Who is Matcha Yu Tea?

Matcha Yu Tea is a Victoria, Australia brand sourcing matcha directly from Kyushu, Japan. Its matcha is milled fresh to order, with Everyday Matcha for lattes and Premium Ceremonial Grade for traditional tea.

Premium Ceremonial Grade uses organic ichibancha, first-harvest leaves picked from late April to mid-May. Tezumi hand-picking selects tender leaves while avoiding machine-harvest bruising.

Products

Matcha Yu Tea products

Matcha Yu Tea has 1 product on the platform.
Matcha Yu Tea logo

Matcha Shaker and Bamboo Chashaku Set

The Matcha Shaker set pairs a Tritan shaker designed and made in Japan with a removable steel sieve and bamboo chashaku for frothy matcha.

Videos

Matcha Yu Tea videos

Authentic Japanese matcha sourced from Kyushu

Browse the gallery to see 26 videos about matcha.

Matcha Yu Tea in details

Matcha Yu Tea brings the authentic taste of Japan to Australia and beyond, sourcing freshly milled ceremonial grade matcha directly from Japanese farms each month. Founded eight years ago by Erin Lindwall in Melbourne, the brand emerged from a simple frustration: the matcha available in Australia couldn’t match the vibrant, smooth taste Erin experienced during her time in Japan.

From Personal Discovery to Award-Winning Quality

Erin’s journey with matcha began over a decade ago as a healthier coffee alternative. After experiencing the genuine article in Japan—where she noticed increased energy, better immunity, and healthier skin—she returned home determined to share that same quality with Australian tea drinkers. Matcha Yu Tea now holds multiple accolades, including the 2024 Golden Leaf Awards and 2024 World Taste Awards, with over 250 five-star customer reviews.

Freshness That Makes the Difference

What sets this Victoria-based company apart is its commitment to monthly sourcing and refrigerated shipping. The matcha arrives freshly milled from Kyushu, transported via air freight and kept refrigerated until it reaches customers. This process preserves the vibrant green color, robust foam, and smooth, creamy finish that defines premium ichibancha ceremonial grade matcha.

Every product contains zero sweeteners or additives—just pure matcha powder that delivers sustained energy without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee.

Beyond the Bowl: Complete Matcha Experience

The brand offers more than just tea powder. Customers can explore:

  • Ceremonial and everyday grade matcha alongside hojicha and genmaicha varieties
  • Traditional tea sets with authentic whisks, bowls, and storage containers
  • Handmade matcha and hojicha infused chocolates crafted in Melbourne
  • Educational resources and tutorials for both beginners and enthusiasts

Sustainability Meets Tradition

Matcha Yu Tea packages all products in 100% zero-waste, home-compostable materials. This environmental commitment extends throughout their operations, based on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation.

For regular matcha drinkers, subscription services provide convenient deliveries with discounts, ensuring fresh supplies arrive consistently. Wholesale options support cafes and retailers seeking authentic Japanese matcha for their customers.

About the Matcha Yu Tea Matcha

Matcha Yu Tea offers two distinct matcha grades, each milled fresh to order to preserve flavor and nutritional value.

Product range

  • Everyday Matcha — an economical yet high-quality grade for daily use, well suited to matcha lattes.
  • Premium Ceremonial Grade — crafted from organic, first-harvest leaves (ichibancha), delivering exceptional color, aroma, and a remarkably smooth finish ideal for traditional tea ceremonies.

Quality

The ceremonial grade uses first-harvest leaves picked between late April and mid-May, when young, tender leaves carry vibrant color and a rich nutrient profile. Hand-picking, known as tezumi, selects only the finest leaves and avoids the bruising machine harvesting can cause.

Harvest location

Matcha Yu Tea sources all its matcha directly from Kyushu, Japan, one of the country's renowned tea-producing regions, emphasizing authentic cultivation and traditional harvesting.

Harvest Timing

The premium ceremonial grade uses ichibancha, the first harvest, gathered between late April and mid-May. At this time the young, tender leaves hold the most concentrated nutrients and develop the vibrant green color of superior matcha.

Picking and Freshness

Harvesting uses tezumi, a meticulous hand-picking technique that selects only the finest leaves while avoiding the bruising machine harvesting can cause. Matcha Yu extends its focus on freshness by milling fresh to order rather than holding pre-ground inventory, protecting delicate flavor compounds so customers receive matcha at peak quality. Sourcing from Kyushu connects the brand to Japan's tea heritage.

Matcha Yu Tea History

Matcha Yu Tea was founded by Erin Lindwall in Victoria, Australia, after living in Japan and finding that locally available matcha lacked the authentic taste she had experienced abroad.

Her interest in matcha began over a decade earlier, sparked by a youthful fascination with Japanese culture. The company set out to directly source fresh, high-quality Japanese matcha for Australian consumers.

January 1, 2016

Company Foundation

Erin Lindwall founded Matcha Yu Tea in Victoria, Australia, approximately 8 years ago with the mission to directly source high-quality, authentic Japanese matcha after being disappointed with locally available options following her time living in Japan.

January 1, 2014

Erin's Matcha Journey Begins

Erin Lindwall began her personal matcha journey over 10 years ago, initially sparked by her fascination with Japanese culture in her youth. She started drinking matcha as a healthier alternative to coffee and experienced its benefits including sustained energy, improved immunity, and youthful skin.

January 1, 2017

Kyushu Sourcing Partnership Established

Matcha Yu Tea established its direct sourcing relationship with producers in Kyushu, Japan, focusing on ichibancha (first harvest) leaves harvested between late April and mid-May. The company began offering two primary grades: Everyday Matcha and Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha.

January 1, 2020

Sustainability Initiative Launch

The company implemented 100% home compostable packaging as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products while maintaining the freshness and quality of their matcha products.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.

What's the difference between Matcha Yu Tea's Everyday Matcha and Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha?

Matcha Yu Tea offers two distinct grades tailored for different uses. Their Everyday Matcha is economical yet high quality, perfect for matcha lattes and daily consumption. The Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha is organic and sourced from first harvest leaves (ichibancha), featuring exceptional color, aroma, and smooth finish ideal for traditional tea ceremonies.

The Premium grade uses only the youngest, most tender leaves harvested between late April and mid-May, resulting in a vibrant color and rich nutrient profile that justifies its higher price point.

Does Matcha Yu Tea mill their matcha fresh to order from Kyushu?

Yes, Matcha Yu Tea sources their matcha directly from Kyushu, Japan and mills it fresh to order. This approach ensures maximum freshness and potency, as matcha begins to lose its vibrant color and delicate flavor once ground.

By milling fresh rather than storing pre-ground matcha, they maintain the integrity of the tea's beneficial compounds and deliver the authentic taste that founder Erin Lindwall experienced during her fascination with Japanese culture.

Why does Matcha Yu Tea acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples?

As a Victoria-based company, Matcha Yu Tea respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land where they operate. This recognition demonstrates their commitment to honoring indigenous heritage while bringing Japanese tea culture to Australia.

This acknowledgment reflects the brand's values of respect and cultural awareness, bridging their mission of sharing authentic Japanese matcha with recognition of Australian indigenous history.

How sustainable is Matcha Yu Tea's packaging compared to other matcha brands?

Matcha Yu Tea uses 100% home compostable packaging, setting them apart from many competitors who rely on traditional plastic or foil packaging. This means customers can dispose of the packaging in their home compost bins, where it will break down naturally without harming the environment.

  • Packaging breaks down completely in home composting systems
  • No special industrial composting facilities required
  • Aligns with growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products
  • Reduces environmental impact of shipping from Japan to Australia

What inspired Erin Lindwall to create Matcha Yu Tea in Australia?

Erin Lindwall's journey with Matcha Yu Tea began with a deep fascination for Japanese culture that started in her youth. Her passion culminated in creating the brand with a specific mission: sharing high-quality matcha and its health benefits with Australians.

Rather than simply capitalizing on the matcha trend, Lindwall's approach stems from genuine cultural appreciation and a desire to bring authentic Japanese tea traditions to the Australian market, focusing on quality sourcing from Kyushu and traditional grading systems.