Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Green Tea Powder: Why Prices Differ

Understanding the Cost Behind Each Type

Introduction

Green tea powder typically comes in two main types: sweetened and unsweetened.
At first glance, you might assume that unsweetened versions would be cheaper—after all, they contain fewer ingredients.
But surprisingly, sweetened green tea powder can sometimes be less expensive. Why is that?

In this article, we’ll explore how ingredients, manufacturing methods, and market demand influence the price of each type.

Ingredient Breakdown: What's Inside?

The biggest difference lies in what each product contains.

• Sweetened Green Tea Powder

  • Matcha or green tea powder
  • Sugar or other sweeteners
  • Sometimes: flavorings or stabilizers

• Unsweetened Green Tea Powder

  • Only matcha or green tea powder—no sweeteners or additives

It might seem like fewer ingredients = lower cost, but this isn’t always true when it comes to green tea.

Sugar Can Actually Lower Costs?

Surprisingly, sugar is one of the cheapest food ingredients available.
In many sweetened green tea products, sugar makes up the bulk of the blend, allowing manufacturers to reduce the amount of expensive tea powder while still offering a flavorful drink.

By contrast, unsweetened green tea powder contains a much higher percentage of actual tea leaves, which increases the raw material cost—especially if high-grade matcha is used.

Comparison Table

Aspect	Sweetened Green Tea	Unsweetened Green Tea
Tea Content	Lower (sugar is the majority)	Higher (mostly tea powder)
Ingredient Cost	Sugar helps reduce cost	Price tied to tea quality
Flavor Profile	Sweet and easy to drink	Bold, sometimes bitter
Shelf Life	Slightly longer	Shorter due to oxidation risk

Market Demand and Production Scale

Sweetened green tea powder is especially popular in Japan during summer months, when people enjoy it cold.
Because of this seasonal demand and wide appeal, major manufacturers produce it in large volumes, keeping prices relatively stable and affordable.

In contrast, unsweetened products appeal mostly to health-conscious consumers or tea connoisseurs.
The market is smaller, which often means smaller production batches—a factor that limits cost savings.

Real-World Pricing Trends (E-Commerce)

Here’s what you’ll typically see online:

• Sweetened:

  • Around ¥1,200–2,500 for 300g, tax and shipping included
  • Prices vary based on flavor balance and packaging (e.g., our standard version is ¥1,500, premium is ¥2,500)

• Unsweetened:

  • Generally ¥1,000+ for 100g
  • For high-grade matcha, 300g can exceed ¥3,000

Final Thoughts

Sweetened green tea powder offers a pleasant flavor and stable shelf life, while keeping production costs in check thanks to inexpensive sugar.
On the other hand, unsweetened versions rely heavily on tea quality, which naturally raises their price.

If you’re comparing products, consider how much actual tea is used, not just the number on the price tag.
Our lineup focuses on sweetened green tea powders that still deliver rich matcha flavor—ideal for both everyday enjoyment and thoughtful gifts.