Does matcha have EGCG, and why does it matter for your health or supplement brand? EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is a potent antioxidant found in green tea, and matcha tea contains the highest levels of this powerful compound.

Unlike regular green tea or tea bags, matcha green tea uses the entire tea leaf, which means you get significantly more green tea catechins in every serving.

For anyone sourcing or formulating wellness products, understanding EGCG in matcha is essential to delivering real health benefits and maintaining product quality.

This guide covers factors that influence matcha’s EGCG levels and how to select supplements designed to deliver consistent EGCG content.

Matcha green tea is often praised for its high levels of antioxidants, but how does it compare to other green teas when it comes to EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)? If you're sourcing or consuming matcha powder, knowing how and why it contains more green tea catechins matters for both results and safety.

EGCG, short for epigallocatechin gallate, is the most powerful antioxidant found in green tea leaves. It belongs to a group of compounds called catechins, which are known for their ability to fight oxidative stress, support heart health, and protect the brain.

Matcha tea is one of the tea types richest in EGCG. Because you're consuming the entire tea leaf in powdered green tea, you get significantly more of this potent antioxidant compared to brewed green tea or tea bags, where many catechins remain in the discarded leaves.

Matcha’s unique cultivation is the reason behind its superior EGCG levels. Grown in the shade for weeks before harvest, tea bushes increase chlorophyll and antioxidant production, boosting catechins in matcha.

Unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are steeped and thrown away, drinking matcha means ingesting the whole tea leaf. This provides higher concentrations of green tea catechins, especially EGCG, along with amino acids like L-theanine.

Knowing how much epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is in each serving of matcha green tea helps guide both EGCG intake and product formulation. Matcha can deliver much more than green tea extract or black tea, depending on quality and origin.

One gram of matcha may contain a high level of EGCG, with amounts varying based on the tea’s origin, harvest quality, and processing method. Since matcha is made from whole, ground tea leaves, it typically offers a greater antioxidant concentration than brewed green tea or blends, where many catechins remain in the discarded leaves.

In contrast, most green tea beverages or tea bags offer only partial extraction of catechins, leaving much behind in the discarded tea leaves.

Several factors determine the EGCG levels in matcha powder. First-harvest matcha from Japan typically has more EGCG than later harvests or products from China.

Storage also plays a role—light, air, and moisture can degrade natural antioxidants. To maintain potent catechins, matcha should be stored in airtight, opaque containers and kept away from hot water and heat before use.

Thanks to its high levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), matcha tea is linked in studies to heart and brain benefits and may support immune function. Research suggests this compound may help promote heart health by supporting healthy blood flow and cholesterol levels.

Some research suggests EGCG could support blood flow and healthy cholesterol levels. It may also play a role in supporting cardiovascular health by helping to manage inflammation and regulate blood pressure.

Preclinical studies indicate that EGCG may influence the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is important for learning, memory, and overall brain function. It may also help reduce oxidative stress, a factor linked to both cardiovascular disease and age-related cognitive decline.

Evidence shows  EGCG may modestly boost metabolism and support weight management when combined with a healthy diet. Regular green tea consumption, especially in the form of matcha, may provide additional support for calorie burning and fat oxidation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

EGCG contains antioxidants, which may help protect skin from oxidation and signs of aging. Here’s how it may support a more youthful, healthy appearance:

• Reduces inflammation, which can contribute to skin irritation, redness, and long-term damage

• Protects against UV damage, helping shield the skin from sun-related aging and oxidative stress

• Improves skin elasticity and may lessen the appearance of wrinkles over time

• Neutralizes free radicals with its strong antioxidant properties, promoting healthier, more resilient skin

• Defends against environmental stress, such as pollution and toxins, that accelerate visible aging

Preliminary studies suggest EGCG may play a role in reducing inflammation, with potential links to cancer and liver protection, but more research is needed. Some findings also point to possible antiviral effects, but these benefits are not yet fully confirmed in human studies.

The compound also lowers markers of inflammation, supporting its role in clinical nutrition and long-term health-promoting properties.

EGCG offers impressive health benefits, but like any nutrient, EGCG intake should stay within safe limits. It’s important to understand how much is safe and where the risks begin, especially if you’re using green tea extract or formulating supplements.

Some guidelines indicate up to 800 mg of EGCG per day may be tolerated, typically from beverages like matcha or green tea, not concentrated supplements. Many safety bodies recommend keeping daily intake below 300–338 mg to reduce the risk of adverse effects. Consuming matcha tea in moderate amounts (1–2 grams per day) generally keeps you well within safe limits.

Because it comes from the camellia sinensis plant, matcha also contains natural antioxidants and amino acids that help balance the effects of caffeine intake, supporting a safer overall profile.

High doses of EGCG, especially from concentrated green tea extract, have been linked to liver issues in rare cases. These problems usually occur with supplements that isolate EGCG at very high levels, not from matcha powder used in daily drinks.

Sticking to food-based sources like matcha green tea ensures better absorption and fewer risks, making it a safer way to enjoy the potential health benefits of this potent antioxidant.

Not all matcha delivers the same level of green tea catechins. To ensure you're getting the most EGCG in matcha, quality matters—from how the tea plants are grown to how the powder is processed.

Ceremonial grade matcha, made from the first harvest of shade-grown matcha leaves, is the most potent. It has a bright green color, smoother taste, and higher levels of epigallocatechin 3 gallate EGCG.

Sourced mostly from Japan, these tea bushes are grown using techniques refined through centuries of Japanese tea ceremonies, producing matcha with higher antioxidant levels than regular green tea or black tea.

Not all matcha is created equal. To ensure you're getting high-quality matcha that’s rich in EGCG and free from harmful contaminants, look for these essential labels and certifications:

• USDA Organic or equivalent certification to confirm the matcha is grown without synthetic pesticides or additives

• Third-party testing to validate product purity, potency, and consistency

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) that details levels of EGCG and L-theanine and verifies safety markers

• Heavy metal and microbial screening to rule out contaminants that can compromise safety and compliance

• Clean label or non-GMO certifications to meet consumer demand for transparency and wellness-focused sourcing

If you're creating matcha-based products, your manufacturer plays a key role in preserving EGCG content and delivering consistent quality. The right partner ensures your product stands out for purity and performance.

Trustworthy manufacturers provide full traceability—from tea leaf to shelf. They monitor every step, including growing conditions, processing methods, and EGCG levels, to maintain the product’s antioxidant strength.

Working with a transparent supplier also supports clean-label claims and builds consumer trust.

Before finalizing your matcha supplement formula, it’s important to ask clear, specific questions to ensure the product meets safety, potency, and transparency standards. Here are key questions to guide your conversation:

• Where are the tea plants sourced? Are they in Japan or elsewhere? Matcha from Japan, especially from the first harvest, tends to have higher EGCG and better overall quality.

• What are the tested levels of epigallocatechin gallate and L-theanine? Understanding these values ensures your formula delivers real functional benefits.

• Is the product third-party tested with a full Certificate of Analysis (COA)? This confirms EGCG content and verifies safety from contaminants like heavy metals.

• How is the matcha processed and stored? Proper handling preserves the antioxidant properties and prevents nutrient loss.

• Can you provide proof of organic certification or other clean-label claims? Certifications reinforce product credibility and support marketing efforts.

Partnering with the right matcha supplier goes beyond ingredient sourcing—it directly impacts your product’s performance, safety, and consumer trust. Here's how a reliable supplier can strengthen your brand:

• Delivers consistent health benefits by preserving key actives like EGCG, supporting claims related to weight loss, brain health, and cardiovascular health

• Reduces compliance risks through transparent sourcing, documented testing, and up-to-date certifications

• Supports clean label claims by offering traceable, additive-free matcha powder that aligns with consumer expectations

• Enhances product performance with fresh, shade-grown, high-quality matcha that retains its potent antioxidant properties

• Builds long-term consumer trust by supplying matcha that not only tastes better, but also performs better in every serving

Absolutely. Matcha tea is one of the richest natural sources of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), delivering higher levels than regular green tea or most green tea extracts.

Its high EGCG content helps support heart health, enhance brain function, promote weight management, improve skin health, and strengthen the immune system—all from one vibrant, green powder.

To get these full benefits, matcha quality matters. Choosing high-quality matcha from a transparent, reputable manufacturer ensures you’re getting strong antioxidant properties in a safe, effective form.

For anyone consuming or formulating matcha-based supplements, smart sourcing is the key to unlocking its real potential.