If you’re avoiding gluten—whether by necessity or preference—it’s easy to worry about hidden sources in your favorite foods or drinks. The great news? Most traditional Japanese teas are naturally gluten-free, and at Ocha & Co., we keep things pure by focusing on single-ingredient products. Below, we’ll highlight which of our teas fit a strict gluten-free lifestyle, why they’re safe, and a couple of watch-outs beyond our collection.
Why Green Tea Is Naturally Gluten-Free
Tea leaves come from the Camellia sinensis plant, which isn’t related to wheat, barley, or rye. That means no inherent gluten. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten lives primarily in certain cereal grains—so pure tea leaves aren’t an issue. If you’ve ever heard of barley-based “tea” (mugicha), that’s a different beverage made from roasted barley, so it does contain gluten. We don’t carry mugicha or any barley products, eliminating that risk in our shop.
Teas in Our Collection That Are Gluten-Free
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Organic Japanese Matcha
This vibrant, stone-ground tea is made exclusively from shade-grown leaves. No grains, fillers, or flavorings—just powdered green tea. Perfect for a frothy latte using gluten-free milk alternatives. -
Organic Premium Grade Matcha
An even finer, more luxurious matcha crafted from tender leaves. Still purely Camellia sinensis, still gluten-free. -
Organic Japanese Sencha
Our classic, everyday green tea with a fresh, grassy flavor. Grown in Kagoshima and processed without any grains or additives. -
Organic Japanese Genmaicha
Blended with roasted brown rice, which is gluten-free and recognized as safe by the U.S. FDA. This tea has a toasty, nutty aroma—no barley involved. -
Organic Japanese Hojicha
A roasted green tea that yields a smooth, almost caramel-like flavor. Made from tea leaves alone—completely gluten-free. -
Organic Japanese Kukicha
Also called “twig tea,” kukicha uses leaf stems and twigs from the tea plant. Still no grains, no gluten. -
Japanese Black Tea
Although black tea is more oxidized than green tea, it’s still from the same Camellia sinensis plant. Our Japanese black tea is simply dried leaves—no malt, no barley, no problem.
Why You Can Trust Ocha & Co.
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Single-Ingredient Focus
Each tea is exactly what it says: green tea leaves, black tea leaves, or tea leaves plus roasted brown rice in the case of genmaicha. Nothing else. -
Dedicated Facilities
We don’t process wheat, barley, or rye. That keeps cross-contamination risks extremely low, which is vital for people with conditions like celiac disease. -
No Hidden Flavors or Fillers
Some brands use malted barley or wheat-based additives to enhance taste. We stick to time-honored Japanese methods—pure leaves, no shortcuts.
Potential Gluten Pitfalls Elsewhere
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Barley Tea (Mugicha)
Popular in Japan, but it’s made from roasted barley—which definitely contains gluten. We don’t carry mugicha, so you won’t find it here. -
Flavored Tea Blends
Some companies add malt flavoring or powdered grains to tweak aroma or mouthfeel. Always double-check labels if you’re buying outside of our lineup. -
Tea Lattes with Wheat-Based Thickeners
Café drinks sometimes use pre-mixed powders that might include wheat starch. If you order a matcha latte out, consider asking about ingredients or opting for a plain brew.
A Soothing Choice for Sensitive Stomachs
Aside from being gluten-free, many tea drinkers appreciate how gentle green tea can be on the digestive system. It provides a mild boost of caffeine and beneficial antioxidants like EGCG, but without the heaviness of some grain-based drinks. Whether you’re whisking a bowl of matcha or sipping a warm hojicha, our Japanese teas offer a comforting daily ritual.
Ready to Brew?
Explore our full collection of organic Japanese teas to find your ideal match. If you have any questions or need guidance, our team is here to help you sip with confidence—no barley, no wheat, no hidden surprises. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cup of tea is not only delicious, but also thoroughly gluten-free.
FAQs About Gluten in Green Tea
Q: Is green tea gluten-free?
A: Yes. Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which does not contain any gluten.
Q: Is matcha gluten-free?
A: Yes. Traditional matcha is simply finely ground tea leaves with no added grains or fillers, making it gluten-free.
Q: Does genmaicha contain gluten?
A: Typically, genmaicha is made with roasted brown rice, which is gluten-free. It does not include wheat, barley, or rye.
Q: What should people with celiac disease look for when buying green tea?
A: Check ingredient labels to ensure no additives, flavorings, or sweeteners contain barley, malt, or wheat starch. Pure tea leaves and roasted brown rice (in genmaicha) are usually safe.
Q: Are there any tea blends that might contain gluten?
A: Some flavored or blended teas may use barley-based ingredients or wheat-derived flavorings. Always review the label if it isn’t purely tea leaves or brown rice.
