The Best Matcha Powders Of 2022
Inna Dodor/Shutterstock By Robyn Hunt/Updated: Jan. 31, 2023 10:37 am EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Matcha, as you may or may not already know, is a type of green tea. Just like all teas, it comes from a specific plant called Camellia sinensis. That’s where the similarities end, however. For tea to be considered a true matcha, it can only be produced in Japan at one of two locations: Uji in Kyoto, or Nishio in the Aichi prefecture (via Pure Leaf). It must be farmed and harvested in specific ways, like being grown in shade and being picked at a specific time. By reducing the amount of sunlight the plants are exposed to, photosynthesis is substantially slowed down, explains Ceremony Matcha. This causes the plant to increase its chlorophyll output, which makes the tea leaves turn a deep, rich green.
After about a month of basking in filtered sunlight, the tea leaves are harvested, then steamed to prevent oxidation (which would otherwise turn the leaves dark and bitter). Next, they’re dried with a special machine that keeps the leaves flat. The soon-to-be matcha is put through yet another machine that removes any wayward stems or veins, then is ground into an incredibly fine and antioxidant-rich powder. This unique tea is not only more potent and caffeinated than green tea, but can potentially help with your heart, liver and brain health, and even possibly prevent cancer (via Healthline).
The Best Matcha Powders Of 2022
Inna Dodor/Shutterstock
By Robyn Hunt/Updated: Jan. 31, 2023 10:37 am EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Matcha, as you may or may not already know, is a type of green tea. Just like all teas, it comes from a specific plant called Camellia sinensis. That’s where the similarities end, however. For tea to be considered a true matcha, it can only be produced in Japan at one of two locations: Uji in Kyoto, or Nishio in the Aichi prefecture (via Pure Leaf). It must be farmed and harvested in specific ways, like being grown in shade and being picked at a specific time. By reducing the amount of sunlight the plants are exposed to, photosynthesis is substantially slowed down, explains Ceremony Matcha. This causes the plant to increase its chlorophyll output, which makes the tea leaves turn a deep, rich green.
After about a month of basking in filtered sunlight, the tea leaves are harvested, then steamed to prevent oxidation (which would otherwise turn the leaves dark and bitter). Next, they’re dried with a special machine that keeps the leaves flat. The soon-to-be matcha is put through yet another machine that removes any wayward stems or veins, then is ground into an incredibly fine and antioxidant-rich powder. This unique tea is not only more potent and caffeinated than green tea, but can potentially help with your heart, liver and brain health, and even possibly prevent cancer (via Healthline).
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
After about a month of basking in filtered sunlight, the tea leaves are harvested, then steamed to prevent oxidation (which would otherwise turn the leaves dark and bitter). Next, they’re dried with a special machine that keeps the leaves flat. The soon-to-be matcha is put through yet another machine that removes any wayward stems or veins, then is ground into an incredibly fine and antioxidant-rich powder.
This unique tea is not only more potent and caffeinated than green tea, but can potentially help with your heart, liver and brain health, and even possibly prevent cancer (via Healthline).
How we chose these matcha powders
Jr images/Shutterstock
One of the main things we took into consideration was the quality of the matcha, also commonly referred to as its “grade.” There are two broad grades of matcha: culinary and ceremonial. According to Artful Tea, the main difference between these two is simply how you’ll use the matcha. Culinary is meant to be added to things like drinks and baked goods and tends to be less expensive. Ceremonial grade — which already sounds so regal, doesn’t it? — is meant to be whisked with hot water and consumed as-is.
Best matcha powder for beginners
Jade Leaf Matcha
While some buyers mentioned some trouble with the electric whisk, the customer support offered by Jade Leaf is top-notch. One other thing to take into consideration is that the Modern Matcha Starter Kit does not come with the actual matcha powder. However, a Jade Leaf representative stated that it includes a discount code for their tea.
Best budget matcha powder
That being said, some consumers warned that when using it as purely a ceremonial beverage (that is, when it’s whisked with hot water), the flavor was dull and chalky. It may be better for smoothies, as they noted.
Best high-end matcha powder
Ippodo Tea
Best single-serve matcha powder
Mighty Leaf
Best matcha powder for iced drinks and smoothies
Ito En
Some individuals also state that it tastes eerily like the Dunkin’ drink of a similar make. Matcha Love’s Barista Craft Blend lives up to its namesake, because customers commonly note that it really does blend well. The fact that it’s sweetened is also a plus among ice blended latte lovers. One minor touchpoint is that some tasters say Matcha Love’s Barista Craft Blend has a somewhat artificial flavor, although the only ingredients are sugar and green tea powder
Best matcha powder for lattes
Encha
Best matcha powder for something different
PureChimp
Best matcha powder for baking
Best multipurpose matcha powder
From Great Origins
Best matcha powder with superfoods
Genius Brand
Best all-in-one matcha powder
Tealyra
