Matcha has taken centre stage in the UK’s wellness and tea culture, growing from a specialty item in Japanese cafés to a staple in morning routines across the country. With its vibrant green hue, earthy complexity, and natural caffeine boost, it’s no wonder matcha has found a lasting place in the hearts (and mugs) of so many.
As demand has grown, so has the variety — and 2025 brings a dynamic mix of long-established favourites and exciting new arrivals to the UK matcha scene. Whether you’re sipping a morning latte or crafting a quiet usucha in your kitchen, the quality of your matcha powder matters.
This year, one emerging brand, in particular, has started to draw attention: HAKI TEA.
A Market Steeped in Tradition
Brands like Teapigs and Matcha & Co have long been the go-to choices for many UK consumers. Their reliability, accessibility, and broad appeal have made them household names. For newcomers to matcha, these established brands offer a friendly entry point — often blending affordability with acceptable quality for daily drinking or mixing.
But for those seeking a deeper, more nuanced experience — one closer to traditional Japanese tea preparation — there’s growing interest in boutique, ceremonial-grade matcha with a focus on sourcing, freshness, and taste complexity.
HAKI TEA: An Emerging Favourite Among Purists
One of the brands making waves in this space is HAKI TEA, a newcomer with a serious dedication to craft. Sourced from Wazuka in Kyoto, Japan — a region famed for its tea cultivation — HAKI’s matcha is drawing attention for its vibrant colour, ultra-fine texture, and balanced, umami-forward flavour profile.
According to one verified UK reviewer on Amazon:
“The powder dissolved beautifully, whisking up effortlessly into a rich and stable microfoam… The flavour is phenomenal — a balance of deep umami followed by a clean, subtly sweet finish.”
This isn’t a one-off sentiment. Across the board, users have consistently noted the product’s vibrant green colour, the absence of clumps, and a taste that feels authentically ceremonial — not bitter, not flat, but full-bodied and nuanced.
It’s also been praised for working beautifully in both traditional preparations and modern matcha lattes. Several users commented on how well it froths, how easily it mixes without needing a sieve, and how it delivers a smooth drinking experience with no grittiness or chalkiness — a sign of high-quality, finely milled tea leaves.
Balancing Cost and Quality
At around £16.95 for 25g or 21.95 for the tin, HAKI TEA positions itself firmly in the premium category — and some users have raised concerns about cost, especially when compared to mass-market matcha that sells in much larger volumes.
However, those looking for ceremonial quality and freshness often find the pricing reasonable when weighed against the flavour depth and texture. As matcha fans know, a little goes a long way — and in this case, the quality speaks for itself.
What Sets HAKI TEA Apart
- Sourced from Wazuka, Kyoto — a region known for producing Japan’s finest matcha.
- Ceremonial-grade quality, perfect for usucha or high-quality lattes.
- Vibrant colour and natural sweetness, with minimal bitterness.
- Thoughtful packaging that protects freshness and preserves the tea’s delicate character.
While it’s still building recognition, HAKI TEA is quickly earning a place on the shelves (and wishlists) of those seeking a more traditional, high-quality matcha experience.
A Broader Landscape: The UK Matcha Scene in 2025
The UK matcha market is no longer defined by just one or two major players. As tea culture becomes more sophisticated and consumers become more discerning, the appetite for premium, artisan matcha is rising — and brands like HAKI TEA are poised to fill that gap.
It’s a healthy evolution: the presence of accessible matcha powders alongside smaller, quality-focused producers gives everyone the chance to explore, compare, and find their ideal matcha ritual.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just discovering the joys of matcha or fine-tuning your whisking technique, there’s never been a better time to explore what the UK market has to offer.
HAKI TEA, while still an emerging name, exemplifies the shift toward craftsmanship, traceability, and flavour integrity. For those ready to move beyond the basics and experience what premium matcha can really taste like — this could be the perfect place to start.
