Minerals in Matcha: Twice the Potassium of Sencha

Potassium is the most abundant mineral in tea. Japan's composition tables list matcha at 2,700 mg per 100 g — roughly twice the level found in sencha.

Zinc comes in at 6.3 mg. Manganese, iron, copper, and selenium appear in trace amounts.

Two reasons for the gap

Cultivation Matcha and gyokuro are both grown under shade, and mineral content runs higher in shaded leaf.

Preparation Some minerals dissolve poorly in water. Steeping sencha leaves them in the leaf, which is then discarded.

Matcha is ground leaf mixed into liquid, so poorly soluble components come through as well. From the same weight of tea, you receive more.

Per serving, the numbers shrink

Per 100 g looks substantial, but a single cup uses a small fraction.

If a 20 g serving of sweetened powder contains 5 g of matcha, potassium works out to roughly 135 mg. Not a meaningful dietary source of minerals.

If potassium intake is restricted

Some people managing kidney function are advised to limit potassium.

Matcha runs high relative to other teas by weight, so anyone in that situation should confirm with their physician or dietitian.

Labels usually omit minerals

Mandatory nutrition disclosure covers energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and salt equivalent. Minerals are not included.

Some products list them voluntarily; most do not. To estimate, apply the composition table figures to the matcha fraction of the blend.