Living-Qi vs Midori Spring Matcha: 2026 Comparison
Living-Qi sources from Japan while Midori Spring sources from Indonesia, giving each brand a distinct terroir and flavor profile.
Verdict by Axis
No single overall winner is declared. The better choice depends on which axis matters most to you.
Price per gram
Tie / indeterminate
Only Midori Spring has a published price ($0.93/g). Cannot compare.
Testing transparency
Midori Spring
Midori Spring is Tier 2 vs Unrated for Living-Qi. Lower tier number means more disclosure.
Published lead level
Tie / indeterminate
Midori Spring publishes a lead value (0.135 ppm). Living-Qi has not published a numeric lead value. Cannot compare directly.
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 | Living-Qi | Midori Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Japan | Indonesia |
| Grade | Ceremonial | Ceremonial |
| Price per gram | Not available | $0.93/g |
| Transparency tier | -- | Tier 2 |
| Publishes numeric COA | No | No |
| Third-party tested | No | YesBetter |
| Organic certification | ORGANIC | ORGANIC |
| Lead (published) | Not publicly published (checked date unknown) | 0.135 ppm |
| Cadmium (published) | Not publicly published (checked date unknown) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Arsenic (published) | Not publicly published (checked date unknown) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Mercury (published) | Not publicly published (checked date unknown) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Pesticide tested | No | Yes |
| Last verified | date unknown | 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
Midori Spring reports a lead level of 0.135 ppm (verified June 27, 2026). Living-Qi has not published a numeric lead value (checked date unknown). Without a published value from Living-Qi, a direct comparison is not possible. The absence of published data does not indicate safety or danger.
| Metal | Living-Qi | Midori Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Not publicly published (checked date unknown) | 0.135 ppm |
| Cadmium | Not publicly published (checked date unknown) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Arsenic | Not publicly published (checked date unknown) | Not publicly published (checked June 27, 2026) |
| Mercury | Not publicly published (checked date unknown) | 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: Living-Qi date unknown, Midori Spring June 27, 2026.
Price Comparison
Living-Qi does not have a published price per gram. Midori Spring is priced at $0.93/g (as of 2026-06-27).
Detailed Analysis
Testing Transparency
No public testing statement has been found for Living-Qi as of the last verification date. Midori Spring publishes some COA data but not at full ppb resolution with a named lab and date.
Origin and Sourcing
Living-Qi sources from Japan and Midori Spring sources from Indonesia. 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: Midori Spring (Tier 2) discloses more than Living-Qi (Unrated).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of Living-Qi vs Midori Spring?
Midori Spring is priced at $0.93/g. Living-Qi does not have a published price per gram available.
Does Living-Qi publish lab results?
No public testing statement or COA has been found for Living-Qi as of date unknown.
Does Midori Spring publish lab results?
Midori Spring publishes some COA data but not at full ppb resolution with a named lab and date. Verified June 27, 2026.
Which is third-party tested: Living-Qi or Midori Spring?
Midori Spring is third-party tested. Living-Qi 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.