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The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley
There are two main grades of matcha: culinary and ceremonial. The former is best for cooking purposes, the latter for general drinking purposes. You can whisk ceremonial matcha with hot water for traditional tea or mix it with milk for a matcha latte.
"Ceremonial grade is picked by hand and tends to yield a sweeter-tasting tea," says Michelle Puyane, the co-founder of Chalait in New York City. Tencha, the name of the tea leaves that become matcha, is ideally stone ground to reduce heat and friction, which prevents bitterness. As a result of this care and craftsmanship, ceremonial matcha is more expensive than culinary grade, but also more flavorful.
While matcha continues to grow in popularity, attracting newcomers for various reasons including culinary versatility, the striking green powder actually traces back centuries. Its most prominent origin story goes like this: The Zen Buddhist monk Eisai brought the tea plant from China to Japan in the 12th century. Every sip of a matcha latte today to every spoonful of green tea ice cream contains this 900-year-old history.
Best Ceremonial Grade
Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha
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We considered several factors in selecting our top ceremonial matcha. Taste weighs heavily, of course, but price, variety of sizes, and sourcing region are components as well, which is why Matcha Konomi’s Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha is a terrific all-around option, suitable for newbies to longtime fanatics. Just keep in mind that this is not the flat-out tastiest matcha powder you can buy; for that, look at higher-priced products (some of which are included on this list).
The Matcha Konomi powder is organic, stone-ground, and harvested from the heralded Uji region of Japan. Michelle Puyane, co-founder of Chalait says Uji match "tends to have more depth to the flavor; it can be very savory. The other two popular regions are Kagoshima, which might be grassier and have a lighter flavor, and Shizuoka, which is milder, not leaning one way or the other."
This one has glowing online reviews, with the majority of customers giving it five stars. The taste is typically described as light and sweet with a mild earthiness. Units are available in sizes of 1 ounce, 3.5 ounces, and 1 pound.
Grade: Culinary | Origin: Uji, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size Options: 30, 100, and 454 grams
Best for Lattes
Encha Latte Grade Matcha
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There is no shortage of matcha latte mixes, but Encha considers itself the only company "offering a latte grade using first harvest pure and organic matcha powder." Essentially, other latte mixes tend to contain later-season matcha made from tougher, more bitter leaves, leading to an earthier taste, but this mix is filled with the good stuff.
While some reviewers picked up hints of bitterness, the majority call it smooth, naturally sweet, and extremely easy to blend. Encha is so confident in its matcha that the mix has a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
Bags are sold in two sizes, 30 and 60 grams—both of which have handy recipes printed on them. The recommended ratio is 2 grams of matcha (1 teaspoon) for 6 to 8 ounces of milk. Shake, whisk, or blend it. No matter what, it takes just minutes for a delicious matcha latte.
Grade: Latte | Origin: Uji, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 30 and 60 grams
Best Budget
Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Green Tea Powder
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Due to a brief harvest season, select growing regions, and the effort it takes to cultivate and grind green tea leaves, matcha powder is pricey, especially compared to coffee and tea. The price point has a high floor, and if you come across a brand selling ceremonial matcha far below other competitors it should raise some eyebrows regarding the quality. However, Chamberlain Coffee manages to sell its ceremonial matcha powder in the lowest average price tier without sacrificing quality. It doesn't have the rich umami flavor of high-end matcha powders, but it has a balance of sweetness and earthiness, and it blends well.
Each tin contains 30 grams of matcha powder. They can be purchased on the brand website in sets of up to four at a reduced price; customers can schedule recurring deliveries to save money, too. If the price appeals to you, or if you try this matcha and enjoy it, Chamberlain Coffee sells two flavored options: a vanilla matcha and a unique mango matcha. There are matcha bundles as well that include add-ons like an electric whisk, a tote bag, and a reusable cup—all adorned with the Chamberlain Coffee logo. The brand was founded in 2019 by Emma Chamberlain, a content creator and internet personality.
Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Japan (no further specification given) | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 30 grams
Best High-End
Ippodo Tea Ummon-matcha
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Ippodo has been producing green tea for over three centuries. The company is based in Kyoto—the world’s most bountiful matcha region—and this matcha powder, Ummon-no-mukashi, is the highest grade that it offers. The vivid green color will strike you as soon as you open the lid, and once it’s brewed, expect a rich umami taste with an undertone of sweetness. Available in jars of 20 and 40 grams, it's best enjoyed as usucha (thin tea) or koicha (thick tea), though some customers mix the powder with milk for lattes.
High-quality matcha comes at a high price point, of course. Ummon-no-mukashi is likely best for die-hard matcha lovers or those interested in trying premium matcha for the first time. The company sells a variety of products, including several lower-cost alternatives. Its website recommends new customers start with the more affordable Horai-no-mukashi.
Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Kyoto, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 20 and 40 grams
Best for Beginners
Chalait Matcha Everyday Ceremonial Grade Matcha
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Chalait is a great brand for both beginners and longtime matcha lovers. Based in New York City, Chalait offers multiple kinds of matcha—all sourced from Japan—at an array of prices. We think the brand's Everyday Matcha is a terrific starting point for beginners because it's affordable yet tastier than many expensive matchas. Some newbies might gravitate toward the absolute cheapest brand, dislike it, and miss out on a world of matcha powders they'd actually enjoy. But the hearty and slightly sweet flavor of this matcha showcases why the tea is so beloved.
The Everyday Matcha is sold in a 30-gram tin, which yields about 15 servings. We tried it firsthand and found that the powder mixes easily and smells fresh when you open it up. The flavor also stands up to milk if you want to go the matcha latte route.
Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Uji, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 30 grams
Best Culinary Grade
Jade Leaf Organic Culinary Grade Matcha
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Culinary grade matcha can be enjoyed in traditional tea form, but it's best for mixing into recipes: smoothies, baked goods, salt—you name it. Since the tencha leaves are harvested later in the season and ground with more heat, the resulting powder has a darker color and more bitter taste. This helps it "stand up to the strong flavors in milk, butter, and sugar," explains Puyane.
One of the most popular and highest-rated options in the culinary category is Jade Leaf's Culinary Matcha. The flavor is rich and earthy, not sweet, versatile, and easy to blend. All Jade Leaf products are 100 percent organic and sourced from Japan, with this matcha farmed in the Uji region. It's affordably priced and available in four sizes, starting at 30 grams and working up to 1 pound. The company also prints handy recipes on its bags for easy-to-make matcha treats.
Grade: Culinary | Origin: Uji and Kahoshima, Japan | Harvest: Second harvest | Size: 30, 100, and 250 grams or 1 pound
Best for Iced Matcha
Breakaway Matcha Coldbrew Original Matcha
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It’s easy to make iced matcha at home. Most ceremonial matcha powders lend themselves to delicious cold drinks, so there’s no need to buy a special brand or variety if you already have one you prefer.
What separates Breakaway Matcha, however, is an added creaminess that will give your iced matcha a fuller, more satisfying taste. The brand makes a variety of matcha powders, with three options specifically designed for cold brew. Original is the lowest grade of all three, so it's the most affordable and an excellent starting point if you're getting into iced matcha. For higher-end alternatives, check out Breakaway’s Coldbrew Organic and Coldbrew Reserve. All of the company’s products are sourced in the Kyoto region of Japan and stone ground for a smoother consistency and easier mixing.
Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Kyoto, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 30, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 grams
Best for Travel
Aiya Matcha To Go Sticks
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Every box of Aiya Matcha's To Go Sticks contains 10 perfectly portioned servings, and it costs less than the standard jars in which matcha is sold. It's not only convenient if you're on the go but great for those who are new to matcha, as you don't have to measure to enjoy a good cup. The brand recommends mixing one stick with 6 to 8 ounces of 180-degree water for hot matcha or 17 ounces of cold water for iced matcha.
We tried some of Aiya's Matcha To Go Sticks and found them convenient and flavorful, especially for inexpensive matcha. The quality isn't as high as some of the other names on this list, so you may want to consider a pricier option if you'll be put off by a grassier taste. We added a sweetener for taste, alternating between honey and brown sugar. We also made iced matcha with 8 ounces of water instead of the recommended 17 ounces and still found the drink enjoyable.
Aiya offers the To Go Sticks in a sweetened version that should appeal to many first-time matcha drinkers too. After all, many people who drink black coffee start by taking their coffee with cream and sugar until they get used to the taste. The same can be true for matcha. Like most of Aiya's products, the matcha it uses for its To Go Sticks is harvested in Nishio, Japan.
Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Nishio, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 10 sticks
Best Mushroom Matcha
Renude Chaga Matcha
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It's become increasingly common in recent years to come across coffee mixed with mushrooms—or, more specifically, with compounds extracted from mushrooms, known as adaptogens. The same is true with matcha. The thousand-year-old green tea pairs well with apoptogenic mushrooms as both have a naturally earthy taste.
Our favorite mushroom-boosted matcha is Renude's Chaga Matcha, which combines ceremonial grade matcha sourced from Japan with chaga mushrooms. Cacao, Ceylon cinnamon, and monk fruit sweetener are also added to create a delicious flavor. We tried the matcha ourselves and were impressed by how much sweeter it is than typical matcha, yet it doesn't contain any sugar. This makes it especially suitable for iced matcha too.
Chaga Matcha is sold in bags that hold 15 servings and boxes of 10 individually packaged servings. The former is more cost-effective, which is why we recommend it, but if you're on the go or don't want to take the time to measure matcha powder then the packets are certainly worth considering.
In honor of National Mushroom Day, the brand is offering 15 percent off sitewide from Oct. 15-18. All you have to do is use the code "iloveshrooms."
Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 232.5 grams
Final Verdict
Matcha Konomi’s Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha is a worthwhile option for anyone interested in the tea, from beginners to long-time matcha drinkers. Those looking to cook with matcha, or use a cheaper powder for lattes and smoothies, should check out Jade Leaf’s Culinary Matcha—one of the category's best sellers.
What to Look for in Matcha
Sourcing Region
The region that a matcha powder comes from is a baseline way to discern its quality, especially for new buyers. The best-case scenario is a single-varietal tea (meaning it comes from only one area) sourced in a primary matcha region of Japan: Uji, Kagoshima, Shizuoka, and more. Many products, particularly inexpensive ones, will be sourced outside of Japan—a sign of lower-quality matcha.
Color
If you have the chance to see a matcha's color, even looking up pictures online, you can get a better sense of its taste and quality. Brighter usually means better. Striking green hues indicate more flavor and less bitterness, while duller colors or yellowish tints are signs that matcha is either lower quality or better used for cooking purposes.
Price
The annoying adage of things too good be true often, well, rings true. Most ceremonial matcha is sold around the same price (75 cents to $1 per gram), so if it feels you're getting a steal, you're likely to end up with a grassy and astringent drink in your hand. Keep in mind that ceremonial matcha costs more than culinary, however; those looking for the latter are more likely to find reliable budget options.
Useful Accessories for Matcha
Haru Matcha Bamboo Matcha Whisk
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A whisk, or chasen, is the most important tool for making good matcha. If you've ever tried stirring matcha with a spoon you'll know that it leaves behind clumps and results in inconsistent flavor. Instead, we recommend this bamboo whisk from Haru Matcha. It blends matcha powder quickly and thoroughly, and it comes at a low price.
Mizuba Chawan Matcha Tea Bowl
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Mizuba
It's best to blend matcha in a bowl with a wide base and tall sides; the former eliminates clumps and the latter prevents matcha from splashing onto your countertop. You likely have a suitable bowl at home, but if not, or if you want one specifically for matcha, check out the Mizuba Chawan Matcha Tea Bowl. The handmade ceramic has a beautiful design and adds character to the matcha-making process.
Shizen Bamboo Chashaku Matcha Scoop
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Shizen
While it's not an exact science, a matcha scoop, also called a chashaku, is a timeless method for measuring and preparing matcha. They usually scoop one gram of matcha powder at a time, as does Shizen's Bamboo Chashaku. The J-shaped scoop is lightweight, comfortable to hold, and budget-priced.
FAQs
What exactly is matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea that's easy to identify because it comes in powder form. Unlike most teas where the leaves are steeped in water and removed before drinking, with matcha you actually ingest a ground form of the leaf itself. It often has a rich umami flavor, but other tasting notes can include sweetness, bitterness, grassiness, earthiness, nuttiness, and more. Matcha is highly versatile and can be used for drinking purposes as well as a cooking ingredient. Accordingly, matcha is sorted into one of two categories: ceremonial grade and culinary grade. The former is best for tea and lattes, while the latter is better for recipes and baked goods.
How do you make matcha tea?
We asked Michelle Puyane, the co-founder of Chalait, for tips on making matcha.
The most common style of matcha tea is usucha, or "thin tea." To make usucha, scoop 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a bowl. Next, heat water to 176 degrees and pour 2 to 4 ounces over the matcha powder. Use a matcha whisk, also called a Chasen, to blend the water and matcha powder; briskly whisk in a "W" or "M" pattern for around 20 seconds until the matcha has evenly dissolved. From there the tea is ready to drink. You can add a creamer or more water as well as sweeteners like honey and sugar to suit your taste.
To make a thicker matcha tea, known as koicha, follow the same steps above, but use 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder and 1.5 to 3 ounces of water. Instead of quickly whisking in a "W" or "M" pattern, whisk in a slow circular motion until the mixture combines into a thick paste.
Despite how detailed these processes seem, good matcha can be made by simple, even crude, means. Puyane told us: "I get a lot of questions like, 'How do I make matcha at home?' 'Do I need special tools—a bowl, a whisk?' When it comes down to it, you can make matcha in a protein shaker if you wanted to."
What else can you make with matcha powder?
There's no shortage of recipes that use matcha powder. It's popular in baked goods like cookies, cakes, brownies, pancakes, donuts, and more. A couple of our other favorite matcha baked goods are matcha rice krispie treats and matcha mochi bars. The tasty green tea is also used to make ice cream, smoothies, and even matcha salt. And the list doesn't end there! Keep in mind that most recipes call for culinary grade matcha because it's more bitter and less expensive than ceremonial grade matcha.
Does all matcha powder contain caffeine?
Matcha naturally contains caffeine, so the vast majority of matcha powders are caffeinated. Some brands sell decaf matcha, but it's uncommon. A serving of matcha contains 40 to 70 milligrams of caffeine on average.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. Before recommending these products, he gathered information from customer reviews, third-party articles, and brand websites' details on tea harvesting.
Sources
Michelle Puyane is the co-founder of Chalait. Established in 2015, the company has three cafes in New York City and sells its collection of matcha powders online.
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