National Matcha Day 2024 Free Matcha Drinks Product Discounts And Exclusive Promotions

National Matcha Day, celebrated annually on May 2nd, has become a significant event for matcha enthusiasts across the United States. Founded by Jade Leaf Matcha in 2021, this holiday pays homage to the rich history and culture of matcha while offering numerous promotional opportunities for consumers. The date coincides with the Japanese tradition of "Hachiju Hachiya" (88th night), which marks the beginning of spring tea harvest season. Throughout the years, National Matcha Day has evolved to include various freebies, discounts, and special collaborations that make it an ideal time for both long-time matcha aficionados and newcomers to explore the world of this vibrant green powder.

Origins and Significance of National Matcha Day

National Matcha Day is celebrated each year on May 2nd in the United States, a date that holds particular significance in Japanese tea culture. This day traditionally corresponds to "Hachiju Hachiya," which translates to the "88th night" in the traditional Japanese calendar. Historically, this date marked a transition in weather patterns, signaling the shift from colder barren days to warmer summer conditions. For farmers and fishermen, this change presented optimal conditions for planting rice and improving catch rates. Most importantly, the 88th night represented the perfect time to begin the spring tea harvest.

As the #1 matcha brand in the United States, Jade Leaf Matcha founded National Matcha Day in 2021 as a celebration of all things matcha. The company established this holiday to honor the rich history and culture surrounding matcha, while also encouraging appreciation for its unique flavors and health benefits. The celebration has since grown to include numerous participating cafes, tea shops, and retailers across the country, each offering special promotions to commemorate the occasion.

The cultural significance of this date extends beyond its practical agricultural origins. In modern times, National Matcha Day serves as an opportunity for the matcha community to come together, share experiences, and introduce new people to the versatility of this superfood. The celebration reflects matcha's journey from traditional Japanese tea ceremony to a mainstream wellness ingredient enjoyed in various forms, from lattes and smoothies to desserts and even savory dishes.

Free Matcha Drink Promotions

One of the most anticipated aspects of National Matcha Day is the availability of complimentary matcha beverages at various locations across the country. These promotions typically offer free drinks to a limited number of customers, often while supplies last, and may be subject to specific terms and conditions.

In San Francisco, the "Free Matcha Drink Day" event provided an opportunity for residents to enjoy complimentary matcha beverages at participating cafes. The event offered free matcha drinks to the first 150 guests per location, with the promotion valid only for in-person orders and limited to one drink per person. Participating establishments included Stonemill Matcha, Brew Cha, Home Coffee Roasters, Souvenir Coffee, and Jane, all located in San Francisco, CA. This promotion was organized by Jade Leaf Matcha as part of their inaugural National Matcha Day celebration, demonstrating their commitment to making matcha accessible to a wider audience.

For those in Toronto, Innisfree hosted a Matcha Mart event from May 2-4, 2025, featuring a free matcha latte offer for the first 500 guests daily. This three-day event took place at The Wellington Square and included additional attractions such as skincare surprises, giveaways (including full-size products and exclusive merchandise), a selfie-ready photobooth, a live DJ, and traditional games like Gonggi. The combination of complimentary matcha beverages with other entertainment and product samples created a comprehensive celebration experience for matcha enthusiasts.

While specific promotions may vary by year and location, many matcha cafes participate in National Matcha Day by offering free or discounted beverages. Consumers are encouraged to check with local Matcha Cafe Maiko locations, as many of these establishments have participated in National Matcha Day promotions in the past. Additionally, other independent cafes and tea houses may offer their own specials, though these would need to be confirmed directly with the establishments as they are not detailed in the provided source material.

The nationwide reach of these free drink promotions demonstrates the growing popularity of matcha and the willingness of brands to invest in consumer experiences. By offering complimentary beverages, businesses can introduce new customers to matcha products while rewarding existing enthusiasts for their loyalty.

Product Discounts and Special Offers

Beyond complimentary drinks, National Matcha Day typically features significant discounts on matcha products and special offers that provide additional value to consumers. These promotions are often coordinated by major matcha brands and retailers, making it an ideal time to stock up on premium matcha products or explore new varieties.

Jade Leaf Matcha, as the founding company of National Matcha Day, consistently offers substantial discounts during this celebration. In 2024, the company provided a 20% discount on their entire collection of premium matcha products through their official website. This sitewide sale included various product categories such as ceremonial grade matcha for daily lattes, culinary matcha specifically designed for baking and smoothies, and innovative matcha blends. Additionally, Jade Leaf Matcha offered a special free gift with any order totaling $60 or more, providing consumers with an opportunity to receive complimentary matcha accessories or additional products when making larger purchases.

For online shoppers, Jade Leaf Matcha has also implemented a nationwide matcha drink reimbursement program. On National Matcha Day, the company offers to reimburse customers $10 for matcha drinks purchased across the nation with online store credit. This program allows consumers to enjoy matcha beverages at their preferred local establishments while still receiving value from the brand. To participate, customers would need to submit proof of purchase through the company's designated channels, though specific details about the reimbursement process are not detailed in the provided source material.

In New Jersey, Tasty Junction Food Court (operating as Café Pikunikku) implemented a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on matcha drinks, excluding only the Sakura Matcha Latte from this offer. This type of promotion provides an opportunity for consumers to try multiple matcha varieties or share the experience with a friend at no additional cost. Regional promotions like this demonstrate how local businesses can participate in National Matcha Day by offering deals tailored to their customer base.

The combination of product discounts, free gifts with purchase, and reimbursement programs creates multiple avenues for consumers to access matcha products at reduced costs or no cost. These promotions not only benefit consumers but also help brands increase visibility and encourage trial of their products, potentially converting casual customers into regular matcha enthusiasts.

Limited-Time Collaborations and Special Products

National Matcha Day has also become a platform for innovative collaborations and limited-time product offerings that extend beyond traditional matcha preparations. These special collaborations often pair matcha with complementary products, creating unique experiences and merchandise that are only available during the celebration period.

One notable collaboration featured Jade Leaf Matcha partnering with Dough Doughnuts, a popular New York-based doughnut purveyor, to create two exclusive matcha-flavored doughnuts. These limited-edition items were available at all Dough locations from May 2 through May 12, 2024. The collaboration resulted in two distinct products: a fluffy, chocolate-frosted doughnut with a delicate matcha cream filling, and a matcha-flavored ring topped with a sweet glaze and crunchy pistachios. This partnership demonstrated how matcha could be incorporated into sweet treats, appealing to consumers looking for indulgent options alongside traditional matcha beverages.

For those attending in-person events, special merchandise and product samples often become available. At Innisfree's Matcha Mart in Toronto, attendees could receive skincare surprises and giveaways, including full-size products and exclusive merchandise. These types of offers provide additional value beyond matcha beverages, allowing consumers to explore related wellness and beauty products that complement the matcha experience.

While the provided source material doesn't detail additional collaborations from other years, the pattern of limited-time offerings suggests that National Matcha Day continues to be an opportunity for brands to experiment with new product formats and creative applications of matcha. These limited-time collaborations generate excitement and encourage consumers to seek out exclusive products that may not be available at other times of the year.

The availability of these special products and collaborations adds an element of exclusivity to National Matcha Day celebrations, creating additional incentives for consumers to participate and explore different aspects of matcha culture beyond traditional tea preparation.

How to Participate in National Matcha Day Freebies

Participating in National Matcha Day freebies and promotions requires understanding the specific terms, conditions, and availability of each offer. While the details may vary by year and location, some general guidelines can help consumers maximize their opportunities to enjoy complimentary matcha products and special promotions.

For in-person promotions like free matcha drinks at cafes, consumers should be prepared to arrive early, as these offers are typically limited to the first 150-500 guests per location and are subject to availability while supplies last. Many promotions specify that they are valid only for in-person orders, meaning online or mobile app orders may not qualify. Additionally, most offers limit customers to one complimentary drink per person, though some promotions may allow multiple purchases if accompanied by a friend through buy-one-get-one-free deals.

When participating in reimbursement programs like the one offered by Jade Leaf Matcha, consumers should retain their purchase receipts as proof of transaction. While the specific submission process isn't detailed in the provided source material, typically such programs require customers to complete an online form with their purchase details and receipt information to receive their reimbursement in the form of store credit.

For online promotions such as sitewide discounts, consumers should ensure they apply the correct promotional code during checkout. In the case of Jade Leaf Matcha's 20% discount, the code "NATIONALMATCHADAY" would need to be entered at the time of purchase to receive the discount. Similarly, for offers like free gifts with purchase, the minimum spending threshold must be met to qualify for the complimentary item.

It's important to note that geographic restrictions may apply to certain promotions. For example, the free matcha drinks in San Francisco were only available at participating locations within that city, while the buy-one-get-one-free promotion at Tasty Junction Food Court was specifically for New Jersey residents. Consumers should verify their eligibility based on location before attempting to participate in any promotion.

To stay informed about National Matcha Day promotions, consumers may want to follow participating brands and cafes on social media or sign up for their email newsletters, as these channels often announce special offers and events in advance. Additionally, checking official websites closer to the date may reveal updated information about available promotions and any changes to terms or conditions.

Conclusion

National Matcha Day, celebrated annually on May 2nd, has established itself as a significant event for matcha enthusiasts across the United States. Founded by Jade Leaf Matcha in 2021, this holiday celebrates the cultural significance of matcha while offering numerous promotional opportunities for consumers. The date aligns with the Japanese tradition of "Hachiju Hachiya" (88th night), which historically marked the beginning of spring tea harvest.

The celebration features various freebies and promotions, including complimentary matcha drinks at participating cafes, substantial discounts on matcha products, reimbursement programs for purchased beverages, and limited-time collaborations with complementary brands. These offers provide multiple avenues for consumers to access matcha products at reduced costs or no cost, while also introducing new customers to the versatility of this superfood.

Participation in these promotions typically requires understanding specific terms and conditions, such as early arrival for in-person offers, correct application of promotional codes, and awareness of geographic restrictions. By staying informed and planning ahead, consumers can maximize their opportunities to enjoy the special offers available during National Matcha Day.

As matcha continues to grow in popularity, National Matcha Day is likely to expand with additional promotions and collaborations in future years. For both seasoned matcha enthusiasts and newcomers, this celebration represents an ideal opportunity to explore the diverse world of matcha, discover new products, and enjoy the unique benefits that this vibrant green powder has to offer.

Sources

1. Free Matcha Drink Day in SF
2. National Matcha Day Deals
3. Jade Leaf Matcha National Matcha Day 2024
4. Innisfree Matcha Mart
5. Jade Leaf Matcha and Dough Doughnuts Collab
6. Matcha.com National Matcha Day