Kirkland Ito En Matcha Blend Japanese Green Tea

It's a matcha blend, meaning it combines matcha powder with regular Japanese green tea in convenient bag form. You get that authentic matcha depth and bright green color from Ito En (a respected Japanese tea company), but in an easier-to-use format than whisking pure matcha. Multiple reviewers specifically praised the 'matcha powder depth' and 'bright green color' you see in the cup.

When brewed properly, it's sweet and delicate with those characteristic grassy, vegetal matcha notes—without the bitterness that can ruin green tea. Reviewers mention a 'sweet aftertaste' and appreciate that it's 'non-bitter' when you follow the brewing guidelines. The matcha powder adds complexity beyond what you'd get from plain green tea bags.

Temperature control is key here. Brew at 70-80°C (160-175°F) for just 1 minute—don't use boiling water or oversteep it. Multiple reviewers mentioned it 'becomes bitter if brewed too hot or too long,' so this isn't a forgiving tea if you're rushing. The good news? Once you nail the timing, you can re-steep the same bag for a second cup.

Absolutely. The bag format makes it much more approachable than traditional matcha preparation (no whisking required), and the clear brewing instructions help you avoid common mistakes. That said, you still need to pay attention to water temperature—but if you're willing to learn that one skill, you'll be rewarded with authentic Japanese green tea quality at a reasonable price point.

Yes, though with realistic expectations. It's not ceremonial-grade matcha you'd whisk in a bowl, but reviewers who know their Japanese tea specifically called out the 'authentic Japanese green tea quality' and Ito En's reputation. If you want genuine matcha character in a grab-and-go format, this delivers—just respect the brewing parameters and you'll get a cup that rewards proper technique.