Matcha “Foam.”

The fine, creamy foam is not only visually appealing but also makes matcha taste richer and smoother. However, this foam is more than just an aesthetic feature—it contains important nutrients that play a significant role in disease prevention.

The secret behind this foam lies in a compound called saponin, which is naturally found in tea. It is the action of saponins that creates matcha’s distinctive foam.

What are Saponins?

Saponins are naturally occurring compounds found in legumes such as soybeans and azuki beans, as well as in the leaves and roots of plants like burdock, olive, and camellia. They are known for their strong bitter and astringent taste.

Often described as natural surfactants, saponins easily create foam and also possess antibacterial properties. Because of these characteristics, they are used in products such as soaps.

Saponins are also gaining attention as one of the phytochemicals, sometimes referred to as the “seventh nutrient.” Phytochemicals are plant-derived compounds known for their health-promoting effects.

Well-known examples of phytochemicals include isoflavones in soybeans, anthocyanins in grapes, sesaminol in sesame seeds, and catechins found in tea.

In addition, saponins are known to help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for diabetes prevention, obesity prevention, and anti-allergic effects. Because of these health-promoting properties, saponins have long been used in traditional herbal medicine and are also available today in the form of dietary supplements.

Matcha Is Rich in Saponins

As mentioned earlier, the foam in matcha comes from saponins, which are present in all types of tea.
However, if you compare matcha with other Japanese teas, like green tea, you’ll notice that they don’t form the same fine, creamy foam.
This is because matcha contains a higher concentration of saponins, which makes it much easier to create that signature frothy texture.

Unlike other teas, matcha is consumed as a powder, meaning you drink the whole leaf rather than just an infusion.
As a result, matcha contains a much higher concentration of nutrients compared to other teas.