8 Best Organic Matcha Green Tea Powders
Matcha is a vibrant green tea powder that has become hugely popular in recent years, especially in the health and wellness community. Unlike traditional green tea, matcha is made from ground whole tea leaves, giving it a bright color and robust flavor.
The focus of this blog post is reviewing the top 8 organic matcha green tea powders and discussing their various benefits. As you'll see, not all matcha is created equal! Factors like origin, grade and intended use impact the taste and quality. Read on for the full reviews.
Benefits of Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
Organic matcha is packed with science-backed health perks. Here's a deeper look at some of the key benefits:
High in antioxidants - Matcha contains powerful antioxidant compounds like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) that fight damaging free radicals in the body. Research indicates EGCG shows potential anti-cancer effects by triggering cancer cell death and inhibiting tumor formation.
Boosts metabolism - Compounds in matcha like EGCG and the amino acid L-theanine may rev up metabolism to help burn additional calories and fat. A couple small studies found matcha specifically helped women burn more calories during brisk walking and moderate exercise.
Stress relieving - The L-theanine content in matcha promotes alpha brain waves, which induce relaxation. One study had participants drink matcha before a stressful task and found lower cortisol levels and self-reported anxiety.
Sustained energy - Unlike the quick spike and crash from coffee, matcha provides steady energy without jitters thanks to its unique combination of catechins and caffeine. The extended energy release can boost productivity and focus.
Supports brain health - In addition to L-theanine, matcha contains zinc, magnesium, chromium and vitamin C which improve cognitive functions like memory and concentration. Studies connect regular matcha drinking to better brain performance.
Versatile culinary uses - From being whisked into traditional Japanese tea ceremonies to blending into smoothie bowls to baking green tea-infused treats, matcha's flavor and color enhance many foods and drinks.
With all these research-backed wellness benefits there's good reason to add organic matcha to your regular diet. Keep reading to discover the best matcha powders to try.
Review of the 8 Best Organic Matcha Green Tea Powders
1. Rishi Tea Matcha Powder
Hailing from the verdant tea fields of Kagoshima, Japan, Rishi Tea's matcha powder proves you don't have to break the bank for quality. This ceremonial-grade matcha has a lovely smooth flavor punctuated by antioxidant-rich nutty undertones reminiscent of raw cacao nibs.
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, Rishi's matcha whisks up easily without any stubborn clumps or gritty texture. The fine powder has a natural sweetness that shines in lattes and other everyday matcha drinks. You can simply whisk it with hot water for a traditional matcha tea or blend it into creamy milk for a comforting matcha latte at home.
When baking with this affordable matcha, expect it to lend a distinctly green color and subtle earthy flavor to treats like cookies, cakes or ice cream. From beverages to desserts and everything between, Rishi Tea's smooth, versatile matcha powder delivers on quality and flavor well beyond its reasonable price point.
2. DAVIDsTEA Organic Matcha 4 Tin Sampler
If you like flavored coffees and teas then exploring DAVIDsTEA’s Organic Matcha 4 Tin Sampler is a fun way to discover your perfect matcha flavor. Each colorful tin contains a lightly flavored ceremonial-grade matcha powder sourced from the renowned tea growing region of Nishio, Japan.
The four flavor options have distinct taste profiles. The sweet Maple Matcha makes for a perfect autumnal latte, while the Peach Matcha blended with lemonade or iced tea captures refreshing summer vibes. The Vanilla Matcha mixes smoothly into your favorite milk or plant-based milk for an everyday comfort latte. And the tart, berry-forward Strawberry Matcha brightens up baked goods like cakes and muffins.
Since the four tins contain a set amount of matcha (enough for about 3 drinks per tin), this sampler works best as a fun way to experiment with flavors before committing to a larger supply of your favorite. It also makes a unique gift for the matcha lover in your life. Let your taste buds take an aromatic tour of matcha flavors with DAVIDsTEA’s tin sampler.
3. Golde Pure Matcha
Golde strikes the perfect balance between quality and convenience with their USDA certified organic Pure Matcha. This ceremonial-grade powder is sourced from Uji, Japan, the renowned origin of top-tier matcha green tea. Golde’s matcha has a wonderfully smooth and grassy flavor with enticing roasted notes.
In the cup, Golde’s rich matcha makes for a bright green tea with an appealing balance of sweetness and vegetal flavors. Thanks to its fine texture that effortlessly incorporates into liquids, this versatile powder also shines when frothed into creamy matcha lattes or shaken up in smoothies and health elixirs.
When baking, Golde’s Pure Matcha infuses batter and dough with its signature green hue and toasty flavor. Cookies, cakes, muffins and other goodies turn out vibrantly hued and full of matcha essence. The convenient screw-top tin ensures the contents stay fresh while preventing messy accidents. For an authentic Japanese matcha that’s always smooth and full-flavored, Golde Pure Matcha hits the mark.
4. Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
Hailing from the renowned tea region Uji, Japan, Encha's ceremonial grade matcha stands out for its exceptional versatility. This high-quality powder dissolves smoothly into liquids and batters without a hint of clumping.
In taste tests, Encha's matcha revealed delicate floral notes balanced by an ever-so-slight pleasant bitterness. The fine jade powder has a uniquely smooth, almost creamy texture derived from early spring's first harvest of nutrient-dense tea leaves.
Blended into a frothy matcha latte, Encha's ceremonial grade powder makes a mean cup of hot or iced green tea brimming with authentic Japanese tea house flavor. The same powder also shines brightly in the realm of baking. Cookies, cakes, icings and more get a vibrant flavor and visual appeal boost from Encha's versatile matcha.
Thanks to its fine grain, light green color and smooth floral flavor, Encha Ceremonial Grade makes an easy addition to pancakes, muffins and breads too. From traditional usucha tea to modern baked goods, this expertly produced matcha powder spans both ends of the spectrum.
5. Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Green Tea Powder
Chamberlain Coffee ventures into tea territory with an organic ceremonial matcha sourced from Shizuoka, Japan's green tea capital. Grown in nutrient-rich volcanic soil, Chamberlain's matcha dazzles with a balancing act of sweet vegetal flavors and woodsy aromas.
Taste testing revealed Chamberlain's matcha is on the more robust, earthy end of the green tea spectrum. Think freshly cut grass and morning dew dancing on a dense forest canopy. Each sip finishes with a whisper of natural sweetness.
Unlike other matcha powders prone to clumping, Chamberlain's offering features an ingeniously designed tin with a wide opening perfect for properly whisking matcha without the mess. The simple yet clever canister provides the ideal vessel for preparing the perfect cup.
In terms of versatility, Chamberlain's Matcha makes for a stellar standalone beverage prepared traditionally or blended into lattes. Bakers can try mixing the bold powder into cookie doughs or icings to impart its striking green hue and earthy essence. However, those seeking a milder matcha for pastries may prefer a mellower option.
6. Blue Bottle Craft Matcha
When it comes to a well-rounded matcha that excels in both flavor complexity and versatility, Blue Bottle’s Craft Matcha takes first prize. Grown in the renowned tea region Uji, Japan, Blue Bottle’s powder achieves the perfect balance of sweet and savory in a vibrant green elixir.
Upon first sip the Craft Matcha reveals an initial grassy quality followed by a pleasing toastiness akin to sesame seeds and almonds. A lingering mild sweetness makes it ideal for sipping solo without any added sugar or milk. The complexity of Blue Bottle’s matcha makes it right at home in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
In terms of versatility the balanced yet robust Craft Matcha also shines blended into baked goods, smoothies and cocktails. Its nuanced flavors hold up beautifully to mixing, without losing its identity. For instance, blueberry muffins made with Craft Matcha take on a stunning green color along with a perfect matcha undertone.
While Blue Bottle’s Craft Matcha fits seamlessly into all sorts of recipes, its smoothness and complexity especially suit beverage making. The finely milled particles effortlessly whisk and froth into hot, iced and specialty matcha drinks full of authentic flavor.
7. Ippodo Tea Ummon-matcha
Encased in an ornate tin, Ippodo Tea's Ummon-matcha makes for an impressive gift or luxurious personal treat. Hailing from Kyoto, Japan, this vibrant ceremonial grade matcha undergoes traditional stone grinding methods, which yield an exceptionally smooth, creamy texture.
When whisked into hot water the Ummon-matcha produces a beautiful jade-green hue. Its first scent is sweet and grassy, with lingering floral notes. Upon the first sip, you taste its pleasantly bitter vegetal flavors, layered with a toasted nuttiness not found in other matchas. Each subsequent sip reveals more complexity - mineral undertones, buttercream, sesame.
This potent matcha powder caters best to Japanese tea ceremonies and other traditional preparation styles. Its rich consistency creates a smooth koicha, while its complexity shines through in usucha's purity. One can also imagine it would pair nicely with sweets like mochi or dango.
For matcha connoisseurs, Ummon makes for a special splurge. From its packaging to its first sip, this Kyoto-born powder provides a unique and authentic matcha experience. The smaller tin size makes it impractical for daily drinking but well worth savoring on special occasions.
8. Jade Leaf Matcha Ceremonial-Grade Matcha Powder
Jade Leaf's organic ceremonial grade matcha originates from two of Japan's premier tea-growing regions - Uji and Kagoshima. The combination yields a bright, grassy flavor with notes of spinach and seaweed. Its vibrant green particles whisk into a smooth, lump-free liquid.
In testing, Jade Leaf's powder performed best in latte form. The dairy harmonizes beautifully with matcha's inherent sweetness and vegetal flavors. A touch of warming spice like cinnamon or vanilla only enhances the experience.
For those who prefer hot coffee drinks, this matcha makes a lovely morning substitute. The earthy taste provides a perfect pick-me-up without any acidity or bitterness. Simply whisk the powder with heated milk for a comforting, cozy latte.
Iced matcha lattes also shine with Jade Leaf's powder. Its cool, minty undertones feel perfectly balanced, blended with cold milk and shaken over ice. The chilled drink provides natural sweetness and caffeine without any unwanted sugar.
Thanks to an extra-tall tin container, this matcha powder is easy to store and scoop without any mess. At an affordable price point for 100% ceremonial grade, Jade Leaf's matcha caters best to latte lovers rather than traditional purists.
How to Choose the Right Matcha Powder
Selecting the best organic matcha powder can seem tricky but just remember these key buying factors:
Origin Matters
Seek out matcha produced in renowned tea-growing regions like Uji, Nishio and Kagoshima in Japan. The terrain and climate here create superior leaves. For example, in Uji, tea plants thrive in nutrient-rich soil and cool breezes, shaded by bamboo groves. Such careful cultivation over centuries results in matcha with bolder flavors, vibrancy and integrity.
Know the Grades
Matcha grade indicates quality level based on factors like harvest time, leaf age and processing method.
Opt for "ceremonial grade" for drinking as is or making lattes and smoothies. This high-end matcha has a complex flavor with grassy, vegetal notes.
"Culinary grade" is intended for cooking and baking. It comes from older leaves and makes for a more bitter, astringent cup.
"Premium grade" falls somewhere in between ceremonial and culinary. Affordable yet still pleasant to drink.
Stick to reputable brands that provide clear grading on packaging.
Consider Intended Use
Think about your planned uses - lattes, baking, traditional service? This affects ideal flavor and consistency.
For example, if you'll mainly make frothy matcha lattes, choose a powder with sweeter vegetal notes that complement dairy. Baking? Seek out robust matcha so the flavor won't get lost. Serving straight tea? Grassy, delicate matcha shines when whisked alone.
Read Labels Closely
Carefully read packaging to source and select authentic Japanese matcha, not imitations grown elsewhere.
Labels should highlight first flush leaves and the regional origin. Watch out for lead or other contaminants found in some Chinese matcha.
And don't settle for mystery matcha in opaque tins! Transparent branding reflects transparent production.
Taste Test
If available, sample various matchas directly. This way you can judge qualities like texture, aroma, taste - not just packaging claims!
Describe flavors in your own words - grassy? sweet? bitter? Finding your personalized matcha language will help determine preferences.
Follow this buying guidance and you'll discover high grade matcha blends both healthy and delicious!
Conclusion
As you can see, organic matcha green tea offers a multitude of science-backed wellness perks. But not all matcha measures up equally in terms of taste and quality. By choosing an authentic matcha from this list of top-tested powders, you can reap the antioxidant benefits as well as culinary enjoyment.
For tea connoisseurs seeking new dimensions beyond matcha, Lifeboost offers a suite of premium organic green tea options. Their leaves make for subtly mellow cups compared to matcha's bolder personality. But the brand upholds comparable integrity standards for purity and quality. So, whether you crave matcha's robustness or prefer gentler traditional greens, there are excellent high-grade teas to satisfy all preferences.
FAQs
What is ceremonial grade matcha?
Ceremonial grade matcha comes from the nutrient-rich first flush of leaves each spring. It has a more complex flavor and is best for drinking straight.
Is it safe to drink matcha every day?
Yes, 1-2 cups of plain matcha per day is safe. But limit added sugars/fats if drinking daily matcha lattes.
Does matcha really boost metabolism?
Small studies show matcha may help burn calories during exercise. But more research is needed to prove a metabolism-boosting effect.
Is matcha better than coffee?
Matcha and coffee provide similar antioxidant benefits. But coffee has more extensive research on effects like reduced disease risk.
Can matcha help with weight loss?
Don't expect matcha alone to shrink fat. But its antioxidants are anti-inflammatory, and it provides steady energy for workouts.
What's the caffeine content of matcha?
Matcha contains 35-75 mg caffeine per 8 oz cup. More than green tea, less than a cup of coffee. Effects feel gentle, not jittery.