10 Best Matcha Powders in 2022 (Tea Sommelier-Reviewed)
Matcha has recently become wildly popular in the health and food and drink industries. It is a green tea extract traditionally processed and consumed in Japan; however, it is now an international favorite that can be used in tea, coffee, and a variety of desserts. It also provides an array of benefits including antioxidants and helping with concentration.
We've rounded up our 10 favorite matcha powders to help you find the one you need! Our favorite choice is Matcha Konomi's Akira Organic Matcha powder for its mild, sweet flavor and aroma, fine texture, and size options. Our buying reviewed by a certified tea sommelier will also walk you through several factors to consider when choosing matcha powder, such as matcha's side effects, growing location, grade, and color. Check out our buying guide below for other top picks!
Quick List - Top Matcha Powders
I am a Certified Tea Sommelier and blogger at teacachai.com with a business and fashion background. Besides drinking tea, I enjoy creating tea-infused recipes, cocktails/mocktails, teaching workshops and sharing all about tea. I got into tea at a young age and have always been super passionate about it!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose Matcha Powders
- Japanese Matcha Powder is Sweet and Savory, While Chinese Matcha is More Bitter1
- Ceremonial Matcha is Delicate, Culinary is Bitter and Earthy2
- Look for a Bright, Vibrant Green Colored-Powder3
- Stone-Ground Matcha Powders Have a Soft, Dust-Like Texture4
- Avoid Sweetened Powders if You’re Concerned About Health5
- Make Sure It Comes in an Air-Tight Package6
- How to Make the Perfect Bowl of Matcha, According to Daniela
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does matcha have caffeine?
- How much matcha powder should I add per cup?
- More Supplies to Make the Perfect Matcha
- Amazon's Best Selling Matcha Powders
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Tea Sommelier Daniela Titiun
How to Choose Matcha Powders
There are several factors that go into buying a matcha powder that will match your tastes. In the next section, we'll go into more detail to help clarify all you need to know.
Japanese Matcha Powder is Sweet and Savory, While Chinese Matcha is More Bitter
Matcha originated in China but it is commonly grown and processed in Japan. Japan is considered to be the matcha capital of the world thanks to its growing conditions and generations of experience.
If you are interested in traditional and authentic matcha powder, the cities Uji and Nishio are two of Japan's main matcha producers. The origin of the product will be listed in the product description or on the packaging if you want to verify authenticity.
While Japan is the top exporter of matcha, this product is also produced and exported by China. Chinese and Japanese matcha have different colors, textures, and flavor profiles.
Since Chinese matcha is grown in the sun, it has tannins, a chemical compound in food and drinks that give them a bitter taste. Tannins also give Chinese matcha yellow and brown undertones. This matcha is made by hand, so the powder has larger particles in it and an inconsistent texture.
Japanese matcha is stone-ground, giving it a fine, uniform texture. This matcha is grown in the shade in the final weeks leading up to the harvest, boosting chlorophyll and nutrient production. That's why Japanese matcha has a bright green hue and is sweet and savory, called "umami", with little to no bitterness.
Despite matcha having its roots in China, its artistry was perfected in Japan and it was assimilated as the centerpiece of the Japanese tea ceremony. True matcha is considered to come only from Japan, and it's recognized for its vibrant color, smoothness, sweet-umami flavor, and quality.
Because tea plants in Japan are covered for the last few weeks before harvesting to promote and increase the chlorophyll content, the final product is much smoother and sweeter with no bitterness.
Ceremonial Matcha is Delicate, Culinary is Bitter and Earthy
Think about what you would like to use your matcha for. Matcha powders are available in three different grades: ceremonial, latte, and culinary.
Ceremonial matcha comes from the first spring harvest of tea leaves which are usually sweet, tender, and vibrant green. It is consumed as a tea on its own, and comes with a delicate and balanced flavor profile and often a higher price tag. Latte grade is not as common as ceremonial and culinary. It is also harvested from first spring leaves after the leaves for ceremonial matcha are picked. It has a similar flavor as ceremonial, though not as delicate and with a slight bitterness.
Culinary matcha is harvested at a later time during the summer. The process of the sun converting L-Theanine and antioxidants into tannins, this grade usually has a more bitter and earthy flavor than ceremonial matcha. Because of its potency, it is used for baking and mixing in drinks to make the taste last.
Similar to wine, matcha is sold in a very wide range of quality levels. Its quality is determined by where it is grown, how it is cultivated when it is harvested, and how it is processed.
Grade designation and pricing are entirely up to each company that sells it, so that means ceremonial grades from different companies can tremendously differ in quality. I always recommend purchasing matcha from a trusted source!
Look for a Bright, Vibrant Green Colored-Powder
Color is an excellent predictor of the quality of a matcha product. Quality matcha is brilliant green because of the excess chlorophyll produced by its growing and process.
A bright, vibrant green color is an indicator that your matcha is high in antioxidants and has been harvested and processed correctly. If matcha has been stored for too long or not properly sealed, it will lose its color and become a dull forest green or light green.
Stone-Ground Matcha Powders Have a Soft, Dust-Like Texture
If you want to understand how matcha powder is produced and how this affects the quality, you'll want to look out for what parts of the plant are used to make your matcha powder. Expert farmers make sure to remove stems and only produce powder from green tea leaves.
You will also want to see if it is ground on a stone mill, which is usually made from granite. Because granite is a soft stone, it does not produce much heat when grinding the leaves, maintaining all of its flavors and nutrients and resulting in a refined, uniform powder.
If the powder isn't ultra-fine, the residual grains will be in your cup when you drink it. The finer the powder, the more palatable it is for first-time drinkers and matcha experts alike.
After harvesting, steaming, and drying the leaves, they are then de-veined, de-stemmed, and stone-ground to a fine, bright green, talc-like powder. If your matcha's texture feels grainy, then it is not a quality one. It's not about being palatable; it's about understanding the quality of matcha and having full knowledge of what you're consuming.
Avoid Sweetened Powders if You’re Concerned About Health
Because some matcha powders can be bitter and earthy, some people want the health benefits of matcha but do not have the acquired taste for it. To meet this demand, some suppliers have started adding sweeteners to make their matcha taste sweeter. Cane sugar is the most common sweetener used. Other companies use artificial sweeteners like Stevia.
However, if you are a health nut or enjoy products that are free of additives, you may want to consider sugar-free powders. Since high-quality matcha powders have sweet undertones, the more you drink, the less sugar you'll need as you become accustomed to the flavor.
Matcha is well-known for its ability to improve one's health. Unsweetened organic matcha lowers blood sugar, encourages weight loss, and can reduce chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease. Frequent consumption of sweeteners can negate all of these benefits, causing obesity, chronic diseases, and blood sugar issues, for example. So, if you're a matcha lover, and consume it daily, an unsweetened powder may be better for your health.
Ground tea leaves are the only ingredient for matcha, so its many benefits come from the fact that you’re consuming the leaf directly. If you decide to make drinks, lattes, or concoctions that need to be sweetened, then it's better that you get quality matcha - which will always be unsweetened - and then sweeten to your preference.
Make Sure It Comes in an Air-Tight Package
Air-tight containers are essential for preserving your matcha powder. Exposure to light, extreme temperatures, and air can alter the flavor profile, making your tea dull and bitter.
Opaque, air-tight containers are best for maintaining the freshness of matcha powder. Resealable bags and tins are great options for storing your powder and keeping it fresh. Place your container in a cool dark place to protect it from humidity and sunlight. Many companies also add that their matcha powders should be refrigerated upon opening to maintain their freshness.
Storage is crucial to preserving the freshness of matcha. Once opened, its exposure to oxygen, heat, humidity, and light shortens its life. So once it's open, it is best to consume it within three months. It's important to always keep your matcha in an airtight container to reduce oxidation, which destroys several nutrients. I personally prefer to keep it in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness.
10 Best Matcha Powders Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Matcha Konomi Oishi Matcha | | Best for Everyday Use | |
2 | Naoki Matcha Naoki｜Superior Blend Matcha | | A Smooth, Energizing Matcha Powder From Uji, Japan | |
3 | Matchabar Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea | | Best for Caffeine Lovers | |
4 | Pique Tea Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea | | Best Portable Packet Option | |
5 | Jade Leaf Everyday Matcha Japanese Green Herbal Tea Powder | | Best for Traditional Tea Drinkers | |
6 | Ippodo Tea Co. Organic Ceremonial Matcha | | Best for Matcha Connoisseurs | |
7 | Jade Leaf Ceremonial Grade | | Best for Cafe-Style Drinks | |
8 | Encha Latte Grade Organic Matcha | | Best Matcha Powder For Lattes | |
9 | AprikaLife Matcha Powder Bulk | | Best Powder for Versatility | |
10 | Navitas Organics Culinary Matcha | | Best Matcha Powder for Smoothies |
Matcha KonomiOishi Matcha
Best for Everyday Use
Pros:
- USDA and JAS certified organic
- Available in three sizes through the manufacturer
- 10-day return policy through the manufacturer
- Beautiful tin for retaining freshness
Cons:
- Refunds are not available for the one-pound bag
- Pull-tap seal can be difficult to remove
Akira Organic Matcha by Matcha Konomi is the best powder for everyday use. Its mild flavor profile, creamy texture, and slight sweetness make it a great daily drink. The careful stone-grinding technique makes this matcha very fine, so only a light whisking is needed. You can order three sizes: one ounce, 3.5-ounces, and one pound.
Some reviewers feel that the color is not vibrant and the flavor is weak with no umami flavor. Nonetheless, many other customers appreciate the sweet aroma and tasted little to no bitterness. Reviewers also like the beautiful tin container. A 10-day return policy is available for the one-ounce and 3.5-ounce tins.
A Smooth, Energizing Matcha Powder From Uji, Japan
This Superior Blend Matcha is a premium Japanese ceremonial grade tea, freshly sourced from Uji, Japan. It’s made from shade-grown, first-harvest tea leaves, and is ground into powder just before leaving Japan for the USA, ensuring freshness.
With a smooth, balanced flavor profile and a subtle hint of bitterness, this tea is ideal for matcha beginners and enthusiasts alike. It also provides a steady energy boost without the typical crash associated with caffeine, thanks to the amino acid L-theanine. If you’re looking for authentic, high-quality Japanese matcha with all the associated health benefits, Naoki’s offering may be the perfect pick!
Best for Caffeine Lovers
Pros:
- Website has instructions for preparation and recipes
- Available in three sizes
- Money-back guarantee
- Comes in a resealable can
Cons:
- High caffeine content can affect those with high caffeine sensitivity
Matchabar’s Ceremonial Grade Matcha is the best product for caffeine lovers. Matcha naturally has more caffeine than green tea but this brand boasts 80 milligrams per serving. The L-theanine in matcha helps prevent jitters while keeping you calm and focused. With an earthy, savory taste, this matcha makes a great coffee substitute. It's available in three sizes for those that want to buy this product in bulk.
A few customers remark that this matcha is bitter, less vibrant for ceremonial grade matcha, and requires straining to avoid clumps. However, most customers enjoy the flavor, bright green color, and how well it helps them focus and keeps them going without crashes or jitters. Customers also love the resealable tins that this powder comes in for storage and travel.
Pique TeaCeremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea
Best Portable Packet Option
Pros:
- USDA certified organic
- Larger quantities available for bulk purchase through the manufacturer
- 28 premeasured sachets
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Only available in one size
Sun Goddess Matcha by Pique Tea is the perfect product for travelers and busy folks on the go. This ceremonial-grade matcha is grown and processed in Kagoshima, Japan, a popular growing region next to Uji in Kyoto, Japan. Now you can take this creamy, savory matcha tea in pre-measured sachets anywhere. If you need more than one box, Pique Tea offers bulk purchases.
Several reviewers say that the powder is tasteless and others say that they did not receive their product after ordering. On the other hand, many other customers notice a jittery-free energy boost. They also like the smooth flavor, bright color, and easy use. Pique Tea also provides a 30-day return policy for unopened products.
Jade LeafEveryday Matcha Japanese Green Herbal Tea Powder
Best for Traditional Tea Drinkers
Pros:
- Available in three different sizes
- USDA certified organic
- Comes in resealable packaging
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Low caffeine content compared to other brands
Jade Leaf's Organic Ceremonial Matcha is the best product for traditional matcha lovers. This powder is straight from Uji, the origin of Japanese matcha, and Kagoshima. This product blends rich, deep flavor from Uji and a light, refreshing taste from Kagoshima, perfect for traditional tea drinkers. It comes in three different sizes and resealable packaging.
Some reviewers say that this powder remains clumpy even after whisking and that the quantity is smaller than expected. However, many customers love the noticeable umami taste and find that it makes excellent lattes and smoothies. Jade Leaf also offers a money-back guarantee for those dissatisfied with their product.
Ippodo Tea Co.Organic Ceremonial Matcha
Best for Matcha Connoisseurs
Pros:
- Available in two sizes
- Beautiful, resealable tin
- Additional foil packaging inside tin for freshness
- Website has instructions for different preparation methods
Cons:
- Product is not organic
- Product is not returnable
Ippodo Tea Co.'s Ummon-no-Mukashi is the best matcha powder for matcha connoisseurs. This product is full-bodied and rich with a very strong umami taste that appeals to expert matcha drinkers. It retains a hint of sweetness and has an astringency that isn't unpleasant. It’s available in a 0.7-ounce tin that's perfect for sampling and a 1.4-ounce tin.
A few reviewers note that the flavor is milder than they expected and feel that even the larger tin is too small. Yet, most reviewers love the vibrant emerald color, fine texture, and richness of the umami flavor. They also remark that the company delivers quickly and offers instructions for different preparation methods.
Jade LeafCeremonial Grade
Best for Cafe-Style Drinks
Pros:
- Available in three sizes for pouches and single-serve sachets
- Packaging includes instructions for different drinks
- Nine grams of unrefined cane sugar
- 30-day return policy
Cons:
- Low caffeine content
- No variant with artificial sweeteners is available
Jade Leaf's Organic Matcha Latte Mix is the best product for making sweet cafe-style drinks. This ceremonial powder is blended with nine grams of unrefined cane sugar to add a light sweet taste to the original smooth, umami flavor. The back of the package and the company website contains recipes for a range of drinks. This product is available in three sizes and even in single-serve packets.
A portion of customers mentions that the sweetness of the sugar overwhelms the flavor of the matcha and that there isn't as much as advertised. Yet, many other customers are content with the sugar amount and love that it does not have a harsh taste. A few even comment that it tastes as good as coffee shop drinks. Jade Leaf also offers a 30-day return policy.
Best Matcha Powder For Lattes
Pros:
- Available in three sizes
- USDA certified organic
- Resealable pouches maintain freshness
- Website offers recipes and instructions for preparation
Cons:
- 60 milligrams of caffeine may affect those with high caffeine sensitivity
This is the best powder for making lattes. It's specifically formulated for lattes and has a smooth, creamy taste with less bitterness than most culinary matcha powders. The shade-grown leaves are plucked from the first harvest, right after the ceremonial matcha leaves are plucked. It has a bright green color and Encha recommends not adding sweeteners to experience the taste.
Some reviewers say that this product tastes no different than culinary grade matcha. Many other customers feel that this product has a silky, smooth taste, whisks easily, and is a good powder for those that drink matcha for the benefits but don't enjoy the grassy taste or bitterness. This product is available in three different sizes for those that wish to buy in bigger quantities and is USDA certified organic.
Best Powder for Versatility
Pros:
- USDA and JAS certified organic
- Available in three sizes
- Website features multiple recipes
- Money-back guarantee through manufacturer
Cons:
- 65 milligrams of caffeine may affect those with high caffeine sensitivity
AprikaLife's matcha powder is the best product for various drinks. This culinary grade matcha is vivid green, has a creamy, balanced taste, and little bitterness, which is great for smoothies, lattes, and by itself as a tea. The company boasts that the premium quality of this product is only a few grades lower than ceremonial matcha. It also is available in three sizes for daily drinkers.
Several customers say that this product clumps up often and does not have a noticeable flavor. But, most customers love that the flavor is rich without being overpowering and that the aroma is fresh, grassy, and sweet. They love using this product as their daily matcha. The 65 milligrams of caffeine give an energy boost without a crash.
Best Matcha Powder for Smoothies
Pros:
- USDA organic
- Company website features many matcha recipes
- Low caffeine content for those with high caffeine sensitivity
- Resealable pouch for retaining freshness
Cons:
- Available in only one size
Navitas Organics' Organic Matcha Powder is the best product for smoothies. The lush, earthy flavor of this matcha powder would complement any smoothie while providing a burst of nutrients and antioxidants. It is also unsweetened, so it will not add additional sugar to your smoothies. This product is certified to be organic and has 16 milligrams of caffeine for those that are highly sensitive to it.
A few reviewers note that the scent is weak and that the pouch is hard to reseal. However, many other reviewers like that this product is organic and does not have a strong, bitter aftertaste. They also love that it blends well when added to shakes and smoothies. Navitas Organics also offers many smoothie recipes for those that would like to try something new.
How to Make the Perfect Bowl of Matcha, According to Daniela
Daniela herself has a great video of how to make the perfect cup of matcha, so watch it and get some great mixing tips from a certified tea sommelier!
Frequently Asked Questions
We added some questions below that a lot of people have about matcha powders to satisfy your curiosity and put your mind at ease!
Does matcha have caffeine?
Since matcha powder is made from stone-ground tea leaves, it does contain caffeine. The caffeine content of matcha is less than black tea but more than most green teas since the entire leaf is crushed and consumed instead of removed after steeping. Matcha powder can contain anywhere from 45 grams to 60 grams of caffeine. Different powders will have different caffeine contents.
If your primary reason for consuming matcha is for increasing concentration and focus, check the amounts of caffeine and L-theanine in your matcha powder.
L-theanine is an amino acid backed by numerous human trials and has been clinically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It pairs great with caffeine, as it reduces tremors and caffeine jitteriness while improving cognitive function and alertness. Find a product that has a 2:1 ratio of L-theanine to caffeine to get the most out of your study session or workday.
How much matcha powder should I add per cup?
The ratio for matcha powder to cup depends on the size of your beverage. For many people, two grams of matcha powder for 70 to 80 grams of water creates a wonderfully sweet cup that isn't watered down or too overwhelming.
You can also use a scale to measure out your powder, but if you don't wish to deal with the hassle of a scale, you can measure one teaspoon of matcha powder to one-third or one-half cup of water.
More Supplies to Make the Perfect Matcha
Here are even more things to help you make the perfect cup of matcha or whip up a nice matcha latte.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Tea Sommelier Daniela Titiun
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Matcha Powders
No. 1: Matcha Konomi｜Oishi Matcha
No. 2: Naoki Matcha｜Naoki｜Superior Blend Matcha
No. 3: Matchabar｜Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea
No. 4: Pique Tea｜Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea
No. 5: Jade Leaf｜Everyday Matcha Japanese Green Herbal Tea Powder
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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