Tea quiz

Find your tea

Answer two or three questions, and we will suggest a tea and tell you why. Each suggestion has its own link, so you can save it or share it with a friend.

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Every suggestion at a glance

If you prefer to read, here is each set of answers with the tea we suggest for it.

Tea quiz

See the tea quiz on its own page

Your answers We suggest Why
In the morning or at teatime › Matcha (powdered green tea) Matcha Matcha is a tasty, unique tea with a bit more caffeine than other teas. Try it in the morning for a satisfying first cup of the day. Open
In the morning or at teatime › Loose leaf › Yes Sencha Try a loose leaf sencha. Sencha is the standard Japanese green tea, and it has a nice balance of sweetness, astringency, and fresh aroma, which is nice to wake up to. Open
In the morning or at teatime › Loose leaf › No Gyokuro Try a loose leaf gyokuro. Gyokuro is a Japanese green tea with a smoother character and less astringency. It has a distinct umami, or savory-sweet, taste. Brew this in the morning for a relaxing, fulfilling cup. Open
In the morning or at teatime › Teabags › Single serving One-Cup Teabags See our range of single serving teabags. In the morning, just add hot water for a fast cup of green tea. Open
In the morning or at teatime › Teabags › Full pot (large portion) One-Pot Teabags See our range of sencha One-Pot Teabags. These larger teabags can be used for a teapot, large mug, or a pitcher, for quickly brewing a large batch of sencha at once. Open
Throughout the day, with meals › Classic green tea Sencha Sencha is the standard Japanese green tea, and it has a nice balance of sweetness, astringency, and fresh aroma. We like drinking sencha throughout the day, in many different settings. Open
Throughout the day, with meals › Aromatic Bancha There are several different types of bancha, but all are everyday Japanese green teas with a light body and a hearty aroma, which makes them pleasant to drink in quantity. Open
At night › A little caffeine is fine › Roasted, malty tea Hojicha (80g Bag) Try Hojicha. This Japanese green tea has an amazing aroma that comes from roasting green tea leaves until they take on a hearty, malty, woodsy aroma. Open
At night › A little caffeine is fine › Roasted rice with green tea leaves Genmaicha (80g Bag) Try Genmaicha. This tea is a blend of roasted rice and green tea leaves. The roasted rice give a soothing, soft aroma and flavor to the green tea leaves. Open
At night › A little caffeine is fine › Smoky Iribancha Teabags (Teapot Size – 20 Bags) Try Iribancha. This unique type of bancha is made by heavily roasting green tea leaves until they start to smoke. Recommended for those who like smoky things like scotch, campfires, and barbeques. Open
At night › Caffeine-free, please Mugicha Barley Teabags (Teapot Size – 18 Bags) We recommend Mugicha (Barley Tea). This drink is made from roasted barley grains and has zero caffeine. It's soothing sweet taste and aromatic roasted aroma is delightful in the evening. Open
At night › With caffeine, like an after-dinner espresso Matcha Matcha has a slight bitterness that is refreshing after a meal. Whisk several portions in a bowl with a spout, and serve in espresso cups with dessert. Add a drop of milk if you like, or even pour over ice cream for a matcha affogato. Open
At happy hour Gyokuro Try gyokuro. This green tea has an indulgent, umami-rich (savory-sweet) character that we like a lot at happy hour. We suggest preparing it as a cold brew tea and serving it in small glasses or snifters. Open
I'm not sure Sencha Why not try a sencha tea first? Sencha is the standard Japanese green tea, so this might be a good place to start. It has a nice balance of sweetness, astringency, and fresh aroma. Open
I'm looking for tea utensils Tea Utensils Click to see our selection of tea utensils in different categories. Open

Matcha quiz

We have a variety of matcha to choose from. Take this quiz to find a matcha suited to your preferences.

See the matcha quiz on its own page

Your answers We suggest Why
To drink with water › Naturally sweet, with rich umami Sayaka (40g Can) This matcha is ideal for beginners — with little bitterness and a smooth, rich character. Open
To drink with water › Balanced umami and bitterness Kan (20g Box) In everyday usucha and regular matcha, this medium-bodied matcha has a satisfying umami taste balanced by a little astringency. Open
To drink with water › More bitterness, less sweetness Ikuyo (20g Box) This grade has a well-balanced flavor (with bitterness and sweetness). Choose this matcha if you like a little bitterness and subtle sweetness. Open
To drink with water › Something unique or limited Tsukikage (20g Box) or Kan (20g Box) Tsukikage is an autumn blend with balanced umami and a little sharpness (20g, $28 USD). Kan is a year-round alternative (20g, $22 USD). Choose an available blend below. Open
To drink with water › I'm not sure Sayaka (40g Can) This matcha is ideal for beginners — with little bitterness and a smooth, rich character. Open
For lattes and other mixed drinks › Deep green, rich umami Sayaka (40g Can) or Sayaka (100g Bag) Sayaka has a smooth taste and rich umami for lattes. The 40g can is $50 USD. The 100g bag is $119 USD. Choose an available size below. Open
For lattes and other mixed drinks › Medium green, balanced Ikuyo (100g Bag) If you're not sure where to start - this tea has just the right amount of bitterness to balance well with the creaminess of your milk of choice. Open
For lattes and other mixed drinks › Softer green, bitter taste Wakaki (20g Box) This tea has a light body, and a little stronger bitterness, which makes for a crisp, slightly bitter latte. Open
For lattes and other mixed drinks › I'm not sure Ikuyo (20g Box) If you're not sure where to start - this tea has just the right amount of bitterness to balance well with the creaminess of your milk of choice. Open
Sweets or baking › Cake batter and most regular uses Wakaki (20g Box) Wakaki will give your recipe a soft green color and a gentle matcha character. Open
Sweets or baking › Icing and decoration Kan (20g Box) In sweets, this blend has a vibrant green color, for recipes that call for a little splendor. Use this tea to give your recipe a powerful matcha character. Open
A gift › A matcha for beginners Sayaka (40g Can) This matcha is ideal for beginners — with little bitterness and a smooth, rich character. Open
A gift › A matcha for matcha fans Ummon (40g Can) This umami-rich matcha is our most robust matcha in our regular lineup, making it a good choice for preparing in the thick style known as koicha. Open
A gift › A gift card Digital Gift Card Give the gift of great tea and unlimited choice with an Ippodo Tea virtual gift card. A perfect present for tea lovers in your life. Open
Thick matcha Ummon (40g Can) This umami-rich matcha is our most robust matcha in our regular lineup, making it a good choice for preparing in the thick style known as koicha. Open
Something else › Sweetened matcha Sweetened Matcha We have a sugar-sweetened matcha blend, Uji Shimizu. This instant powder can be mixed with hot or cold water, in a latte, smoothie, or sparkling water, and more. You can even sprinkle it over yogurt or ice cream for dessert. Open
Something else › Organic matcha Organic Matcha: stock and restock notices The product page shows the current stock of Organic Matcha (20g Can). If it is sold out, enter your email for a restock notice. Open
Something else › Matcha utensils Matcha Utensils To make matcha, we recommend the following essentials. Tea Strainer - use this to sift your matcha powder before whisking it. This removes the lumps and makes for a very smooth drink. Bamboo Whisk - use a bamboo whisk, with many fine prongs, to quickly and thoroughly whisk your matcha. Open

Sencha quiz

We offer over seven different sencha blends, each with its own unique character. Take this quiz to find a sencha that we recommend for your usage and your preferences.

See the sencha quiz on its own page

Your answers We suggest Why
Flavor › Naturally sweet, with rich umami Kaboku (80g Bag) Try Kaboku. This sencha has the richest character and the fullest umami taste of our sencha selection. Open
Flavor › Balanced Hosen (80g Bag) Try Hosen. This sencha has a medium body, well-balanced umami, sweetness, and astringency, and a round aftertaste. Open
Flavor › Light and bitter Unro (80g Bag) Try Unro. This light category sencha has a brilliant aroma and crisp bitterness when brewed hot. Open
Flavor › I'm not sure Hosen (80g Bag) We recommend starting with our sencha named Hosen. This variety is our most popular blend, and it has a nice balance of sweetness, umami, astringency, and soothing aroma. Open
Brewing method › Standard, everyday green tea Hosen (80g Bag) Try Hosen. This sencha has a medium body, well-balanced umami, sweetness, and astringency, and a round aftertaste. Open
Brewing method › With boiling water Unro (80g Bag) Try Unro. This light category sencha has a brilliant aroma and crisp bitterness when brewed hot. Open
Brewing method › Cold brew Kumpu (80g Bag) Try Kumpu. This rich category sencha has a deep sweet character that shines when cold-brewed. Open
Brewing method › Iced tea Unro (80g Bag) Try Unro. Teas in our light category work well with this brewing method, since they have a crisp refreshing character that tastes delicious when iced. Open
Brewing method › In tea bags › Single serving One-Cup Teabags See our range of sencha One-Cup teabags. In the morning, just add hot water for a fast cup of sencha. Open
Brewing method › In tea bags › Full pot (large portion) One-Pot Teabags See our range of One-Pot Teabags. These larger teabags can be used for a teapot, large mug, or a pitcher, for quickly brewing a large batch of tea at once. Open
Occasion › Something with breakfast Nichigetsu (80g Bag) Try Nichigetsu. This blend has a medium-light character that pairs well with both savory and sweet breakfasts, while still being substantial on its own. Open
Occasion › A satisfying afternoon break Kaboku (80g Bag) Try Kaboku. This complex, full body sencha has a long aftertaste that makes us feel relaxed. Brew a cup and sit down with a favorite book. Open
Occasion › Something refreshing after sports Unro (80g Bag) Try Unro. Brew this light-bodied sencha and cool it down in the refrigerator, or pour it over ice. Take your iced sencha with you in your water bottle, and drink it for refreshment after the game. Open
Occasion › A chaser or instead of alcohol Shoike (80g Bag) Try Shoike. Brew this medium, balanced sencha as a cold brew, or pour it over ice. Then, serve it in a glass in any situation that would otherwise call for wine or other alcoholic drinks. Shoike has a refreshing, snappy character, that can fit well with appetizers or as a digestif. Open
Occasion › A gift › A sencha for beginners Hosen (80g Bag) Try Hosen. Our most popular sencha, Hosen has a balanced, accessible taste. Open
Occasion › A gift › A sencha for sencha fans Kaboku (80g Bag) Try Kaboku. Sencha fans will enjoy this tea's rich, complex character and aroma. Open
Occasion › A gift › A Japanese teapot for sencha Yakishime Kyusu (Banko-yaki) – 8 oz An original, completely handmade kyusu with an elegant texture and a functional design. Open
Occasion › A gift › A gift card Gift Cards Give the gift of great tea and unlimited choice with an Ippodo Tea virtual gift card. A perfect present for tea lovers in your life. Open
Occasion › Something else › Organic sencha Organic Sencha (50g Bag) (sold out) Our Organic Sencha is a sencha blend of JAS certified organic sencha harvests. It has a satisfying amount of umami and sweetness, and a unique character that changes with every release. Open
Occasion › Something else › Kyusu teapots for sencha Kyusu Teapots A basic teapot: Hakuji Kyusu. We recommend this kyusu for your first Japanese style teapot. Open

Gyokuro quiz

Gyokuro is a green tea similar to sencha. In comparison, gyokuro is smoother, richer, and more dense with umami, a savory-sweet taste that is treasured in fine Japanese teas. We offer six different gyokuro blends, each with its own unique character. Take this quiz to find a gyokuro that we recommend for you.

See the gyokuro quiz on its own page

Your answers We suggest Why
Character › Full, dense and thick Tenka-ichi (50g Bag) We recommend Tenka-ichi. This gyokuro is the pinnacle of our regular selection. This is truly a tea to take your time with and savor every last drop of. Open
Character › Full bodied, not the richest Kanro (50g Bag) We recommend Kanro. Its just-right lushness and rich umami make it a classic gyokuro and a good choice for those new to the category. Open
Character › Medium bodied and balanced Rimpo (50g Bag) We recommend Rimpo. This gyokuro is just a little less dense, while still brewing with plenty of umami and sweetness for savoring. Open
Character › Light bodied and smooth Tekiro (50g Bag) We recommend Tekiro. This gyokuro has a lighter, less-thick body with a shorter aftertaste. For fans of light teas, and those looking for a less powerful gyokuro experience. Open
Character › I'm not sure Kanro (50g Bag) We recommend Kanro. This variety is our most popular blend, and it is our recommendation for your first experience of the rich, delectable taste of gyokuro. Open
Brewing method › For standard brewing › Yes, I'm a beginner Kanro (50g Bag) We recommend Kanro. This variety is a good introduction to gyokuro's unforgettable umami and aroma. Brew it slowly, smell its rich aroma, and focus on its aftertaste when you take a sip for a deep experience. Open
Brewing method › For standard brewing › No, I have tried gyokuro › Full, thick and delectable Tenka-ichi (50g Bag) We recommend Tenka-ichi. This gyokuro has the richest character and the fullest umami of our selection. A treat to be savored. Open
Brewing method › For standard brewing › No, I have tried gyokuro › Medium-rich Rimpo (50g Bag) We recommend Rimpo. This gyokuro has a satisfying umami character, with a medium body and a shorter aftertaste than the highest class gyokuro. Open
Brewing method › For standard brewing › No, I have tried gyokuro › Light Tekiro (50g Bag) We recommend Tekiro. This gyokuro has a lighter, less-thick body with a shorter aftertaste. For fans of light teas, and those looking for a less powerful gyokuro experience. Open
Brewing method › For standard brewing › No, I have tried gyokuro › I'm not sure Kanro (50g Bag) For those new to our gyokuro, and for a general recommendation, why not try our blend named Kanro? This variety is our most popular gyokuro, with a satisfyingly rich, smooth umami taste. Open
Brewing method › To brew with boiling water Mantoku (50g Bag) We recommend Mantoku. This gyokuro has a brilliant aroma and refreshing crispness when brewed hot with boiling water. Try brewing it just like sencha, hojicha, or genmaicha! Open
Brewing method › To cold brew Ippoen (50g Bag) We recommend Ippoen. This elegant high class gyokuro has a pure, sweet, and full character that is highlighted by cold brewing. Serve in a liqueur glass for a special treat. Open
Brewing method › For iced tea Tekiro (50g Bag) We recommend Tekiro. Teas in our light category work well with this brewing method, since they have a crisp refreshing character that tastes delicious when poured over ice. Open
Brewing method › I'm not sure Rimpo (50g Bag) We recommend Rimpo. This versatile gyokuro is delicious whether you brew it hot, pour it over ice, brew it cold, or with your favorite brewing method. Its medium richness and balanced taste is recommended for beginners as well. Open
Brewing method › In teabags › Just one cup One-Cup Teabags Our Gyokuro One-Cup Teabags are individually packaged, for one 6 oz cup of tea at a time. Good for the office. Open
Brewing method › In teabags › A pot, pitcher, bottle or large mug One-Pot Teabags Our One-Pot Teabags are a larger size that can brew around 10 oz of tea at a time. Good for making a lot of tea at once. Open
Occasion › Something for a special occasion Tenka-ichi (50g Bag) We recommend Tenka-ichi. This tea is the highest class in our regular gyokuro selection. Gather a few friends for a slow tea session, and brew a small cup of Tenka-ichi. Sip a few drops at a time, and experience how this tea blossoms through the finish. Open
Occasion › Something after lunch Rimpo (50g Bag) We recommend Rimpo. After lunch, try a gyokuro with a medium, balanced character that is satisfying and has just enough richness. Serve piping hot or brew the standard way with just-warm water for more umami and sweetness. Open
Occasion › Something with breakfast Tekiro (50g Bag) We recommend Tekiro. This blend has a light character and a smooth taste that pairs well with both savory and sweet breakfasts, while still being substantial on its own. Open
Occasion › A tea for afternoon teatime Ippoen (50g Bag) We recommend Ippoen. This gyokuro has elegance, richness, and lusciousness that rewards focus and thoughtful sipping. Experience it on its own, for a needed break in the afternoon. Open
Occasion › A chaser or instead of alcohol Kanro (50g Bag) We recommend Kanro. Brew this full bodied gyokuro as a cold brew, or pour it over ice. Then, serve it in a glass in any situation that would otherwise call for wine or other alcoholic drinks. Gyokuro has a smooth, lush character that pairs well with savory treats at happy hour. Open
Occasion › A gyokuro for a gift › A gyokuro for beginners Kanro (50g Bag) We recommend Kanro. Our most popular gyokuro, Kanro is representative of Ippodo gyokuro's thick umami and sweetness. Open
Occasion › A gyokuro for a gift › A gyokuro for connoisseurs Tenka-ichi (50g Bag) We recommend Tenka-ichi. Gyokuro fans will enjoy the pure, powerful umami and beautiful finish in this tea, the highest class gyokuro of our main selection. Open
Occasion › A gyokuro for a gift › A gyokuro for sencha fans Tekiro (50g Bag) We recommend Tekiro. Brew Tekiro like a sencha with hot or boiling water, and it has a smooth, sweet, and aromatic character, with less astringency than sencha. Your recipient can also try it brewed the classic method with just-warm water, to experience gyokuro's unique rich umami. Open
Occasion › A gyokuro for a gift › A Japanese teapot for gyokuro Kyusu - Japanese teapots perfect for gyokuro. We offer several kyusu options for brewing gyokuro. Open
Occasion › A gyokuro for a gift › A gift card Ippodo Tea Gift Card Give the gift of great tea and unlimited choice with an Ippodo Tea virtual gift card. Open

Bancha quiz

Teas with a bold aroma and a light, easy-to-drink character. Bancha green teas are tasty in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening. Take this quiz to find which one is right for you.

See the bancha quiz on its own page

Your answers We suggest Why
Roasted, malty and hearty › Medium body, sweetly aromatic Hojicha (80g Bag) Our top recommendation in this category, this tea has an amazing aroma. Open
Roasted, malty and hearty › Strong, crisp flavor Stems Hojicha (80g Bag) Try Stems Hojicha. Crisp and more heavily roasted, this tea is made solely from tea stems. Unique, punchy taste. Open
Roasted, malty and hearty › Light body, organic Organic Hojicha (50g Bag) (sold out) Our Organic Hojicha has a similar profile to our Hojicha, with a lighter body. Open
Like freshly-popped popcorn › Mild and savory Genmaicha (80g Bag) Try Genmaicha. Our top blend of roasted rice and green tea, this tea is great with really any type of food. Open
Like freshly-popped popcorn › Light body, organic Organic Genmaicha (50g Bag) (sold out) Our Organic Genmaicha has a similar profile to our Genmaicha, with a lighter body. Open
Smoky, like a campfire Iribancha Teabags (Teapot Size – 20 Bags) Try Iribancha. This unique type of bancha is made by heavily roasting green tea leaves until they start to smoke. Recommended for those who like smoky things like scotch, campfires, and barbeques. Open
Teabags Teabags Including several bancha varieties (Hojicha and Iribancha), our teabag varieties all have a light body and a pleasant aroma. These teas are all also good for enjoying throughout the day. Open

See all of our teas side by side

Our tea guide compares the taste, the caffeine, the brewing and the cost of a serving.

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