Matcha tea contains aluminum in worrying quantities according to Que Choisir Ensemble

Star of coffee shops, appreciated in particular for its health benefits, wouldn't matcha tea ultimately be so beneficial? According to a study conducted by Que Choisir Ensemble, published Thursday September 24, the seven matcha references tested by the consumer association contain aluminum in significant quantities. Some brands even exceed the recommended thresholds.

However, unlike zinc or iron, aluminum is not an essential trace element and can even be neurotoxic at “high chronic doses”, underlines Que Choisir Ensemble. For this reason, the National Health Safety Agency (ANSES) has established a toxicological reference value (TRV) of 40 micrograms per kilo of body weight per day. This threshold is 3.5 times more severe than that proposed in 2008 by Efsa, the European equivalent of ANSES, which is 143 micrograms per kilo per day. Despite these recommendations, four of the seven matcha references tested exceed the reference value established by ANSES, with some reaching almost four times this threshold in a single cup, the study reports.

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No EU regulations on aluminum

However, none of these matcha brands break the law. Despite the EFSA opinion, no European Union regulation imposes a maximum aluminum content in food products and drinks. Matcha packaging can even legally display promises such as “stimulating and invigorating properties”, “resistance to physical and mental fatigue” or a “strengthened immune system”. And this, even though these allegations are still awaiting evaluation by the European authorities.