FAQ
You've got questions? We've got the answers.
What makes your matcha different?
It starts with good tea, and good relationships with the people who make it.
We work directly with four tea farms in Japan, with two forming the heart of our current range. One is a fifth-generation family-run farm in Shizuoka, and the other is a producer in the Kyoto region, renowned for its expertise in matcha.
We select our teas for their flavour, colour and individual character, rather than trying to make every matcha taste the same. The result is a small, considered range of teas with distinct profiles, from bright and smooth to rich and refined.
What’s the difference between Kreis 3 and Kreis 8?
Kreis 8 is bright, smooth and balanced with a fresh umami character. It’s our easy everyday matcha and works beautifully both straight and in lattes.
Kreis 3 is richer, more refined and naturally sweet, with more depth and a lingering finish. It’s especially lovely prepared traditionally with water, but also makes a seriously good premium latte.
Still can’t decide? Find your matcha →
What is Hōjicha?
Hōjicha is Japanese roasted green tea. Roasting gives it a completely different character from matcha - warm, nutty, toasty and naturally lower in caffeine.
Our Hōjicha is finely milled into a powder, so you can prepare it similarly to matcha. Try it hot, iced or as a creamy Hōjicha latte.
Do you use blends or single origin?
Both. Some of our teas are single-origin, while others are carefully crafted blends, depending on the flavour and character we’re looking for.
We don’t believe one is automatically “better” than the other. What matters is the quality of the tea. and how good it tastes in your cup.
You’ll find the origin, cultivar and other details where available on each product page.
How should I store my matcha and whats the shelf life?
Matcha likes it cool, dark and airtight. Keep your can properly closed and away from heat, light and moisture.
Once opened, we recommend enjoying it within 1–2 months for the freshest colour and flavour. For unopened matcha, follow the best-before date printed on the packaging.
If you store unopened matcha in the fridge, let it come fully to room temperature before opening it to help avoid condensation getting into the powder.
How do I make matcha at home?
Our everyday method:
1. Sift around 2-3g of matcha into your bowl.
2. Add 30-50ml of water at around 70–80°C — not boiling.
3. Whisk quickly in a loose W-motion until smooth and frothy.
4. Drink as-is, or pour over milk and ice for a latte.
No thermometer? Boil the kettle and give the water a little time to cool. Matcha doesn’t love being scorched.
Do I need a whisk?
Technically? No. Ideally? Yes.
A bamboo whisk — or chasen — gives you a smooth texture and beautiful foam, which is why it’s our favourite way to prepare matcha.
No chasen yet? A handheld electric frother works too. Just sift your matcha well first to help avoid clumps.
Can I use milk or alt-milk?
Absolutely. Your latte, your rules.
Oat, almond, soy and dairy milk all work, they just bring slightly different flavours and textures. Experiment and find your favourite.
Can I use Shēdo for lattes, smoothies, or baking?
Yes. Kreis 3 and Kreis 8 are both delicious in lattes while also being good enough to drink straight.
You can use them for smoothies and baking too, but they’re premium drinking matchas — so using Kreis 3 in banana bread is a little bit like cooking with the good wine.
We won’t stop you though.
What’s the difference between the 30g cans and 100g refill pouches?
Same tea, different format.
Our 30g cans are the perfect place to start. Once you’ve found your favourite, keep the can and stock up with one of our larger 100g refill pouches.
Can → refill → repeat.
How should I store my 100g refill pouch?
Keep your pouch properly sealed and somewhere cool, dark and dry.When refilling your Shēdo can, only use a completely clean and dry can and reseal the remaining pouch straight away.
Where is Shēdo based?
Zürich, Switzerland🇨🇭
We source our teas from Japan and send the good stuff out from Zürich.
Where do you ship?
We currently ship online orders throughout Switzerland.
For more information on delivery times, costs and returns, see more on the Shipping & Returns page.
Do you supply cafés, restaurants and retailers?
Yes — lots of them.
We work with cafés, restaurants, retailers and other partners across Switzerland and beyond, supplying matcha and Hōjicha alongside training, tastings and ongoing support.
Interested in serving or stocking Shēdo?