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Nomu Matcha FAQs

Nomu Matcha exists because great matcha should be accessible to every Drinker in New Zealand, not just the ones who already know what to look for.

Here you'll find honest answers about how we source, what's in every tin, how to make it, and where to find us. No fluff. No sh!t matcha. Just everything you need to know about the best matcha powder in NZ.

Why Nomu Matcha

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Why Nomu Matcha?

Why are you on a mission to prevent us from drinking sh!t matcha?

It started with a bad matcha in a London café.

Nomu co-founder Tessa kept encountering the same problem: bitter, clumpy matcha masked with sugar and flavourings, and nobody seemed to be talking about it. So Tessa did.

She went directly to NZ café owners and spoke with Japanese businesses and found the same thing everywhere: a genuine lack of knowledge about what quality matcha actually is, challenges in accessing great matcha powder in NZ, and lack of familiarity on how to prepare it properly.

Those conversations became Nomu. A mission to make world-class matcha accessible to everyone, not just the people who already know what to look for.

Watch the Nomu origin story on TikTok.

What makes Nomu Matcha different from other NZ matcha brands?

What sets Nomu apart is how far we went to find great matcha, and what we do with it. Most brands slap "ceremonial matcha" on a tin and call it a day.

We flew to Uji, Japan, the birthplace of matcha, and found a third-generation family farm who didn't just become our supplier, they became our advisers. That relationship means we're constantly learning and deeply respecting matcha for what it truly is. Uji's tightly rolled, firm leaves produce smooth, bold matcha powder: no clumps, no bitterness, no bullsh!t.

We also go beyond ceremonial grade. Nomu is made from first-harvest leaves: okumidori, samidori, and yabukita cultivars. Then, we lab-test Nomu matcha to prove it delivers the antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins you should expect.

Follow Nomu's journey on Instagram.

How did Nomu find its matcha supplier?

It started in 2023 with a lot of emails and a very clear vision of what Nomu needed to be.

Tessa narrowed the search by prefecture, grade, and cultivar — visiting Uji, Japan in February 2024 to meet the shortlist in person. Three suppliers made the cut. The decision came down to more than product quality. Nomu needed a partner, not just a supplier — a generational family business who understood the significance of matcha and shared the mission to make it accessible to New Zealand and beyond.

They found both.

The two blends Tessa was deciding between during that trip? They became the ceremonial and premium blends you can buy on Nomu today.

Watch the Uji trip on TikTok | Shop Nomu Ceremonial Matcha | Shop Nomu Premium Matcha

Is Nomu affected by the matcha shortage?

Yes. And we're not going to pretend otherwise. Here's our take on the global matcha shortage.

Global demand for Japanese matcha has tripled since 2010, but the farms and traditional stone grinders that produce it can't keep pace. The result is real: supply shortages, rising prices, and more low-quality matcha flooding the market as brands cut corners to keep up.

Nomu isn't one of them. We flew to Uji to meet our supplier directly, understand the pressures at farm level, and lock in how we continue to bring no sh!t matcha to New Zealand. Our direct relationship with a third-generation Uji family farm means no middlemen, no scrambling for supply, and no compromises on quality ever.

Prices are up across the industry. Ours aren't. You're welcome.

Read Nomu's take on the global matcha shortage and why we refuse to cut corners.

Is your matcha legit? Are you just matcha for the pilates, activewear-as-fashion set?

Nomu is absolutely for the wellness crowd. And the tradie on-site, the uni student pre-lecture, the hairstylist between clients, the radiology registrar on a double shift, and the Mai FM DJs who came in sceptical and left converted. (We got proof of the conversion too via @MaiFM_ TikTok.)

Nomu exists because great matcha should be accessible to any Drinker who wants it, wherever, however, whenever. That's why we make it easy to prepare, easy to take on the go, and impossible to get wrong.

Shop Nomu Matcha

Is Nomu Matcha high quality or just well-marketed?

Both, actually. We put as much effort into sourcing as we do into the packaging, the posts, the website, the events, and the partnerships.

Nomu matcha is shade-grown, and stone-ground in Japan: the standard that defines quality matcha. The pretty tin just means you won't hide it in a cupboard.

We back ourselves. That's why we lab-test every batch and publish the results. Great matcha and great marketing aren't mutually exclusive.

We just refuse to settle for one without the other.

Keep up with Nomu via Instagram and TikTok.

Why does Nomu lab-test its matcha?

Because you deserve to know exactly what's in your matcha powder, and most brands can't tell you.

Lab-testing isn't standard practice in the matcha industry. We do it anyway, because we'd rather prove what's in every tin than ask you to take our word for it. Nomu matcha is independently tested to confirm it delivers antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids, including L-Theanine.

For instance: Each 2g serve of Nomu matcha delivers 30mg of L-Theanine, 170mg of catechins, and 68mg of caffeine. Email hello@nomumatcha.com for any questions about our lab testing regime.

See why quality matters to Nomu.

Drink Nomu Matcha

How do you spot bad or sh!t matcha?

Honestly? Everyone's palate is different, and the most important thing to us is that you enjoy drinking matcha. If you've found one you love that doesn't tick every box we've listed, you do you. But we do recommend giving Nomu a go, it's pretty good. No sh!t.

Here's what to look for:

Colour: Good matcha is vibrant green. Sh!t matcha is muddy or dull green. That said, some high-quality organic matcha can have a slightly less vibrant colour.

Taste: Good matcha is smooth, packed with taste and pleasant. Sh!t matcha is bitter, grassy, and harshly astringent.

Texture: Good matcha has zero clumps. Sh!t matcha is clumpy.

Serving: Good matcha is consistent per gram. Sh!t matcha needs more powder per cup just to taste like anything.

Grade and harvest matter enormously. Ceremonial grade comes from first harvest leaves (the finest pick of the season), while Nomu's premium blends first and second harvest. The difference shows up in colour, flavour, and everything in between.

The difference is in the source, the grade, and the grind, which is exactly why we flew to Uji and lab-test every batch.

Shop Nomu Matcha

Which cafes use Nomu Matcha?

If you're looking for a café serving quality matcha in New Zealand: Nomu is served and stocked across New Zealand: from Kaitaia to Queenstown, Hamilton to Dunedin, and plenty in between. You'll find us at independent cafés, plus Farro Fresh in Auckland, and select New World North Island stores.

Find your nearest Nomu cafe and retailer.

Want to stock Nomu at your café or store? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch by email.

Does Nomu Matcha powder expire?

Nomu matcha has a 12-month shelf life. Once opened, we recommend using your tin as soon as possible or within 3 months.

Store Nomu matcha powder in the fridge. Matcha is sensitive to light, air, and moisture, and the Nomu tin is designed to protect against all three. The fridge keeps it at its best for longer.

Drinking Nomu on the go? Our sachets are pre-measured, sealed for freshness, and ready wherever you are.

Shop Nomu On-the-Go bundle, with matcha sachets.

Are Nomu matcha sachets soft plastic recyclable?

Our 80g Pouch, as well as our On-the-Go sachets and their outer pouch, are recyclable through New Zealand's soft plastics recycling scheme, the same bins you'll find at retailers nationwide.

Just make sure your packaging is clean, dry, and empty before dropping it in.

Find your nearest soft plastics recycling bin here.

How do I make the switch from coffee to matcha?

You don't have to. Plenty of Nomu Drinkers drink coffee and matcha. Matcha just gives you another option, and for some, it becomes the one they reach for first.

Nomu's origin story actually starts with a coffee drinker. Our co-founder Tessa ordered a decaf at 7am in a London café, the barista raised an eyebrow, and suggested she try matcha instead. She did. The rest is Nomu.

If you're curious about how matcha compares to coffee: a double espresso drink averages 210mg of caffeine (source: Health NZ). A 2g serving of Nomu matcha contains 68mg. If you're usually drinking a double shot flat white, matcha might actually be the lighter option.

The best way to start? Try Nomu as your morning drink for a week and see how you feel. No rules. No commitment. Just good matcha.

What is L-Theanine and why is matcha a good source of it?

L-Theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. Matcha is considered one of the richest sources of it because of how the plant is grown. Shade-growing in the weeks before harvest increases its chlorophyll and L-Theanine.

Each 2g serving of Nomu matcha contains 30mg of L-Theanine, confirmed by independent lab testing.

Want to see the full lab results? Email hello@nomumatcha.com.

Is Nomu Matcha safe to drink during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

This is a question and conversation we encourage you to have with your midwife or doctor.

What we can tell you is that we lab test our matcha. Each 2g serving of Nomu matcha contains 68mg of caffeine, 30mg of L-Theanine, and 170mg of catechins. Share that with your healthcare provider and let them guide you.

Email us at hello@nomumatcha.com with any other questions about what's in your Nomu.

Must I use a whisk when preparing matcha?

Traditionally, yes. A bamboo whisk (chasen) is the ceremonial way to prepare matcha, and it's a ritual we deeply honour and respect.

But also: Nomu was built on the belief that accessibility matters as much as tradition. The right tool is whatever the moment calls for.

At home with time to spare? The Nomu Sip Happens Box has everything you need: ceremonial grade matcha, a 100% bamboo whisk, and a Nomu sifter-spoon for a perfectly smooth matcha, every time.

On the go? The Nomu Matcha On-The-Go Bundle, with matcha sachets, matcha tumbler, and matcha shaker, was designed for exactly that. Sachet. Shake. Sip. Silky-smooth matcha in 60 seconds, no whisk required.

How do I achieve the perfect matcha microfoam?

We got your fix. The paste method of mixing matcha will give you that perfect green microfoam for smooth matcha every time.

First: Start with quality matcha, like Nomu. Nomu ceremonial matcha is stone-ground, ultra-fine powder that disperses easier, making for a better foam. Clumpy, sh!t matcha won't froth no matter how hard you whisk.

Grab your chasen (whisk) and soak it in hot water so when it's time to whisk, it minimises the breakage of the bamboo.

Get your ratios right. Too much water dilutes the matcha and makes creamy microfoam nearly impossible:

Matcha paste method ratios: 4g Nomu Matcha + 15ml room temperature water + 30ml hot water (~70°C–80°C)

Use the Nomu spoon to sift 4g matcha powder into your chawan and add the 15ml room temperature water. Swirl your whisk around the bowl to break up the powder and make a paste.

Then, add 30ml of hot — not boiling — water to the bowl and whisk back and forth in a W motion for 40–60 seconds. Not circular (that was the last step). W. That's where the microfoam happens.

Drag your chasen across the surface of the froth to break up any bigger bubbles.

You'll know your microfoam is ready when you have a beautiful velvety froth with no big bubbles in it.

New to the chasen? The Nomu Ceremonial Sip Happens Box includes a 100% bamboo whisk and ceremonial grade Nomu matcha, everything you need to get matcha microfoam right.

What temperature of water is best for mixing or dissolving matcha?

The sweet spot is 70–80°C, as warm as you can touch. Boiling water will burn matcha and you don't want that.

One exception: If you're using the paste method for velvety microfoam, you'll want to start with 15ml room temperature water, then add 30ml hot water and whisk.

Must I put a whole-ass dessert in my matcha for it to be worthy of social media?

Hard no. But also, no judgement if you do.

Matcha is one of the most dynamic drinks you can make: traditional or explorative, simple or over-the-top. A ceremonial matcha with just water is just as valid as a matcha soft serve situation. The point is that you're enjoying it.

Nomu isn't here to gatekeep how you drink your matcha. Sip it straight. Make it a latte. Turn it into a dessert. Post it on your socials, or don't. The only rule is that it shouldn't taste like sh!t. With Nomu, it won't.

And if you're ever looking for matcha inspo, you know where to find us on Instagram and TikTok.

Iced matcha layers in a strawberry matcha — how do people get them so clean?

It's all about density. Liquids layer cleanly when heavier ones sit beneath lighter ones. Pour them in the wrong order and everything blends into one green situation.

Here's the order to follow for bold colourful layers in your matcha latte:

1. Purees and syrups first. Strawberry puree, maple syrup, or any flavoured syrup goes in the glass first. It's the heaviest layer and the one that makes trending drinks such as strawberry matcha so visually striking.

2. Ice next. It acts as a buffer between your layers and slows the mixing.

3. Milk or milk alternative. Dairy, oat, almond, pour it gently over the ice.

4. Matcha. Pour slowly directly onto the ice cubes so they hold the matcha. The ice disperses the flow and keeps the layers clean.

5. Cold foam or whip last. It floats naturally on top. Just spoon or gently pour it on.

The cleaner your matcha is, no clumps, fine grind, properly whisked, the more distinctly it layers. Sh!t matcha sinks and muddies. Nomu doesn't.

Are there dairy-free matcha drink options?

More than you'd think, starting with the most traditional: matcha and water. No milk, no fuss. Just matcha as it's been prepared in Japan for centuries.

The simplest dairy-free option is matcha with coconut water. Naturally sweet and light, and nothing like a milky latte. It's a great entry point if you're curious about drinking matcha differently.

From there, it gets interesting. A matcha tonic is sharp and refreshing. Matcha yuzu is citrusy and complex. Fruit-flavoured sparkling water (or harder) makes a brilliant matcha sparkler.

Oat, almond, and soy all work beautifully as milk alternatives too, if you want the latte experience without the dairy.

Nomu is smooth and bold enough to hold its own in all of them. Start somewhere, then explore.

We're always sharing new takes on matcha over on Instagram and TikTok.

Does sweetener affect the flavour of matcha or just mask it?

You shouldn't need to add sweetener to high quality matcha. Good matcha stands on its own.

But if you want a sweet hit, Nomu's pick is maple syrup. It adds a gentle sweetness without competing with the matcha. Honey and manuka honey can work, but tend to overpower subtle cultivar notes.

Whatever you add, you do you. We want to make great matcha accessible, not here to yuck your yum.

Can I drink matcha on an empty stomach?

We're not doctors, so always ask your GP if you have questions about wellness.

That said: Some Drinkers start their day with a slow matcha ritual: whisk, pour, and savour a few quiet minutes before the world starts.

How you Nomu is up to you.

Buy Nomu Matcha

Is Nomu in all New World stores?

Nomu is currently stocked in select New World stores across the North Island, plus Farro Fresh in Auckland. Watch this space for new retailer announcements.

The full list of stockists, cafés, and markets is on our Find Us page.

Find your nearest Nomu.

Does Nomu Matcha offer discount codes?

Rarely, and intentionally so.

Nomu Matcha is priced to reflect what it actually costs to source world-class matcha: a third-generation family farm in Uji, Japan, first-harvest leaves, and independent lab testing. Discounting undermines the supply chain we've worked hard to protect, and we're not willing to do that.

What we do offer to ensure great matcha is accessible to everyone: great events at New World and cafes, merch drops, giveaways — we even sent two Drinkers to Japan to meet our suppliers.

Follow us on Instagram or TikTok, or join our email list for the chance to win a $100 Nomu voucher to spend at nomumatcha.com. Our email subscription link is at the bottom of every Nomu Matcha web page.

And if you're a true Drinker, there's somewhere you should be.

Will Nomu have a Black Friday sale?

We can neither confirm nor deny. What we can say: Black Friday 2026 falls on 27 November, mark it.

The Drinkers who follow us on Instagram and TikTok, or are on our email list, tend to hear things first. There are giveaways, merch drops, and the occasional treat for those paying attention.

Scroll on down to the footer of our website to subscribe to our emails and go into the draw to win a $100 Nomu voucher.

How much is shipping?

We ship across New Zealand with rates based on your location:

Auckland: $6.99
Rest of North Island: $8.50
South Island: $9.50
Rural delivery: add $6.00

Spend over $120 NZD and shipping's on us. Aussie Drinkers, you're covered too: free shipping on orders over $150 AUD.

For international orders, reach out at hello@nomumatcha.com and we'll sort you out. Full details on our Shipping Policy page.

Does Nomu Matcha offer corporate gifting?

Yes, and a Nomu gift set lands beautifully. No sh!tty corporate gifts here.

Nomu makes a genuinely memorable gift for clients, colleagues, and teams. Sophisticated without being stuffy, and a brilliant alternative for recipients who don't drink alcohol or want to skip the usual coffee hamper. The Nomu Ceremonial Sip Happens Box (ceremonial grade matcha, a bamboo whisk, and a Nomu spoon) arrives ready to gift, no wrapping required.

It's the thoughtful gift a real estate agent sends new homeowners after settlement.

The thank-you that makes a client feel genuinely considered.

And if you're stocking the office kitchen, Nomu Matcha is the upgrade your team will actually notice.

For orders of five boxes or more, reach out directly via email and we'll take care of you.

Place your corporate order before 15 October 2026 to guarantee delivery in time for the holidays.