Why "Green Tea" and "Matcha" Are Often Confused Overseas
A Look at Mislabeling and Cultural Differences
In English-speaking countries, the term “green tea” is used widely and often inconsistently. This has led to confusion—particularly between traditional Japanese matcha and other green tea-based drinks or powders. From product labels to café menus, let’s explore how “green tea” is used overseas and why it often causes misunderstandings.
1. Blurred Lines Between “Green Tea” and “Matcha”
While “green tea” in English typically refers to brewed tea made from green tea leaves, the term is also used for matcha, the finely ground powdered tea traditionally used in Japan. As a result, many examples of overlap exist:
- A menu may list a “green tea latte”, but the drink is made with matcha powder
- “Matcha ice cream” is often labeled as “green tea ice cream” in stores
- Tea bags labeled “green tea” may contain a small amount of matcha and say “matcha infused”
This inconsistent usage leads to confusion, especially among consumers and tourists who expect one thing but receive another.
2. Vague Product Labeling in Retail
On international e-commerce sites and supermarket shelves, you’ll find green tea-related products with vague or misleading descriptions:
- Products called “Green Tea Powder” may be 100% matcha
- Items labeled “Matcha Green Tea” don’t make it clear which ingredient dominates
- Drinks may say “no sugar” but actually contain sweeteners, or claim “matcha flavor” while using only green tea powder and artificial flavoring
These issues often arise due to cultural translation gaps, marketing choices, or lack of familiarity with Japanese tea traditions.
3. Menu Confusion in Cafés and Restaurants
Even dining out can lead to misunderstandings. Menu listings like “green tea” don’t always specify the style or whether sweeteners are added:
- An iced green tea might turn out to be a sweet matcha latte
- A hot green tea may be a plain sencha-style tea bag
- Green tea cake is usually made with matcha sponge, not regular brewed green tea
Because “green tea” is used as a broad category, diners often experience something quite different from what they expected.
4. Customer Reviews Reveal the Confusion
Review sites and social media posts from tourists and locals alike show signs of this mismatch:
- “I ordered a matcha latte but just got regular green tea.”
- “Bought green tea ice cream, but it was way too sweet—not what I imagined.”
These comments suggest that concepts familiar in Japan—such as sweetened green tea powder ("グリーンティー")—don’t always translate clearly abroad.
Conclusion: The Need for Clearer Labeling and Education
In English-speaking markets, “green tea” and “matcha” are often used interchangeably, leading to consumer confusion. These mix-ups reflect deeper differences in language, culture, and commercial practices.
For producers and marketers, especially those exporting Japanese tea products, it's increasingly important to offer clear descriptions, accurate translations, and visual cues. Helping customers understand what they're buying can go a long way toward building trust—and enjoyment.
