My Quest to Find the Best Matcha Powder

We all love matcha—whether as a tea, coffee substitute, or go-to superfood option. I also love matcha in many other forms: Cookies, desserts, and drinks. Thankfully, everyone around me knows my love for it, so much so that I even received a matcha set for my birthday last year. Sadly, the set did not come with matcha powder, so I had to complete the matcha vision. Now, instead of spending 5€ on matcha lattes that never taste quite right in cafés, all I need is the perfect matcha powder to make my own at home. Little did I know, there are a lot of options for matcha out there, and finding the best one can take a while.

To save you the trouble, from one matcha lover to another, I’m sharing everything I've learned about matcha here: What is matcha, what types of matcha are there, what to pay attention to when buying matcha, and of course, our best matcha recipes.

What is matcha powder?

Matcha is easily found these days; in supermarkets, drug stores, online shops, and specialty shops. Still, the question may persist: What exactly is matcha powder?

Matcha powder is basically a finely ground tea made from special green tea varieties. What makes it so special is the fact that it is all hand-harvested, with very carefully plucked young tea leaves from the tops of the bushes. The amount of care put into it explains the high prices for small amounts of the powder.

Types of matcha

There are 3 grades (types) of matcha powder: “Ceremonial”, “Premium”, and “Culinary”.

1. “Ceremonial”: Highest quality of matcha powder. This grade represents the finest and purest type out there, and it's used for both tea ceremonies and pure enjoyment. Ceremonial grade matcha has a bright, deep green color, doesn’t taste bitter or sour but creamy and fresh. Even small amounts can be quite pricey.

2. “Premium”: Also high quality with the same color and taste as the ceremonial. The only difference is that this one is harvested a bit later than ceremonial. It’s a great option if you regularly enjoy matcha (e.g. in matcha lattes), and it’s slightly cheaper too.

3. “Culinary”: Harvested from more mature leaves from the lower parts of the bushes, this grade tastes rather bitter. It’s best for baking, cooking, and with sweet combos like in desserts or sweet drinks like matcha latte. It’s also the cheapest grade of matcha powder.

Choosing the best one for you should depend on your purpose, and not only on the price. Cheaper matcha doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “bad”, it will still work in your smoothie for example. However, for better nutrients, the premium grade might be a better match.

Organic matcha powder

Organic matcha powder is said to be better, but this may not be entirely true. The “Bio-Matcha” or “Organic matcha powder” label simply means it was cultivated and produced via more environmentally friendly methods. This type of matcha powder is grown without pesticides and herbicides. Some may argue that these conditions create a powder with purer taste and better aroma.

Buying matcha powder: Pay attention to these points

Here are 3 factors to keep in mind while buying high-quality matcha powder:

1. Color: Should be a rich, bright green. Avoid muddy, or yellow/ brown-tinted matcha. This may suggest some stalks made their way into the blend.

2. Texture: Should be finely ground and without a chunky feel.

3. Smell and taste: Should smell grassy, floral and fresh with a slightly sweet taste. It should also have a creamy mouthfeel. If the smell is algae-like, with a sour or bland taste, this would mean poorer quality.

Another matcha powder tip from me: a specialty store is almost always the best option to shop from. You'll have more freedom to ask questions, smell, see, and even taste different types. Prices may be more tempting online, but in-store shopping might give you the best answer for your matcha powder needs.

Matcha recipes

(Culinary) matcha powder will give you the harmony you need in your pastries and desserts. It will match the sweet and creamy notes with a balancing tart and grassy taste. These recipes star matcha powder either as a superfood addition, or as the main ingredient. All you need to do is pick your favorites.

What’s your favorite way to use matcha powder? Let me know in the comments below!