“Fishy” matcha is a common concern, but it’s important to distinguish between normal matcha flavors and actual off-tastes.
Some Oceanic Notes Are Normal
Good matcha has a flavor profile that includes:
- Umami — A savory, brothy quality
- Marine notes — Subtle hints of seaweed or ocean
- Vegetal — Grassy, fresh, like green vegetables
These flavors come from amino acids (especially L-theanine) and are considered positive qualities in Japanese matcha.
If you’re new to matcha, you might interpret these unfamiliar savory notes as “fishy” when they’re actually just… matcha.
When It’s Actually a Problem
Real fishiness — the unpleasant kind — has different causes:
Low-Quality Matcha
Cheap matcha may be:
- Made from lower-grade leaves
- Mixed with other tea materials
- Processed improperly
These can produce genuinely unpleasant off-flavors.
The fix: Try a reputable brand. If a $5 matcha tastes fishy but a $20 matcha doesn’t, quality was the issue.
Stale Matcha
Matcha that’s old or improperly stored can develop off-flavors:
- Oxidation changes the taste profile
- Moisture absorption can cause strange tastes
- The fresh, sweet notes fade, leaving unpleasant ones more prominent
The fix: Check when you opened the matcha. If it’s been months, try a fresh batch.
Contamination
If matcha was stored near strong-smelling foods (especially fish), it can absorb those odors.
The fix: Store matcha in an airtight container, away from strong smells.
Your Palate Is Adjusting
If you’re used to sweet drinks, matcha’s savory profile can be surprising. What reads as “fishy” might actually be umami that you’re not accustomed to.
The fix: Give it time. After a few cups, you may start appreciating the flavor. Or add some sweetener or milk to ease into it.
How to Tell the Difference
| Normal Matcha | Problem Matcha |
|---|---|
| Subtle oceanic quality | Strong fish smell |
| Balanced with sweetness | Fishy overwhelms other flavors |
| Pleasant savory (umami) | Unpleasant off-putting |
| Disappears quickly | Lingers unpleasantly |
What to Try
- Compare with another matcha — Buy a small amount from a reputable source to compare
- Check freshness — When was it opened? How was it stored?
- Try with milk — If it tastes fine in a latte but not straight, it might just be your palate adjusting
- Smell it dry — Fresh matcha should smell grassy and fresh, not fishy
The Bottom Line
Some savory, oceanic quality is part of matcha’s character. But if your matcha genuinely smells and tastes like fish, something is wrong — likely quality or freshness.