suffering individual drained and exhausted after an attack. However, neurologists like  Dr. James Berheimer  who is also certified in Clinical Neurophysiology, and has been working in the field for nearly two decades, consider this condition to be largely “non-threatening” as it does not result in any long-term health complications. Cluster headaches involve the trigeminal nerve of the face. The hallmark symptom of a cluster headache is a deep, burning pain around on eye (the site of the trigeminal nerve). This period of intense pain is the attack that can occur several times throughout the day/week(s)/month(s), hence the name cluster. [1] Cluster headaches tend to occur five to six times more in men ...
Read more

How Community Gardens Are Transforming Neighborhoods: Health, Unity, and Growth

-
Image
How Community Gardens Are Transforming Neighborhoods: Health, Unity, and Growth How Community Gardens Are Transforming Neighborhoods: Health, Unity, and Growth Community gardens are no longer just patches of soil and plants—they have become a vital part of urban living, bringing people together and contributing to both individual and collective well-being. These thriving gardens can transform neighborhoods, fostering a sense of unity while promoting a healthier lifestyle. But what exactly makes community gardens so special, and how can they help improve the health of individuals and the strength of the community as a whole? Let’s take a closer look. The Health Benefits of Community Gardens One of the most obvious benefits of community gardens is their positive impact on health. Growing fresh vegetables and herbs right in your neighborhood not only ensures access to nutritious food but also encourages healthy eatin...
Read more