Yahoo Lifestyle We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.
The best matcha powder, tested and reviewed by a registered dietitian
Tea experts weigh in on which of these specialty green teas make the perfect ritual cup.
Matcha has evolved from a ceremonial treasure to a global favorite, captivating taste buds everywhere. Steeped in the traditions of Chinese and Japanese tea rituals, this bright green powder is now beloved worldwide for its health benefits, vibrant appearance and unique taste. Whether you enjoy sipping a matcha latte at your favorite coffee shop or whisking up a cup at home, you already know not all matcha powders are created equal. The best matcha powder feels smooth and silky on your tongue, with just the right balance of earthy, bitter and sweet flavor notes.
The secret to matcha's distinct character lies in its fascinating journey from plant to powder. Tea farmers carefully shade the plants, triggering changes that enhance the leaves' nutrient content and create their signature deep green color. These specially cultivated leaves are then ground into a delicate powder and sealed for freshness. Unlike regular green teas, with matcha you drink down the entire tea leaf, which means you get a concentrated dose of nutrients and a uniquely smooth energy boost.
"A typical serving of matcha contains about 70 milligrams of caffeine, compared to about 100 mg in one cup of drip coffee. The presence of L-theanine in matcha helps balance the caffeine’s effects, providing a steady energy boost without the highs and lows that can happen when you drink coffee," explains Chris Mohr, RD and nutrition spokesman located in Louisville, Ky.
Beyond its energizing properties, matcha is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect cells against damage that may contribute to chronic diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer's and certain forms of cancer. And here's something special: One of matcha's key antioxidants, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), has been linked to improved blood sugar management and weight management.
To help you gain a deeper understanding of matcha powder and its uses, I first consulted with registered dietitians and doctors about the health benefits of these teas, researched 20 brands and rigorously tested over a dozen matcha powders. I used my personal experience as an avid matcha drinker and a registered dietitian to help further guide the top selections. These are the top picks for the best matcha powders.
A note on supplements
The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.
Best overall matcha tea
Kelli McGane, RD
Grade: Ceremonial | Flavor Profile: Robust, grassy, nutty | Origin: Uji, Japan
With its exceptional balance and versatility, Encha Matcha Ceremonial-Grade offers a full-bodied flavor, which earns it our pick as the best matcha green tea powder. This smooth and robust matcha stands out for being the least bitter. Its grassy, nutty notes shine whether you enjoyed it straight or in a latte.
Other matcha lovers agree. One reviewer called it an "exceptional matcha" and a "must-try," adding, "I am absolutely blown away by its incredible quality and exquisite taste. This matcha truly deserves all the praise and recognition it receives!"
Beyond flavor, the powder comes from leaves grown in Uji, Japan's renowned matcha-producing region — and it's certified organic, so you can be sure your matcha is free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
The biggest downside? Packaging. While the space-saving pouches are convenient, they're trickier for scooping and leveling than a canister. Also, we wouldn't recommend it as your best bet for baking, where its delicate flavor could get lost.
- No bitterness
- Enjoyable straight or as a latte
- Mixes easily
- Third-party tested for contaminants
- Moderately priced
- USDA organic
- Pouch can be messy
More matcha teas we like for 2025
Kelli McGrane, RD
Grade: Ceremonial | Flavor Profile: Mellow, sweet, grassy | Origin: Uji, Japan
This lovely Matcha Konomi powder comes straight from small-batch farmers, giving you a truly tasty farm-to-cup experience. Made from the first spring harvest, Akira Ceremonial Matcha proves to be a standout, earning high marks for its rich flavor, silky texture and mixability.
The powder's grassy yet sweet aroma caught our attention right away, and its incredibly fine texture impressed us. But the real test is drinkability — and this ceremonial matcha doesn't disappoint. With a delicate, grassy flavor and silky-smooth mouthfeel, it's our go-to for drinking straight. Just don't make it into a latte. Add milk and this matcha's beautiful complexity becomes undetectable.
For peace of mind, this matcha comes with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, which allows full refunds up to 10 days after purchase. But chances are, you won't need that.
With nearly 4,000 ratings and an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the reviews for this matcha are outstanding. One reviewer wrote: "I am not a Matcha connoisseur, but of the few I have tried, this is the best. It is not bitter, and blends well. I was looking for a warm beverage to alternate with coffee. It seemed expensive, but worth the quality." Another highlights the quality, noting: "I really like this matcha. It tastes good, has a good color and doesn’t have a gritty feeling which I find is common with a lot of other brands. I also like the tin it comes it; it has a silicone ring in the lid to keep the matcha fresh."
Quality and safety are also paramount: Akira Ceremonial Matcha is USDA-certified organic and third-party tested for heavy metals, pesticides and radiation. (The company publishes the results online for full transparency.)
The primary drawback comes down to price. But if you're open to spending $25 for a matcha that delivers approximately 30 servings, this is the one for you.
- Delicate and balanced
- Third-party tested for contaminants
- USDA-certified organic
- 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
- Flavor may be too subtle for some
- Relatively expensive
Kelli McGrane, RD
Grade: Ceremonial | Flavor Profile: Milky, roasted, nutty | Origin: Aichi and Kirishima, Japan
Blended from first-harvest leaves in the Aichi and Kagoshima regions of Japan, Midori Spring Emerald Ceremonial Matcha stands out for its roasted, nutty flavor and smooth, milky texture. We found that this tasty matcha is delightfully sippable on its own — and perfect in lattes, baked goods and smoothies, earning our award for the most versatile matcha powder we tested.
Adding to its appeal, this matcha is USDA-certified organic and ground in small batches to preserve quality and freshness.
Midori Spring's mild, balanced taste (less grassy and less bitter than many) makes it an excellent choice for beginners. Swirled with hot water, the powder has a deep, emerald-green color, a distinct roasted flavor and a subtle sweet, grassy finish. The only downside: It clumps when mixed sans a sifter.
While $34.50 a tin might make you hesitate, this matcha delivers 50 to 75 servings, compared to the standard 15 servings, making it one of the more affordable options on our list.
Reviewers agree with the value with one noting: "It may not seem very large, but this container lasts for many, many cups of matcha. I've made at least 20 out of it and I think I'm about halfway through. It does depend on how strong you like it, though!" Another adds: "I have tried many brands of ceremonial Matcha tea. So far this brand is the best for the money. Nice smooth flavor and mixes better than other brands."
- Minimal bitterness
- Affordable
- Highly versatile
- UDA-certified organic
- Third-party tested for contaminants
- Clumps when mixed without a sifter
Kelli McGrane, RD
Grade: Ceremonial | Flavor Profile: Vibrant, smooth, earthy | Origin: Uji, Japan
If you're ready to indulge in a premium matcha experience, Blue Bottle's Craft Matcha is our top pick best splurge — which is also close to the best matcha for lattes. Known for its ethically sourced coffee, Blue Bottle brings the same quality standards to its ceremonial-grade matcha powder. This matcha — sourced from the mountains of Uji, Japan — is the same powder used in the company’s cafes, letting you enjoy barista-level matcha lattes right at home.
What sets Craft Matcha apart is its rich, full-bodied flavor and creamy texture. It tastes vibrant and earthy, with a nutty sweetness that balances matcha's natural bitterness — a characteristic it shares with our best overall pick, Encha’s ceremonial grade. Plus, it whisks into a killer, thick and smooth hot latte.
At $3 a serving, it's the priciest powder we tested — but for matcha enthusiasts who value exceptional quality, it's worth every penny.
- Full-bodied taste
- No bitterness
- Easy to mix
- Expensive
- Not organic
- Third-party testing status unclear
Kelli McGrane, RD
Grade: Ceremonial | Flavor Profile: Sweet, umami, light astringency | Origin: Kyoto, Japan
For over three centuries, Ippodo Tea has been crafting matcha in the mountains of Kyoto, where mineral-rich soil and optimal growing conditions yield exceptional tea.
While it offers several blends, Sayaka is hands-down our top pick for whipping up café-worthy lattes at home. As one reviewer raves: "This matcha had a wonderful green color and tasted super rich. I use it to make my matcha latte and they always turn out great." Another adds: "It might be little pricey, but the smell and taste are worth it. It’s amazing on its own or mixed into lattes."
The powder — a vibrant, jade green — mixes easily and boasts one of the most balanced flavor profiles we tested: sweet and grassy with just a touch of bitterness. Its silky-smooth texture and notes of umami create a full-bodied tasting experience. But since Sayaka is crafted for beginners, matcha connoisseurs might prefer one of the company's bolder blends instead.
Beyond flavor, Ippodo takes safety seriously, using minimal pesticides and fertilizers in the growing process. Each harvest undergoes rigorous third-party testing, with results well below Japan's safety limits — including radiation screening.
- Minimal bitterness
- Mixes easily
- Third-party tested for contaminants
- Some may find the flavor too mild
- On the pricier side, especially if used every day
- It isn't certified organic
Grade: Culinary | Flavor Profile: Bold, grassy, mild astringency | Origin: Uji and Nishio, Japan
While many culinary-grade matchas are muted in color and flavor (they're typically made from later harvests with more sun exposure), Kenko's ceremonial matcha is a stand out for baking. The powder has a nutty flavor and what tea experts call a "moderate astringency" — that pleasant, slippery feel in your mouth. This balanced taste makes it ideal not only for baking, but for hot lattes and smoothies, too.
Still, this powder really shines in baking, giving treats their signature matcha-green color and earthy, tea-forward flavor — as we found when testing it in banana muffins. "Look no further," raved one 5-star Amazon reviewer. "I have tried all different kinds of matcha including the super expensive one from Teavana, but...the goodies I made with this tasted better and had the perfect aroma! I used it to make these amazing matcha cheesecakes and it was a huge hit!"
While this wouldn't be our top choice for lattes, it's by no means a bad option. In fact, the powder was less bitter and just as smooth as several of the ceremonial-grade powders we tested. Just make sure to sift the powder first. Otherwise, you could end up with stubborn clumps in your cup.
Like Encha Matcha Ceremonial Grade, Kenko comes in a pouch, which we don't love for scooping. But the design makes it easier to store, even on overcrowded baking shelves.
- Smooth consistency
- Versatile
- Tested for contaminants
- USDA-certified organic
- Clumps easily
- Pouch container can be messy
Kelli McGrane, RD
Grade: Culinary | Flavor Profile: Mild, grassy, tannic | Origin: Yunan, China
While it may not deliver the depth or vibrancy of ceremonial grade matcha, Matcha DNA Certified Organic Matcha Tea is great for everyday uses like lattes, sweetened beverages and baking — all without breaking the bank.
Reviewers agree: "Fantastic value for quality and quantity! "Absolute steal for what you get!" and "The size of the tin is astounding, it's such a high quality container!" are just some of the comments from just one of over 15,000 Amazon reviews.
Although Matcha DNA is culinary-grade, it's surprisingly versatile in both recipes and drinks. With its mild, grassy flavor, this powder mixed easily during testing, delivering a smooth texture without the bitterness that can go hand in hand with a culinary-grade matcha.
Another plus: This matcha is USDA-certified organic, third-party tested for heavy metals — and its packaged in BPA-free materials. For anyone looking to enjoy matcha without a hefty price tag, this product strikes an excellent balance between cost and functionality.
- Mixes easily
- Versatile
- Third-party tested for contaminants
- USDA-certified organic
- Lacks complexity
- Not ideal for drinking straight
Types of matcha powders
Matcha comes in a variety of forms, each with unique qualities that cater to different uses and preferences. Here’s a brief guide to understanding the types of matcha powders and how to pick the best one for your needs.
Ceremonial-grade: Ceremonial-grade matcha comes from the youngest, first-harvest tea leaves. Revered in Japanese tea ceremonies, this premium powder showcases a delicate flavor, velvety smooth texture and vibrant, rich green hue.
Premium-grade: Also known as daily-grade, premium-grade matcha contains leaves from the first and second harvests — or just the second harvest. It tends to have a bolder flavor that shines through when used in lattes or other sweetened matcha drinks.
Culinary-grade: Culinary-grade matcha uses leaves from the second, third, or fourth harvests. More sun exposure means these mature leaves contain higher levels of catechins — powerful antioxidant compounds that create a bolder, more bitter flavor. Often ground quickly, this grade of matcha has a slightly grainy texture that works well in recipes.
Organic: USDA Certified Organic matcha is grown and processed according to strict regulations set by the United States Department of Agriculture. For example, organic matcha cannot be sprayed with synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals.
Flavored matcha blends: For those who don't like the grassy, slightly bitter taste of matcha, many companies offer blends with sweeteners, like cane sugar, or natural flavors, like vanilla bean or fruit powders.
Factors to consider when purchasing matcha powder
Choosing the right matcha powder can feel overwhelming, with so many options available. The best choice depends on how you plan to use it, what flavors you enjoy and what you're willing to spend. Here are the key elements to consider:
Grade: For drinking plain, a ceremonial-grade is worth the investment. For baking, a culinary-grade matcha is more suitable — and economical. If matcha lattes are your go-to, select a premium-grade matcha, which offers bold flavor at a lower cost than ceremonial matcha. For those who prefer a sweeter drink, flavored matcha blends may be a great fit.
Taste profile: Matcha typically has a fresh, grassy flavor with a balance of bitter, sweet and umami notes. Some powders may also include hints of nuttiness or creaminess. The taste profile varies based on the grade and region of the powder.
Color and texture: According to our experts, color and texture are two key indicators of quality. "When buying matcha, look for a bright, vibrant green — a sign of freshness and high chlorophyll content" says Resham Uttamchandani, MD, a double board-certified physician with a strong interest in holistic health. "Quality matcha should have a fine, smooth texture without any graininess." That said, culinary matcha has a grainier texture that works well in baking and cooking.
Origin: "Where matcha is grown has a big impact on its flavor and nutritional profile," says Uttamchandani. "For example, climate and soil differences influence the levels of chlorophyll and amino acids, like L-theanine." Our experts agree that it's generally best to look for matcha from Japan, specifically from the Uji or Nishio regions. These regions maintain traditional cultivation practices, resulting in higher-quality powder, according to Po-Chang Hsu, MD, a consultant at Alpas Wellness.
Organic certification: Look for the USDA organic seal if you prioritize organic farming and processing methods.
Packaging: Choose matcha that comes in airtight containers to preserve its freshness, flavor and nutrients while protecting it from moisture and oxidation. "This helps maintain its potency," notes Uttamchandani.
Price: Compare matcha powders by price per serving rather than container size. While many quality options are affordable, higher prices typically indicate better-grade matcha.
How we chose matcha powders
If you've ever done a quick search for the best matcha powders, you already know: The options are seemingly endless! To narrow our scope, we talked to two dietitians, two doctors, many baristas and a number of fellow matcha enthusiasts to understand what makes a quality matcha.
As both a registered dietitian and a regular matcha drinker myself, I appreciate the subtle sweet, grassy flavor — and I particularly like powders with a hint of nuttiness and very little astringency. I typically prepare my matcha with 175-degree water and add a small splash of warmed oat milk on top. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll break out the foaming wand.
Here, we tested each powder twice — once with just hot water and once as a latte. Unless the brand recommended otherwise, we prepared each by gently sifting a half-teaspoon of powder into a mug, adding 5 ounces of 175-degree water and whisking using a bamboo chasen. For lattes, we used 1 tablespoon of hot water, whisked and then added 4 ounces of steamed and frothed unsweetened oat milk. For culinary-grade powders, we made banana coconut muffins.
Other products we tested
While we found several exceptional matcha powders for our top picks, some didn't quite meet our standards. Here are some of the other matcha products we tested and why they missed the mark.
Midori Spring Miru Rare Ceremonial Matcha: This powder is intended to be sipped straight and offers a milky sweet aftertaste balanced with a light astringency. The problem? This blend is on the pricier side — and it's hard to find. But for matcha enthusiasts, it may be worth the price and hunt.
Rishi Tea Everyday Matcha Powder: While this powder was easy to mix, testers found the taste a bit too veggie-like and astringent, even when used in a latte or smoothie. That said, it's one of the most affordable options, and it could be worth a second look if price is your top priority.
Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Matcha Teahouse Edition: If you prefer a bold matcha latte, you might want to consider this powder from Jade Leaf. But we found it too grassy and bitter, lacking the sweet and nutty flavors we look for. The taste is simple and one-dimensional.
Heapwell Finest Matcha: Winner of the coveted Great Taste award in 2023, we had high hopes for this ceremonial-grade matcha. While it mixed easily, with no apparent clumps, there was a slight graininess that was particularly noticeable when enjoyed straight.
Matcha Moon Pure Zen Premium Ceremonial Matcha: We didn't love this Matcha Moon powder, but it wasn't bad either. It mixes easily and has a smooth consistency. While not too earthy, it's quite bitter when consumed without milk or sweeteners.
FAQs
What’s the difference between ceremonial- and culinary-grade matcha?
"Ceremonial-grade matcha is harvested first, giving it a naturally sweeter taste and a vibrant green color," says Uttamchandani. "Culinary-grade matcha comes from later harvests, so it’s a bit more bitter and is ideal for recipes like smoothies and baked goods."
How do you prepare matcha?
Matcha tea is prepared by first sifting the matcha powder into a small bowl or wide mug. Next, pour a small amount of hot water onto the powder and whisk vigorously in a zigzag pattern. Finally, add additional hot water or steamed milk on top and whisk to combine.
How much caffeine is in matcha compared to coffee?
The amount of caffeine in matcha varies by product and by the amount of powder you use to make the tea. When prepared with 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of powder, matcha contains around 38 to 88 milligrams of caffeine. In comparison, a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee typically contains around 96 milligrams.
What are the health benefits of matcha?
Matcha's key compound, EGCG, offers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. "EGCG is known for its potential to combat inflammation and support heart health," explains registered nutritionist-dietitian Catherine Gervacio, RND. Research also suggests that matcha may aid weight management, blood sugar control, brain function and stress relief, all while helping protect against chronic diseases, including some cancers. So, if you're wondering, Is matcha healthy? The answer is a resounding Yes!
How long does matcha powder stay fresh?
When unopened, matcha stays fresh for 1 to 2 years in an airtight container. Once opened, enjoy it within 1 to 2 months, as exposure to air causes the powder to oxidize, dulling its flavor, color and nutrients. For best results, many companies recommend storing opened matcha in the fridge.
Meet our experts
Catherine Gervacio, RND, diet consultant for WOWMD
Po-Chang Hsu, MD, a consultant at Alpas Wellness
Chris Mohr, PhD, RD and nutrition spokesman located in Louisville, Kentucky
Resham Uttamchandani, MD, double board-certified physician with a strong interest in holistic health
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
