All matcha is vegan, at least, it should be. If you’re reading the ingredient label and all you see is “100% stone-ground matcha green tea”, then you’re set! But watch out, many of the products on the market in fact have added milk (and sugar) and possibly other non-vegan elements.
Also it’s important to point out, that based on your preference for non-vegan products, you may also avoid produce which utilized animal products during the fertilization process. In this case, you want to look for USDA Organic matcha, which unlike the higher quality of ceremonial matcha, does not use fish-meal during the growing process.
If you’re confused, be sure to read our full report on the differences between organic and non-organic matcha, here. This traditional fertilizer is produced with sustainable, cruelty-free sourced fish-meal, and up until recently was unparalleled by organic approved fertilizers.
Still, organic is only beginning to catch up, so while authentic matcha is always 100% vegan, the fertilizer may not be. And unless you have an extenuating reason to avoid non-vegan fertilizers, you should opt for the traditional matcha because of the higher quality and density of nutrients. Good to have choices!