Matcha is a centuries-old tradition and a wellness powerhouse.
Like all things in life, not all matcha is created equal.
The differences between high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha and lower-budget options come down to several factors; taste, texture and colouor.
Here’s what makes premium matcha special:
Shade-Growing Process: Premium matcha is grown in shade for several weeks before harvest. This shading process increases chlorophyll, giving matcha its vibrant green colour and boosting its L-theanine content, which promotes calm focus. Lower-quality matcha is often grown without the same level of shading, resulting in a duller colour and more bitter taste.
Hand-Harvesting: In premium matcha production, only the youngest, most tender leaves are picked by hand. These leaves produce a delicate, smooth flavour and a finer texture. Budget matcha often includes older leaves or stems, resulting in a more bitter and coarse powder.
Stone Grinding: The best matcha is ground using traditional stone mills, which create an ultra-fine powder and preserve the nutrients. This process is slow but essential to achieving the smooth, creamy texture of premium matcha. Budget matcha, on the other hand, may be ground by machines, which can overheat the leaves and degrade flavour and nutrients.
Ceremonial Grade vs. Culinary Grade: Ceremonial-grade matcha is the highest quality, designed for drinking on its own with water, whereas culinary-grade matcha is more affordable and used primarily for recipes. Ceremonial matcha has a smoother, less bitter taste and is often more vibrant in colour.
Where Does the Best Matcha Come From?
The best matcha traditionally comes from Uji, Nishio and Shizuoka regions in Japan. These regions have unique climates, mineral-rich soils, and time-tested farming practices ideal for producing top-tier matcha. Uji: is known as the birthplace of Japanese matcha. Its cooler climate and shading techniques create matcha with a rich, umami flavour.
For the best matcha. Pay attention to;
Bright, Vibrant Green Color: High-quality matcha is a rich, vibrant green due to high chlorophyll levels. Dull or yellowish matcha often indicates lower quality.
Smooth, Fine Texture: The powder should be silky and fine, not gritty or clumpy. Premium matcha dissolves easily, creating a smooth drink with a creamy texture.
Rich, Umami Flavor: The taste of premium matcha is balanced, with natural sweetness and a hint of umami. It’s never overly bitter or astringent; any bitterness is balanced with a smooth, complex flavour profile.
Aroma: Fresh matcha has a grassy, vegetal aroma with slight sweetness. A stale or lacklustre smell can indicate poor quality or age.
DYK?
One Cup of Matcha = 10 Cups of Green Tea: Matcha is made from the entire tea leaf, so it has 10 times the antioxidants and nutrients of brewed green tea.
Samurai Fuel: Samurai warriors in Japan consumed matcha before battles for sustained energy and focus. Today, it’s still favoured for its energy-boosting effects without the jitters.
Top Matcha Benefits
Sustained Energy and Focus: Matcha contains about 30-70 mg of caffeine per serving, which is lower than a cup of coffee (typically 95 mg or more). The caffeine in matcha combines with L-theanine, providing a calm, sustained energy boost without the crash or jitters.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Matcha is packed with antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG, which are linked to heart health, cancer prevention, and reduced inflammation. Matcha has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any superfood.
Calm and Focused Mind: L-theanine, an amino acid found in matcha, promotes relaxation and focus by increasing alpha brain waves. This makes matcha ideal for those seeking mental clarity without drowsiness.
Supports Skin Health: The antioxidants in matcha, particularly EGCG, combat free radicals that can cause skin damage and premature ageing. Matcha also promotes blood flow, which may enhance skin tone and radiance.
Detoxification: High chlorophyll levels in matcha help detoxify the body, supporting liver function and aiding in the removal of toxins.
Metabolic Health & Fat Burn: Matcha can support weight loss. It boosts metabolism and fat burning, especially when combined with regular exercise. The catechins in matcha help increase calorie burn and fat oxidation.
FAQs
How Much Caffeine Does Matcha Have Compared to Coffee? Matcha has about 30-70 mg of caffeine per serving, depending on the amount and quality. While this is less than coffee (which averages 95 mg per cup), the caffeine in matcha is absorbed slowly, providing long-lasting, jitter-free energy.
Is Matcha Safe for Daily Use? Yes, matcha is safe for daily use and offers numerous health benefits when consumed regularly. Enjoy it in moderation—around 1-2 servings per day—to avoid excess caffeine.
How Do I Store Matcha to Keep it Fresh? Matcha should be stored in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Ideally, store it in the refrigerator to preserve its colour, flavour, and nutrients.
Is There a Difference in Quality Based on Color? Absolutely. Premium matcha is vibrant green, which indicates a high chlorophyll and amino acid content. Dull or yellowish matcha often indicates lower quality, as it’s likely made from older or less carefully grown leaves.
Choosing high-quality matcha makes all the difference. From vibrant colour to smooth taste and powerful benefits, the best matcha supports not only your body but also your mind.
Whether you’re looking for calm energy, antioxidant power, or a new ritual to enhance your day, premium matcha is an investment in wellness that’s worth every sip.
Enjoying Matcha
Matcha with Water
- Calories: ~5 kcal
- Protein: ~0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Key Nutrients: High in antioxidants (notably EGCG), chlorophyll, and caffeine. Contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as minerals like zinc and magnesium.
Matcha Latte with Skim Milk
- Calories: ~60 kcal
- Protein: ~6 g
- Carbohydrates: ~9 g
- Fat: ~0 g
- Sugar: ~9 g (naturally occurring lactose)
Key Nutrients: Adds calcium, vitamin D (if fortified), and vitamin B12. Provides additional protein, though no fat for aiding in fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
Matcha Latte with Unsweetened Oat Milk
- Calories: ~50 kcal
- Protein: ~1-2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~8-10 g
- Fat: ~1.5-2 g
- Sugar: ~0 g (unsweetened oat milk has no added sugars)
Key Nutrients: Contains fibre and some iron. Oat milk adds a small amount of protein and carbohydrates, along with a creamy texture, but typically offers less protein and calcium compared to dairy milk.
Matcha Latte with Coconut Cream (our favourite!)
- Calories: ~50 kcal
- Protein: <1 g
- Carbohydrates: <1 g
- Fat: ~5 g of fat, including about 4.5 g of saturated fat
- Sugar: ~0 g (unsweetened oat milk has no added sugars)
Key Nutrients: Small boost, about 0.3 mg, Potassium: Minor addition of about 50 mg
Each option brings matcha's core benefits but varies in texture, creaminess, and added nutrients based on milk choice.
Enjoy!