The best matcha powder, tested and reviewed by a registered dietitian

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

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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

• 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.