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 should have made a mistake. Absolutely one thing this neon-colored couldn’t be created from tea, proper?! Though matcha has been round for over a thousand years, information of it hadn’t absolutely 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 in addition to indicate that I do know firsthand how intimidating it may be to get into matcha. Honestly, it took me virtually a decade after this encounter to essentially respect the flavour and one other few years to find simply how completely cool the world of matcha actually is. Positive, 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, for those who’re prepared 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 increase your palate or simply desire a beginner-friendly matcha to drink on the go, there are many pleasant entry factors for you. To seek out the perfect matcha you should buy on-line, I attempted 14 varieties starting from below $15 to over $50 per tin. In the end, style is subjective; the perfect matcha is determined by 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 newcomers, latte drinkers, and people who wish to savor their matcha.

The Exams

• Producer’s Most popular Methodology Check: I ready every matcha in line with its producer’s pointers utilizing a matcha bowl and whisk. Lots of the preparations diversified in how a lot water they used, so I additionally tasted every matcha in an usucha (a standard “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 throughout the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907 C.E. It unfold to Japan through Buddhist monks within the twelfth century, the place it turned an integral a part of Japanese tea ceremonies (and nonetheless is in the present day). Virtually 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 most important, 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 is determined by 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, vegetation grown for matcha are shaded throughout the remaining weeks earlier than harvest, which boosts their leaves’ chlorophyll and theanine content material. These compounds are liable for matcha’s shiny inexperienced coloration and umami taste, respectively, however how a lot they enhance is determined by the thoroughness and size of time the vegetation are shaded (which may 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 effective powder. In any case that, we’ve got matcha.

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

Matcha is usually labeled below two major classes: ceremonial grade and culinary grade. In broad strokes, ceremonial grade often refers to matcha fabricated 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 during 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 shouldn’t be beneficial for consuming. It’s usually created from extra mature leaves and people harvested later within the season. It’s way more inexpensive and usually olive-toned, one-note, and astringent. Nonetheless, 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 might not be relevant (or correct) for each matcha. They’re used virtually completely as Western advertising phrases (not in Japan), and it’s as much as the manufacturers to resolve what they suppose is worthy of the elevated value. (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 prompt 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 might be hit and miss, I nonetheless went in anticipating lots from the first-harvest, ceremonial grade matcha within the lineup. I shortly found how most of the greatest matcha powders have been ungraded. The Ippodo Ummon and the Kettl Shirakawa Uji Hikari each eschewed grades, had vivid hues, and have been stuffed with wealthy, umami taste. I used to be additionally delightfully shocked 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 boring 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 offered extra clear info helped me perceive what I used to be getting and set higher expectations for the matcha and its value.

Colour Was a Good Indicator of High quality

Whereas grading (or the shortage 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 excellent 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 facet of the spectrum and have been astringent with out a lot complexity. Whereas they might have been okay for baking into sweetened treats, they didn’t make interesting drinks. However, the Kettl, Ippodo, and Blue Bottle powders have been all strikingly blue-green in tone and have been pleasantly nuanced with reasonable to mild 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, mild, and warmth. Humidity hurries up the method, too, and might trigger the matcha to show clumpy. For that reason, most matcha producers suggest maintaining your powder in an hermetic container within the fridge or freezer and utilizing it up as shortly as you may (inside three months of opening the bundle). It’s often completely protected to drink or prepare dinner with matcha after this level—so long as it hasn’t gotten any moisture inside—however it’s higher to purchase solely as a lot matcha as you need to use whereas it’s at its peak. In any case, drinking-quality matcha might be scrumptious however expensive; those I examined ranged from $0.80 to $5.20 (!) per teaspoon. For fast reference, matcha for consuming is often offered in 20-, 30-, or 40-gram tins. Most drinks use a teaspoon of matcha, which weighs about two grams. Subsequently, you may anticipate to get about 10 drinks from a 20-gram tin, 15 drinks from a 30-gram tin, and so forth.

Culinary-grade matcha, then again, is usually offered in a lot bigger portions, from 50 grams to 1 pound. It often prices round $0.30 or much less per gram, making it an attractively thrifty possibility. (The Navitas one I attempted was in an 85-gram bag and price about $0.20 per gram.) It’s appropriate for individuals who prepare dinner with matcha steadily or need the extraordinary taste that the culinary grade can carry. However bear in mind: It’s often fairly bitter and boring to begin with and can get extra in order it ages. Except you add meals coloring, your goodies might prove 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 propose to prepare dinner solely makes use of a tablespoon or two and also you’re not making it usually, you’re doubtless higher off getting an oz. or two of culinary grade as an alternative of a bulk bag. Or, if it’s a deal with during which the tea can shine with out too many competing flavors, you may think about using inexpensive matcha that you simply’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 looking 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 likely to make much less bitter and extra nuanced tea, however first- and second-harvest blends might be approachable and inexpensive for newcomers and every day drinkers. For fans, attempt in search of 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 may fairly undergo in a number of months. Strong culinary grade matcha might be good for baking, however an inexpensive drinking-grade matcha might be simpler to make use of throughout a number of functions. 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 (until 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 essentially the most approachable matcha for newcomers. It was $12 for a 30-gram tin on the time of writing (or $0.40 per gram). Not solely was it tremendous inexpensive, however 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 could be nice for consuming on the go. Given its value, it’s additionally an incredible general-purpose matcha to maintain 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 created from 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 measurement: 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 wish 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 inexpensive 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 measurement: 40 g

What we favored: The Matcha Bar Premium Mix is one other excellent place to begin for newcomers. It was an all-around star with full richness and umami. It felt extra refined than both of the price range picks, with mild to reasonable bitterness and astringency. Whereas it was pleasant in a latte, I additionally loved selecting up notes of pecans, alfalfa sprouts, and contemporary mint after I combined 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 normal ceremonial grade providing. 

Key Specs

• Grade: Ceremonial
• Harvest: First
• Cultivars: Not listed
• Origin: Kagoshima, Japan
• Tin measurement: 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 vegetation with photo voltaic panels. I picked up flavors of inexperienced banana, cucumber, and grapefruit pith on this matcha, and I discovered its brightness particularly pretty in a latte.

What we didn’t like: It was on the pricier facet of the lineup (about $1.33 per gram on the time of writing), however I’d think about 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 measurement: 30 g

What we favored: Matcha lovers throughout the online broadly reward Ippodo, and for good purpose. 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 light-weight dashi broth. I beloved 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 virtually $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 measurement: 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 attractive, viridescent matcha, my first phrase was, “WOAH!” Whereas I had heard lots concerning the umami that matcha might 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 one of the simplest ways). It additionally had contemporary, comfortable notes of parsley, and I wrote that it tasted “just like the cleanest bone broth possible.”

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 kinds. 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 measurement: 20 g

The Competitors

Additionally Good

• Breakaway Matcha Coldbrew: This matcha is created from extra mature leaves than the model’s Hyperpremium, first-harvest blends. Therefore, Breakaway recommends getting 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 combined into chilly water simply in addition to every other matcha powder I examined.) Its bitterness was gentle, although, and I appreciated its delicate notes of inexperienced apple skins and arugula.
• Chamberlain Espresso Matcha: The Chamberlain matcha’s brightness was balanced with mild 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 nice 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, shortly dissipating bitterness made it really feel invigorating and shiny, although a tad sturdy when combined 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 functions and approachable for newcomers. I famous that it could pair effectively with berries, significantly raspberries.
• Blue Bottle Craft Matcha: This matcha was wealthy, creamy, and savory, with mild bitterness on the again finish. It was extra earthy than shiny 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. Nonetheless, it’s inexpensive, strong, and citrusy for those who want a bulk amount to bake with.

Not Beneficial

• Golde Pure Matcha: Though it was marketed as ceremonial grade (and priced as such), the Golde matcha I examined regarded 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 after I combined it with milk.

FAQs

What’s matcha?

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

How is matcha completely different from inexperienced tea leaves?

Matcha is created from the identical kind of plant as inexperienced or black tea (Camellia sinensis), however matcha tea vegetation are shaded throughout the remaining 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 effective powder, whisked fully 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 slightly 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 generally is a protected 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 consequences of caffeine, cut back stress, and enhance focus and cognitive perform (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 lightweight. This oxidation course of might be slowed by maintaining it sealed in an hermetic container in a cool, darkish place. To get the perfect 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 may nonetheless drink (or bake with) the matcha after this level; it might simply be extra muted in coloration and taste than when it was contemporary.

What’s one of the simplest ways to retailer matcha?

To keep up matcha’s shiny coloration and taste, retailer it away from any oxidation-causing brokers—particularly mild, 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 can be effective for those who’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 bunch of recipes for house cooks. 
• She has written many critiques for Critical Eats, together with Nespresso machines and transportable induction cooktops.
• Ashlee is a lifelong tea fanatic and developed a love for matcha throughout the pandemic. For this evaluation, she tried 14 matcha powders in three preparation kinds.
• For this evaluation, Ashlee talked to Michelle Cheng, the founding father of Ceremony café and tea home in Windfall, Rhode Island.