Green TeaJapan

Bancha Tea

GrassyRoastedVegetal

Bancha is Japan's everyday green tea, picked from mature leaves later in the season.

Bancha tea — loose leaves
Green TeaFresh · Grassy · Sweet
Light body
Tea TypeGreen TeaFresh · Grassy · Sweet
OriginShizuoka, Japan
OxidationNoneRoast: Low
BodyLight
CaffeineLow10–25 mg / cup

Flavor Profile

What does Bancha taste like?

Bancha is Japan's everyday green tea, picked from mature leaves later in the season. The cup is straightforward and easygoing: mild grassy flavor, light body, and a faint roasted edge. Caffeine is low, so it is often enjoyed throughout the day, including evenings. It is forgiving to brew and a good introduction to Japanese green teas for those who find sencha too intense.

Flavor NotesStrongest first
Grassy5 / 5
Roasted4 / 5
Vegetal3 / 5
Smooth2 / 5

Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.

Origin

Shizuoka, Japan

Bancha is produced across Japan, with Shizuoka the largest source.

Known for steamed green teas, shade-grown umami, and powdered matcha.

Shizuoka, Japan

Brewing Guide

How to Brew Bancha

Tea Amount3 g
Water250 ml
Temperature80–90°C
Steep1–2 min
Re-steep2–3 times

Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.

Caffeine

Caffeine in Bancha

Low

Typical brewed serving

10–25mg per cup

Bancha is a low-caffeine green tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 10–25 mg of caffeine.

Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.

Keep Exploring

If you like Bancha

Side by Side

Want to see how Bancha compares?

Put Bancha next to Sencha and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.

FAQ

Bancha Tea FAQ

Quick answers about Bancha tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.

What is Bancha tea?

Bancha is Japan's everyday green tea, picked from mature leaves later in the season.

Does Bancha tea have caffeine?

Yes. Bancha is a low-caffeine tea, typically 10–25 mg per brewed serving.

What does Bancha tea taste like?

Bancha is known for a profile led by Grassy, Roasted, and Vegetal, with a light body.

How do you brew Bancha tea?

Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 80–90°C, steeping for 1–2 minutes. It can be re-steeped 2–3 times.

Is Bancha tea bitter?

Bitterness is not a defining note of Bancha; its profile centers on Grassy, Roasted, and Vegetal.