About us

Muma Matcha has been created by our founders Emma and Chaz.

In Emma’s own words:
“Coffee used to leave me feeling anxious and unfocused—busy, but without real productivity. Then I found matcha, and it was a complete revelation both professionally and personally. But sourcing high-quality matcha in New Zealand was a challenge. I got tired of paying premium prices for low-quality, murky, dirt-tasting matcha. That’s when I set out on a mission to find the best matcha, which led me to the lush fields of Uji, Japan.

Initially, I sourced this premium matcha for myself, but I quickly discovered that my local community was facing the same struggle. Local cafés were also on the hunt for quality matcha. Naturally, I began sharing my supply with them, making a commitment to quality and authenticity. Now, I’m thrilled to bring this exceptional matcha to our “communi-tea,” so we can all enjoy the real deal.

The result? Pure, organic, A+ Grade ceremonial matcha.

I wanted to build a brand that made each sip a joyful, uplifting ritual because life’s too short for anything less. What got me hooked? The clear, calm, and focused energy matcha brought me all day. My skin began to glow, my hair felt stronger, and, as a bonus, I said goodbye to coffee breath! Running a company, leading a team, and now becoming a mum, my energy is my most valuable asset. I needed a way to feel fresh, clear, and ready to take on each day. Matcha helped me finally kick my coffee habit, and I haven’t looked back since.”

In Chaz’s words:
”I’ve been a coffee drinker for as long as I can remember! While it gave me energy at first, I found it wasn’t the focused energy I needed. In fact, I often felt more tired after my morning coffee than I did before drinking it.
Emma had been trying to convince me to give matcha a go, but I was way too attached to my coffee routine to even consider it. By the end of each week, though, I’d feel completely drained, and I knew my coffee habit was partly to blame.

Eventually, I made the switch to matcha. It took some time for my taste buds to adjust, but now I absolutely love it—it’s all I drink! Not only has it helped me feel clear and focused, but I’ve also come to enjoy the morning ritual of preparing it. It’s such a mindful and grounding practice. As I learned more about the traditions and history behind matcha, I became passionate about sharing authentic, high-quality Japanese matcha with our community. It’s been a transformative journey, and I’m so glad I made the switch!”

FAQs

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea made from the powdered leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.

Where does Muma Matcha’s Matcha come from?

Uji, Japan. Uji matcha powder is regarded as the highest grade of matcha in Japan, prepared using the youngest tea leaves. It's so named because it comes from the region of Uji, Japan, on the southeast border of Kyoto. The small city of Uji is renowned for its tea, and the region is widely considered to produce the best matcha.

How do you prepare Matcha?

1.Grab a bowl and whisk. If you don’t have a Matcha bowl, you can also use a large mug.
2. Add one teaspoon of Matcha powder
3. Pour in 1/8 cup of hot water
4. Whisk the Matcha powder. Whisk vigorously from side to side – either directly back and forth or in a zigzag pattern – to evenly disperse the powder in the water and create a foamy layer on top
5.Add hot or cold coconut milk
6. Enjoy!

See our step be step instructions on our ‘Our Matcha’ page.

How is Matcha processed?

Although from the same plant as green tea, matcha is grown differently. The plants are covered with bamboo mats during most of the growing period. This increases the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves giving the tea that characteristic bright green colour. Made from the youngest, freshest part of the plant, the leaves are steamed to preserve their colour and nutrients, then dried using a specialist tencha-ro machine. The stems and veins of the remaining “tencha” are removed and the leaves are ground to a fine powder. So, when we enjoy a cup of matcha we consume the whole leaf rather than just an infusion of its leaves.

What are the health benefits of Matcha?

Phytonutrients are chemical compounds found in plants which have a range of benefits for human health. Matcha contains several. Compounds called polyphenols are known to protect the body against disease and make an important contribution towards a healthy, balanced diet. Matcha tea is especially rich in these protective plant compounds, although the tea is not necessarily as high in the catechins that green tea is famed for.

Matcha is a concentrated source of polyphenols, chlorophyll, caffeine and L-theanine – all of which benefit brain function. As a stimulant, caffeine acts on the central nervous system, increasing energy metabolism throughout the brain as well as heightening alertness and memory performance. Caffeine also has antioxidant properties and in conjunction with the catechins in matcha, may help prevent the occurrence or progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

What does ‘ceremonial’ mean?

Ceremonial grade matcha is a type of matcha that is designed to be used in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality grade of matcha. It tends to be slightly more subtle and nuanced than culinary grade matcha.

What does the ‘muma’ in Muma Matcha mean?

Muma Matcha is, first of all, simply fun to say! But it’s more than just a name; it’s a tribute to Mother Earth, embodying our commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical organic farming, and eco-friendly packaging.

Muma Matcha embodies the spirit of Japanese tradition and respect for the natural world. Inspired by the concept of kami in Shinto belief, where every element in nature is thought to be alive with spirit and energy, Muma Matcha is a celebration of Mother Earth herself. Just as kami dwell in sacred places, Muma Matcha is a tribute to the natural beauty and strength found in every leaf of matcha, sourced with respect and care from Japan’s most revered tea-growing regions.

With each cup, Muma Matcha invites you to experience the warmth, nourishment, and mindful presence of a mother’s embrace. This alliterative name reflects the blend’s feminine spirit, gently reminding us to slow down, savor each moment, and live with a heart full of gratitude for the earth. It also represents our commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical organic farming, and earth-friendly packaging. Muma Matcha is more than a drink; it’s a connection to nature’s essence, encouraging us to live in harmony with the world around us.