Matcha green tea, the bright green powder made from finely ground tea leaves, has been having a moment lately. It seems as though its just been recently discovered but, in reality, this ancient Japanese tea has been around for centuries and has been praised for its many health benefits, which include everything from improved mental focus to cancer prevention.
But one question still remains:
Is matcha gluten-free?
For those of you who are new to matcha, it is important to note that this tea is made from whole tea leaves that are ground into a fine powdered green tea.
This powder is then whisked with hot water to create a frothy beverage.
Green matcha does not contain any added flavors or sweeteners; the only ingredient is pure, stone-ground tea leaves.
So, what about those tea leaves? Are they gluten-free? The answer is yes!
The Camellia Sinensis plant does not contain gluten, and matcha is made from pure, unadulterated tea leaves. That being said, matcha is naturally gluten-free, provided nothing else is added to it that may contain gluten.
However, it is important to check the label before purchasing to ensure you are in fact getting a gluten-free matcha and no additional ingredients have been added that may contain gluten.
For example, some herbal teas add flavorings or sweeteners that contain barley malt. When in doubt, always contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about potential gluten ingredients in their matcha powder.
Final Thoughts
So is matcha tea gluten-free? This green tea IS gluten-free!
If you've been wanting to try this popular tea you've been seeing in every coffee and tea shop in town but were worried about it containing gluten, you can now rest assured that you can enjoy all the health benefits of matcha without having to worry about your dietary restrictions.
Just be sure to check the label before purchasing some to make sure that no additional ingredients have been added to your matcha tea powder or tea bags that may contain gluten, especially if you have celiac disease. Better safe than sorry! Thanks for reading! Bon appétit!
