Matcha green tea powder is made from shade-grown, nutrient-rich green tea leaves, ground into a fine powder, and left to dry before being stored. It’s considered ceremonial grade, meaning the tea leaves are hand-picked and their stems removed.
I tested 12 matcha ceremonial-grade teas based on appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, and aftertaste. I tasted and scored each matcha tea against each other. I also considered how each matcha pairs with food and which brands were highly rated by popular online reviewers and food bloggers. These are the Matcha teas that ranked in the top 5.
#1 – Ippodo Tea Ummon
Ippodo Tea Ummon is a powerful and complex blend of hand-picked and stone-ground Matcha sourced directly from certified organic farms in Kagoshima, Japan. This luscious and beautifully strong tea is perfect for making traditional matcha tea, boasting a rich, fragrant, and elegant flavor with a delicate hint of astringency. With its smooth velvet texture, this matcha is sure to deliver a satisfying cup every time. Enjoy a cup of authentic Japanese Matcha, grown in Uji, Kyoto, with limitless possibilities
Pros
- A family-run business since 1717
- Nice, vibrant green color
- Mild, rich, and smooth flavor
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to other options
final thoughts
The Ippodo Tea Ummon provides numerous benefits. For starters, it originates from a family-owned establishment with a significant legacy dating back to 1717, displaying its Japanese roots. The matcha boasts a striking green hue that is aesthetically pleasing. It boasts a mild, smooth, and rich taste that lacks the bitterness and astringency found in lower-quality matcha powders. This makes it an ideal selection for newcomers to matcha, as it is not overly intense or sour.
Read my full review of Ippodo Tea Ummon
#2 – Pique Organic Sun Goddess Matcha Tea
After trying Pique Organic Sun Goddess Matcha Tin, I was thoroughly impressed with the quality and taste of this ceremonial-grade matcha green tea powder. With its 2.5-ounce quantity, the tea has become an essential part of my daily routine, providing me with calm energy and radiant skin.
Pros
- High-Quality Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- Health Benefits Of Potent Antioxidants
- The flavor is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, with a hint of earthiness
- Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Certified USDA Organic
Cons
- Price is on the higher end for matcha tea powders
final thoughts
Overall, Akira Matcha 30g is a premium and authentic matcha green tea powder that delivers a superior taste and quality. Its commitment to organic and natural ingredients, combined with its high antioxidant content, makes it an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers who appreciate authentic Japanese matcha
#3 – Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder offers a high-quality, authentic Japanese matcha experience. Sourced from organic tea farms in Uji, Kyoto, the matcha is rich in flavor, vibrant in color, and provides a smooth, creamy texture when prepared. This ceremonial grade matcha is perfect for traditional tea ceremonies, as well as for everyday enjoyment.
Pros
- Super quality matcha
- Fully organic, authentic
- Vibrant green color, rich flavor, smooth texture
Cons
- Expensive
final thoughts
Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, authentic matcha experience. While the price may be a deterrent for some, the organic certification, rich taste, and versatility make it well worth the investment for matcha enthusiasts or anyone looking to enjoy the health benefits of this green tea powerhouse.
#4 – Naoki Matcha Fragrant Yame Blend
One of the standout features of this ceremonial-grade matcha powder is its sweet and delicious taste. The blend was specifically developed to maximize its sweetness, resulting in a smooth buttery texture with floral notes. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and refreshing, making it a great start to any morning.
Pros
- Authentic Japanese First Harvest Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder
- High quality, Bright Green Color
- Delicious and Fragrant Aroma
- Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients
Cons
- May not suit all palates
final thoughts
What I appreciate most about this blend is how it’s perfect for intermediate matcha drinkers. The tea’s natural sweetness is best enjoyed as a traditional usucha or koicha, allowing you to fully savor the flavor without any distractions. And as someone who’s always looking to improve my appreciation and knowledge of matcha tea, this is a fantastic blend to add to my collection.
It’s also worth noting that the Fragrant Yame Blend has been recognized for its quality, picking up a Silver award at the national tea competition in Japan. This is a testament to the level of care and attention that goes into producing this blend.
#5 – Midori Spring Organic Matcha Powder
I recently enjoyed trying Midori Spring Organic Authentic Japanese Ceremonial Matcha Powder and was delighted with its taste and quality. This USDA Organic, Kosher, and Vegan matcha powder offers a traditional Japanese matcha experience.
Pros
- Handpicked leaves, shade grown and harvested for ceremonial grade
- USDA organic, Kosher, and vegan
- Highest quality Japanese matcha for traditional tea ceremony
- Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, certified USDA organic
Cons
- On the higher end of the price range
final thoughts
For those who crave an authentic and high-quality matcha experience, Midori Spring Organic Authentic Japanese Ceremonial Matcha Powder is a perfect choice. This matcha powder is crafted to satisfy a variety of dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for health-conscious individuals,
Despite being slightly pricier than other options on the market, Midori Spring Organic Matcha Powder is well worth the investment for matcha aficionados due to its superior quality, delightful taste, and numerous health benefits.
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Yumi is a qualified Certified Holistic Nutritionist with a Master’s degree in Nutrition who has dedicated her life to promoting health and wellness. Her holistic and empathetic approach continues to empower individuals to take control of their health for lasting well-being.
