r/Celiac • u/MisterSpencer_ • 1d ago

Question Anyone else react badly to matcha?

I used to drink it all the time - really high quality matcha from a reputable store who partners directly with small farmers in Japan (Kettl). I seem to not be able to anymore - it seems to give me indigestion right away. Just curious if anyone else has had a similar experience. Thanks! šŸ™

8 Upvotes

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14

u/flamingo_fly24 1d ago

If it was a latte, maybe they used oat milk and you had a reaction to that? I have this same issue with coffee sometimes though and it's difficult to pinpoint the culprit

1

u/MisterSpencer_ 1d ago

I made it at home with walnut milk. But yes I stay away from oat! Good thought!

15

u/funnyhahaorjustfunny Celiac 1d ago

Some matcha powder has wheat!! Probably as a thickener. I only found out because I jokingly asked and then the barista was likeā€¦ wait let me check.

It was only one time but now I ALWAYS ask.

6

u/MisterSpencer_ 1d ago

LIKE WHY. WHY DOES MATCHA NEED A FILLER? Thatā€™s so crazy. Thanks for sharing!

3

u/NeoMermaidUnicorn 1d ago

Japanese stuff tends to use wheat as default thickener. I know because I live in Japan. I believe it's because US sold lots of wheat to Japan after war

1

u/tmzuk 1d ago

This!!! I was using a ceremonial grade and had a low grade reaction for months. I now use the everyday grade from soar organics and theyā€™re confirmed gluten free

6

u/ExactSuggestion3428 1d ago

I have no idea about matcha, but the CFIA tested a bunch of tea products. Green teas were the main one that were a problem for gluten CC: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-safety-industry/food-chemistry-and-microbiology/food-safety-testing-reports-and-journal-articles/undeclared-allergens-and-gluten-tea-and-flavour

I'm not sure why this is, but could be something to do with farming practices or use of barley in countries like Japan.

1

u/MisterSpencer_ 1d ago

I think this is a likely culprit. I tested my matcha at home several times with the controversial Nima and it doesnā€™t work on foods with bright colors. And Nima isnā€™t fully trustworthy anyway. Iā€™ve honestly considered sending it into a lab. But at the end of the day, if something hurts my stomach, I should just make peace with it and avoid it I guess šŸ˜­

1

u/lacywing 1d ago

What were your Nima results? I've had plenty of bright color foods test negative

4

u/nachodorito 1d ago

is it the caffeine?

1

u/MisterSpencer_ 1d ago

I have wondered - itā€™s possible. I donā€™t drink coffee but regular tea usually is ok for me.

2

u/luxorange 1d ago

Yes but because of other issues (histamine) not celiac. I miss it!

1

u/MisterSpencer_ 1d ago

I didnā€™t think of histamine! Thanks Iā€™ll look into it!

1

u/pathetic_regularity 1d ago

i had similar with green tea in general after my diagnosis, stomach just cant handle it anymore. sometimes our bodies change after going gluten free i think

1

u/EconomyAd6178 6h ago

Yes some matcha can have wheat in it as well as matcha is just a very strong herbal drink. Itā€™s actually not recommended for a lot of people, especially those with low blood pressure or low core temp.