Statement of identity
Every tea product needs a statement of identity on the principal display panel that accurately describes what's in the package. This is more consequential for matcha and powdered products than for conventional loose-leaf or bagged tea: matcha must be identified specifically (e.g. "Matcha Green Tea Powder"), not simply labeled "green tea," because the consumption method — whole leaf versus brewed and discarded — is materially different and affects how the product is evaluated for labeling and safety purposes.
Nutrition Facts: the loose-leaf exemption doesn't cover everything
Plain tea leaves intended to be steeped and discarded are often exempt from Nutrition Facts labeling, since the leaves themselves contain no significant nutrients in the form sold and consumers don't eat the leaf. That exemption logic does not extend to matcha or other powdered teas consumed as the whole leaf — those require a Nutrition Facts panel reflecting the powder as sold, and ready-to-drink tea requires one reflecting the beverage as sold, including any added sugar.
Format differences at a glance
| Requirement | Loose leaf / bags | Matcha / powdered | Ready-to-drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statement of identity | Type/variety (e.g. "Black Tea") | Specific product name, not just "green tea" | Must reflect actual beverage composition |
| Net quantity basis | Weight | Weight | Fluid volume |
| Nutrition Facts | Often exempt | Required | Required, including added sugar |
| Heavy metals labeling relevance | Standard hazard review | Elevated — full leaf consumption per serving | Standard, plus packaging considerations |
Country of origin still applies
Regardless of format, tea sold at retail needs accurate country-of-origin information reflecting the country of last substantial transformation — relevant for blended teas sourced from multiple growing regions and finished or repacked elsewhere.
Frequently asked
Does plain loose-leaf tea need a Nutrition Facts panel?
Often exempt, since the leaves themselves have no significant nutrients as sold. Matcha and other whole-leaf-consumed powders don't get this exemption.
How is net quantity declared for ready-to-drink tea versus loose leaf?
Ready-to-drink tea uses fluid volume. Loose leaf, bagged, and matcha tea use weight.