Arbor Teas vs Marukyu-Koyamaen Matcha: 2026 Comparison
Arbor Teas sources from China while Marukyu-Koyamaen sources from Uji, Japan, giving each brand a distinct terroir and flavor profile. On price, Marukyu-Koyamaen is $0.37/g less expensive per gram ($1.50/g vs $1.13/g).
Verdict by Axis
No single overall winner is declared. The better choice depends on which axis matters most to you.
Price per gram
Marukyu-Koyamaen
Marukyu-Koyamaen is $0.37/g cheaper ($1.50/g vs $1.13/g).
Testing transparency
Marukyu-Koyamaen
Marukyu-Koyamaen is Tier 4 vs Unrated for Arbor Teas. Lower tier number means more disclosure.
Published lead level
Tie / indeterminate
Neither brand has published a numeric lead value. Cannot compare.
Origin
Tie / indeterminate
One or both brands have not publicly disclosed their leaf origin region.
Organic certification
Arbor Teas
Arbor Teas holds ORGANIC certification. Marukyu-Koyamaen does not have a publicly confirmed organic certification.
Side-by-Side Spec Table
| Field | Arbor Teas | Marukyu-Koyamaen |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | China | Uji, Japan |
| Grade | Ceremonial | Ceremonial |
| Price per gram | $1.50/g | $1.13/gBetter |
| Transparency tier | -- | Tier 4 |
| Publishes numeric COA | No | No |
| Third-party tested | No | No |
| Organic certification | ORGANIC | None |
| Lead (published) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 24, 2026) |
| Cadmium (published) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 24, 2026) |
| Arsenic (published) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 24, 2026) |
| Mercury (published) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 24, 2026) |
| Pesticide tested | No | No |
| Last verified | June 27, 2026 | June 24, 2026 |
Origin
Grade
Price per gram
Transparency tier
Publishes numeric COA
Third-party tested
Organic certification
Lead (published)
Cadmium (published)
Arsenic (published)
Mercury (published)
Pesticide tested
Last verified
Heavy Metals and Safety Disclosure
Neither Arbor Teas nor Marukyu-Koyamaen has published numeric heavy metal values as of the last verification dates (June 27, 2026 and June 24, 2026 respectively). Without published ppb values, independent verification is not possible.
| Metal | Arbor Teas | Marukyu-Koyamaen |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 24, 2026) |
| Cadmium | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 24, 2026) |
| Arsenic | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 24, 2026) |
| Mercury | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 24, 2026) |
Source: brand-published COAs and independent test results. Values are from specific batches and dates. Absence of published data does not indicate safety or danger. Last verified: Arbor Teas June 27, 2026, Marukyu-Koyamaen June 24, 2026.
Price Comparison
Marukyu-Koyamaen is $0.37/g cheaper than Arbor Teas ($1.13/g vs $1.50/g, a 25% difference). At 30 servings per month, that is approximately $22/month in savings.
Detailed Analysis
Testing Transparency
No public testing statement has been found for Arbor Teas as of the last verification date. No public testing statement has been found for Marukyu-Koyamaen as of the last verification date.
Origin and Sourcing
Arbor Teas sources from China and Marukyu-Koyamaen sources from Uji, Japan. Different growing regions produce distinct flavor profiles: Uji matcha tends toward sweet umami, Kagoshima toward fresh and grassy, and Yame toward rich and complex. Neither region is objectively superior.
Which Should You Buy?
If testing transparency is your priority: Marukyu-Koyamaen (Tier 4) discloses more than Arbor Teas (Unrated). If price per gram is your priority: Marukyu-Koyamaen is the more affordable option at $1.13/g. If organic certification matters to you: Arbor Teas holds ORGANIC certification. Marukyu-Koyamaen does not have a publicly confirmed organic certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arbor Teas or Marukyu-Koyamaen cheaper?
Marukyu-Koyamaen is cheaper at $1.13/g vs $1.50/g per gram, a difference of $0.37/g. Prices verified as of 2026-06.
Does Arbor Teas publish lab results?
No public testing statement or COA has been found for Arbor Teas as of June 27, 2026.
Does Marukyu-Koyamaen publish lab results?
No public testing statement or COA has been found for Marukyu-Koyamaen as of June 24, 2026.
Is Arbor Teas or Marukyu-Koyamaen organic?
Arbor Teas holds ORGANIC certification. Marukyu-Koyamaen does not have a publicly confirmed organic certification as of the last verification date.
Related comparisons
All data in this comparison is sourced from publicly available COAs, brand websites, and independent test results. Every safety data point carries its source and last-verified date. Steady Matcha does not conduct or claim ownership of third-party test results for other brands. Brand information changes: verify current status before purchasing.