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How to Store Matcha: Best Practices for Preserving Its Flavor and Color

How to Store Matcha: Best Practices for Preserving Its Flavor and Color

    Article published on June 2, 2026.

    Matcha is an exceptional Japanese green tea, renowned for its rich aroma, deep green color, and numerous health benefits. If you’d like to learn more about its origins, production, and properties, check out our comprehensive guide to matcha. However, its delicate nature also makes it particularly sensitive to its environment: air, light, heat, and humidity.

    Proper storage of matcha is essential to preserve:

    • its delicate, plant-based aromas,

    • its bright green color,

    • its nutritional properties,

    • its delicate texture and rich flavor.

    Learn how to store your matcha properly and avoid the most common mistakes.

    Why is matcha such a delicate tea?

    Unlike teas brewed from leaves, matcha is an ultra-fine powder produced by grinding green tea leaves. This texture significantly increases its surface area in contact with the air and makes it more vulnerable to external factors such as air, light, heat, and humidity. These factors naturally accelerate its oxidation and can compromise its quality. 

    Matcha that is not stored properly can quickly lose its vibrant green color, become more bitter, lose its aroma, and eventually see its nutritional value decline. Proper storage of matcha therefore plays a key role in its taste.

    Common mistakes to avoid

    The main mistakes to avoid are leaving matcha in an unsealed package or a container that isn’t sealed properly, allowing air and moisture to enter and causing the matcha to oxidize. You should also avoidexpose it to light or heat, asdirect light and high temperatures degrade the tea’s natural pigments and aromas.

    Another mistake would be to store it in the refrigerator without proper protection. This is because the refrigerator can cause condensation during temperature changes, and this moisture can alter the powder and cause the matcha to clump.

    Frequent temperature fluctuations should be avoided as much as possible. Temperature fluctuations make the product more fragile and accelerate its deterioration.

    The best way to store matcha

    An airtight, opaque container

    The key to proper storage lies first and foremost in the container. Matcha must be protected from air and light.

    Our cans were specially designed with this in mind:

    • 100% Japanese technology, widely recognized and difficult to replicate.

    • Printed directly onto the metal, without a label, for greater durability.

    • Airtight seal that minimizes oxidation.

    Why is metal ideal for matcha?

    Metal, and more specifically stainless steel, is widely used in Japan throughout the matcha production chain : the storage of leaves and powder, handling, and transportation. This material also ensures compliance with the strictest hygiene standards.

    In fact, this material is rust-resistant, neutral, has no effect on the taste or properties of the tea, is durable, and provides protection. It ensures optimal preservation without altering the product.

    Should you store matcha in the refrigerator?

    Contrary to popular belief, high-quality matcha stored in an airtight can does not need to be kept in the refrigerator.

    Our cans are designed to:

    • Store them simply in a cupboard at room temperature

    • Effectively protect against air, light, and moisture.

    • Avoid risks associated with temperature fluctuations and condensation.

    A dry environment with a stable room temperature is ideal.

    How long can matcha be stored?

    Before opening: Store for up to 12 months in a dry place away from light. Use by the expiration date printed on the bottom of the can. 

    Once opened: we recommend consuming it within 3 to 6 months. 

    For best results, we recommend consuming the matcha shortly after opening.

    Choosing the Right Matcha for Better Storage

    The quality of the packaging plays a key role. To preserve your matcha:

    • Choose airtight, opaque containers.

    • Avoid bags that don't provide much protection.

    • Choose sizes that suit your needs.

    Our Japanese cans are designed to offer convenience, hygiene, and optimal freshness, right in your home.

    How can you tell if matcha has been stored improperly?

    There are several signs that may indicate a loss of freshness, such as a more yellow or dull color, a less vegetable-like aroma, a more pronounced bitterness, or a coarser or clumpy texture.

    These changes are usually caused by excessive exposure to air, light, or moisture.

    FAQ

    Should matcha be stored in the refrigerator?


    No, not if your matcha is packaged in an airtight can like our Milia Matcha cans. A dry cupboard with a stable temperature is sufficient.

    Why is my matcha changing color?

    Matcha that turns yellow or loses its luster has often been exposed to air, light, or heat. This indicates oxidation and a loss of freshness.

    Does metal affect the taste of matcha?


    No. The stainless steel used in our cans is neutral and has no effect on the taste or properties of the tea. In fact, this is the material used throughout the production process in Japan.

    How long can you keep matcha after opening it?


    Ideally, within 3 to 6 months after opening to fully enjoy its flavors and benefits.

    How can you prevent moisture from getting into matcha?


    Be sure to always close the can tightly, use a dry spoon, and avoid sudden changes in temperature.