I'm a mom and registered dietitian for 14 years, with a passion for nutrition and healthy lifestyles. I've been on a journey to find the best matcha powders out there for a smooth and balanced morning routine.
Last updated: 05/03/2025
I'm a mom and registered dietitian for 14 years, with a passion for nutrition and healthy lifestyles. I've been on a journey to find the best matcha powders out there for a smooth and balanced morning routine.
Last updated: 10/07/2024
The 10 candidates!
I went on a journey to find the best organic beetroot powder for blood pressure support and heart health in the market for my father. I applied a methodological approach and found the product that wins on the most important factors: heart health, other health benefits (circulation, energy, taste, smell, texture, and ingredients.
What I love:
The best tasting greens powder
Custom blend of 19 raw organic ingredients
All natural superfood ingredients
100% certified organic, vegan, gluten-free
Has probiotics and digestive enzymes for gut health
Easy to make
Supports immunity system
Made in California
No added sugars
30 day money back guarantee
What could be better:
Only available online (and runs out sometimes)
"Enso Supergreens checks all of the boxes for a super greens powder that is easy to use, tastes good, and has all of the organic superfoods needed to help aid with digestion, boost my energy levels and overall health, and promote immunity and longevity down the line"
— as reviewed by WiseGeek (2022)
Matcha is made from the same Camellia sinensis plant as green and black tea, but the production method is unique. A few weeks before harvest, the tea bushes are shaded, which increases their chlorophyll and L‑theanine content and produces a vibrant colour. Only the youngest, most tender leaves are picked, steamed to prevent oxidation, dried and then stone‑ground into a fine powder that’s whisked into water
Here's what makes matcha unique:
- Caffeine + L-theanine = calm, focused energy
- Energy lasts 4-6 hours (vs coffee's 1-2 hour spike)
- 137x more antioxidants than regular green tea
- No jitters, no crash, no anxiety
Here's what nobody tells you: Most matcha tastes like grass clippings and at $30-60 per tin its an expensive mistake to choose the wrong one.
So I did what any reasonable person would do: I bought ALL of them. 8 brands, $500 later, plus surveying 173 of my clients (matcha drinkers) about what actually matters to them.
Ceremonial Grade:
First harvest leaves, shade-grown for 3-4 weeks, stone-ground, deveined
Best for: Drinking straight with water.
Price: $30-60 per 30g
Premium/Latte Grade:
First or second harvest, shade-grown 2-3 weeks, less meticulously processed.
Best for: Daily lattes and smoothies.
Price: $20-35 per 30g
Culinary Grade:
Later harvests, less shade time, may include stems, machine-ground.
Best for: Baking, smoothies, or if you add lots of milk/sweetener.
Price: $10-25 per 30g
💡 Takeaway: Unless you're drinking matcha straight (just whisked with water), you probably don't need ceremonial grade. Save your money and get a good premium grade for lattes.
As long as you buy the right grade (see takeaways) below you don't need to worry about harvest timing, but for those of you that are interested here is what you need to know:
First Harvest (Ichibancha)
- Harvested: Late April - May
- Characteristics: Sweetest, most umami, highest L-theanine
- Color: Vibrant jade green
- You'll pay: 30-50% more
Second Harvest (Nibancha)
- Harvested: June - July
- Characteristics: Slightly more astringent, still good quality
- Color: Bright green
- You'll pay: Standard pricing
Third Harvest (Sanbancha)
- Harvested: August - October
- Characteristics: More bitter, less complex flavor
- Color: Darker green
- You'll pay: Budget pricing
⚠️ Red Flags to Avoid
- "Ceremonial grade" under $20 for 30g (it's lying)
- No origin information (probably not Japanese)
- Added sugars or "natural flavors"
- Brownish or yellowish tint (old stock)
- Matcha blend" (mixed with fillers)
- No harvest date or "best by" date years away
💰 The Price Reality Check
Here's what you're actually paying for:
- $0.50-0.80/serving: Good culinary grade. Perfect for daily lattes.
- $0.80-1.20/serving: Premium grade. The sweet spot for most people.
- $1.50-2.00/serving: True ceremonial. Worth it if you drink it straight.
- $2.00+/serving: Ultra-premium. Diminishing returns unless you're a connoisseur.
🔥 Bottom Line: The most important thing is smooth taste that you enjoy. You get that from proper shade-growing and stone-grinding, not necessarily the highest price tag. A good $25-30 premium grade will satisfy most matcha drinkers so I only included brands that satisfied that requirement.
I looked into the nutritional research of matcha powders and consulted with my tea sommelier friend Yuki Tanaka to eventually arrive at these factors:
✅ Smooth, Non-Bitter Taste Profile– No grassy aftertaste, natural sweetness, pleasant umami notes that don't require sugar to enjoy
✅ Clean Energy Without Jitters– Balanced caffeine (25-70mg) with naturally occurring L-theanine for sustained focus lasting 4-6 hours
✅ Authentic Japanese Origin & Processing– Shade-grown for 3-4 weeks, stone-ground, first or second harvest only, from regions like Uji, Nishio, or Kagoshima
✅ Mixability & Versatility– Dissolves completely in hot or cold liquids without clumping, works in traditional prep or modern lattes
✅ Vibrant Color & Freshness– Bright jade green color (not army green), packaged to maintain freshness, harvest date provided
✅ Third-Party Testing & Purity– Lab tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and radiation; organic certification when possible
✅ Price per Serving Value– Under $1.50 per serving for daily use, with ceremonial grades justifying higher prices through noticeable quality differences
✅ Brand Transparency & Sourcing– Direct relationships with farms, clear grade designation (ceremonial vs culinary), no misleading "ceremonial" claims on culinary-grade products
All of my "beets"!
I selected eight popular matcha powders—including the ones in the survey and some buzzed‑about on social media—and evaluated them over six weeks. Each powder was prepared according to the traditional method (hot water at ~160 °F whisked with a bamboo chasen) and also tested in lattes and smoothies. I scored each on:
✅ Ingredient quality & sourcing – first‑harvest vs. second‑harvest leaves, ceremonial grade, single origin, organic certification and third‑party testing.
✅ Taste & aroma – colour, grassiness vs. nuttiness, bitterness, and complexity when consumed straight.
✅ Ease of mixing – how well the powder dissolves and whether it clumps.
✅ Jitter‑free energy – subjective feeling of focus vs. jitters or crash.
✅ Value – price per gram and overall satisfaction.
My testing line up
What I love:
Naturally sweet, umami flavor
First harvest, shade-grown
Dissolves smoothly, no clumping
Blends perfectly into lattes and water
Lab tested for heavy metals
Family farm in Japan
Smooth, balanced daily energy
Delicious aroma
Great value
No fillers, additivies, or artificals
Single estate sourcing
100% vegan, gluten-free, nut-free
Easy to make
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified
30-day money-back guarantee
Free shipping
What could be better:
No welcome kit
Thin powder
Only available online
★ Overall Rating ️
After drinking Jade Leaf every morning for 3 weeks, I can confidently say this is restaurant-quality matcha at home. The first thing that hit me was the color - that vibrant jade green that practically glows in the bowl. But pretty doesn't mean good, right?Wrong. This stuff delivers. My usual routine: 1g whisked with 2oz hot water at 7 AM. By 7:15, I'm feeling the calm alertness kick in. No heart racing, no jittery hands - just clear, focused energy that honestly lasted until lunch. I tested this against my usual coffee routine, and the difference was night and day.The taste? Naturally sweet with zero bitterness, even when I accidentally used water that was too hot one morning (rookie mistake). It has this creamy, almost buttery texture with subtle vegetal notes that reminded me of fresh spring grass - in a good way. My non-matcha-drinking partner even tried it straight and said "oh, this is actually pleasant."I also tested it iced, in lattes, and even in smoothies. While it feels almost criminal to blend ceremonial grade matcha with banana and almond milk, it performed beautifully. No clumps, no grit, just smooth green goodness.
★ What I love ️
1. The energy is unmatched - 5-6 hours of sustained focus without any crash. I actually forgot to have my afternoon coffee several times because I didn't need it.
2. Color is beautiful - That vibrant jade green tells you everything about the quality. It's almost neon under good lighting. Instagram will thank you.
3. Easy to make/whisk - Creates thick, stable foam that lasts. I timed it - the foam held for 12 minutes. Even my bamboo whisk seemed to work better with this powder.
4. No sugar needed - The natural sweetness means I stopped adding honey to my morning matcha. Saved calories and actually got to taste the matcha's complexity.
5. Dissolves in cold water - Dissolves completely in cold water with just a milk frother. Game-changer for iced matcha lattes in summer.
6. Actually traceable - The package shows the exact farm in Uji. I looked it up - it's a 4th generation family operation. That transparency matters.
7. The aftertaste is nice - Clean, slightly sweet finish that doesn't coat your mouth. No chalky residue or lingering bitterness even 30 minutes later.
Versatile - Yes, it's ceremonial grade, but it made the best matcha latte I've ever had at home. The quality shows through even with milk.
★ What could be better
1. Packaging could be better - While the pouch reseals, it's not truly airtight after a few uses. I had to transfer it to my own container to maintain freshness past week 2.
2. Limited size options - Only comes in 30g. For daily drinkers, that's a new order every 3-4 weeks. Would love a 100g option for better value.
Update 09/2022: I became such a believer in – and unofficial ambassador of – Enso Supergreens that I decided to purchase the company and its formulas to further expand its mission to make it easy for everyone to live a healthy life! Bestgreenpowder.com is now an affiliate of Enso Superfoods!
What I love:
Most complex flavor profile tested
Traditional stone-ground for 24 hours
Incredible ceremonial foam stability
Sweet oceanic umami notes
Shade-grown for full 4 weeks
No astringency at any temperature
What could be better:
May be too "grassy" for beginners
Requires proper whisking technique
Strong$1.88/serving is pricey
Wasted in lattes/smoothies
★ Overall Rating
Naoki is matcha for people who've been to Japan and miss the real thing. This is the most authentic ceremonial experience I found outside of flying to Kyoto. The flavor complexity is remarkable - initial vegetal notes give way to sweet oceanic umami with a creamy, lingering finish.What sets it apart is the traditional processing. Stone-ground for 24 hours (vs 1-2 for most), shade-grown for the full 4 weeks, and you can taste the difference. The foam is almost architectural - thick, stable, and holds its structure longer than any other tested. Energy-wise, it provides the same calm focus as Jade Leaf but with an almost meditative quality.
The verdict: For matcha connoisseurs or special morning rituals, this is perfection. But at nearly $2 per serving, it's a luxury. Save this for when you want to slow down and savor the full ceremonial experience.
What I love:
Perfect balance of quality and price
Zero bitterness in any preparation
Dissolves instantly hot or cold
4-5 hours clean energy daily
Makes incredible lattes
Kagoshima's volcanic soil adds minerals
USDA Organic + EU certified
Versatile enough for any use
What could be better:
Not ceremonial grade (but priced right)
Basic packaging needs transfer
Less complex flavor than top 2
Color more forest than jade green
Some batches inconsistent
★ Overall Rating
Rishi Everyday Matcha is the Toyota Camry of matcha - reliable and well-made.
It delivers close to ceremonial grade quality at 80% of the price. The Kagoshima origin gives it a unique mineral-rich profile that's less grassy than Uji matchas. It's labeled "everyday" not "ceremonial," but honestly? It's smoother than half the ceremonial grades I tested. Whether whisked straight, made into a latte, or blended in smoothies, it performs flawlessly. The energy is clean and consistent - 4-5 hours without fail.
The verdict: This is a very good matcha and what I recommend if you don't end up going with Jade Leaf or Naoki. It's the sweet spot where quality meets value. Unless you're a matcha purist or making it for Instagram, Rishi Everyday will exceed expectations while keeping your wallet happy.
What I love:
Specifically formulated for cold drinks
Great ceremonial at budget price
Dissolves perfectly in ice water
Creamy texture when frothed cold
3-4 hours balanced energy
No bitter notes when iced
What could be better:
Tastes flat when served hot
Batch consistency issues
Celebrity tax on pricing
Basic flavor profile
Not great for traditional prep
★ Overall Rating
Emma Chamberlain built her brand on iced coffee, so it's no surprise her matcha excels cold. This is the only matcha I tested that actually tastes BETTER iced than hot - usually it's the opposite. The formulation seems optimized for cold solubility and flavor.Testing confirmed it: mixed with ice water and frothed, it created a creamy, smooth drink with zero bitterness. Hot preparation was underwhelming - drinkable but forgettable.
The verdict: If you're team iced matcha latte, this is perfectly engineered for you. Hot matcha drinkers should look elsewhere. At $0.83/serving, it's priced right for a daily iced ritual.
What I love:
100g bag lasts 6-8 weeks
Distinctive flavor profile
Deep green color
Direct trade and pesticide free
Single origin, ceremonial grade
Smooth and creamy
Great for lattes and smoothies
What could be better:
Clumps a bit
Most expensive one I tried
Flavor too subtle for some
Takes longer to ship (ground to order)
Bag packaging not ideal for long-term
★ Overall Rating
Matchaful Hikari is a fantastic ceremonial grade purchase for daily drinkers. It's a decent price for a ceremonial grades while maintaining legitimate first-harvest quality. This isn't a pricing error - it's smart sourcing and packaging. The single-origin aspect from a 4th generation Shizuoka farm delivers a distinctive flavor profile - those walnut and lemon notes aren't marketing fluff, they're actually there. The butter undertones make it exceptionally smooth in lattes. While Shizuoka doesn't have Uji's prestige, this farm clearly knows their craft. The stone-ground-to-order approach means you're getting fresher matcha than tins sitting in warehouses for months.Testing revealed good (not great) foam production, smooth texture with minimal grittiness, and 4-5 hours of clean energy. The color is more forest than jade green, which reflects the Shizuoka terroir rather than quality issues. It performs beautifully in both traditional prep and lattes, though the subtle flavor can get lost in strongly flavored smoothies.
The verdict: If you drink ceremonial grade daily and care more about value than prestige, this is a great option. Perfect for matcha enthusiasts who've moved past the experimentation phase and just want quality daily matcha without the premium pricing.
What I love:
From NYC's OG matcha cafe
Consistently good quality
Great for lattes
Reliable energy boost
What could be better:
Just beetroot powder
Neutral flavor
May be less effective for health benefits
Nitrate content not specified
Processing method unclear
Does not offer free shipping
★ Overall Rating
Matchabar feels like paying for the Brooklyn zip code. It's the same matcha they use in their trendy cafes, which sounds impressive until you realize it's just... okay. Not bad, not amazing, just perfectly adequate ceremonial grade.It makes a decent latte, provides standard matcha energy, and has that cafe credibility. But at $1.07 per serving, you're paying a premium for unremarkable matcha. The flavor is one-note, the color is good but not great, and nothing about it justifies choosing it over Rishi at $0.97 or Jade Leaf at $1.17.
The verdict: Only worth it if you're a Matchabar cafe loyalist who wants the exact same experience at home. Everyone else has better options above and below this price point.
What I love:
Mildest flavor - zero intimidation
Desig55g size great value at $0.53/serving
Pre-portioned packets available
Mixes without any special tools
Woman-owned, trendy packaging
Perfect "training wheels" matcha
Good energy boost
What could be better:
Lacks complexity of real ceremonial
Vague "Japan" origin (red flag)
Energy only lasts 2-3 hours
Needs milk/sweetener
Fades to army green quickly
★ Overall Rating
Golde is matcha for people who think they don't like matcha. It's mild, approachable, and comes in millennial-friendly packaging that looks great on your counter. My coffee-addicted friends actually enjoyed this one, which says something.The flavor is... fine. Not bitter, not grassy, not particularly anything - which is exactly what beginners want. It lacks the umami complexity of higher grades but makes up for it with foolproof mixability. Even with just a spoon and cold oat milk, zero clumps. The individual packets are genius for travel or testing if you even like matcha.
The verdict: Perfect starter matcha or gift for the wellness-curious. Once you develop a taste for matcha, you'll quickly outgrow it. But at $0.53/serving, it's a low-risk way to join the matcha club.
What I love:
Added adaptogens for stress
Individual packets
Good for wellness enthusiasts
Clean ingredients
Individual packets convenient
Decent energy boost
What could be better:
$1.50/serving for mediocre quality
Adaptogens change the traditional taste
Not pure matcha (has additives)
Vague origin is suspicious
Tastes processed, not natural
Energy feels artificial
Marketing > actual quality
★ Overall Rating
CYMBIOTIKA is what happens when wellness influencers design matcha. It's not really matcha - it's a green adaptogenic blend that happens to contain some matcha. The added ashwagandha and other "proprietary ingredients" completely change the experience.The taste is weird - not matcha, not quite anything identifiable. The energy feels different too, probably from the adaptogen stack. At $1.50 per serving, you're paying premium prices for what amounts to green-tinted supplement powder. The individual packets are convenient, but convenience doesn't justify bastardizing a traditional product.
The verdict: If you want adaptogens, buy adaptogens. If you want matcha, buy actual matcha. This hybrid satisfies neither need well and costs more than superior pure options. Hard pass unless you're specifically seeking matcha-flavored supplements.
My Research Links:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.823039/full
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5295087/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014628062100102X
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37875637/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6683255/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69931-xhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fsn3.2577
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464611000673
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27278926/#1
I'm a mom and registered dietitian for 14 years, with a passion for nutrition and healthy lifestyles. I've been on a journey to find the best matcha powders out there for a smooth and balanced morning routine.
