What is the best matcha latte powder? Our top choice is the Encha Latte Grade Matcha powder! We analyzed and tested matcha latte powder from the 7 top matcha brands focusing on color, grind, taste, and more below. Culinary grade matcha powder is a type of matcha powder that is suitable for both cooking and making lattes, known for its strong flavor and versatility in baking and culinary creations.
At Matcha Connection, we seek to provide you with the most helpful, unbiased information about all things matcha! In this best list, we reviewed the top-selling matcha latte powders available on Amazon, including culinary matcha, and reviewed them all by making the powder into a beautiful matcha latte, and giving you our thoughts on the matcha powder and the brand. We hope you enjoy the read, and buy our favorite matcha latte powders!
Brand - Encha Matcha
Along with the vibrant green color of Encha latte grade, we found the grind to be very fine, and the taste was divine, exactly how it should be; no sweeteners, yet no bitterness. Encha matcha grade is 100% organic, grown, and processed according to strict organic standards. This means the tea leaves are grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which helps ensure the highest quality possible. Read our in-depth review of Encha latte grade matcha powder for more information!
Pros:
- Highest quality ingredients allow for delicious flavor
- Organic first-harvest leaves
- Directly from farm in Japan
- Perfect matcha latte flavor notes
- Mixes very well
Cons:
- More expensive than other brands
2. Jade Leaf Organic Matcha latte mix
Brand - Jade Leaf
Jade Leaf is one of the most popular matcha brands available, and for good reason. They make high quality matcha powders that are easily available and fairly priced. Jade Leaf was started by two matcha-passionate friends and it is produced by the Kizuna Tea Collective, a thriving network of family-run tea farms across Japan. Their cafe style matcha latte blend is made from high quality matcha green tea leaves and sweetened with organic cane sugar, making it perfectly suited for a delicate and sweet matcha latte.
Pros:
- Delicious flavor
- Reasonably priced
- High quality powder
- Perfect for sweet matcha lattes
- Also comes in single use pouches
Cons:
- Not very strong matcha flavor
- Too sweet for a more traditional palate
3. ITO EN Matcha Sweetened Powder
Brand - ITO EN
Ito En sweetened matcha powder is one of the most widely available matcha latte powders, stocked on Amazon as well as in retailers such as Walmart. With this simple sweetened matcha powder prepared from finely ground Japanese matcha leaves, you may enjoy delicious matcha lattes and smoothies. Whole tea leaves are used to make this ITO matcha, which has a rich flavor and various health advantages. This green tea powder can be used in any fresh recipe, irrespective of whether it's hot or cold. Ito En sweetened matcha powder has over 5,000 positive reviews on Amazon, and with it availability in Walmart, we had to give this matcha latte powder a try!
Pros:
- Just $17 for a 500g bag
- Tastes very similar to Starbucks matcha
- Also available in retail stores
- Mixes well in matcha latte and other matcha recipes
Cons:
- Not many size or packaging options
- Very high in sugar content!
- Weak matcha flavor
- Not made with high quality matcha leaves
4. PureChimp Matcha Powder
Brand - PureChimp
Purechimp Matcha has received many favorable online reviews. Some believe its flavor is pleasant, if a little grassy, while some say it is well worth the price. PureChimp matcha is said to be ceremonial grade powder, and the bright green color is definitely on par with other high quality matchas. At Matcha Connection, we found the powder to be duller tasting than other ceremonial matchas, which cost more money. The green tea powder is made in Kyoto, Japan, however, they don't specify how the leaves are ground. Overall, PureChimp makes a lovely matcha that isn't too bitter, and actually works very well in a matcha latte. The grind is quite fine and the color is beautiful, however, marketed as a ceremonial matcha I would be disappointed with the price.
Pros:
- Wonderful flavor for matcha lattes
- It is affordable
- Beautiful bright green color
- Many different flavor varieties
Cons:
- Not traditional ceremonial quality
- Only available in 50g glass jar
- No money back guarantee
5. FGO Organic Matcha Powder
Brand - From Good Origins
FGO uses ingredients from nutrient-rich sources worldwide to produce its products. FGO organic matcha is a premium, organically-certified product with a reasonable price. It is also nutrient-rich to promote a healthy lifestyle and improved well-being. I loved the fact that FGO is very transparent with their marketing, highlighting this as a certified organic product, but not claiming it to be of ceremonial grade. It is a premium culinary grade matcha powder that is perfect for culinary uses such as baking donuts, making matcha lattes, and other recipes. The FGO Organic Matcha Powder was exactly how I would expect culinary grade matcha powder to be, lovely matcha taste with a slight bitterness. Personally, I prefer to use a higher-grade matcha powder in my matcha lattes, however, at FGO’s pricepoint, and the thousands of positive reviews, I could see why people would purchase this great product.
Pros:
- Certified USDA organic
- Imported from Japan
- Non-GMO
- Premium, culinary-grade, shade-grown matcha green tea powder
Cons:
- More of a brownish green color, synonymous with culinary grade matcha
- Slightly bitter aftertaste
6. Matcha LOVE Barista Craft Blend - Sweetened
Brand - Matcha LOVE/ ITO EN
Matcha Love is a matcha powder brand that I had not tried until I reviewed it for this best list. It is made with organic green tea leaves and pure matcha, a Japanese green tea powder that has been finely ground. Matcha Love contains 350 mg of catechins, including EGCG, an antioxidant found in tea that improves overall health. Matcha Love is an ITO EN brand that sells a "barista craft blend" matcha powder with 100% Japanese matcha and real sugar for sweetening. It is a highly rated product on Amazon and only costs about $12.50 for 15 servings. We found Matcha Love to be very similar to other sweetened matchas on this list. It has a nice flavor that goes well in a matcha latte or matcha smoothie, but slightly on the sweet side for me, just like ITO EN's sweetened powder. The color and grind are what I would expect from a cheaper matcha powder, and the powder itself dissolved nicely with milk.
Pros:
- 100% Japanese Matcha
- Dissolves well when mixed
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Lower quality powder - no specified grade
- Grind was not very fine
- Taste is too sweet for my liking
7. MatchaDNA Certified Organic Powder
Brand - MatchaDNA
One of the most popular matcha powders on Amazon known as MatchaDNA Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder. MatchaDNA is subjected to scientific testing for lead and other heavy metals to confirm that it is a lead-free product. The MatchaDNA velvety, dark-hued leaves are full of nutrients and flavor. By consuming freshly brewed matcha espresso or matcha latte, you can boost your daily intake of antioxidants, B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, B2E, iron, calcium, vitamins C, B1, and amino acids. MatchaDNA comes from the high mountains of China, it is not a Japanese matcha product, and every time we have reviewed this matcha powder I have been very unimpressed. It has over 10,000 positive reviews on Amazon, but I have yet to try a matcha drink or recipe where I found the taste pleasant or even matcha-like.
Pros:
- Perfectly tuned speed for easy stirring
- It comes with an aesthetically appealing scullery counter stand
- Very effective for whisking matcha and perfect for loyal Jade Leaf customers
Cons:
- Yellowish, dull green color
- Flavor was not very good
- Not Japanese matcha powder
- Doesn't have any sweetness
Things To Consider When Choosing Matcha Powders
As we have seen, most matcha powders come in many different flavors, but they all have one thing in common: they’re made by grinding up dried leaves into a fine substance that can be mixed with hot water or milk to create delicious drinks. However, there are some simple factors that you should consider before buying your favorite matcha. They include the following. Understanding the health benefits of drinking matcha, such as its high antioxidant content and the presence of L-theanine from the tea plant, can guide you in selecting a matcha powder that not only tastes good but also contributes to your well-being.
Texture of The Powder
As stated earlier, matcha powder is made by grinding tea leaves into a fine powder. The finer the powder, the smoother your matcha will taste. As you might expect, smaller micronizing means a smoother taste. The best matcha powders are stone ground, however, this process is more costly and time consuming, meaning that most matcha brands choose to machine grind their matcha, thus losing out on flavor and aroma.The Aroma
Matcha is a delicate tea, so you want to make sure that the matcha powder you choose is of high quality and will be able to retain its flavor. If a tea smells like grass or other foods, it means it's not pure enough. If it smells like chemicals, e.g., bleach, then perhaps this isn't for you either.Price
Most matcha powders are expensive products due to many reasons, which include where they are grown (Japan). The cost of matcha is mostly determined by the grade, where ceremonial matcha is the highest grade since it comes from the youngest and most tender tea leaves, and is taken from the first harvest.Growth Location
When you see a green tea powder labeled as matcha, there’s a good chance it’s actually from China. This is because Chinese green tea powders are less expensive and more readily available than Japanese ones. However, they don’t contain the same amount of nutrients or antioxidants as Japanese matcha; Studies suggest these Chinese powders may actually contain more caffeine than their Japanese counterparts.
So, it’s essential to consider the source of your green tea powder. Matcha is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, commonly known as the 'tea plant', which is grown in Japan. The leaves are then ground into a fine powder and used to make matcha. This green tea is different from other types because it has been processed at high temperatures (typically over 90 degrees Celsius) for an extended period. Although Matcha originated in China, it has been perfected in Japan, and we always recommend Japanese matcha powders due to their higher quality (in accordance with Japanese ceremony), cultivation methods, and attention to detail.
Taste
The different processing processes of these matcha powders can have an effect on how they taste. For example, oxidation causes bitterness in some types of matcha powders. However, some people enjoy this bitterness as part of their experience since it contributes positively to flavor perception and overall enjoyment during consumption. The finest ceremonial matchas have a distinct umami flavor profile with hints of sweet and nuttiness. The highest quality matcha powders should never be bitter; see below for our favorite ceremonial grade matcha brands.Best Matcha Powder
Encha Matcha
- Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- Hand-picked from organic farm in Uji, Japan
- First Harvest Matcha - Vibrant green color
- Highest quality matcha, never bitter
- Our Rating: 4.9 of 5 stars
Tenzo Matcha
- Tenzo Organic Ceremonial Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Authentic Japanese Matcha
- Rich in antioxidants, helps boost metabolism
- Ceremonial Grade - Vibrant Green Color
Our Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars
Pique Matcha
- Pique Matcha - Organic Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Harvested from a family-owned organic tea farm in Japan
- Increases energy and focus
- Highest-quality, shade grown ceremonial-grade
- Our Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars
Kenko Matcha
- Kenko Matcha Organic Ceremonial Matcha
- Gold Class Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- Country of Origin: Japan
- First Harvest Matcha - Vibrant Green in Color
- Our Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars
How To Make a Matcha Latte
Starbucks is widely known for its matcha latte, however, their version of a matcha latte contains a lot of sugar and is therefore quite calorie dense. With inspiration fro Starbucks and ancient matcha making traditions, here is our step-by-step guide to making the best matcha latte:
- Gather Your Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of high-quality matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon of hot water (not boiling)
- Sweetener of your choice (such as honey, agave syrup, or sugar)
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Optional: frother or whisk
- Sift the Matcha Powder:
- Sifting the matcha powder helps remove any clumps and ensures a smooth texture. Use a fine-mesh strainer or a small sifter to sift the matcha powder into a bowl.
- Add Hot Water and Sweetener:
- Pour the hot water (not boiling) into the bowl with the sifted matcha powder. Whisk or use a spoon to vigorously mix the matcha and hot water until the powder is fully dissolved. Add your preferred sweetener and stir until it’s well incorporated.
- Heat the Milk:
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature. Avoid boiling the milk, as it can affect the taste and texture.
- Froth the Milk (Optional):
- If you have a frother or a whisk, you can froth the milk to create a creamy and velvety texture. Frothing adds a nice touch to your matcha latte, but it’s optional. Check out our list of best milk frothers!
- Combine the Matcha and Milk:
- Pour the prepared matcha mixture into a cup. Slowly pour the heated milk into the cup, gently stirring as you go to combine the matcha and milk together. If desired, you can create latte art by pouring the milk in a slow, controlled manner.
- Enjoy Your Matcha Latte:
- Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful green color of your matcha latte. Sip and savor the creamy and slightly earthy flavors. You can adjust the sweetness and the milk-to-matcha ratio according to your preference.
For those who prefer a cold beverage, consider making an iced matcha latte by filling a glass with ice, adding your choice of milk, and then pouring the matcha mixture over the milk to mix. This refreshing variation is perfect for warm days.
Making a matcha latte at home allows you to customize the sweetness and milk choice to suit your taste. Experiment with different variations, such as adding a dash of vanilla extract or sprinkling some cinnamon on top. Enjoy the comforting and energizing experience of this popular green tea beverage. Encha also has a wonderful recipes on how to make a matcha latte better than Starbucks!
Final Thoughts
Whether you are drinking ceremonial-style matcha, matcha lattes, matcha smoothies, or baking with matcha, it is important to choose the right powder. At Matcha Connection we always recommend using the highest grade matcha powder for ceremonial matcha and matcha lattes, this way you will get the most traditional and full-bodied flavor which results in the best experience.
Price also plays a big factor in which matcha powder you purchase, and that is why we like to give you a range of brands, prices, and qualities, to help you make the most informed decisions. After our in-depth review of each product, we have determined that the best matcha latte powder is Encha Latte Grade matcha as it uses the youngest, and highest quality leaves, a stone ground process, and not additives or sweeteners. It is simply the best matcha powder for your matcha latte, with many of our favorites following closely behind. Matcha tea, as a broader category, encompasses a variety of matcha beverages, including lattes, highlighting its versatility and rich cultural heritage.
FAQs
What are the benefits of matcha?
Matcha is a green tea powder most commonly used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It's been around for centuries but has only recently gained popularity in Western culture. Matcha is high in antioxidants and polyphenols. These two are crucial requirements for your body to remain healthy. In addition, they are packed full of nutrients like caffeine, L-theanine (an amino acid), catechins (chemicals found in many fruits), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and more. Matcha is also a fat-burning beverage, which will help you lose weight and keep it off.If you add milk or cream to your matcha, does that sacrifice its health benefits?
The short answer is no. Matcha has shown to have many positive effects on the body and mind, including the following:- Antioxidants: Matcha contains high levels of antioxidants beta-carotene (which converts into vitamin A), lutein and zeaxanthin (both carotenoids). They help protect against free radical damage.
- Fiber: One cup of powdered green tea provides 14 grams of fibre.
- Caffeine: One cup of matcha can contain up to 10% caffeine by volume, depending on how much water you use.
Is matcha healthier than green tea?
Yes, matcha contains more antioxidants than green tea, and it's a more concentrated source of these potent compounds. For example, one cup of matcha contains an estimated 30 times the amount of antioxidants as one cup of green tea. Matcha also has a higher concentration of catechins (flavonoids) than green tea because matcha uses only the entire leaf rather than its exterior, as with conventional teas like sencha or gyokuro. This makes sense since these types don't require processing first.Where can I buy high-quality matcha powder?
When it comes to buying matcha powder, you should keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, ensure the brand you're buying from has a good reputation. Here are things to look out for:- Company's Reputation: Look at the company's reviews on social media and other online communities. If their customers seem happy with their product, this can indicate that they're not just making random claims about how great their product is but have some experience selling it themselves. By reading reviews about them online or talking to friends who've purchased products from them in person, you will find out if it's a reputable company.
- Return Policy: Another thing to check for is whether or not there are any return policies involved. Sometimes you may need your money back if something goes wrong. For example, when ordering through Amazon, and the product doesn't come as expected due to its size being too small compared with what was advertised online beforehand.