Are you new to the whole "matcha scene"? Are you struggling to find the best matcha to place your bets on?
Well, fret not. I am going to introduce you to the top 10 matcha powders that are not only pure, authentic, and delicious but are also incredibly affordable.
Before we proceed you must know how matcha differs from green tea.
Matcha is made out of stronger compounds and is slightly costlier than green tea. It is richer in flavor, boosts energy, induces attentiveness, and is considered an acquired taste.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha has become quite popular due to the many health benefits it has to offer, along with being equally delicious. Here are some of the benefits of this dark green-hued powder:
They contain a higher amount of antioxidants, in comparison to green tea powder.
It contains all the essential nutrients from the entire leaf it is prepared from.
It helps in flushing out toxins and other contaminants from the body.
It helps in increasing brain performance and boosts memory.
Matcha has a certain type of anti-cancer properties as well.
It helps in reducing the cholesterol levels of the body and keeps the heart protected.
How to Choose The best Matcha
There are a variety of quality matcha blends and grades available, which makes choosing one quite a task. It is crucial to go for a brand that promises rich and delightful matcha drinking experience. To choose the best matcha powder, you need to consider factors like its price, grade, health benefits, and the mode of preparation.
Aroma, Taste, Texture
Always go for the highest quality matcha that ensures taste, has a lustrous texture and fills the room with its pleasant, vegetal aroma. The better the quality, the sweeter it will taste. It should have mild savory and floral undertones and should be easily soluble with the ingredient you pair it up with.
Color
Matcha from a premium, high-end brand will have a vibrant green color. The greener your matcha powder is, the purer and better it is. Low-quality matcha powders usually have a yellowish hue to it and are as distasteful as it looks. The color of matcha is directly proportional to how well it has been harvested and shaded.
Tin Vs. Bag
Matcha powders have a long shelf life. However, they are sensitive and need proper storing to stay fresh. The original packing of the matcha powder is not significant. What is important is how well you store it, be it in an airtight container or a bag kept inside the refrigerator.
THE Best Matcha powder
BJI Rating: 4.7
A premium range of matcha green tea powder, Encha Organic Ceremonial Matcha is heaven-sent for tea lovers. Ground from some of the most tender leaves from the spring harvest on the Uji mountains of Kyoto, this matcha is of the top-tier quality.
It comes packed in two different sizes- a pack of 1.06 Ounce and a pack of 2.12 Ounce. The 1.06 Ounce package would easily last you a month. So, if you are experimenting with matcha for the first time, you might want to go with this option.
Another great thing about this matcha powder is that it is a certified, 100% organic grade of matcha. It has no traces of radioactivity and is packed with all the essential nutrients, antioxidants, and more.
What we liked:
- Rich in antioxidants.
- Value for money.
- Unlike coffee, it doesn’t make you feel uneasy or jittery.
- Has a vibrant color and an appetizing odor.
- The quality of the powder is fine and smooth.
What we didnt like:
- Can be slightly bitter for a few palettes.
BJI Rating: 4.6
A premium range of matcha green tea powder, Encha Organic Ceremonial Matcha is heaven-sent for tea lovers. Ground from some of the most tender leaves from the spring harvest on the Uji mountains of Kyoto, this matcha is of the top-tier quality.
It comes packed in two different sizes- a pack of 1.06 Ounce and a pack of 2.12 Ounce. The 1.06 Ounce package would easily last you a month. So, if you are experimenting with matcha for the first time, you might want to go with this option.
Another great thing about this matcha powder is that it is a certified, 100% organic grade of matcha. It has no traces of radioactivity and is packed with all the essential nutrients, antioxidants, and more.
What we liked:
- It gets easily whisked with hot water to create a creamy, frothy matcha drink.
- Being ceremonial grade matcha, it is made out of young springs that impart a strong flavor and smooth texture.
- It has calming properties that are great for overall well being.
What we didnt like:
- The color of the powder is slightly dull.
BJI Rating: 4.5
Kenko key supplies some of the most popular and widely enjoyed range of organic ceremonial grade matcha. It is manufactured using the young, delicate, freshly cultivated leaves that make the powder bitter-free.
Half a teaspoon of this matcha contains around 25 to 30mg of caffeine. This makes a great coffee alternative without leaving you feeling jittery. What made me try this matcha was the fact that it is full of all the vital antioxidants that are required by the body.
The leaves that produce this matcha tea powder come from the Nishio region of Japan where they are meticulously shade-grown. It is economical and makes for a great gifting option as well.
What we liked:
- It is naturally very sweet and has subtle flowery undertones.
- The matcha leaves are harvested without the use of pesticides or harmful fertilizers.
- The powder is gluten-free and non-GMO.
- It is made free of any heavy metals.
- Culinary grade matcha is also available.
What we didnt like:
- Requires rigorous whisking to remove clumps.
BJI Rating: 4.5
The matcha green powder by Kiss Me Organics is a great source of antioxidants. The leaves are shade-grown that gives it the vibrant green jade color. A pack of 1 oz can provide up to 30 servings.
Consumption of this matcha powder helps in increasing concentrations, boosting memory, facilitating healthy brain function, and keeping the body nourished. If you are struggling to find something that provides you with an energy boost throughout the day, this matcha powder wouldn’t disappoint you.
In comparison to general green tea, it contains over 130 antioxidants. It also has a heavy dose of magnesium that caters to the needs of your skin, bones, and other body systems.
What we liked:
- The finish of the powder is extremely refined and smooth.
- It is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Helps in kick-starting your day and increases vitality.
- It contains a perfect balance of L-Theanine and caffeine.
What we didnt like:
- The flavor of matcha is mild and subtle as opposed to being very strong.
BJI Rating: 4.5
Naoki Matcha has some of the most varied flavors of matcha powders. From superior ceremonial to cold brew jade to fragrant Yame ceremonial blend, they have something in store for everyone.
This matcha powder, obtained from the young and freshly harvested tea loves, comes straight from the regions of Uji Kyoto in Japan. The shade-grown technique keeps the vibrancy of the leaves intact.
You can enjoy this matcha in a couple of ways. Add it to your lattes to kickstart your day. Mix it in with your desserts to get the umami flavor, or simply add in boiling water and milk to enjoy a fresh cup of aromatic tea.
What we liked:
- It is produced using authentic Japanese traditions.
- It is packed full of antioxidants and an essential amino acid, known as L-theanine.
- It comes in a sealed, air-tight pack that keeps the powder fresh and preserved.
- It is gluten-free and sugar-free that makes it incredibly healthy.
What we didnt like:
- Has a little bitter aftertaste to it.
BJI Rating: 4.4
Adding this uVernal Organic Ceremonial Matcha to your meals is a great way to enjoy the many health benefits it has to offer. It helps in increasing concentration and memory. It is jam-packed with antioxidants and helps in digestion and overall body cleansing.
This matcha green powder contains around 60% EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate). It helps in battling cholesterol related issues. The caffeine in this product releases slowly into the body for lingering benefits.
The smell of this powder is incredible and inviting. It is not only affordable but also helps in stimulating metabolism without compromising on taste.
What we liked:
- It helps in blocking the ability of the body to absorb fat.
- Can be used as a detox drink to cleanse the body once in a while.
- The powder is of fine quality and can be easily sifted and whisked.
- It has anti-aging properties.
- It is vegan, sugar-free, non-GMO, and free from preservatives.
What we didnt like:
- The color of the powder is not very vibrant.
BJI Rating: 4.7
Clear your mind and rejuvenate your senses with this rich Ummon-no-mukashi matcha by Ippodo tea co. It has a prominent umami flavor, something you must have never heard but will thoroughly enjoy.
The color of the powder is vibrant and deep, close to the shade of emerald green. The teas and drinks made with the help of this powder are rich, velvety, smooth, creamy, and have a slight bittersweet aftertaste.
I use this powder to create Koicha, a very different yet most enjoyed drink. It is a traditional Japanese drink, centric to their tea ceremonies.
What we liked:
- The ground tea powder is extremely fine and filtered.
- Has earthy aromatic tones to it.
- Has a rich umami flavor without being too bitter.
- The powder is easily soluble in other liquids.
What we didnt like:
- Is fairly expensive(but absolutely worth it).
BJI Rating: 3.7
Breakaway assures the best tasting matcha and promises a full refund if they fail in taste. They have an affordable range of custom made matcha blends that are high on flavor, fragrance, and texture.
These powder blends are easy to use to create multiple recipes that require a matcha base. The finely ground powder creates no lumps when whisked and provides remarkable health benefits.
The scintillating green color of the matcha coupled with its pleasant aroma is never a failed combination. When I have a busy day ahead and need a quick fix, this is usually what I grab for.
What we liked:
- Works best with cold brews.
- Helps in reducing inflammation and flushes off toxins from the body.
- It is made without any chemicals or pesticides.
- The high levels of chlorophyll make the color of the powder bright and appetizing.
What we didnt like:
- Hot drinks made out of this powder may taste a little bitter.
BJI Rating: 4.3
This Premium Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder by Matcha Organics is my go-to when I need a dose of energy, first thing in the morning.
If you suffer from panic attacks due to anxiety or stress, this drink will assure you calm and clarity of thought. It also helps in boosting your metabolism and burning the stubborn calories.
What we liked:
- It contains L-Theanine that helps to boost memory and increase focus.
- This matcha drink is gluten-free.
- It is free of any additives and preservatives.
- It helps to curb hunger pangs.
- A healthy alternative to coffee and tea.
What we didnt like:
- The price of the product is pretty steep.
BJI Rating: 4.1
Pure Matcha’s Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha is a premium quality matcha green tea powder available at a very affordable price. The leaves that are ground to form these come from the first harvest of the Nishio Region in Japan.
Amongst the many benefits it has to offer, it aids in weight loss by increasing the metabolism. It also blocks stubborn fat from accumulating in our bodies.
You can find an abundance of catechin antioxidants in this premium matcha powder. Catechin helps in fighting bacterias and protecting the body from infections and other harmful foreign bodies.
What we liked:
- It is produced using ancient methods of stone grounding.
- It is very easy to consume. Mix it with hot water and drink fresh to enjoy its benefits.
- The tin it is packed in is tightly sealed to ensure its long shelf life.
- It has a fresh, grassy and vegetal taste to it.
What we didnt like:
- Thorough whisking is important to avoid the formation of clumps.
Now that you know which matcha powder to invest your money on, let’s have a look at how to make the best matcha tea.
How to Make the Best Matcha
What you need
Heat the water
It is crucial to heat your water at the right temperature. Any temperature around 176°F or 80°C is considered best. If the temperature is higher, it will burn your matcha powder and make it bitter. Make sure that you filter the right amount of water before you boil it. Excessive matcha will dilute the flavor of matcha.
Measurement of Matcha
A bamboo matcha spoon, also known as Chashaku is used to measure out the right quantity of matcha in a bowl before you sift it. Ensure to go with the right amount of matcha per the quantity of your water so that the final drink is rich, creamy, vibrant, and frothy.
Sift
After you have scooped the matcha, it is time that you properly sift it using a sifter. Sifting is an indispensable part of your matcha tea making routine. It makes the powder refined and clumps free. This ensures that the powder is whisked well with the water during the final stages of preparation.
Whisk tea and water
The final step to create the beautiful base for your matcha tea is to whisk the sifted powder and the boiling water together. Use a bamboo whisk, also known as a Chasen, to whisk both the components together in a ceramic bowl or a mug. The final concoction should have a vibrant green color to it.
Add milk, hot or cold, and enjoy it fresh!