Rishi Tea has specialized in direct-trade tea since 1997, and its Sweet Matcha blend is a straightforward mix of cane sugar and Japanese green tea. But it comes as a scoopable jar, not a single-serve pouch, and carries notably more added sugar per serving than Shinzo’s pouches. Here is the comparison.
At a glance
| Feature | Shinzo | Rishi |
|---|---|---|
| Individually sealed single-serve format | Yes | Only on its unsweetened matcha sticks; the sweetened blend is a scoopable jar |
| Real, distinct flavors (vanilla, honey, mocha) | Yes | No (plain sweetened or unsweetened only) |
| Added sugar per serving | 5 to 8g | 12g per 13g serving on Sweet Matcha |
| Matcha per serving | 3g | 2g on its unsweetened single-serve sticks |
| Brand heritage | Newer matcha-focused brand | Direct-trade tea specialist since 1997 |
| Tested for heavy metals | Yes | Not specified |
Based on publicly available product labels and brand materials at the time of writing. Formulas can change.
Why people switch to Shinzo
- Real flavors people actually want: Madagascar vanilla, Sierra Leone cacao, honey, not just a sweetened tea.
- Less added sugar per serving than Rishi’s Sweet Matcha, which runs 12g in a 13g scoop.
- Every serving pre-measured and sealed individually, no scooping from a jar.
- More matcha per serving than Rishi’s unsweetened sticks, for a fuller cup.
- Shinzo tests its matcha for heavy metals, so each pouch is screened, not just sourced.
Frequently asked questions
Does Rishi’s Sweet Matcha come in single-serve packets?
No. It is sold as a loose powder in a jar that you scoop from, roughly 10 servings per container.
How much sugar is in Rishi’s Sweet Matcha?
12g of added sugar per 13g serving (1 tablespoon), from cane sugar blended directly with the matcha.
Does Rishi make an unsweetened, single-serve matcha?
Yes. Rishi’s Organic Matcha Sticks are single-serve, unsweetened, and unflavored, with 2g of matcha per stick.
If you want ceremonial grade matcha in single-serve pouches, start with the Discovery Pack or shop Vanilla, Honey, and Mocha.
Disclaimer: The statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Competitor formulas and labels can change; details here are based on publicly available product information at the time of writing.