How Long Does Matcha Powder Last?

Last Updated on April 7, 2022 by Scott

Matcha is delicious and can be enjoyed in so many ways, from drinking it pure ceremonial style, or as a latte, or culinary matcha in baked into cookies. You may be wanting to use that matcha powder you bought a while ago, but wondering if it’s still good to consume.

Matcha tea powder will stay fresh for about 1 year if you properly store it. However, it’s important to note that it will be at its very peak quality for about 1 month after opening, then it may start to deteriorate.

The rest of this article is going to teach you more about matcha and how to tell if it’s safe to consume.

How Long Does Matcha Tea Powder Last If Unopened?

Unopened matcha tea powder will be good until the expiration or “best by” date that should be printed on the package. Generally, this is about 1 to 2 years. Once this time has passed, the matcha will start to lose quality and have a duller flavor, even if it hasn’t been opened at all.

The way you store your matcha powder also has an impact on how long it lasts. Even if you haven’t opened it yet, it’s important to store it in the right place so that it will stay fresh for as long as possible.

What’s The Best Way To Store Matcha Tea Powder?

Matcha powder should be kept in a cool and dark area such as the back of a pantry. Make sure that the place you store it in is free of any moisture or humidity, as this could cause it to go bad quicker.

Matcha should also be kept in an airtight container. Usually the package that it comes in works well, but sometimes it can be hard to seal back up once opened. If this is the case, you can transfer the matcha into a clean glass jar with a tight fitting lid so that it’s easier to put away.

Whatever you do, make sure that your matcha tea powder is away from any really high temperatures. This means that you shouldn’t store it near windows, ovens, or heaters. All of these have the potential to heat up the matcha, which will make it go stale a lot quicker.

Should Matcha Tea Powder Be Refrigerated?

Matcha powder can be refrigerated, but it’s usually not necessary. If you live in a very hot or humid environment, it will make more sense to store your matcha in the fridge. As long as it’s tightly sealed, the fridge may even help it stay fresh for longer.

If you do choose to keep your matcha powder in the fridge, be sure that the container is closed properly. Since matcha can easily absorb the odors in its environment, it’s important that it’s in an airtight container so it doesn’t end up smelling and tasting like whatever food is in your fridge. 

Can Matcha Tea Powder Go Bad?

Matcha powder can definitely go bad. When matcha has gone bad, it will start to lose its flavor and become stale tasting. If it’s been around for a really long time, old matcha can even start growing mold.

If you have some old matcha lying around that you want to use, it’s possible that it’s gone bad. This is a good thing to be aware of before making a big drink or batch of something with old matcha.

Is Old/Outdated Matcha Dangerous To Health?

Old matcha that has gone stale usually isn’t dangerous to your health. However, if the matcha has any mold growing in it, consuming it could lead to food poisoning. If you notice any mold in your matcha, definitely throw it out.

As long as there’s no mold growth, old matcha shouldn’t do you any harm. It may taste less flavorful, and maybe even a little gross, but it typically won’t be dangerous or cause you to get sick. 

How Do You Know If Matcha Tea Powder Has Gone Bad?

Fresh matcha powder should have a very bright green color, a grassy smell, and a fluffy texture. If your matcha is dull in color or has a yellow look to it, this is the first sign that it may not be super fresh. However, some brands of matcha (including many culinary matcha tea powders) are lower quality and have a more pale green or yellowish look to begin with, so keep this in mind when assessing your matcha.

You can also tell that your matcha powder has gone bad if it tastes or smells off. Matcha that has gone bad usually loses its smell. It might also taste bitter or dull, and if this is the case then it probably isn’t good anymore.

Lastly, matcha powder can grow mold in the right conditions. This usually happens if it’s been stored improperly and kept somewhere humid. If you notice any mold in your matcha, discard it immediately.

Conclusion

Matcha powder should last for a little while before it starts to go stale and lose its quality. Once it’s been around for a while, the powder might not taste as good, but most of the time it’s still perfectly safe to consume. 

Still, if you are particular about the taste of your matcha, it’s best to make sure that it is always staying fresh. This way, you can whisk the matcha into a traditional matcha bowl (ceremonial style) or pour it over hot or iced milk, and enjoy it without any strange flavors intruding.

We hope that this article has taught you more about matcha and helped you understand how to keep it fresh so that you can enjoy it for as long as possible.