Overview

• The Verbraucherzentrale Bayern states that claims of matcha boosting metabolism, immunity or reducing disease risk rely only on cell culture and animal studies without proven effects in humans.
• Matcha lacks a legal definition in Germany, leading to wide variability in production methods, quality grades and pricing that leave consumers uncertain about authenticity.
• Because matcha involves consuming whole tea leaves, officials caution that it can contain elevated levels of aluminum, lead and pesticide residues compared with filtered teas.
• Authorities advise limiting matcha to one gram per prepared drink up to three times daily and rotating brands to minimize potential contaminant exposure.
• Many commercial matcha products contain less than two percent actual powder, so checking ingredient lists is essential to avoid misleading superfood claims.