How Is Green Tea Powder Made?
A Beginner-Friendly Look at the Production Process
Green tea powder is popular for its convenience—you just mix it with water or milk.
But have you ever wondered how it’s made from tea leaves?
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how sweetened green tea powder (the kind commonly sold in Japan) is produced.
1. Selecting and Harvesting Tea Leaves
The main ingredient is green tea leaves, usually from matcha or sencha varieties.
Producers choose specific cultivars—like Yabukita—based on color, aroma, and how easily the tea dissolves when powdered.
2. Drying the Tea Leaves
Once harvested, the leaves are quickly steamed to stop oxidation and preserve their vibrant green color and fresh aroma.
They are then carefully dried to remove moisture, which helps prepare them for grinding.
3. Grinding into Powder
The dried leaves are ground into a fine powder using specialized machines.
Unlike traditional matcha (which uses stone mills), green tea powder is usually made with high-speed grinders for efficient mass production.
4. Blending with Other Ingredients
To create sweetened green tea, the powdered tea is blended with:
- Sugar (to create the signature sweetness)
- Flavorings (to enhance aroma)
- Dairy ingredients (optional, for creaminess)
These ingredients are mixed uniformly to produce the familiar sweet, mild flavor of green tea powder.
5. Packaging the Product
The finished powder is packaged based on how it will be used:
| Package Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Stick Packs | Single-serving, great for on-the-go use |
| Canisters | Ideal for home use; more cost-effective |
| Bulk Packs | Used in restaurants or food production settings |
After packaging, products go through inspection and distribution before reaching consumers.
Summary
Green tea powder goes through five key steps:
leaf selection → drying → grinding → blending → packaging.
Behind the simplicity of “just add water” lies a carefully crafted process that ensures flavor, quality, and convenience.
Understanding this process can make your next cup of green tea even more enjoyable!
