Introducing Aka Matcha (A.K.A Black Tea Matcha)
What if your matcha was black instead of green?
We know—matcha is supposed to be green. But on our latest 2025 trip to Japan, we discovered something so unexpected that we had to bring it home: Organic Aka Matcha, a Japanese black tea turned matcha powder.
Wait... Black Tea Matcha?
When we say “matcha,” we usually mean finely ground, shaded green tea. It’s bright, grassy, and full of umami. Aka Matcha changes the rules. It’s made by grinding organic Japanese black tea into the same fine powder you’d expect from matcha—but with a bold, malty depth and natural sweetness that sets it apart.
How We Found It
I actually tried aka matcha for the first time during my sourcing trip last year from a different farm, but the tea wasn't great— and definitely not organic—so I passed.
But this year, while visiting the same organic farm that produces our fan-favorite Royal Matcha, I asked if they had anything interesting, and they brought out their Aka Matcha.
Most black teas turn bitter, is overly dry, and full of unpleasant tannins when ground into a powder (hence why black tea is not commonly ground like matcha).
But not this one.
How to Enjoy Aka Matcha
You can make this the same way that you make regular matcha with a matcha bowl and chasen (matcha whisk) to drink it straight.
Or try our favorite way—as a latte:
Because you’re drinking the whole leaf, it has a depth and richness you just can’t get from brewed tea.
Measurements:
2 grams of aka matcha powder
50 ml of 165°F (74°C) water
8 oz steamed milk
Instructions:
Whisk aka matcha powder with 50 ml of hot water using a chasen (matcha whisk)
Optional: mix in honey, brown sugar, or a sweetener of your choice to sweeten your latte
Pour in steamed milk of your choice for a hot latte, or mix with cold milk and pour over ice for an iced latte
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