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Original poster

Is matcha tea just horrible? How do I make it taste nice?

67 replies

Greedybilly · 14/09/2026 16:46

Just spent £8 on some matcha tea powder - interested in it's medicinal properties as have Long covid.
The problem is - it's horrible! Smells of fish and tastes bitter - any tips to make it palatable b4 I go back to PG tips? Thanks

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Original poster
Greedybilly · 14/09/2026 16:49

P.s put honey in it - bearable but not great tbh

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SerendipityCat · 14/09/2026 16:58

It can only be made palatable by throwing it forcefully in the bin and buying a box of decent teabags - Yorkshire for preference, Barry’s or Thompson’s are also acceptable.
Seriously, I’ve tried a couple of times to like matcha, but I suspect I’d get more flavour from brewing up a handful of grass cuttings. To me, it’s just another flavourless fad, like avocado.

LivingDeadGirlUK · 14/09/2026 17:00

I need to limit my sugar intake so use a vanilla flavoured stevia in mine which I enjoy.

Lomonald · 14/09/2026 17:01

I agree, if you want to like it I would maybe have it with ginger or something. Or buy the flavoured teabags.

Original poster
Greedybilly · 14/09/2026 17:03

Ha thanku all so basically hide the flavour or give up? Not giving up it cost me 8 quid ill drink it through gritted teeth and never buy it sgsin!!!

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PussyGaylore · 14/09/2026 17:04

You do get used to it. I drink it every morning. I started by having it with mint and then letting it go cold. I can drink it easily on its own now though I still prefer it chilled.

TigerRag · 14/09/2026 17:04

I tried one with strawberry in it. It was rather underwhelming

RaucousSwan · 14/09/2026 17:05

It definitely shouldn't smell of fish :-s Is your tea ceremonial grade? It may be pretty old/have been contaminated

WaneyEdge · 14/09/2026 17:05

It’s bloody awful. That’s why it’s always advertised with other flavours. Just cut your losses and buy some proper teabags!

FoxandDuck · 14/09/2026 17:09

It’s absolutely vile

Blarn · 14/09/2026 17:09

You can't! I like green tea and don't even mind green tea that I've forgotten about abd it's stewed a bit. But there's something about the taste of matcha I just can't get on with

Kitchendilemas · 14/09/2026 17:09

I love it. I make Matcha Lattes though.
i add a small amount of Vanilla Syrup (made for coffee). 2/3 glass of ice, milk & then pour the green Tea matcha on top.
I use Teds powder. 1 teaspoon in some hot water whisked & chilled in the fridge until needed.

Mindboggl · 14/09/2026 17:16

I make it taste nice by not ordering anything with matcha in it.

I don’t think it would be half as popular if it wasn’t green.

TamarindCottage · 14/09/2026 17:19

Greedybilly · 14/09/2026 17:03

Ha thanku all so basically hide the flavour or give up? Not giving up it cost me 8 quid ill drink it through gritted teeth and never buy it sgsin!!!

Sunk cost so bin it and revert to PG! 🤣

Lomonald · 14/09/2026 17:19

I see people with various foams and froths on their Matchas they can't possibly like it ! And any health benefits has to be cancelled by the amount of syrup and froth in them

Lomonald · 14/09/2026 17:20

My 20 something Dd and her Bf claim they like it but they just seem to swirl it around in cups 😀

rainbowsnack · 14/09/2026 17:22

I like it in an iced latte with lavender syrup and foamed-up oat milk. It can take a bit to get used to, but it certainly shouldn't smell fishy, which would suggest some contamination or low quality. Maybe try to get a refund.

Takoneko · 14/09/2026 17:24

I like matcha. Some bitterness is part of the flavour profile, but it shouldn’t be fishy. I like it as it is, well whisked with water that isn’t too hot, no sweeteners.

I also quite enjoy it poured over iced oat milk. If that fails, make a dessert with it. Matcha mille crepes and matcha tiramisu are great. Just be aware that there will be a lot of caffeine in there.

Original poster
Greedybilly · 14/09/2026 17:42

@LomonaldHahaha

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Original poster
Greedybilly · 14/09/2026 17:43

Hmmmm thanks for all comments I don't want to stick loads of syrup/flavour in but god it's awful.

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Original poster
Greedybilly · 14/09/2026 17:44

@TamarindCottage- ihear you but the frugal part of me can't bear to chuck it!

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BeanNaGealai · 14/09/2026 17:46

What temperature is the water you are using to make it? Anything over 80C makes it taste bitter.

AlwaysExtraHot · 14/09/2026 17:55

I like it. But it's grassy and slightly bitter IME, not fishy!
I wouldn't drink it with just water. I make lattes with foamed heated plain oat milk. You can obviously use any milk, and sweetened/flavoured ones if you prefer.

OddBoots · 14/09/2026 17:58

Do you drink protein shakes? It works well in a vanilla one.

Original poster
Greedybilly · 14/09/2026 18:19

Thanks for all comments but sadly I think it's going in the bin or maybe to my millennial neighbour x

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