Encha vs NOW Real Tea Matcha: 2026 Comparison
Encha sources from Uji, Japan while NOW Real Tea sources from Favorites, giving each brand a distinct terroir and flavor profile. On price, NOW Real Tea is $0.65/g less expensive per gram ($0.90/g vs $0.25/g).
Verdict by Axis
No single overall winner is declared. The better choice depends on which axis matters most to you.
Price per gram
NOW Real Tea
NOW Real Tea is $0.65/g cheaper ($0.90/g vs $0.25/g).
Testing transparency
Encha
Encha is Tier 3 vs Unrated for NOW Real Tea. 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
Tie / indeterminate
Both brands hold organic certification (ORGANIC and ORGANIC). Tie.
Side-by-Side Spec Table
| Field | Encha | NOW Real Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Uji, Japan | Favorites |
| Grade | Ceremonial | Not specified |
| Price per gram | $0.90/g | $0.25/gBetter |
| Transparency tier | Tier 3 | -- |
| Publishes numeric COA | No | No |
| Third-party tested | YesBetter | No |
| Organic certification | ORGANIC | ORGANIC |
| Lead (published) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Cadmium (published) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Arsenic (published) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Mercury (published) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Pesticide tested | Yes | No |
| Last verified | June 27, 2026 | June 27, 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 Encha nor NOW Real Tea has published numeric heavy metal values as of the last verification dates (June 27, 2026 and June 27, 2026 respectively). Without published ppb values, independent verification is not possible.
| Metal | Encha | NOW Real Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Cadmium | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Arsenic | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Mercury | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 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: Encha June 27, 2026, NOW Real Tea June 27, 2026.
Price Comparison
NOW Real Tea is $0.65/g cheaper than Encha ($0.25/g vs $0.90/g, a 72% difference). At 30 servings per month, that is approximately $39/month in savings.
Detailed Analysis
Testing Transparency
Encha states that it tests its products but has not published numeric results publicly. No public testing statement has been found for NOW Real Tea as of the last verification date.
Origin and Sourcing
Encha sources from Uji, Japan and NOW Real Tea sources from Favorites. 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: Encha (Tier 3) discloses more than NOW Real Tea (Unrated). If price per gram is your priority: NOW Real Tea is the more affordable option at $0.25/g.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encha or NOW Real Tea cheaper?
NOW Real Tea is cheaper at $0.25/g vs $0.90/g per gram, a difference of $0.65/g. Prices verified as of 2026-06-27.
Does Encha publish lab results?
Encha states that it tests its products but has not published numeric results publicly as of June 27, 2026.
Does NOW Real Tea publish lab results?
No public testing statement or COA has been found for NOW Real Tea as of June 27, 2026.
Which is third-party tested: Encha or NOW Real Tea?
Encha is third-party tested. NOW Real Tea does not have a confirmed third-party testing status 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.