How Overseas Users Perceive Japanese Green Tea: Reactions from Social Media and Reviews

Japanese green tea, especially in its sweetened powdered form, has been gaining attention across international social media platforms and product review sites. While often marketed as “Japanese Green Tea” or “Matcha Green Tea,” the reactions reveal that many users view it differently than how it is typically perceived in Japan.

Trends Seen on Social Media

Surprise at the Sweetness

Many international users are surprised by how sweet some Japanese green tea products are.
Comments like “sweeter than expected” or “this tastes more like a dessert than tea” are common, especially when trying matcha latte mixes or green tea powders designed for cold drinks.

Strong Visual Appeal

Japanese packaging and design—such as clean labels, natural colors, or traditional motifs—are frequently praised.
Bright green powder and stylish bottles make these drinks highly photogenic and perfect for Instagram or TikTok.

Confusion with Matcha

Products labeled or tagged as “matcha green tea” are sometimes actually sweetened green tea mixes.
This leads to confusion, especially among users unfamiliar with the differences between pure matcha and sweetened green tea (which is often a blend of matcha and sugar).

Social media content often features green tea lattes or desserts, presented alongside captions expressing admiration for Japanese culture. Posts are particularly common from the U.S., Thailand, and Indonesia, with users sharing experiences like “I drank this in Japan!” or “Found this at my local Asian supermarket.”

Voices from Online Reviews

Mixed but Generally Positive Feedback

On platforms like Amazon and iHerb, reviews tend to range from 3 to 5 stars.
Positive comments mention the authenticity of the product, natural flavor, and trust in Japanese imports.
Negative comments often mention overly sweet taste or difficulty dissolving the powder in water.

Review Highlights

“Perfect sweetness for breakfast—I’ve bought this multiple times.”
“Hard to mix, tends to clump.”
“Tastes great when blended with milk.”
Many users suggest creative uses like mixing the powder into smoothies or protein shakes.

What People Appreciate Most

The “Made in Japan” brand identity adds perceived value and trust.
Japanese green tea products are seen as versatile—not just as beverages, but as ingredients for desserts or even wellness drinks.
Their aesthetic appeal and cultural connection enhance their reputation beyond just flavor.

Summary

Overseas impressions of Japanese green tea highlight a balance between high visual and brand appeal and varied opinions on sweetness and usability. While some users find the taste too sweet, many appreciate the packaging, perceived authenticity, and multi-purpose nature of these products. For global marketing, leaning into the Japanese brand image while clearly explaining product types can help bridge these cultural expectations.