Shimane Organic Farm Japanese Mulberry Matcha - Caffeine-free, 3.52 oz

I purchased this mulberry "matcha" (I put it in quotes because it isn't by strict definition actually matcha, but it's not meant derisively) as a substitute for genuine matcha, after realizing that my caffeine sensitivity is real and relatively intense. (If you are reading this and are familiar with Ayurvedic principles, I am a Vata dosha through and through, so caffeine has a seriously deleterious effect on my body and mind.) However, I adore traditional matcha (made from green tea leaves). I love the flavor, the color, the scent, the froth, the ritual of preparing it...everything about it. So switching to this product, I had my reservations. That said, I am 100% a convert. Some reviewers have noted that it doesn't taste quite like matcha - - and no, it isn't going to taste exactly like it, being made from an entirely different plant. However, it shares a lot of the flavor profile I enjoy in traditional matcha - - a certain earthiness, a wholesome taste that can only come from plants. It has a similar bright green color that makes me happy on sight, and can be prepared in exactly the same way traditional matcha is, so it satisfies my desire for a mindful and calming morning ritual. Additionally, like traditional matcha, it is high in antioxidants and boasts a wealth of other health benefits. As to the downsides, I do agree that it doesn't froth as well (and the froth does not last as long) as does traditional matcha. Also, if not whisked well, you will get powder in the bottom of your cup. I can live with both of those things (whisking well took care of the latter problem, and the former problem I can get over, considering all the upsides). I also read some reviews that mentioned feeling the product is expensive. This is all relative, I suppose, but I find it a very good deal and super reasonably priced, especially against the price per ounce of a decent, ceremonial grade traditional matcha. Everyone's tastes and experiences are different. You can read 5 different reviews and get 5 very different ideas about this product. However, if you love matcha but have a caffeine sensitivity, I do highly recommend it. P.S. (If you are also a Vata dosha, some tips for counteracting the cooling properties of mulberry tea - - prepare it as a latte with a grounding non-dairy milk {I prefer oat}, and add a pinch of warming spice, such as ginger.)

After finding out I was pregnant, I immediately started to replace all my usual morning drinks with caffeine free versions but the most difficult to find caffeine free, by far, was my occasional morning matcha. For a time I was ordering traditional matcha (ceremonial grade, organic) just decaf. But the problem was, there were so few sellers and I ended up getting scammed from matcha kari ( matcha.com), which said I didn’t have a subscription but kept charging me anyways. Drinking decaf matcha has several downsides of which the most problematic is the l-theanine. Matcha nerds know that l-theanine is the “chillout” component of matcha that takes the edge off the high caffeine content. When the caffeine isn’t there, however, the l-theanine just kind of makes you sleepy. Which when you’re already pregnant and making it first thing in the morning, is almost guaranteed to knock you out— a far cry from the productive calm traditional matcha offers. Also don’t get me started on the price— I was blowing so much money on an herbal sleeping pill first thing in the morning. I was genuinely skeptical when I found out this isn’t genuine matcha because the top reviewer said it has a different flavor profile from “real” matcha. But honestly I could not tell the difference, and because the price point is so much more accessible I could reach a green color more vibrant than I could normally achieve even with traditional matcha. I guess it might have a slightly less bitter edge compared to the real thing but if you’re making sweet lattes it really isn’t going to really matter because the end notes are still sweet, and that green earthiness is still present in the middle. So unless you are an (affectionately proclaimed) matcha snob I really doubt you’ll notice the difference, to the point that I would genuinely compare it to when people claim to taste the difference between caffeinated or decaf coffee . Like— are you sure about that. It would be interesting to have a blind taste test and see if people could really tell the difference in latte form. I would keep this on hand even when introducing regular caffeinated (non mulberry) matcha to get that bright green color and save money, basically “cutting” it with the more affordable mulberry matcha since after a certain point the caffeine in regular matcha is just excessive (literally short circuits my caffeine tolerance for a few days, if you know you know haha) I would honestly not be shocked if current matcha retailers would do this anyways (“cut” their real matcha with mulberry matcha to make more $$) but either way I’m so glad I can stop spending excessive amounts of money on a contradictory product (decaf matcha? Get real haha). Definitely a loyal customer for life! The green color is so vibrant and absolutely rivals ceremonial grade matcha. Probably never going back to just 100% uncut matcha ever again. Who likes going broke for their morning drink - I’m all about healthy balance!

First time buyer and I’m so glad I bought it. The taste is not bitter and the fact that I can drink matcha 2-3x/day because it’s CAFFEINE FREE is so awesome. So far, no jitters, no crash. I added some mashed strawberries to my drink. Yum! Highly recommended!

I’ve ordered several mulberry matcha brands to try this year since my favorite brand recently went off market. This one hits all the marks! - Fresh, non-bitter flavor without being grassy at all. - vibrant “alive” green color - slightly creamy mouthfeel. Not slimy at all. - foams the slightest bit when whisked with a battery-operated frother. Just enough to keep the heat in the cup, and not too much to impede the experience. Holds the foam well after 5-10 min (see photo) - suspension: 10/10! Most mulberry leaf matcha I’ve tried aren’t ground finely enough and drops like a stone to the bottom and leaves grit of leaves in your mouth at the end of the cup. This photo is after 5 minutes of making the cup and leaving it undisturbed. I’d say 95% of the leaf is still suspended. - fairly priced Yay! So very happy. My search is over. Thank you, thank you for making a decent matcha replacement for those of us who can’t have caffeine.

I was genuinely impressed by how similar this mulberry matcha is to high-quality ceremonial matcha—especially in color, texture, and smoothness. It has a earthy flavor without being overly bitter. The biggest plus? It’s caffeine-free and much more affordable than traditional matcha, making it a great everyday alternative. It's a large size pouch - you get a lot for the price. I'm curious to know how this will work in baked goods but regardless this still hits the spot, for my match cravings. Great find!

Tastes terrible!

I bought this as a matcha replacement; it does satisfy the matcha cravings and is a good caffeine free option. However, it does not really taste like matcha. Matcha has a certain bitterness and more sharp flavor since it has caffeine. This is a caffeine-free product so it does not have that same bitterness. I would describe this flavor as less grassy and more fruity, and barley-like notes. It's still very yummy, and I never expected it to taste like matcha per se, well simply because it isn't matcha and it's another product. If you want something which tastes exactly like matcha, you're better off just buying matcha itself. I read that mulberry powder can reduce blood sugar levels, so those on medications for diabetes, should take into consideration this product may reduce blood sugar levels and it's important to monitor if needed.

Good size package. Tea seemed a little bitter at first, but a little honey corrected that for me. I could not get it to froth but that isn't a deal breaker for me. I needed caffeine free and this was the only choice. enjoy.