Most products sold as “blue matcha” are not matcha. They are usually powdered butterfly-pea flowers used for vivid blue color.
Traditional matcha
Japanese matcha is made from tencha produced from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Its green color comes from the leaf and shaded cultivation.
Blue matcha
Butterfly-pea powder comes from a flowering legume, not the tea plant. “Blue matcha” is a marketing description based on powdered form and preparation style.
Does it contain caffeine?
Pure butterfly-pea flower powder does not naturally contain tea caffeine, but a finished drink may contain caffeine if blended with tea, coffee or other ingredients. Always check the label.
For cafés
List the ingredient accurately as butterfly-pea flower powder and disclose blends clearly. Do not imply that it is Japanese matcha.
Explore more in the Complete Matcha Guide.