Yamamotoyama Matcha Genmai Cha

You can, but honestly it's not great on the second steep. Reviewers note that the second brew loses its green color, turning brown, and the flavor drops off significantly. This is partly because the matcha powder is mostly extracted in the first steep. Given the bulk size and excellent per-cup value, most reviewers just use fresh leaves each time rather than trying to get multiple steeps out of the same portion.

For this Yamamotoyama Matcha Genmai Cha, use water around 175°F (80°C) — not boiling, as that can draw out bitterness. Steep for about 1-2 minutes. One thing reviewers note is that this tea is best enjoyed hot; it tends to turn bitter as it cools down, so drink it while it's warm. Also, don't expect much from a second brew — the first steep gives you the best flavor and color, while subsequent steeps turn brown and lose that vibrant matcha taste.

Yes — Yamamotoyama is one of the oldest tea companies in Japan, with a history going back to 1690. This is authentic Japanese genmaicha with real matcha blended in, not a flavored imitation. Reviewers who are experienced green tea drinkers confirm it tastes like genuine genmaicha with generous matcha content. The quality of the sencha base is good, and the roasted rice has that authentic toasty character you'd expect from traditional genmaicha.

For this specific product, reviewers point out a few things to be aware of: the tea leaves are more broken up compared to smaller Yamamotoyama packages, it gets noticeably bitter as it cools down, and the second brew doesn't hold up well — it turns brown and loses flavor. The 2.2-pound bag is also genuinely enormous, so freshness over time can be a concern if you're not drinking it daily. That said, most reviewers feel the quality and value outweigh these downsides.

That depends entirely on how much you drink, but this is a genuinely enormous amount of tea. For a one-cup-a-day drinker, it could last well over a year — and that's where some reviewers raise a valid concern about freshness. The tea is best when it's fresh, and a bag this size may start losing its vibrancy over many months. If you're a multiple-cups-a-day household or like to make large batches of iced tea, you'll go through it faster and enjoy it at its best.

Absolutely — and this bulk 2.2-pound bag is actually designed for exactly that kind of daily use. Many reviewers bought it specifically for a consistent tea routine, and the moderate caffeine level makes it suitable for morning or afternoon drinking without keeping you up at night. The smooth, mellow flavor doesn't get tiring the way stronger teas can. Just be aware that this is an enormous bag, so if you're a one-cup-a-day drinker, you'll want to store it well to maintain freshness over time.

Reviewers use it as a morning or afternoon tea. The moderate caffeine level means it gives you a gentle lift without being too stimulating for later in the day, though you might want to avoid it right before bed. It's particularly popular as a daily routine tea — the kind of cup you look forward to at the same time each day. It also works great as a large-batch iced tea for sipping throughout warm afternoons.

This is actually one of the standout uses for this tea that reviewers discovered. Brew a strong batch using hot (not boiling) water, then let it cool and pour over ice. Several reviewers recommend adding honey and lemon for a refreshing iced tea that works beautifully in large batches. The roasted rice notes give the iced version a toasty sweetness that's really appealing. Just don't let it cool slowly at room temperature in the cup — reviewers note it gets bitter when it cools gradually. Quick-chill over ice is the way to go.

With 2.2 pounds of tea, proper storage is important. Keep it in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Some reviewers mention concerns about freshness over the months it takes to finish a bag this size, so consider transferring a week's worth into a smaller container and keeping the bulk sealed tight. The tea tastes best when fresh — the matcha and sencha flavors are most vibrant early on.

This is actually an excellent choice for beginners. The roasted rice gives it a mellow, approachable flavor with a slight sweetness that eases you into Japanese green tea without the intense grassiness that can put newcomers off. The matcha adds depth without being overpowering. Reviewers describe it as a good introduction to authentic Japanese green tea, and the forgiving brewing process (compared to pure matcha or gyokuro) means you're less likely to accidentally make a bad cup.

Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea blended with roasted rice, and this Yamamotoyama version with added matcha is particularly good for daily drinking routines. The roasted rice gives it a smooth, mellow flavor that's easy on the stomach, making it a great anytime tea. Reviewers use it for consistent daily tea rituals, and several mention it works surprisingly well for making large batches of iced tea with honey and lemon. The EGCG content from the green tea and matcha also provides antioxidant health benefits.

Genmai refers to roasted brown rice, while Genmaicha is the tea itself — a blend of green tea leaves with that roasted rice. This Yamamotoyama product takes it a step further by adding matcha powder to the blend, which is why it's called Matcha Genmai Cha. The matcha adds a richer green color, more umami depth, and a slightly sweeter, grassier note on top of the classic toasty rice flavor.

Pure matcha can have comparable caffeine to coffee, but this isn't straight matcha — it's a genmaicha blend with matcha added. The roasted rice and sencha base dilute the matcha content significantly, so you're getting a moderate caffeine level that's noticeably less than a cup of coffee. That makes this a good option if you want some of matcha's energy boost and L-theanine benefits without the jitteriness of coffee.

Many people find matcha gentler on anxiety than coffee because it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus. This Yamamotoyama blend has a moderate caffeine level that's lower than both straight matcha and coffee, so it's even more mellow in that regard. Reviewers describe the flavor itself as smooth and calming — it's the kind of tea you settle into rather than one that jolts you awake. If coffee gives you the jitters, this is worth trying.

This is a loose-leaf genmaicha blend, not pure matcha powder, so it brews differently than the matcha lattes you see at coffee shops. It's traditionally enjoyed straight with just hot water. While you could add milk, the roasted rice and umami flavors don't pair as naturally with dairy as pure matcha does. Most reviewers drink it plain and appreciate the smooth, balanced flavor on its own. For a matcha latte, you'd want pure matcha powder instead.

If you're new to Japanese green tea, this Yamamotoyama Matcha Genmaicha is actually easier to prepare than pure matcha. You don't need a whisk, bowl, or special technique — just steep the loose leaves in hot water (around 175°F) for 1-2 minutes and strain. The roasted rice and sencha blend make it very forgiving compared to pure matcha, where water temperature and whisking technique matter much more. It's one of the most beginner-friendly ways to enjoy matcha flavor.

Matcha is known for high antioxidant content, particularly EGCG, which is linked to metabolic and cardiovascular benefits. This Yamamotoyama Matcha Genmaicha gives you those green tea health benefits in a very drinkable daily format. Reviewers specifically mention the EGCG content as a reason they chose this tea. Because you're consuming the actual matcha powder (not just steeped leaves), you're getting more of those beneficial compounds than with regular steeped green tea.

Matcha offers a different set of benefits than coffee — it's rich in antioxidants (particularly EGCG), contains L-theanine for calmer alertness, and provides a gentler caffeine curve. This Yamamotoyama blend adds roasted rice to the mix, which gives you a lower caffeine level than pure matcha while still delivering those green tea antioxidants. Whether it's "healthier" depends on what you're looking for, but if you want the health benefits of green tea in a daily-drinking format that's smooth and easy, this checks a lot of boxes.

Genmai matcha — or matcha genmaicha — is a blend of three components: green tea leaves (sencha), roasted brown rice, and matcha powder. This Yamamotoyama version has a generous amount of matcha mixed in, which gives the tea a vibrant green color and adds umami depth beyond what regular genmaicha offers. The result is a smooth, mellow cup with roasted rice notes, subtle sweetness, and that characteristic grassy matcha flavor all working together.

Yes, moderate daily matcha consumption is generally considered safe, and this blend makes it particularly easy. Because it's genmaicha with matcha rather than pure matcha, you're getting a lower concentration of caffeine per cup. Reviewers who bought this 2.2-pound bag specifically intended it for daily use and report enjoying it as part of their regular routine. Just use standard brewing practices — don't over-steep or use boiling water — and you'll get a pleasant, balanced cup every time.

Daily matcha consumption is widely considered beneficial, and this product is built for exactly that. The 2.2-pound bulk size is designed for people who want matcha genmaicha as a daily ritual. Reviewers who drink it daily appreciate the consistent quality and the moderate caffeine level that works for morning or afternoon cups. The combination of green tea antioxidants, L-theanine, and the gentle energy from the matcha make it a solid everyday choice.