Get Your Zen On With Matcha Tea Powder!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Matcha Tea drinker, I'm sure you'll find something here that suits your needs.
At first glance, all matcha powders may seem the same, but a closer inspection reveals that not all powders are created equal.
In fact, the quality of the powder can vary drastically due to rushed or irregular tea-leaf handling.
So before you go and buy just any old matcha powder, make sure to do your research and find one that will give you the best possible cup of tea.
If you're looking for a tea that will always be delicious, no matter the circumstance, it's worth seeking out brands that import from Japan.
The matcha made in Japan is typically processed more consistently than in other places, so you know you're getting a high-quality product.
To make things even easier for you, we asked some experienced matcha drinkers and bakers about their favorites - check out their recommendations below!
How We Chose
Matcha powders come in two main categories: ceremonial grade and culinary grade.
However, there's no set definition of what makes ceremonial grade better - it just means that the matcha is made from younger, more tender leaves.
So if you're looking for the best cup of tea, go with ceremonial grade. But if you want to bake some delicious treats, culinary grade is the way to go.
- Culinary grade matcha needs to pack a flavorful punch if it's going to stand up to any sweetness or dairy it might be mixed with.
- As far as taste goes, some matcha drinkers find the drink to have a strong sense of umami, while others find it to be smoother with chocolate undertones.
Expert tasters suggest that the more you try matcha, the more you'll come to understand the complexities of its flavor.
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Best Overall Matcha
Naoki Matcha Chiran Harvest Masters Collection
Ceremonial Grade | Umami flavor with smooth chocolate mouth feel.
Kagoshima tea used to be seen as the bottom of the barrel. But these days, that's no longer the case.
In fact, many of them have adapted strongly to the regional climate and soil to produce great matcha and teas that can give Uji and Shizuoka a run for their money.
So if you're looking for something special, why not try a Kagoshima tea? You might be surprised at just how good it is.
Best Special Occasion Matcha
Ippodo Tea Sayaka
Ceremonial Grade | Smooth sweetness and umami flavor accompanied by a hint of bitterness.
Kyoto's Ippodo Tea has been around for over three centuries, and it's still run by the same family. It's a testament to their quality that they've managed to stay in business this long.
- Their tea is grown, processed, blended, and packaged entirely in Japan, so you know it's good.
- Plus, with a 40-gram size, it's enough to last you a while.
Ippodo has two main types of matcha: Sayaka and Kuro. Sayaka is the more accessible of the two, rich and smooth with just a hint of astringency.
It's perfect for beginners and matcha fans alike. Kuro is thicker and more intense, perfect for latte lovers or those looking for a more robust flavor.
Best Matcha To Mix Into Drinks
It's directly from Uji, Kyoto. The leaves were grown in the shade for at least three weeks and then ground into a fine powder.
It's organic, USDA and JAS certified, and it's all natural with no sugar, fillers, or preservatives. Just steep it in hot water and enjoy.
Best Daily Matcha Powder
Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green
Ceremonial Grade | Rich, with light earthy undertones and no bitter aftertaste.
If you're looking for the best organic matcha, you'll want to head to Japan's Uji or Kagoshima regions.
- Their, family-owned partner farms fuse traditional and modern techniques to cultivate leaves brimming with flavor and nutrients.
Sourced from only the most reputable Japanese farms. In fact, less than 1% of all Japanese tea farms are certified organic, so they've worked hard to form strong partnerships with the best of them.
You'll love this premium organic matcha for its rich flavor and natural sweetness.
Best Matcha For Travel
Pique Organic Sun Goddess Matcha
Ceremonial Grade | Best matcha tea powder for travel.
This premium Japanese matcha is sourced directly from certified organic farms and is high in amino acids, like l-theanine, to promote calm and balanced energy.
- It's quadruple toxin screened and made with all natural ingredients, grown without pesticides or harmful fertilizers.
- Highest grade matcha you can find in a convenient on-the-go package.
This delicate powder can also be enjoyed as traditional matcha tea, or by blending with milk for delicious lattes, smoothies, and baked goods.
Best Matcha For Baking
FGO Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
Culinary Grade | Perfect for adding color and flavor to your baking and drinks.
Step up your green tea game with this certified organic matcha powder from Japan. Add it to lattes, smoothies, and baked goods for an extra boost of antioxidants and flavor.
This matcha is USDA organic, non-GMO project certified, gluten-free, and sugar-free, so you can feel good about what you're putting in your body.
Best For Lattes
With Jade Leaf's matcha mix, you can make delicious and lightly sweetened matcha lattes in the comfort of your own home.
- They're perfect for any time of day, and they're a great way to get your daily dose of caffeine.
- Just add your favorite kind of milk (almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or regular milk), mix it in with the powder, and you're good to go.
- Even try it in your protein shakes for an extra boost of antioxidants.
Traditional Preparation
Preparing matcha correctly is crucial to making a delicious cup of tea, but don't worry, making matcha at home is easy.
Get yourself a matcha bowl and a bamboo whisk, then just follow these simple steps:
- Add ¾ teaspoon matcha to your bowl.
- Add a small amount of the 2 ounces of cool water and whisk to form it into a paste.
- Whisk until frothy: Add the remaining cool water and whisk vigorously back and forth until a thick foamy layer appears, about 20 to 30 seconds. (For the best froth, avoid whisking in a circular pattern.)
- Heat 6 ounces of water to 175 to 180° Fahrenheit. Mix it with 1 teaspoon of honey in a mug (optional).
- Pour the foamy matcha into the mug, then stir gently and adjust the sweetness to taste.
No Tools Method
If you don't have a whisk and bowl, no problem! You can still mix matcha powder at home.
All you'll need is a jar or bottle with a lid. A mason jar worked well for me.
- Add ¾ teaspoon matcha to your jar.
- Add the 2oz of cool water.
- Put the lid on and shake until frothy.
- Add your mixed matcha to your mug of hot water.