Rounding Up the Winners: The Best Matcha Powder for Your Drinks

August 5, 2022

Have you gotten aboard the matcha craze yet? After all, there is just so much to like about this drink.

It is delicious and good for you!

Of course, constantly buying matcha lattes from expensive tea or coffee shops can take a toll on your wallet.

It is far better – and healthier – for you to just stock up on your own ingredients. Fortunately for you, we have rounded up the best matcha powders on the market.

Let’s get to it!

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What is Matcha Powder?

No thanks, take me to the Best Matcha Brands

Although there's been quite a bit of fuss made over matcha, you may not exactly know what it is.

To put it simply, matcha is a type of green tea. Here, the young green tea leaves are steamed and ground into a fine powder.

Unlike with many other types of tea leaves, matcha leaves are grown in shade. As such, they have a much higher chlorophyll content.

Due to this, they often contain more nutrients as well.

The matcha powder isn’t steeped in water. Instead, the water and powder are vigorously whisked together to form a frothy drink.

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What Does Matcha Taste Like?

Matcha Powder Grades

No, all matcha powders aren't alike. There are two grades of matcha – ceremonial and culinary grade.

Ceremonial grade matcha is the superior version as it is taken from incredibly young green tea leaves. It is sweeter and works best when making matcha-based drinks.

Naturally, it is the more expensive option as well.

Culinary matcha is made from slightly older leaves and has a bitter tinge to it. This is why it is best reserved for various dishes and desserts.

matcha powder

How to Choose the Best Matcha Green Tea

There are a few guidelines you should follow when selecting matcha powder. They are as follows:

Look for Japanese Matcha

It’s a good idea to get matcha powder that was sourced and processed in Japan. This is because you are more likely to get a better quality powder.

Understand, in the US, there aren't too many parameters to ensure matcha quality. Due to this, it can be difficult to know whether you are buying a premium powder.

It is far better to opt for a Japanese type as standards are often better maintained in this region.

Consider the Color and Texture

As mentioned, matcha powder comes from young green leaves that have been steamed. Due to this, oxidation of the leaves has been severely limited.

This is why good quality matcha is often bright green. So, if you have the opportunity to check the powder beforehand, you should.

The matcha powder should be finely ground so that it can dissolve in the water more easily.

matcha drink

Pay Attention to Packaging

Matcha needs to be stored properly. This helps to maintain the quality, taste, and freshness of the powder.

Thus, look for matcha powder that is available in tin form. These tend to have fresher and better-tasting powders, although it isn’t a guarantee. 

Select Organic, If Possible

There were some concerns about lead and other toxins in matcha for a while. However, studies have proven that there weren’t a significant amount of toxins found in samples.

Nevertheless, buying organic matcha green tea powder may help to negate any risks and put your mind at ease.

Related Article
Exploring the Health Advantages of Matcha Tea

The Best Matcha Brands

These are the top matcha powder brands you can choose from:

Best Ceremonial Grade Matcha

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Jade Leaf Matcha
If you want to enjoy the very best matcha on the market, you should go with the Jade Leaf brand.

What We Like:

  • Authentic Origin: this matcha is sourced from the Uji province in Japan which has long been one of the best places to source matcha.  
  • Stone Ground: the matcha powder has been stone ground which has resulted in finer particles that are of the same size. This makes for a much smoother cup.
  • Great Taste: this matcha tastes amazing – it is sweet, with just a hint of bitterness. It makes for a delicious cup every time.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Pricey: this is higher-priced matcha powder, but you do get to enjoy a higher quality as well.

Best Culinary Grade Matcha

What We Like:

  • Good Quality: despite being a culinary grade, this matcha is sourced quite well. The tea leaves are sourced from Japan.
  • Great in Lattes and Smoothies: the matcha powder works incredibly well in lattes, smoothies, and other beverages.
  • Well-Balanced Ingredients: a good balance between caffeine and L-Theanine means that this matcha gives you a boost without any of the nervous energy.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Grassy Flavor: this flavor may be a little too unfamiliar or overwhelming for those new to matcha powder.

Best Organic Matcha

Encha Ceremonial Matcha
The Encha brand ensures that its matcha leaves are grown in the safest and best conditions to produce a superior powder.

What We Like:

  • Sourced in Excellent Organic Farms: this matcha has been specifically grown in organic farms in Japan. This has helped maintain the authenticity of the leaves while still preventing the absorption of toxins.
  • Refreshing Taste: the matcha powder produces a drink that is clean, green, and smooth in taste and texture. It is certainly one of the best out there. 
  • Great in All Forms: while it tastes delicious in the traditional form, this matcha powder works well with ice and milk.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Takes a While to Dissolve: it can take a while to get the powder completely dissolved in the water, even with the help of a whisk.
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Eco Heed Matcha
If you are looking for mid-grade matcha that will satisfy your needs without breaking the bank, this is a good option to go with.

What We Like:

  • Vibrant Green Hue: this green is incredibly bright and vibrant, showcasing the freshness and high quality of the matcha leaves.
  • Fresh, Mild Taste: you get to enjoy fresh-tasting matcha that doesn’t have a noticeable grassy flavor. As such, it works well for those who are new to matcha.
  • Easy to Dissolve: the matcha powder dissolves easily in water, allowing you to whip up a wide variety of drinks.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Packaging Needs Improvement: the bag makes it difficult to reach all the matcha in the package, resulting in some wastage.
MatchaBar Ceremonial Matcha
This is a great ceremonial matcha for anyone who is just beginning to enjoy the drink.

What We Like:

  • Sourced from Japan: the leaves are grown in a Kagoshima farm and the matcha is graded by a certified Chasi tea master.
  • Authentic Processing: these matcha leaves are hand-blended and stone-ground, ensuring that the resulting powder is as authentic as possible.
  • Delicious Taste: this matcha is sweet and earthy, with just a hint of umami. It also has a nice, smooth mouthfeel.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Takes a While to Blend: it can take a while to get the matcha powder thoroughly dissolved and mixed in water.
Matcha Organics Culinary Matcha
If you want a matcha powder that can be used in different ways, this is the brand for you.

What We Like:

  • Versatile: this is one of the more versatile matcha powders out there. You can use it any way you want and be certain that this powder will work well.
  • Good Taste: this matcha has a sweet and smooth taste. This makes it especially suitable for people who are only just learning to enjoy the flavors of matcha.
  • Good Value: compared to other brands, this powder makes indulging in your matcha obsession rather affordable.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Can Form Clumps: you have to make an effort to stir the powder incredibly well so that it doesn’t form clumps.

So, there you have it – your guide to the best matcha powders on the market. Follow these guidelines and you are sure to end up with a delicious and wholesome product.

If you would like to learn more about matcha or get access to matcha recipes, head to our Pinterest page!

About the Author
Dr. Dheena Sadik
Dr. Dheena Sadik is a consultant Nutritionist and Dietician. She has over a decade of experience in the health and fitness industry.
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