July 2026: Matcha is the trending wellness drink of choice for millions, loved for its earthy flavour, vibrant green colour and naturally occurring antioxidants. On TikTok alone the ‘matcha’ hashtag soars at 5 million posts and the tag ‘matcha tutorial’ has reached 7.5k for those keen to make their own at home. So, while consumers are increasingly investing in ceremonial-grade matcha, bamboo whisks and carefully perfecting their brewing techniques, experts say many are overlooking the single ingredient that makes up more than 98% of every cup: the water.
According to Magnus Jern, co-founder and expert water researcher for Swedish water filtration brand Tappwater, the quality of the water used to prepare matcha can dramatically influence its flavour, texture, appearance and overall drinking experience.
Magnus says: "People spend up to £30 or £40 on premium ceremonial-grade matcha but prepare it using unfiltered tap water without realising how much influence the water has on the cup. Water quality plays a huge role in taste. Reducing chlorine and other unwanted contaminants while maintaining a balanced mineral profile allows matcha's naturally sweet, creamy and umami characteristics to come through exactly as intended."
Magnus shares three reasons why water matters in matcha:
- The water’s mineral balance, chlorine content and overall composition all affect how matcha tastes once whisked. Tap water containing chlorine or other impurities can mask the tea's naturally sweet yet earthy notes, while excessive minerals in hard water, can dull delicate flavours and reduce the smooth, creamy feel that premium matcha is known for.
- Water quality can also influence the appearance of the drink. Using cleaner, filtered water helps preserve matcha's bright emerald colour while allowing its natural umami character to shine, creating a smoother, less bitter finish.
- Filtered water not only enhances hot drinks like matcha by reducing substances such as chlorine that can negatively impact flavour but can also contribute to a more enjoyable hydration experience overall. For many health-conscious consumers, investing in premium ingredients makes little sense if the ingredients are prepared with water that compromises its taste.
To shine a light on this underrated and often overlooked element, Tappwater has partnered with premium tea specialists Matcha Botanicals to showcase the importance of using a high-quality water filtration system at home to enhance the matcha making experience.
Tappwater's Countertop Reverse Osmosis SMR™ filtration device has been designed to produce exceptionally pure drinking water while restoring essential minerals to enhance taste. Unlike conventional reverse osmosis systems that remove virtually everything from the water, the Countertop RO SMR™ combines reverse osmosis filtration with Tappwater's unique Swedish Mineral Rock™ technology to provide remineralisation. The system removes more than 100 contaminants, including chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS and microplastics, before reintroducing calcium, magnesium and potassium to improve flavour and support balanced hydration. It also offers adjustable water temperatures, making it ideal for preparing drinks such as matcha at their optimal brewing temperature.
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