The 6 Finest 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 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, in case you’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 seeking to develop your palate or simply need a beginner-friendly matcha to drink on the go, there are many pleasant entry factors for you. To seek out one of the best matcha you should buy on-line, I attempted 14 varieties starting from beneath $15 to over $50 per tin. In the end, style is subjective; one of the best matcha depends upon what taste profile you want and the way a lot you need to spend. I loved (practically) all the matcha powders I attempted, however I discovered six that significantly stood out for budget-conscious freshmen, latte drinkers, and those that need to savor their matcha.

The Assessments

• Producer’s Most well-liked Technique Check: I ready every matcha based on its producer’s pointers utilizing a matcha bowl and whisk. Most of the preparations diverse 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 judge 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 primarily based on how properly it got here by way 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 grew to become an integral a part of Japanese tea ceremonies (and nonetheless is right this moment). Virtually all matcha is now produced in southern Japan. Like France, which has areas recognized for wine (assume 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, vegetation grown for matcha are shaded throughout the last weeks earlier than harvest, which boosts their leaves’ chlorophyll and theanine content material. These compounds are answerable for matcha’s vibrant inexperienced colour and umami taste, respectively, however how a lot they improve depends upon the thoroughness and size of time the vegetation are shaded (which may differ 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 colour, and dry them. The tencha, because it’s known as at this level, is then floor right into a high-quality powder. In spite of everything that, now we have matcha.

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

Matcha is usually labeled beneath 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 when it comes to bitterness. It’s properly 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 isn’t really helpful for ingesting. It’s typically constituted of extra mature leaves and people harvested later within the season. It’s way more inexpensive and sometimes olive-toned, one-note, and astringent. Nonetheless, its depth will be advantageous when it is sweetened and mixed with different components 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 nearly completely as Western advertising and marketing phrases (not in Japan), and it’s as much as the manufacturers to determine what they assume is worthy of the elevated worth. (Spoiler: Generally lower-quality matcha is labeled with the ceremonial classification.) As a substitute of counting on grades, it’s extra useful to learn up on the producer’s prompt makes use of primarily based on the matcha’s cultivar, harvest mix, and taste profile. 

Grading Didn’t Actually Matter

Although I knew {that a} ceremonial designation could possibly be hit and miss, I nonetheless went in anticipating lots from the first-harvest, ceremonial grade matcha within the lineup. I shortly found how lots of the finest 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 stunned by a couple 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 a substitute 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 worth.

Coloration Was a Good Indicator of High quality

Whereas grading (or the shortage thereof) wasn’t essentially indicative of the caliber of the matcha, colour was a a lot better clue. Matcha meant for ingesting must be a vivid inexperienced with out muddy hues. There’s no splendid shade for matcha, as every tin will differ relying on its cultivar(s) and when and the way it was grown and processed. Yellow and brown undertones, although, will be indicators of oxidation and bitterness. The Golde and Navitas matcha powders each fell on the yellowish, olive-green aspect of the spectrum and have been astringent with out a lot complexity. Whereas they’d 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 average to gentle bitterness.

Purchase Solely What You Want

From the second it is floor, matcha begins to lose taste efficiency and colour vibrancy. This occurs as a result of it oxidizes when uncovered to air, gentle, and warmth. Humidity quickens the method, too, and might trigger the matcha to show clumpy. Because of this, most matcha producers suggest preserving 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 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 will be scrumptious however pricey; those I examined ranged from $0.80 to $5.20 (!) per teaspoon. For fast reference, matcha for ingesting is usually offered in 20-, 30-, or 40-gram tins. Most drinks use a teaspoon of matcha, which weighs about two grams. Due to this fact, 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 commonly offered in a lot bigger portions, from 50 grams to at least one 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 cook dinner with matcha steadily or need the extreme taste that the culinary grade can deliver. However keep in mind: It’s often fairly bitter and boring to start out with and can get extra in order it ages. Except you add meals coloring, your goodies might end up muted or brownish, and also you don’t need 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 cook dinner solely makes use of a tablespoon or two and also you’re not making it commonly, you’re possible higher off getting an oz. or two of culinary grade as a substitute 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 need 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 differ relying on the matcha, however all matcha has them.) As a substitute, 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 will be approachable and inexpensive for freshmen and every day drinkers. For fans, strive searching for out a single-origin, single-estate, or single-cultivar matcha to discover its complexity. Contemplate what you need to use the matcha for and the way a lot you may fairly undergo in a couple of months. Sturdy culinary grade matcha will be good for baking, however an inexpensive drinking-grade matcha will 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 robust when purchasing on-line as a result of most footage are adjusted for colour. Lastly, make sure that the matcha you select isn’t blended with sugar or flavorings (except you need that). 

Our Favourite Matcha Powders

What we preferred: The natural, single-origin On a regular basis Matcha from Rishi Tea was hands-down probably the most approachable matcha for freshmen. It was $12 for a 30-gram tin on the time of writing (or $0.40 per gram). Not solely was it tremendous inexpensive, nevertheless it was additionally good. The matcha tasted clear and grassy, balanced with medium bitterness, delicate earthiness, and notes of underripe peach. It was a simple sipper in every preparation and can be nice for ingesting on the go. Given its worth, 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 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 measurement: 30 g

What we preferred: 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 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 preferred: The Matcha Bar Premium Mix is one other excellent place to start out for freshmen. 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 recent mint once 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 customary ceremonial grade providing. 

Key Specs

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

What we preferred: 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 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 measurement: 30 g

What we preferred: Matcha lovers throughout the online extensively reward Ippodo, and for good motive. 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 beloved ingesting 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 measurement: 20 g

What we preferred: Kettl is an organization that’s recognized 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 lots in regards to the umami that matcha might have (and even tasted a couple of I thought-about 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 recent, gentle 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 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 measurement: 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 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 delicate, although, and I appreciated its delicate 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 (harking back to walnuts) with a nice bitterness. It jogged my memory of a hoppy IPA, which I preferred.
• Jade Leaf Matcha Natural Ceremonial Grade Inexperienced Tea Powder: This daring matcha made me consider recent inexperienced juices with notes of kale and celery. Its intense, shortly dissipating bitterness made it really feel invigorating and vibrant, although a tad robust when combined with straight water. It could arise properly 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 freshmen. I famous that it could pair properly 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 vibrant and had a vegetal taste like poblano peppers. Though the Blue Bottle matcha had a complicated palate and beautiful blue-green colour, it was pricier per gram than different powders I preferred simply as properly.
• 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 in case you want a bulk amount to bake with.

Not Really helpful

• 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 dropped at thoughts broccoli rabe and over-brewed black tea, though its bitterness mellowed out fairly a bit once I combined 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 best-quality matcha is milled from younger tea leaves grown beneath 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 vegetation are shaded throughout the last weeks of rising. This will increase the chlorophyll manufacturing within the tea leaves, which produces a extra intense taste and colour. Usually, 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 ingesting, however matcha is floor right into a high-quality 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, primarily based on our exams) comprises 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 median espresso, which comprises about 95 milligrams of caffeine.

Is matcha wholesome?

There isn’t definitive analysis on whether or not ingesting matcha has particular or constant well being advantages. So long as you’re not delicate to caffeine, matcha could be a protected drink so as to add to your day. It’s excessive in antioxidants, which have been proven to assist forestall some cell harm within the physique. Matcha additionally comprises L-theanine, an amino acid that has been argued to attenuate the results of caffeine, scale 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 received’t “go dangerous” or be unsafe to devour 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 will be slowed by preserving it sealed in an hermetic container in a cool, darkish place. To get one of the best complexity and colour 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’ll be able to nonetheless drink (or bake with) the matcha after this level; it might simply be extra muted in colour and taste than when it was recent.

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

To take care of matcha’s vibrant colour and taste, retailer it away from any oxidation-causing brokers—specifically gentle, warmth, humidity, and air. The fridge or freezer is a superb place to maintain it; simply seal it in an hermetic container so no moisture or odors can get inside. Room temperature can be high-quality in case you’ll undergo the entire tin inside a couple of months of opening it.

Why We’re the Specialists

• 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 house cooks. 
• She has written many evaluations for Critical Eats, together with Nespresso machines and moveable induction cooktops.
• Ashlee is a lifelong tea fanatic and developed a love for matcha throughout the pandemic. For this evaluate, she tried 14 matcha powders in three preparation kinds.
• For this evaluate, Ashlee talked to Michelle Cheng, the founding father of Ceremony café and tea home in Windfall, Rhode Island.