The Best Matcha Powders
Thanks to its unique flavor, health benefits, and the smooth burst of energy it provides, matcha has become extremely popular in recent years. If you don’t want to spend the money on an expensive matcha latte at your local cafe, keeping some quality matcha powder on hand is necessary. A perfect powder is one that has great ingredients, mixes well with hot or cold liquids, and tastes absolutely amazing. Opt for any of the matcha powders below for a great way to start your day on a green kick.
What to Look For
Matcha powders vary greatly in quality, flavor, and strength, and that’s no accident. Some matcha powders are culinary-grade, meaning they’re supposed to be used for cooking and baking. Other matcha powders are more refined, making them ideal choices for tea-drinking. And other matcha powders fall somewhere in between — they’re high enough in quality to use in teas and lattes, but they’re not too bitter or strong to use for culinary purposes. If you’re looking for high-quality matcha powder that’ll give you a clean burst of energy and authentic, earthy flavor, Ippodo’s ceremonial-grade matcha is the pick. It’s quite costly, but the difference in price is justified by the exquisite quality, flavor, and potency.
Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial-Grade Matcha
Whether you’re a longtime matcha enthusiast or a newcomer who wants to taste the best of the best, Jade Leaf has you covered. This ceremonial-grade matcha stands out from the competition for the purity and quality of its powder. Many cheap matcha powder options offered on the market consist of “culinary-grade” matcha, which is far inferior in strength and taste to ceremonial-grade matcha (though the sellers of those culinary-grade products typically don’t advertise that useful information.) This matcha is up to the standards of traditional matcha ceremonies, and as such, it’s the real deal. If you’re willing to splurge a little, we deem this a splurge-worthy pick.
Pros:
- USDA-certified organic
- Sourced directly from family farms in Japan
- Though it is costly, it will last for a very long time
Cons:
- Again, it isn’t the cheapest option
Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Leaf Sweetened Blend
Sizing them up
Rather than containing pure matcha powder, this blend from Jade Leaf also contains organic cane sugar, making it easier to prepare your morning cup of latte. There are multiple sizes included, from a tiny 5.3-ounce option to much larger bulk options. Thanks to this, there’s a size for everyone. Those who want to give matcha a try for the first time can opt for a small size without breaking the bank, while matcha devotees can opt for a bigger size to keep their supply high.
Pros:
- USDA-certified organic
- Great for replicating cafe-style lattes at home
- Good pick for those pressed for time as the sugar is already blended in
Cons:
- Though the blend is convenient, it also costs more than it should
Kiss Me Organics Culinary-Grade Matcha Powder
Shake and bake
Though you probably wouldn’t want to use culinary-grade matcha to make a cup of matcha tea, you also wouldn’t want to use expensive, ceremonial-grade matcha to bake desserts. If you’re planning on baking matcha-based treats, a culinary-grade option like this one from Kiss Me Organics is ideal. Smooth and mild in terms of flavor, this matcha is great for anyone who wants to bake cakes, tea bread, muffins, cookies, and any other delightful treats. It won’t overwhelm the other flavors, but what it will do is provide a lovely green color and that distinctive matcha taste.
Pros:
- Excellent cost value
- USDA-certified organic
- Available in various sizes
Cons:
- Not ideal for making matcha tea
Jade Leaf Matcha Powder Single-Serving Packets
Most folks prepare matcha slowly in the comfort of their homes, but what do you do when you want matcha when you’re on the go? These single-serving packets of matcha from Jade Leaf make it easy to take the same matcha on the road, whether that’s at the office or on a road trip. A packet includes 30 single-serve packets, each consisting of 100 percent organic Japanese matcha. Simply add a packet to iced or hot water for tea, milk for lattes, or blend it in with your favorite smoothies.
Pros:
- Boosts energy levels
- Great for travel
- High-quality matcha
Cons:
- The powder doesn’t mix well in cold water
Ippodo Tea Sayaka Rich Matcha
The taste of quality
Sold by a family-run Japanese tea company well-respected in the matcha industry, this powder is one of the best we’ve ever tried. It’s offered in various sizes, though we think the small 40-gram can is a great option. It’s small enough that you can get a taste for this premium brand without dishing out the big bucks. Like Ippodo’s many matcha varieties, this particular one has a distinct flavor profile. It’s mild enough to be enjoyed by those who aren’t used to matcha yet sophisticated enough to please the palette of veteran matcha tea drinkers. For a gourmet matcha option, this is your pick.
Pros:
- Whether you mix it with milk or just with water, the consistency comes out great
- Has a unique umami flavor that cheaper brands lack
- The matcha is sourced from Japan
- Great gift for a loved one
Cons:
- Small quantity, so you might want to find a different option if you want matcha in bulk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is matcha tea?
Matcha tea has become a trendy drink, but it’s been around forever. It’s a finely ground powder of young green tea leaves. It’s known for its antioxidant properties and can even lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, and potentially prevent some diseases. What people love about it is the smooth burst of energy it provides, which often comes without the crash typical of caffeinated alternatives like coffee.
How do you make matcha?
Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, is usually whisked with hot water. This creates a frothy, rich foam that tastes lovely when served hot. You can also drink matcha with cold water or even mixed into a latte or smoothie.
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