The 8 Best Matcha Powders of 2023

Best Ceremonial Grade

Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha

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There are two main grades of matcha: culinary and ceremonial. The former is best for cooking purposes, the latter for general drinking purposes. You can whisk ceremonial matcha with hot water for traditional tea or mix it with milk for a matcha latte.

"Ceremonial grade is picked by hand and tends to yield a sweeter-tasting tea," says Puyane. Tencha, the name of the tea leaves that become matcha, is ideally stone ground to reduce heat and friction, which prevents bitterness. As a result of this care and craftsmanship, ceremonial matcha is more expensive than culinary grade, but also more flavorful.

We considered several factors in selecting our top ceremonial matcha. Taste weighs heavily, of course, but price, variety of sizes, and sourcing region are components as well, which is why Matcha Konomi’s Akira Organic Ceremonial Matcha is a terrific all-around option, suitable for newbies to longtime fanatics. Just keep in mind that this is not the flat-out tastiest matcha powder you can buy; for that, look at higher-priced products (some of which are included on this list).

The Matcha Konomi powder is organic, stone-ground, and harvested from the heralded Uji region of Japan. It has glowing online reviews, with the majority of customers giving it five stars. The taste is typically described as light and sweet with a mild earthiness. Units are available in sizes of 1 ounce, 3.5 ounces, and 1 pound.

Price at time of publish: $25

Grade: Culinary | Origin: Uji, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 30, 100, and 454 grams

Best for Lattes

Encha Latte Grade Pure Organic Matcha

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There is no shortage of matcha latte mixes, but Encha considers itself the only company "offering a latte grade using first harvest pure and organic matcha powder." Essentially, other latte mixes tend to contain later-season matcha made from tougher, more bitter leaves, leading to an earthier taste, but this mix is filled with the good stuff.

While some reviewers picked up hints of bitterness, the majority call it smooth, naturally sweet, and extremely easy to blend. Encha is so confident in its matcha that the mix has a 100 percent money-back guarantee.

Bags are sold in two sizes, 30 and 60 grams—both of which have handy recipes printed on them. The recommended ratio is 2 grams of matcha (1 teaspoon) for 6 to 8 ounces of milk. Shake, whisk, or blend it. No matter what, it takes just minutes for a delicious matcha latte.

Price at time of publish: $30

Grade: Latte | Origin: Uji, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 60 grams

Best Budget

Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Green Tea Powder

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Due to a brief harvest season, select growing regions, and the effort it takes to cultivate and grind green tea leaves, matcha powder is pricey, especially compared to coffee and tea. The price point has a high floor, and if you come across a brand selling ceremonial matcha far below other competitors it should raise some eyebrows regarding the quality. However, Chamberlain Coffee manages to sell its ceremonial matcha powder in the lowest average price tier without sacrificing quality. It doesn't have the rich umami flavor of high-end matcha powders, but it has a balance of sweetness and earthiness, and it blends well.

Each tin contains 30 grams of matcha powder. They can be purchased on the brand website in sets of up to four at a reduced price; customers can schedule recurring deliveries to save money, too. If the price appeals to you, or if you try this matcha and enjoy it, Chamberlain Coffee sells two flavored options: a vanilla matcha and a unique mango matcha. There are matcha bundles as well that include add-ons like an electric whisk, a tote bag, and a reusable cup—all adorned with the Chamberlain Coffee logo. The brand was founded in 2019 by Emma Chamberlain, a content creator and internet personality.

Price at time of publish: $22

Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Japan (no further specification given) | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 30 grams

Best Culinary Grade

Jade Leaf Organic Culinary Grade Matcha

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Culinary grade matcha can be enjoyed in traditional tea form, but it's best for mixing into recipes: smoothies, baked goods, salt—you name it. Since the tencha leaves are harvested later in season and ground with more heat, the resulting powder has a darker color and more bitter taste. This helps it "stand up to the strong flavors in milk, butter, and sugar," explains Puyane.

One of the most popular and highest-rated options in the culinary category is Jade Leaf's Culinary Matcha. The flavor is rich and earthy, not sweet, and customers describe the powder as versatile and easy to blend. All Jade Leaf products are 100 percent organic and sourced from Japan, with this matcha farmed in the Uji region. It's affordably priced and available in four sizes, starting at 30 grams and working up to 1 pound. The company also prints handy recipes on its bags for easy-to-make matcha treats.

Price at time of publish: $10

Grade: Culinary | Origin: Uji and Kahoshima, Japan | Harvest: Second harvest | Size: 30, 100, and 250 grams or 1 pound

Best High-End

Ippodo Tea Ummon Matcha

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Ippodo has been producing green tea for over three centuries. The company is based in Kyoto—the world’s most bountiful matcha region—and this matcha powder, Ummon-no-mukashi, is the highest grade that it offers. The vivid green color will strike you as soon as you open the lid, and once it’s brewed, expect a rich umami taste with an undertone of sweetness. Available in jars of 20 and 40 grams, it's best enjoyed as usucha (thin tea) or koicha (thick tea), though some customers mix the powder with milk for lattes.

High-quality matcha comes at a high price point, of course. Ummon-no-mukashi is likely best for die-hard matcha lovers or those interested in trying premium matcha for the first time. The company sells a variety of products, including several lower-cost alternatives. Its website recommends new customers start with the more affordable Horai-no-mukashi.

Price at time of publish: $31

Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Kyoto, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 20 and 40 grams

Best for Beginners

Aiya Matcha To Go Sticks

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These matcha sticks are a great way for beginners to sample the tea without investing too much money. Each box includes 10 sticks and costs less than the standard jars in which matcha is sold. Another benefit for beginners is that it makes measuring easy, as each stick contains 4 grams of matcha, which is a hefty serving. The brand recommends mixing one stick with 6 to 8 ounces of 180-degree water for hot matcha or 17 ounces of cold water for iced matcha.

We received a sample of Aiya's Matcha To Go Sticks and found them convenient and flavorful, especially for inexpensive matcha. The quality isn't as high as some of the other names on this list, so some customers may want to consider a pricier option if they'll be put off by a grassier taste. Our reviewer added a sweetener for taste, alternating between honey and brown sugar. He also made iced matcha with 8 ounces of water instead of the recommended 17 ounces and still found the drink enjoyable.

Aiya offers the To Go Sticks in a sweetened version that should appeal to many first-time matcha drinkers too. After all, many people who drink black coffee start by taking their coffee with cream and sugar until they get used to the taste. The same can be true for matcha. Like most of Aiya's products, the matcha it uses for its To Go Sticks is harvested in Nisihio, Japan.

Price at time of publish: $18

Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Nishio, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 10 sticks

Best for Iced Matcha

Breakaway Matcha Coldbrew Original Matcha

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It’s easy to make iced matcha at home. Most ceremonial matcha powders lend themselves to delicious cold drinks, so there’s no need to buy a special brand or variety if you already have one you prefer.

What separates Breakaway Matcha, however, is an added creaminess that will give your iced matcha a fuller, more satisfying taste. The brand makes a variety of matcha powders, with three options specifically designed for cold brew. Original is the lowest grade of all three, so it's the most affordable and an excellent starting point if you're getting into iced matcha. For higher-end alternatives, check out Breakaway’s Coldbrew Organic and Coldbrew Reserve. All of the company’s products are sourced in the Kyoto region of Japan and stone ground for a smoother consistency and easier mixing.

Price at time of publish: $29

Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Kyoto, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 30, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 grams