Ippodo Tea vs Ocha & Co Matcha: 2026 Comparison
Ippodo Tea sources from Uji, Japan while Ocha & Co sources from Japan, giving each brand a distinct terroir and flavor profile. On testing transparency, Ocha & Co (Tier 2) discloses more than Ippodo Tea (Tier 3), though neither publishes a full numeric ppb COA. On price, Ocha & Co is $1.50/g less expensive per gram ($2.05/g vs $0.55/g).
Verdict by Axis
No single overall winner is declared. The better choice depends on which axis matters most to you.
Price per gram
Ocha & Co
Ocha & Co is $1.50/g cheaper ($2.05/g vs $0.55/g).
Testing transparency
Ocha & Co
Ocha & Co is Tier 2 vs Tier 3 for Ippodo 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
Ocha & Co
Ocha & Co holds ORGANIC certification. Ippodo Tea does not have a publicly confirmed organic certification.
Side-by-Side Spec Table
| Field | Ippodo Tea | Ocha & Co |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Uji, Japan | Japan |
| Grade | Ceremonial | Not specified |
| Price per gram | $2.05/g | $0.55/gBetter |
| Transparency tier | Tier 3 | Tier 2Better |
| Publishes numeric COA | No | No |
| Third-party tested | No | YesBetter |
| Organic certification | None | ORGANIC |
| 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 Ippodo Tea nor Ocha & Co 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 | Ippodo Tea | Ocha & Co |
|---|---|---|
| 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: Ippodo Tea June 27, 2026, Ocha & Co June 24, 2026.
Price Comparison
Ocha & Co is $1.50/g cheaper than Ippodo Tea ($0.55/g vs $2.05/g, a 73% difference). At 30 servings per month, that is approximately $90/month in savings.
Detailed Analysis
Testing Transparency
Ippodo Tea states that it tests its products but has not published numeric results publicly. Ocha & Co publishes some COA data but not at full ppb resolution with a named lab and date.
Origin and Sourcing
Ippodo Tea sources from Uji, Japan and Ocha & Co sources from 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: Ocha & Co (Tier 2) discloses more than Ippodo Tea (Tier 3). If price per gram is your priority: Ocha & Co is the more affordable option at $0.55/g. If organic certification matters to you: Ocha & Co holds ORGANIC certification. Ippodo Tea does not have a publicly confirmed organic certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ippodo Tea or Ocha & Co cheaper?
Ocha & Co is cheaper at $0.55/g vs $2.05/g per gram, a difference of $1.50/g. Prices verified as of 2026-06.
Does Ippodo Tea publish lab results?
Ippodo Tea states that it tests its products but has not published numeric results publicly as of June 27, 2026.
Does Ocha & Co publish lab results?
Ocha & Co publishes some COA data but not at full ppb resolution with a named lab and date. Verified June 24, 2026.
Which is third-party tested: Ippodo Tea or Ocha & Co?
Ocha & Co is third-party tested. Ippodo Tea does not have a confirmed third-party testing status as of the last verification date.
Is Ippodo Tea or Ocha & Co organic?
Ocha & Co holds ORGANIC certification. Ippodo Tea 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.