FAQs
About Matcha
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves, known in Japan as tencha. It has been part of Japanese tea culture for centuries and is valued for its vibrant green colour, smooth texture, and distinctive umami taste.
Regular green tea is steeped in water, and the leaves are discarded. Matcha is unique because the entire leaf is stone-ground into a powder, and you consume it whole. Shade-growing for several weeks before harvest increases chlorophyll and amino acids like L-theanine, creating a richer flavor, higher antioxidant content, and a more balanced caffeine effect.
A 2g serving has about 60–70 mg of caffeine, roughly equivalent to a small cup of coffee. Because of the L-theanine content, the energy release tends to feel gentler and longer-lasting.
High-quality matcha has a smooth, creamy body with vibrant green colour and balanced flavour. It carries fresh, grassy notes, gentle natural sweetness, and a rounded umami finish with little to no bitterness. Lower grades of matcha tend to taste more astringent, while premium, first-harvest matcha like ours is delicate, approachable, and refined.
Each matcha tin contains a sealed foil pouch inside an airtight container with a screw cap. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2 months for best flavor and color. Unopened matcha has a shelf life of 12 months.
A bamboo whisk (chasen) and bowl (chawan) give the best results, creating a smooth, frothy texture. If you don’t have traditional tools, you can also use a handheld frother. A small kitchen whisk may work in a pinch but may leave clumps (we do not recommend).
About Hojicha
Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green tea. Our Hojicha Amber Roast is made from sencha leaves grown in Uji, Kyoto. The roasting process creates a smooth, nutty flavor with layers of cocoa and roasted chestnut while naturally lowering caffeine content.
It can be whisked with water or milk for a latte, or added to baked goods for a roasted, cocoa-like flavor. A touch of sweetener enhances its natural sweetness.
Each tin contains a foil pouch inside an airtight screw-cap container. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2 months for best flavor. Shelf life unopened is 12 months.
Toasty, earthy, and comforting with caramelized sugar sweetness, dark cocoa depth, and a hint of roasted chestnut.
A 2 g serving has about 8–15 mg of caffeine, making it suitable for late afternoon or evening.
Origin & Craft
All teas come from Uji, Kyoto, Japan. We work directly with farms that use traditional shading, careful picking, and slow grinding.
Uji has produced tea for centuries and is known for its ideal climate, fertile soil, and time-honored techniques.
No. Our teas are 100% Japanese tea leaves. No added sugar, flavours, or fillers.
Yes. All of our teas are naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Our teas are crafted in Uji, Kyoto using traditional methods. Matcha comes from the first spring harvest, shaded for 20–30 days under a tana canopy, then hand-picked, steamed, dried, and stone-milled into a fine powder. Hojicha is made from Uji-grown sencha leaves, carefully roasted to draw out nutty, cocoa notes and lower caffeine. All teas are packed in sealed foil pouches inside airtight tins to preserve freshness from field to cup.
Each step preserves quality and taste. Shading raises chlorophyll and L-theanine for vivid green color and smooth umami. Hand-picking ensures tender leaves. Stone-milling protects flavor by preventing heat damage. Roasting creates hojicha’s toasty, cocoa-like flavor with naturally low caffeine.
In Japan, the term “ceremonial grade” isn’t used. It’s a Western label created to separate higher-quality drinking matcha from lower-grade cooking matcha. Japanese producers describe quality by harvest, shading, region, and taste rather than by categories like ceremonial or culinary.
We use terms like high-grade and premium to stay closer to that tradition. In Western terms, our matcha would be considered ceremonial quality, but we prefer language that reflects how matcha is truly valued in Japan.
Shipping & Returns
We ship across Canada, except Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon. U.S. shipping is on hold until tariff and customs rules are clarified.
After placing your order, you’ll receive a confirmation email letting you know it’s being processed. Once your order is shipped, you’ll get another email with a tracking number. You can use this number to follow your shipment on the courier’s website.
For food safety reasons, we cannot accept returns on teas once opened. If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, email hello@dozoteaclub.com with photos within 7 days. We’ll arrange a refund or replacement after review.
We try our best to process orders as quickly as possible. Processing takes 1–3 business days, Monday to Friday. Orders are not processed on weekends or holidays.
After shipping:
- Ontario: 1–3 business days
- Outside Ontario: 4–8 business days
Yes. Free shipping on Canadian orders over $85 CAD. Orders below $85 ship at a flat rate of $10 CAD.
Subscriptions & Refills
Not yet. Since we’re in our launch phase with limited stock, we haven’t introduced refill pouches. They are part of our future plans to reduce packaging waste and give customers a cost-effective way to restock.
Not yet. Subscriptions for automatic monthly deliveries are something we plan to introduce once our production and stock levels allow for it. When launched, subscription holders will also enjoy extra benefits such as discounted pricing and free shipping.
Looking Ahead
Yes. We plan to introduce seasonal harvests and limited releases that highlight unique flavour expressions from Uji.
Yes. We’re working on expanding our accessory collection with items like bamboo whisks (chasen), and additional handcrafted ceramics to complement your matcha and hojicha rituals.
Yes. While our focus is Uji, Kyoto, we plan to thoughtfully expand into other regions and cultivars to showcase different flavour profiles, richer, more savoury, or brighter and more floral depending on the farm.
Not yet. A full tea set is in the works for the upcoming months. Our goal is to bring high-quality traditional tools together in a set so you can enjoy an authentic matcha experience at home.