The 6 Greatest Matcha Powders of 2025, Examined & Reviewed

The primary time I ordered a inexperienced tea latte from a espresso store, I assumed the barista will need to have made a mistake. Certainly one thing this neon-colored couldn’t be constituted of tea, proper?! Though matcha has been round for over a thousand years, information of it hadn’t totally reached the agricultural nook of Kansas the place I grew up by the point a shy, teenage model of me was attempting to look nonchalant whereas Googling, “Why is my tea so inexperienced?”

I inform this story not solely to maintain myself humble but additionally to point out that I do know firsthand how intimidating it may be to get into matcha. In truth, it took me nearly a decade after this encounter to essentially admire the flavour and one other few years to find simply how completely cool the world of matcha actually is. Certain, it’s chock-full of wellness buzzwords and types attempting to persuade you that their matcha is the superfood-iest of all of them. However, if you happen to’re keen to look previous all of the jargon, you’ll discover that matcha has simply as a lot nuance as wine, all the way down to cultivar-specific taste profiles and terroir. 

Whether or not you’re a hobbyist trying to broaden your palate or simply need a beginner-friendly matcha to drink on the go, there are many pleasant entry factors for you. To search out the most effective matcha you should buy on-line, I attempted 14 varieties starting from underneath $15 to over $50 per tin. In the end, style is subjective; the most effective matcha depends upon what taste profile you want and the way a lot you wish to spend. I loved (practically) the entire matcha powders I attempted, however I discovered six that significantly stood out for budget-conscious newbies, latte drinkers, and people who wish to savor their matcha.

The Exams

• Producer’s Most well-liked Technique Check: I ready every matcha in response to its producer’s pointers utilizing a matcha bowl and whisk. Most of the preparations various in how a lot water they used, so I additionally tasted every matcha in an usucha (a conventional “skinny tea” preparation of 1 teaspoon of matcha whisked into two ounces of water) earlier than diluting it to guage the flavour notes throughout the lineup. I rated the matcha powders on their richness, umami, sweetness, bitterness, astringency, brightness, and earthiness.
• Frothy Iced Matcha Check: I used a cocktail shaker to make frothy iced matcha with every matcha powder and famous its taste profile.
• Iced Matcha Latte Check (Winners Solely): I used an electrical milk frother to mix one teaspoon of every matcha powder with two ounces of water till dissolved, then added ice and 6 ounces of oat milk to make an iced latte. I evaluated the matcha based mostly on how effectively it got here by means of within the creamy drink or whether or not it misplaced its complexity. 

What We Discovered

What Is Matcha?

This powdered tea originated in China in the course of the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907 C.E. It unfold to Japan by way of Buddhist monks within the twelfth century, the place it grew to become an integral a part of Japanese tea ceremonies (and nonetheless is at present). Nearly all matcha is now produced in southern Japan. Like France, which has areas identified for wine (suppose Champagne or Bordeaux), Japan has notable rising districts for matcha. Shizuoka is the biggest, whereas particular spots like Uji (within the Kyoto Prefecture) and Yame (in Fukuoka) are famed for producing fantastically wealthy teas.

The standard of the tea depends upon the way it’s grown and processed. Matcha isn’t merely the bottom model of inexperienced tea leaves you would possibly discover in a grocery retailer, though the 2 do share some similarities. Matcha and inexperienced tea (plus black, oolong, and white teas) come from the identical plant, Camellia sinensis. Whereas all tea comes from a single species, tea cultivars have been selectively bred for particular rising or taste properties (much like how most wine comes from Vitis vinifera whether or not it is a Riesling or a Pinot Noir).

Not like inexperienced tea, crops grown for matcha are shaded in the course of the last weeks earlier than harvest, which boosts their leaves’ chlorophyll and theanine content material. These compounds are chargeable for matcha’s brilliant inexperienced coloration and umami taste, respectively, however how a lot they enhance depends upon the thoroughness and size of time the crops are shaded (which might fluctuate from farm to farm). As soon as the tea is able to harvest, producers decide the youngest, most delicate leaves from the highest of the plant, steam them to protect their coloration, and dry them. The tencha, because it’s referred to as at this level, is then floor right into a advantageous powder. In spite of everything that, we’ve got matcha.

Culinary vs. Ceremonial Grade: What’s the Distinction?

Matcha is often labeled underneath two essential classes: ceremonial grade and culinary grade. In broad strokes, ceremonial grade normally refers to matcha manufactured from the youngest, first leaves harvested in springtime after the plant has saved vitamins all winter. It’s shorthand for drinking-quality matcha, or matcha appropriate to be used throughout tea ceremonies. It tends to be emerald-hued, nuanced, and balanced by way of bitterness. It’s effectively suited to conventional preparations like usucha or koicha. The previous is a comparatively skinny, frothy whisked tea made with a matcha bowl and whisk (aka chawan and chasen), two grams of matcha, and two ounces of heat water. The latter, koicha, is a extra formal preparation by which double the matcha is whisked into half the liquid, making a thick paste resembling melted chocolate that is ultra-concentrated with taste.

Culinary matcha isn’t really helpful for consuming. It’s usually constituted of extra mature leaves and people harvested later within the season. It’s rather more reasonably priced and sometimes olive-toned, one-note, and astringent. Nevertheless, its depth might be advantageous when it is sweetened and mixed with different elements in baked items. Whereas the “ceremonial” and “culinary” phrases could also be useful beginning factors, they aren’t regulated and is probably not relevant (or correct) for each matcha. They’re used nearly solely as Western advertising and marketing phrases (not in Japan), and it’s as much as the manufacturers to determine what they suppose is worthy of the elevated worth. (Spoiler: Typically lower-quality matcha is labeled with the ceremonial classification.) As an alternative of counting on grades, it’s extra useful to learn up on the producer’s advised makes use of based mostly on the matcha’s cultivar, harvest mix, and taste profile. 

Grading Didn’t Actually Matter

Regardless that I knew {that a} ceremonial designation may very well be hit and miss, I nonetheless went in anticipating quite a bit from the first-harvest, ceremonial grade matcha within the lineup. I rapidly found how most of the finest matcha powders had been ungraded. The Ippodo Ummon and the Kettl Shirakawa Uji Hikari each eschewed grades, had vivid hues, and had been stuffed with wealthy, umami taste. I used to be additionally delightfully stunned by a number of of the approachable, ungraded blends of first- and second-harvest leaves, just like the Rishi On a regular basis Matcha and the Coldbrew from Breakaway. Comparatively, matcha powders with the “ceremonial” label weren’t routinely good. Particularly, the ceremonial matcha from Golde was simply as bitter and uninteresting because the Navitas culinary grade matcha however was triple the worth per gram. As an alternative of counting on grades, I discovered studying about every matcha’s producer’s practices extra useful. Manufacturers that supplied extra clear info helped me perceive what I used to be getting and set higher expectations for the matcha and its worth.

Coloration Was a Good Indicator of High quality

Whereas grading (or the dearth thereof) wasn’t essentially indicative of the caliber of the matcha, coloration was a a lot better clue. Matcha meant for consuming ought to be a vivid inexperienced with out muddy hues. There’s no best shade for matcha, as every tin will fluctuate relying on its cultivar(s) and when and the way it was grown and processed. Yellow and brown undertones, although, might be indicators of oxidation and bitterness. The Golde and Navitas matcha powders each fell on the yellowish, olive-green aspect of the spectrum and had been astringent with out a lot complexity. Whereas they’d have been okay for baking into sweetened treats, they didn’t make interesting drinks. Alternatively, the Kettl, Ippodo, and Blue Bottle powders had been all strikingly blue-green in tone and had been pleasantly nuanced with average to gentle bitterness.

Purchase Solely What You Want

From the second it is floor, matcha begins to lose taste efficiency and coloration vibrancy. This occurs as a result of it oxidizes when uncovered to air, gentle, and warmth. Humidity hurries up the method, too, and may trigger the matcha to show clumpy. Because of this, most matcha producers suggest retaining your powder in an hermetic container within the fridge or freezer and utilizing it up as rapidly as you possibly can (inside three months of opening the bundle). It’s normally completely secure to drink or cook dinner with matcha after this level—so long as it hasn’t gotten any moisture inside—nevertheless it’s higher to purchase solely as a lot matcha as you need to use whereas it’s at its peak. In spite of everything, drinking-quality matcha might be scrumptious however pricey; those I examined ranged from $0.80 to $5.20 (!) per teaspoon. For fast reference, matcha for consuming is often bought in 20-, 30-, or 40-gram tins. Most drinks use a teaspoon of matcha, which weighs about two grams. Subsequently, you possibly can anticipate to get about 10 drinks from a 20-gram tin, 15 drinks from a 30-gram tin, and so forth.

Culinary-grade matcha, however, is usually bought in a lot bigger portions, from 50 grams to 1 pound. It normally prices round $0.30 or much less per gram, making it an attractively thrifty choice. (The Navitas one I attempted was in an 85-gram bag and price about $0.20 per gram.) It’s appropriate for individuals who cook dinner with matcha regularly or need the extraordinary taste that the culinary grade can deliver. However bear in mind: It’s normally fairly bitter and uninteresting to begin with and can get extra in order it ages. Until you add meals coloring, your goodies could end up muted or brownish, and also you don’t wish to be left with a pile of matcha powder that’s too astringent to drink, oxidizing away in your kitchen. (Is it apparent that I’m talking from expertise right here?) If the recipe you intend to cook dinner solely makes use of a tablespoon or two and also you’re not making it often, you’re seemingly higher off getting an oz or two of culinary grade as a substitute of a bulk bag. Or, if it’s a deal with by which the tea can shine with out too many competing flavors, you possibly can think about using reasonably priced matcha that you just’ll additionally wish to drink, just like the Rishi Tea On a regular basis, Naoki Superior Ceremonial, or Jade Leaf Natural Ceremonial matcha.

The Standards: What to Search for in Matcha

When searching for matcha, don’t get caught on ceremonial grading or distracted by generic wellness claims. (The quantity of antioxidants, L-theanine, and caffeine will fluctuate relying on the matcha, however all matcha has them.) As an alternative, search for a producer that’s clear about its sourcing practices and high quality requirements. First-harvest matcha powders are inclined to make much less bitter and extra nuanced tea, however first- and second-harvest blends might be approachable and reasonably priced for newbies and each day drinkers. For lovers, attempt looking for out a single-origin, single-estate, or single-cultivar matcha to discover its complexity. Take into account what you wish to use the matcha for and the way a lot you possibly can moderately undergo in a number of months. Sturdy culinary grade matcha might be good for baking, however an reasonably priced drinking-grade matcha might be simpler to make use of throughout a number of purposes. Attempt to discover a impartial or bluish-green matcha with out muddy tones, however know that this may be powerful when purchasing on-line as a result of most footage are adjusted for coloration. Lastly, be certain the matcha you select isn’t blended with sugar or flavorings (except you need that). 

Our Favourite Matcha Powders

What we favored: The natural, single-origin On a regular basis Matcha from Rishi Tea was hands-down probably the most approachable matcha for newbies. It was $12 for a 30-gram tin on the time of writing (or $0.40 per gram). Not solely was it tremendous reasonably priced, nevertheless it was additionally good. The matcha tasted clear and grassy, balanced with medium bitterness, gentle earthiness, and notes of underripe peach. It was a simple sipper in every preparation and can be nice for consuming on the go. Given its worth, it’s additionally an amazing general-purpose matcha to maintain readily available for lattes, smoothies, fruity tonics, and vibrant baked items. 

What we didn’t like: As a result of it was a mix of first- and second-harvest leaves, it was much less vibrant and nuanced than matcha constituted of first-harvest leaves solely.

Key Specs

• Grade: Not listed
• Harvest: First and second
• Cultivars: Kanayamidori, Okuyutaka, Yabukita, and Asanoka
• Origin: Kirishima Mountain, Kagoshima, Japan
• Tin dimension: 30 g

What we favored: The Naoki matcha was a real ceremonial grade matcha made with first-harvest leaves. Just like the Rishi, it may be ready scorching or chilly and with water or milk. It had a balanced, approachable profile with nuances of arugula, rhubarb, and Italian parsley. Because it is available in a bigger 40-gram tin, it’s additionally nice for matcha drinkers who prefer to experiment with making matcha tonics, treats, and smoothies. 

What we didn’t like: Though it got here in a bigger tin and was nonetheless reasonably priced in comparison with different matcha powders within the lineup, the tin was double the worth of the Rishi Tea On a regular basis Matcha on the time of writing. 

Key Specs

• Grade: Ceremonial
• Harvest: First
• Cultivars: Not listed
• Origin: Uji, Kyoto, Japan
• Tin dimension: 40 g

What we favored: The Matcha Bar Premium Mix is one other excellent place to begin for newbies. It was an all-around star with full richness and umami. It felt extra refined than both of the funds picks, with gentle to average bitterness and astringency. Whereas it was pleasant in a latte, I additionally loved choosing up notes of pecans, alfalfa sprouts, and contemporary mint once I blended it with water.

What we didn’t like: MatchaBar wasn’t as clear about its sourcing as different producers (like Matchaful or Rishi), and it wasn’t clear how this premium ceremonial mix differed from its commonplace ceremonial grade providing. 

Key Specs

• Grade: Ceremonial
• Harvest: First
• Cultivars: Not listed
• Origin: Kagoshima, Japan
• Tin dimension: 30 g

What we favored: Matchaful works straight with a fourth-generation farm in Shizuoka, Japan, for its single-estate matcha. The farm operates sustainably; it even shades the tea crops with photo voltaic panels. I picked up flavors of inexperienced banana, cucumber, and grapefruit pith on this matcha, and I discovered its brightness particularly beautiful in a latte.

What we didn’t like: It was on the pricier aspect of the lineup (about $1.33 per gram on the time of writing), however I’d take into account it value it for somebody who values a thoughtfully sourced sipper.

Key Specs

• Grade: Ceremonial
• Harvest: First
• Cultivars: A number of cultivars (specifics not listed)
• Origin: Single property in Shizuoka, Japan
• Tin dimension: 30 g

What we favored: Matcha lovers throughout the net broadly reward Ippodo, and for good cause. The model has been within the Japanese tea enterprise for over 300 years and ships high-quality teas worldwide. This Ummon matcha was wealthy and umami with substantial vegetal notes of asparagus, inexperienced bell pepper, and kombu seaweed. In an usucha, it was a mature, nuanced sipper with a balanced bitterness that I delighted in savoring. As a shaken iced matcha, it was delicately savory, like a lightweight dashi broth. I cherished consuming it as a rejuvenating respite throughout afternoons.

What we didn’t like: I wouldn’t suggest it as a latte, because the milk mellowed out most of its complexities. It was additionally the second priciest matcha of the lineup at nearly $1.50 per gram on the time of writing (about $3 per serving).

Key Specs

• Grade: Ungraded
• Harvest: Not listed
• Cultivars: Not listed
• Origin: Kyoto Prefecture and surrounding areas
• Tin dimension: 20 g

What we favored: Kettl is an organization that’s identified for forming direct partnerships with rural producers in Japan (like Kiyoharu Tsuji, who grew this one) to supply Michelin-quality, stone-milled matcha. After tasting this beautiful, viridescent matcha, my first phrase was, “WOAH!” Whereas I had heard quite a bit concerning the umami that matcha may have (and even tasted a number of I thought of fairly savory), this single-cultivar matcha expanded what I knew was attainable. As an usucha, it had such an intense richness and minerality that it jogged my memory of anchovy-stuffed olives, seaweed, and MSG (in the easiest way). It additionally had contemporary, comfortable notes of parsley, and I wrote that it tasted “just like the cleanest bone broth conceivable.”

What we didn’t like: At over $5 per serving on the time of writing, this matcha is decidedly a splurge. It has a taste complexity that calls for consideration, so I’d actually solely suggest this matcha for savoring in its historically whisked types. If such a wealthy and savory matcha doesn’t enchantment to you, Kettl additionally carries extra different (albeit nonetheless fairly lavish) choices, together with ones for mixing with milk.

Key Specs

• Grade: Ungraded
• Harvest: Not listed
• Cultivars: Uji Hikari
• Origin: Shirakawa, Uji, Japan
• Tin dimension: 20 g

The Competitors

Additionally Good

• Breakaway Matcha Coldbrew: This matcha is constituted of extra mature leaves than the model’s Hyperpremium, first-harvest blends. Therefore, Breakaway recommends making ready it with ice water to tone down any bitterness in comparison with these, not essentially as a result of it’s particularly formulated for “chilly brewing.” (It blended into chilly water simply in addition to every other matcha powder I examined.) Its bitterness was gentle, although, and I appreciated its refined notes of inexperienced apple skins and arugula.
• Chamberlain Espresso Matcha: The Chamberlain matcha’s brightness was balanced with gentle minerality and hints of inexperienced bell pepper, lime, and grapefruit.
• Smith Teamaker Matcha: The Smith Teamaker matcha had a wealthy, nutty high quality (paying homage to walnuts) with a pleasing bitterness. It jogged my memory of a hoppy IPA, which I favored.
• Jade Leaf Matcha Natural Ceremonial Grade Inexperienced Tea Powder: This daring matcha made me consider contemporary inexperienced juices with notes of kale and celery. Its intense, rapidly dissipating bitterness made it really feel invigorating and brilliant, although a tad robust when blended with straight water. It might rise up effectively in sweetened tonics, lattes, smoothies, confections, and baked items.
• Kyoto Dew Matcha: The Kyoto Dew was a balanced, well-rounded matcha that will be adaptable to on a regular basis purposes and approachable for newbies. I famous that it might pair effectively with berries, significantly raspberries.
• Blue Bottle Craft Matcha: This matcha was wealthy, creamy, and savory, with gentle bitterness on the again finish. It was extra earthy than brilliant and had a vegetal taste like poblano peppers. Though the Blue Bottle matcha had a classy palate and lovely blue-green coloration, it was pricier per gram than different powders I favored simply as effectively.
• Navitas Organics Matcha Powder: I wouldn’t suggest this culinary mix for any drink preparations, because it was fairly bitter. Nevertheless, it’s reasonably priced, sturdy, and citrusy if you happen to want a bulk amount to bake with.

Not Advisable

• Golde Pure Matcha: Though it was marketed as ceremonial grade (and priced as such), the Golde matcha I examined seemed and tasted much like the culinary grade matcha. It delivered to thoughts broccoli rabe and over-brewed black tea, though its bitterness mellowed out fairly a bit once I blended it with milk.

FAQs

What’s matcha?

Matcha is a finely floor powder constituted of inexperienced tea leaves. It originated in China round 600 and 900 C.E. and unfold to Japan within the twelfth century. The very best-quality matcha is milled from younger tea leaves grown underneath shade, leading to a powder that’s vibrantly coloured and delicately savory.

How is matcha totally different from inexperienced tea leaves?

Matcha is constituted of the identical kind of plant as inexperienced or black tea (Camellia sinensis), however matcha tea crops are shaded in the course of the last weeks of rising. This will increase the chlorophyll manufacturing within the tea leaves, which produces a extra intense taste and coloration. Typically, solely the youngest, most tender leaves are picked for matcha. After harvesting, each inexperienced tea and leaves meant for matcha are steamed (to halt the oxidation course of) and dried. Inexperienced tea leaves are left complete or in bigger items to make them simpler to pressure out earlier than consuming, however matcha is floor right into a advantageous powder, whisked utterly into the tea, and consumed.

How a lot caffeine does matcha have?

A drink made with one teaspoon of matcha powder (a typical serving, based mostly on our checks) accommodates roughly 40 and 90 milligrams of caffeine, relying on the standard of the matcha. That’s a bit greater than most steeped teas however just below that of a mean espresso, which accommodates about 95 milligrams of caffeine.

Is matcha wholesome?

There isn’t definitive analysis on whether or not consuming matcha has particular or constant well being advantages. So long as you’re not delicate to caffeine, matcha could be a secure drink so as to add to your day. It’s excessive in antioxidants, which have been proven to assist stop some cell injury within the physique. Matcha additionally accommodates L-theanine, an amino acid that has been argued to attenuate the results of caffeine, cut back stress, and enhance focus and cognitive operate (though, once more, the science isn’t completely conclusive).

Does matcha expire?

Because it’s a dried product, matcha gained’t “go dangerous” or be unsafe to eat if it goes unused. As quickly because it’s floor, although, matcha begins to slowly lose taste nuances and vibrancy because it’s uncovered to air and light-weight. This oxidation course of might be slowed by retaining it sealed in an hermetic container in a cool, darkish place. To get the most effective complexity and coloration out of your matcha, purchase solely as a lot as you want, retailer it correctly, and attempt to use it inside three months of opening. You possibly can nonetheless drink (or bake with) the matcha after this level; it could simply be extra muted in coloration and taste than when it was contemporary.

What’s the easiest way to retailer matcha?

To keep up matcha’s brilliant coloration and taste, retailer it away from any oxidation-causing brokers—particularly gentle, warmth, humidity, and air. The fridge or freezer is a good place to maintain it; simply seal it in an hermetic container so no moisture or odors can get inside. Room temperature may also be advantageous if you happen to’ll undergo the entire tin inside a number of months of opening it.

Why We’re the Consultants

• Ashlee Redger has been cooking and writing about meals for practically a decade. She has interned at America’s Check Kitchen, created menus for nationwide manufacturers, and developed a whole lot of recipes for residence cooks. 
• She has written many evaluations for Severe Eats, together with Nespresso machines and moveable induction cooktops.
• Ashlee is a lifelong tea fanatic and developed a love for matcha in the course of the pandemic. For this assessment, she tried 14 matcha powders in three preparation types.
• For this assessment, Ashlee talked to Michelle Cheng, the founding father of Ceremony café and tea home in Windfall, Rhode Island.