Decaf Matcha 60g by Matcha Direct
This is the Decaf Matcha, my second matcha from Matcha Direct. I've never had decaf matcha before and didn't know it was an option, so I'm excited to try it. Sometimes I want a matcha in the evening without ruining my sleep! Matcha contains 60-80mg of caffeine per cup (if approximately 2g of powder in it). This is about the same amount of caffeine as in a cup of coffee; many people don't know this. According to guidelines from the FDA and EFSA, the maximum recommended amount of caffeine per day is 400mg (for adults).
By the way, if you are sensitive to caffeine or can’t take coffee well (jitters, the runs) - I was and am similar, but I’m tolerating matcha a lot better and have none of the symptoms I have with coffee. Just an anecdote. Maybe the L-theanine?
General Info
Their disclaimer on the page says:
This matcha, made using a specialized decaffeination process, may have a slightly lighter color and milder flavor compared to standard matcha. If you’re looking for the vivid green hue and classic taste of regular matcha, this product may not meet your expectations. However, for those who prefer reduced caffeine and still want to enjoy the health benefits of matcha, #052 Decaf Matcha is a great choice.
They use a process with water and supercritical carbon dioxide (that's also how decaf coffee is made) and the caffeine content is reduced from over 3% to just below 0.4%. When using 2g of matcha powder for 1 cup, the decaf matcha cup contains 4-8mg caffeine. The amino acids and catechins allegedly remain largely intact but the powder gets a yellowish tint. They also say the bitterness is lessened, resulting in a milder taste overall. Usually in normal matcha, bitterness is reduced by a longer shading period and replaces it with an umami taste and possibly even a subtle sweetness. They say they use first-harvest matcha with an extended shading period, presumably to make up for the slight flavor- and colorloss.
The info is, again, thorough:
At €39,90, it is slightly cheaper than their other matcha options, which is unusual, considering the extra care and processing steps needed. They actually made an announcement about this price change, stating that it is a niche product that they want to reach a wider audience, so they had to drop the price. Seems like they are possibly making a loss on it for now.
Because of the announcement, I became aware of an affiliate program they have, so I just want to quickly mention that I'm not a part of that and all links in here are not referral links, and neither are the ones in my other Matcha Direct review.
Color and Smell
Color is, as advertised, slightly yellowed in comparison to other matcha, but still looking fresh and powerful.
A picture of the powder in the sun; look at the fine powder at the handle of the spoon, too.
The smell, very close to its caffeinated ceremonial counterpart, is very nice and fragrant. It smells similar, just a bit weaker.
Taste
It’s like they say - the bitterness is reduced and it tastes more mellow. But it doesn’t taste boring, or like nothing - the bitterness stays slightly in the back of your throat as a more herbal, floral taste is in the foreground. I think it’s very pleasant and has a fitting taste to a decaf product - it just screams calm and cozy. I would advise against using too much, though; I tried to make a thicker tea with it (not quite koicha, but on the way there) and the taste was a bit weird; I could best describe it as sour and mossy.
Conclusion
While this doesn’t have complex bitterness, overt sweetness or a strong umami taste, it keeps all important aspects and taste direction of a matcha intact. I think this is a great choice for people sensitive to caffeine or who struggle with how intense matcha can taste. A great “beginner” matcha and gift for people who want to try it out, because the taste intensity is more balanced and a bit easier on the acquired matcha tastes. I don't yet have any other decaf matcha to compare the taste to; I might have to come back in the future and adjust the rating for once.
🍵🍵🍵🍵🍵 5 out of 5 matcha bowls.