In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsThe Bottom LineChoosing a Matcha PowderOur Search for the Best Matcha PowderCommon QuestionsOur Trusted Expertise

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

The Bottom Line

Choosing a Matcha Powder

Our Search for the Best Matcha Powder

Common Questions

Our Trusted Expertise

Photo:EatingWell / Henry Wortock

A selection of matcha powders we tested

EatingWell / Henry Wortock

Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially cultivated green tea leaves called tencha, has deep roots in both Japanese and Chinese cultures. Traditionally enjoyed as a hot beverage as part of a tea ceremony, matcha’s vibrant color, unique flavor and potentialhealth benefitshave propelled it to popularity in the Western world.“As a dietitian specializing in brain health, I’m a fan of green tea for its immediate focus-boosting benefits from caffeine and amino acid L-theanine, and because its polyphenols help pump the brakes on brain aging longer term,” saysMaggie Moon, M.S., RD, brain health nutrition expert forMIND Diet Meals.To help you find the best matcha powder, we spoke to a registered dietitian who’s well-versed in all things green tea on what to look for in a quality matcha as well as taste-tested popular brands. Whether you’re looking for a coffee substitute to sip on in the morning or a powder you can add to homemade baked goods, these are the best matcha powders on the market.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Encha Organic Matcha Green Tea at Amazon$35Jump to ReviewAlso Great:KENKO Matcha Green Tea Powder at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewBest Value:Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha at Amazon$29Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Ippodo Tea Ummon-matcha at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest for Versatility:Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium at Amazon$25Jump to ReviewBest for Lattes:Chalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Organic:Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha at Amazon$25Jump to Review

Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially cultivated green tea leaves called tencha, has deep roots in both Japanese and Chinese cultures. Traditionally enjoyed as a hot beverage as part of a tea ceremony, matcha’s vibrant color, unique flavor and potentialhealth benefitshave propelled it to popularity in the Western world.

“As a dietitian specializing in brain health, I’m a fan of green tea for its immediate focus-boosting benefits from caffeine and amino acid L-theanine, and because its polyphenols help pump the brakes on brain aging longer term,” saysMaggie Moon, M.S., RD, brain health nutrition expert forMIND Diet Meals.

To help you find the best matcha powder, we spoke to a registered dietitian who’s well-versed in all things green tea on what to look for in a quality matcha as well as taste-tested popular brands. Whether you’re looking for a coffee substitute to sip on in the morning or a powder you can add to homemade baked goods, these are the best matcha powders on the market.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Encha Organic Matcha Green Tea at Amazon$35Jump to ReviewAlso Great:KENKO Matcha Green Tea Powder at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewBest Value:Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha at Amazon$29Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Ippodo Tea Ummon-matcha at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest for Versatility:Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium at Amazon$25Jump to ReviewBest for Lattes:Chalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Organic:Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha at Amazon$25Jump to Review

Best Overall:Encha Organic Matcha Green Tea at Amazon$35Jump to ReviewAlso Great:KENKO Matcha Green Tea Powder at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewBest Value:Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha at Amazon$29Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Ippodo Tea Ummon-matcha at Amazon$32Jump to ReviewBest for Versatility:Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium at Amazon$25Jump to ReviewBest for Lattes:Chalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha at Amazon$30Jump to ReviewBest Organic:Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha at Amazon$25Jump to Review

Best Overall:Encha Organic Matcha Green Tea at Amazon$35Jump to Review

Best Overall:Encha Organic Matcha Green Tea at Amazon$35

Best Overall:

Also Great:KENKO Matcha Green Tea Powder at Amazon$26Jump to Review

Also Great:KENKO Matcha Green Tea Powder at Amazon$26

Also Great:

Best Value:Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha at Amazon$29Jump to Review

Best Value:Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha at Amazon$29

Best Value:

Best Splurge:Ippodo Tea Ummon-matcha at Amazon$32Jump to Review

Best Splurge:Ippodo Tea Ummon-matcha at Amazon$32

Best Splurge:

Best for Versatility:Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium at Amazon$25Jump to Review

Best for Versatility:Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium at Amazon$25

Best for Versatility:

Best for Lattes:Chalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best for Lattes:Chalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha at Amazon$30

Best for Lattes:

Best Organic:Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha at Amazon$25Jump to Review

Best Organic:Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha at Amazon$25

Best Organic:

Best OverallEncha Organic Matcha Green TeaPHOTO: Amazon$35 at Amazon$33 at WalmartView on Encha.com

Best OverallEncha Organic Matcha Green Tea

Best Overall

Encha Organic Matcha Green Tea

PHOTO: Amazon

Encha Ceremonial Grade Organic Matcha Green Tea

$35 at Amazon$33 at WalmartView on Encha.com

What to know:Its flavor may be overpowering to some.

Encha’s matcha is labeled as ceremonial grade and organic, and it’s perfect for sipping on its own mixed with hot water or transforming into a creamy latte. Encha tea is ground from tender, first-harvest leaves that hail from a farm in Uji, Japan. This city sits between Kyoto and Nara, and boasts the perfect climate for growing tencha leaves: hot, sunny summers and cold winters. Matcha from Uji, Japan, is some of the most reliably sourced, Moon says, so you can feel confident that Encha’s product upholds traditional matcha cultivation and quality.

Each batch is free of synthetic fertilizers, GMOs or pesticides, and the result is a smooth, full-bodied matcha that’s slightly grassy. We love that the brand independently verifies its matcha for radiation and toxic heavy metals per California’s strict Proposition 65 limit—and all of the results can be found on the website for full transparency.

This Encha matcha has a smooth, quintessentially grassy flavor that’s subtly sweet. While the flavor may be slightly overpowering to those who are new to matcha, we think it makes a stellar overall pick.

Origin:Uji, Japan |Grade:Ceremonial |Flavor Profile:Robust, smooth, grassy

PHOTO: EatingWell / Alexander HuangPHOTO: EatingWell / Alexander HuangPHOTO: EatingWell / Alexander Huang

person spooning encha matcha from pouch

person stirring encha matcha in cup

pouch of encha matcha next to cup of matcha

person spooning encha matcha from pouch

person stirring encha matcha in cup

pouch of encha matcha next to cup of matcha

Also GreatKENKO Matcha Green Tea PowderPHOTO: Amazon$26 at AmazonView on Kenkomatcha.comWhat we like:It’s organic, grown in one of the best matcha-cultivating regions in Japan and boasts a balanced flavor.What to know:Its flavor is milder than other teas, which could serve as a good beginner-friendly option.Kenko’s matcha powder is certified USDA Organic and grown in the city of Nishio in southern Japan, which is where some of the best matcha is cultivated, according to Moon. This premium pick is made with younger, delicate, slightly sweet tencha leaves that are sorted out and stone-ground on granite mills. Each batch you purchase has been processed only within the last month, which ensures the product you’re getting is fresh in terms of taste and aroma.In our taste tests, we found this to be one of the more vegetal-forward powders in terms of aroma, and it boasted a deeper jade hue. This matcha gave off a sweet scalded-milk middle note upon first sniff, and a more yeast-doughnut scent when pre-whisked. Combined with water, this matcha remained fairly light in scent but bloomed in flavor, offering a balanced daintiness of brewed tea, taffy flavor and smooth medium-bodied texture.Origin:Nishio, Japan |Grade:Ceremonial |Flavor Profile:Medium-bodied, taffyPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry Wortock

Also GreatKENKO Matcha Green Tea PowderPHOTO: Amazon$26 at AmazonView on Kenkomatcha.com

Also GreatKENKO Matcha Green Tea Powder

Also Great

KENKO Matcha Green Tea Powder

Amazon KENKO Matcha Green Tea Powder

$26 at AmazonView on Kenkomatcha.com

What we like:It’s organic, grown in one of the best matcha-cultivating regions in Japan and boasts a balanced flavor.

What to know:Its flavor is milder than other teas, which could serve as a good beginner-friendly option.

Kenko’s matcha powder is certified USDA Organic and grown in the city of Nishio in southern Japan, which is where some of the best matcha is cultivated, according to Moon. This premium pick is made with younger, delicate, slightly sweet tencha leaves that are sorted out and stone-ground on granite mills. Each batch you purchase has been processed only within the last month, which ensures the product you’re getting is fresh in terms of taste and aroma.

In our taste tests, we found this to be one of the more vegetal-forward powders in terms of aroma, and it boasted a deeper jade hue. This matcha gave off a sweet scalded-milk middle note upon first sniff, and a more yeast-doughnut scent when pre-whisked. Combined with water, this matcha remained fairly light in scent but bloomed in flavor, offering a balanced daintiness of brewed tea, taffy flavor and smooth medium-bodied texture.

Origin:Nishio, Japan |Grade:Ceremonial |Flavor Profile:Medium-bodied, taffy

PHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry Wortock

A hand holding a wooden spoon scooping Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade into a cup

A wooden spoon with Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade

A person opening the lid of Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade

A person pouring Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade into a cup

A container of Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

A hand holding a wooden spoon scooping Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade into a cup

A wooden spoon with Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade

A person opening the lid of Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade

A person pouring Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade into a cup

A container of Kenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

Best ValueKimikura Kagoshima Organic MatchaPHOTO: Kimikura$29 at AmazonView on Kimikuratea.com

Best ValueKimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha

Best Value

Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha

PHOTO: Kimikura

Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha

$29 at AmazonView on Kimikuratea.com

What we like:It’s made in internationally recognized and certified factories, tested for contaminants and offers a delicate flavor that’s great for beginner matcha drinkers.

What to know:Its flavor is more on the delicate side—but not bland!

We found Kimikura to be a pastel-toned, vanilla-scented matcha powder that resulted in a lighter-tasting and textured final brew. When made with hot water, the resulting tea had more white chocolate notes, with just a hint of herbal greens like chrysanthemum. The flavor of this matcha was one of the most delicate, but not bland; it offered just enough of a creamy, well-rounded consistency on the tongue to make the drink satisfying.

Origin:Kagoshima, Japan |Grade:Ceremonial |Flavor Profile:Mild, creamy

A hand holding a wooden spoon scooping Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha powder into a cup

A scoop of Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha powder on a wooden spoon

A person opening a container of Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha

A person pouring Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha into a cup

A container of Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

A hand holding a wooden spoon scooping Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha powder into a cup

A scoop of Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha powder on a wooden spoon

A person opening a container of Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha

A person pouring Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha into a cup

A container of Kimikura Kagoshima Organic Matcha next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

Best SplurgeIppodo Tea Ummon-matchaPHOTO: Amazon$32 at AmazonView on Ippodotea.comWhat we like:It has a rich and robust flavor that scored major points in our taste test.What to know:The Ummon blend is rich and a bit astringent, so people who aren’t used to drinking matcha may find the flavor profile a bit overpowering.The Ippodo Ummon matcha hails from the mountains of Kyoto Prefecture, which gets just the right amount of sunshine and rainfall to produce quality tea. Ippodo’s internal team blends matcha powder to offer a variety of options for any occasion. This is one of the company’s more robust blends, which its president recommends preparing a “little on the strong side so that you can feel its full impact.“While this tea isn’t organic, Japan tightly regulates the use of pesticides and fertilizers, setting strict limits on residue in the final product and the allowable amounts for tea fields. Additionally, Ippodo’s tea is independently verified for contaminants. The brand also started testing its teas for radioactive compounds after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, which caused a tsunami that damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, releasing radioactive material. Ippodo tested its teas for about a decade after the disaster to confirm they’re free of radioactive contaminants.This was one of the more expensive matcha powder options in our taste test, but we felt it was worth the price. Ippodo’s matcha is an emerald-hued powder that smells dewy and bright, like stepping outside after a cleansing rain. We got a lingering hint of birthday cake on the nose, an ode to the complexity of this matcha. After mixing, the green tea scent became more pronounced, tempered with a cocoa butter-like aroma. Much like the smell, its flavor was also milky, and it lends well to sweet notes. On the tongue, this was a bit heftier than the other powders we sampled.Origin:Kyoto, Japan |Grade:Ceremonial |Flavor Profile:Robust, rich, milky

Best SplurgeIppodo Tea Ummon-matchaPHOTO: Amazon$32 at AmazonView on Ippodotea.com

Best SplurgeIppodo Tea Ummon-matcha

Best Splurge

Ippodo Tea Ummon-matcha

Ippodo Tea Ummon Matcha

$32 at AmazonView on Ippodotea.com

What we like:It has a rich and robust flavor that scored major points in our taste test.

What to know:The Ummon blend is rich and a bit astringent, so people who aren’t used to drinking matcha may find the flavor profile a bit overpowering.

The Ippodo Ummon matcha hails from the mountains of Kyoto Prefecture, which gets just the right amount of sunshine and rainfall to produce quality tea. Ippodo’s internal team blends matcha powder to offer a variety of options for any occasion. This is one of the company’s more robust blends, which its president recommends preparing a “little on the strong side so that you can feel its full impact.”

While this tea isn’t organic, Japan tightly regulates the use of pesticides and fertilizers, setting strict limits on residue in the final product and the allowable amounts for tea fields. Additionally, Ippodo’s tea is independently verified for contaminants. The brand also started testing its teas for radioactive compounds after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, which caused a tsunami that damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, releasing radioactive material. Ippodo tested its teas for about a decade after the disaster to confirm they’re free of radioactive contaminants.

This was one of the more expensive matcha powder options in our taste test, but we felt it was worth the price. Ippodo’s matcha is an emerald-hued powder that smells dewy and bright, like stepping outside after a cleansing rain. We got a lingering hint of birthday cake on the nose, an ode to the complexity of this matcha. After mixing, the green tea scent became more pronounced, tempered with a cocoa butter-like aroma. Much like the smell, its flavor was also milky, and it lends well to sweet notes. On the tongue, this was a bit heftier than the other powders we sampled.

Origin:Kyoto, Japan |Grade:Ceremonial |Flavor Profile:Robust, rich, milky

Best for VersatilityMidori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super PremiumPHOTO: Amazon$25 at AmazonView on Midorispring.com

Best for VersatilityMidori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium

Best for Versatility

Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium

Amazon Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium

$25 at AmazonView on Midorispring.com

What we like:This beginner-friendly matcha boasts a neutral taste that works well on its own as well as in cooking and baking.

What to know:It might be too light and mild-tasting for those who prefer a richer, robust matcha.

In our tests, we found this powder to be a medium-toned, flat green when dry, and when swirled with water, it forms a dark army-green liquid that emits a strong green tea scent. Upon tasting, though, it’s surprisingly neutral and is fairly light when it comes to mouthfeel and weight. Of the matchas we tasted, this one is a versatile option with a simple flavor profile that can be used for any occasion, beverages or otherwise.

Origin:Kagoshima, Japan |Grade:Ceremonial |Flavor Profile:Light, mild

A person holding a wooden spoon scooping Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium into a cup

A wooden spoon scooping Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium

A person lifting the lid off of Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium

A person pouring Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium into a glass

A container of Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

A person holding a wooden spoon scooping Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium into a cup

A wooden spoon scooping Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium

A person lifting the lid off of Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium

A person pouring Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium into a glass

A container of Midori Spring Organic Ceremonial Super Premium next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

Best for LattesChalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade MatchaPHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon$30 at Amazon$30 at Walmart

Best for LattesChalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Best for Lattes

Chalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha

PHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon

Chalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha

$30 at Amazon$30 at Walmart

What we like:It has a naturally milky flavor profile that complements lattes well.

What to know:We couldn’t find any info about whether the matcha is tested for heavy metals or radiation.

Chalait’s Everyday Ceremonial Grade matcha is a medium-dark green powder that smells very slightly milky, with a well-rounded herbaceous note. Compared to the other matcha powders we sampled, this seemed best-suited for a latte to highlight its already milky notes and creamy mouthfeel. After being whisked with only hot water, this developed into a mellow, white chocolate and vanilla aroma with a surprising, but pleasantly bitter (tannic) flavor alongside a medium weight on the tongue. Try pairing it with your favorite milk and drizzle in some honey or maple syrup if you prefer a bit of sweetness.

Origin:Uji, Japan |Grade:Ceremonial, culinary |Flavor Profile:Milky, tannic

A hand holding a wooden spoon scooping Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha into a cup

A wooden spoon with Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha on it

A person pouring Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha into a glass

A person opening the top of the Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha container

A container of Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

A hand holding a wooden spoon scooping Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha into a cup

A wooden spoon with Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha on it

A person pouring Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha into a glass

A person opening the top of the Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha container

A container of Chalait Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

Best OrganicMatcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial MatchaPHOTO: Amazon$25 at Amazon$38 at Walmart

Best OrganicMatcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha

Best Organic

Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha

Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha

$25 at Amazon$38 at Walmart

What we like:This ceremonial-grade matcha is USDA-certified organic, so it’s free of synthetic pesticides and herbicides and chemical fertilizers.

What to know:While organic matcha is preferable if you’d rather stay away from chemicals, it’s worth noting that organic matcha powders usually taste less robust than non-organic varieties.

In our taste tests, we found that this jade-green matcha powder really jumps out of the can with its grassy, almost saline scent. Whisked with hot water, it produced a tea with only slightly milky notes—it had a robust, roasted green tea (almost oolong-like) scent. The final flavor and texture was slightly tannic (in a good way), with a smooth and lightweight mouthfeel and enough of a vegetal taste to keep things interesting. Of all the matcha we tasted, this was the best organic matcha powder of the bunch and a great well-rounded option.

Origin:Uji, Japan |Grade:Ceremonial |Flavor Profile:Vegetal, tannic

A person pouring Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade into a glass

A container of Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

A person opening a container of Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade

A hand holding a wooden spoon scooping Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade into a cup

A wooden spoon with a scoop of Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade

A person pouring Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade into a glass

A container of Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade next to a wooden spoon with matcha powder on it

A person opening a container of Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade

A hand holding a wooden spoon scooping Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade into a cup

A wooden spoon with a scoop of Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade

The Bottom Line: The Best Matcha Powders

We choseEncha Ceremonial Grade Organic Matcha Green Tea(view at Amazon) as our number one matcha because it’s certified organic, it has a robust flavor profile and it’s independently verified for pesticides, toxic metals and radiation. TheKenko Organic Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade(view at Amazon) is another great choice because it’s organic, it’s grown in one of the best matcha-cultivating regions in Japan and it boasts a balanced flavor.

What’s the Grade?

You may notice terminology such as “ceremonial,” “premium,” “cafe” or “culinary” to describe matcha. “These are marketing terms that can provide a useful way to think about how to use matcha powders with slightly different qualities, but they’re not universally recognized, consistent or regulated,” Moon says. Though certain matchas are used for tea ceremonies, “ceremonial grade” matcha doesn’t even exist in Japan, Moon says.

Generally speaking, a culinary or cafe-grade matcha will have a bolder flavor that can stand up to being mixed in with other ingredients, and a ceremonial or premium matcha tends to be more subtle and is intended for steeping in hot water to drink straight up.

How High Is the Quality?

Marketing terms like “culinary grade” or “ceremonial grade” can give you a peek into how the powder is best used, but you’ll want to use your own senses to assess quality. Moon suggests looking for the following:

“Get to know different brands and the range of matcha powders they offer, paying attention to their marketing terms,” Moon says. “Once you find what you like, looking for these marketing terms combined with brands you trust will be a good shortcut to consistently getting matcha powder you enjoy.”

Where Is the Place of Origin?

“The largest producers of matcha are China, where it originated, and Japan, where it became an important part of the culture and from where it was popularized to the West,” Moon says. “Good-quality matcha can be found from both countries, but it may be more reliably sourced from Japan, especially from the regions of Uji, Shizuoka and Nishio.”

How Will You Be Using It?

Matcha powder can be used straight for a hot or cold tea, mixed into lattes and smoothies (or evensmoothie bowls), or added into baked goods and confections such as breads, muffins, doughnuts, cookies, cakes, icing, truffles, scones and more, Moon says. “It’s also a nice touch to finish a dish made with matcha with an additional dusting of the powder.”

To make a serving of matcha, you’ll need to first sift the powder to prevent clumping. Then, pour in about 2 ounces of near-boiling water and whisk it vigorously in a zigzag (not circular) motion until it foams. Top it off with an additional half-cup of hot water for tea or steamed milk for a latte.

Is It a Good Value for the Price?

Ceremonial grade matcha is usually a bit pricier than culinary grade matchas. However, price isn’t always reflective of quality. Instead, focus on the color of the matcha and where it’s sourced, which are two factors more indicative of a matcha powder’s quality.

To find the best matcha powders, we spoke to a registered dietitian who’s well-versed in green tea and matcha on what to look for in a quality powder in terms of taste, aroma, color, origin and grade. We also taste-tested popular brands, taking note of their scent when dry and prepared, as well as their flavor notes when traditionally mixed with hot water.

What is matcha, exactly?

Matcha is a finely milled green tea powder made from a particular type of green tea called tencha. Tencha originates from the same plant as all teas—Camellia sinensis—but is shade-grown to encourage chlorophyll to color the leaves a darker green. After harvest, the leaves are steamed, laid out flat to dry, deveined, stemmed and slowly stone-ground to produce the final powder. Unlike other green teas in which the leaves are steeped in hot water and then strained out, matcha is whisked into hot water and is integrated as part of the final beverage.

What’s the difference between matcha and green tea?

Matcha is often confused with green tea, and they have a lot in common—but they’re not the exact same product. “They come from the same plant,Camellia sinensis, and have similar bioactives, but have different growing and processing practices that result in different coloring, levels of bioactives and taste,” Moon says. So, matcha is a kind of green tea, but not all green tea is matcha.

“The most obvious difference is that matcha is a fine powder that is consumed in its entirety, while other green tea is loose-leaf and we only consume the water it has infused,” Moon says. Matcha is grown in the shade before harvesting, which is why it’s deemed “shade-finished,” while other green teas have more sun exposure. The time in the shade produces more chlorophyll and L-theanine, and is why matcha tastes less bitter than green tea, Moon says.

Compared to green tea, matcha is greener, more aromatic and higher in amino acids and caffeine, and it has three times the catechins once bloomed in hot water.

What are the health benefits of matcha powder?

There are more than 35,000 studies on green tea, but only about 50 specifically on matcha, per a 2021 report.But because they come from the same plant, it’s reasonable to think that benefits will be similar—or greater—with matcha, Moon says.

“One caution is that people should be aware of [matcha’s] higher caffeine content and adjust their intake as appropriate,” Moon says.

That said, research specifically on matcha shows benefits for:

Does matcha powder have caffeine in it?

While the exact amount varies, matcha generally contains about 19 to 44 milligrams of naturally occurring caffeine per gram of powder.That’s nearly double the amount in regular green tea, which averages about 11 to 25 milligrams of caffeine per gram. (A serving of matcha is 1 gram, or about a half-teaspoon.)

For reference, a cup of coffee contains between 80 and 100 milligrams of caffeine, so matcha’s caffeine content is about half of coffee’s, Moon says.

“Keep an eye out as many manufacturers will list a caffeine amount or range on the packaging,” says Moon.

How do you use matcha powder?

You can enjoy it mixed with hot water for a hot tea orserve it iced. Matcha is also great made into lattes and smoothies, or added into baked goods and confections, such as breads, muffins, doughnuts, cookies, cakes, icing, truffles, scones and more, Moon says. You can even finish off your homemade baked goods with a dusting of matcha powder.

What are the types of matcha powders?

Terminology such as “ceremonial grade” and “culinary grade” aren’t actually regulated or enforced—they’re just marketing terms. However, matcha that’s used to make a product labeled as ceremonial grade usually has a more subtle taste than culinary grade matcha, which has a bolder flavor that can stand up to being combined with other ingredients, Moon says.

Whichever “grade” of matcha you decide to go with, Moon suggests looking for powders that are bright green and cultivated in Uji, Shizuoka and Nishio, Japan.

April Benshosan, M.S., has been reporting on nutrition, health and expert-recommended products from the start of her journalism career. Before freelancing full-time, she spearheaded the nutrition vertical at two popular, well-respected publications. In writing this article, she also interviewed a registered dietitian on what to look for in a quality matcha powder that best fits your needs.

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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.Curr Res Food Sci. 2023;6:100396.Sivanesan I, Gopal J, Muthu M, Chun S, Oh JW.Retrospecting the antioxidant activity of japanese matcha green tea–lack of enthusiasm?Applied Sciences. 2021;11(11):5087. doi: 10.3390/app11115087Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H.The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.Curr Res Food Sci. 2023;6:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Mruk H, Janda K.Health benefits and chemical composition of matcha green tea: a review.Molecules. 2020;26(1):85. doi: 10.3390/molecules26010085

Sources

EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.Curr Res Food Sci. 2023;6:100396.Sivanesan I, Gopal J, Muthu M, Chun S, Oh JW.Retrospecting the antioxidant activity of japanese matcha green tea–lack of enthusiasm?Applied Sciences. 2021;11(11):5087. doi: 10.3390/app11115087Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H.The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.Curr Res Food Sci. 2023;6:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Mruk H, Janda K.Health benefits and chemical composition of matcha green tea: a review.Molecules. 2020;26(1):85. doi: 10.3390/molecules26010085

EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.Curr Res Food Sci. 2023;6:100396.Sivanesan I, Gopal J, Muthu M, Chun S, Oh JW.Retrospecting the antioxidant activity of japanese matcha green tea–lack of enthusiasm?Applied Sciences. 2021;11(11):5087. doi: 10.3390/app11115087Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H.The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.Curr Res Food Sci. 2023;6:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Mruk H, Janda K.Health benefits and chemical composition of matcha green tea: a review.Molecules. 2020;26(1):85. doi: 10.3390/molecules26010085

Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.Curr Res Food Sci. 2023;6:100396.

Sivanesan I, Gopal J, Muthu M, Chun S, Oh JW.Retrospecting the antioxidant activity of japanese matcha green tea–lack of enthusiasm?Applied Sciences. 2021;11(11):5087. doi: 10.3390/app11115087

Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H.The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.Curr Res Food Sci. 2023;6:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015

Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Mruk H, Janda K.Health benefits and chemical composition of matcha green tea: a review.Molecules. 2020;26(1):85. doi: 10.3390/molecules26010085