Sip in Style: Unveiling the 8 Best Matcha Green Tea Brands
Looking for the best matcha green tea brands? You’re in luck! Out of the thousands of options out there, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 8.
These brands follow the matcha philosophy and deliver high-quality products that will satisfy your taste buds. No more wasting time on fillers and fakes – we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
Get ready to discover the most authentic and delicious best matcha green tea brands on the market.
What is Matcha
If you’re wondering what matcha is, it’s a type of green tea that is finely ground into a powder and has a unique flavor and vibrant green color. Matcha comes from the same plant as regular green tea, but it undergoes a special cultivation process.
The leaves are shaded from sunlight for several weeks before they are harvested, which causes them to produce more chlorophyll and amino acids.
After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder using traditional stone mills.
This powder can then be whisked with hot water to create a frothy and invigorating beverage. Matcha is known for its health benefits and high concentration of antioxidants. It also provides a gentle energy boost without the jitters often associated with caffeine.
How We Chose These Brads? What are our criteria?
When looking for the best matcha green tea brands, you want to ensure that they source their matcha from Japan. Authentic sourcing ensures that you are getting the highest quality matcha made from premium Japanese tea leaves.
Here’s the complete list on how we chose the matcha tea brands in this post.
Authentic Sourcing from Japan
Authentic matcha green tea brands source their tea leaves directly from Japan, ensuring the highest quality and genuine taste. By cultivating and harvesting the leaves in Japan, these brands are able to maintain strict standards throughout the entire production process.
The tea leaves are carefully hand-picked, ensuring that only the finest leaves are used in the creation of matcha powder. This attention to detail results in a vibrant green color and a rich, smooth flavor that is unmatched by lesser quality brands.
When you choose an authentic matcha brand sourced from Japan, you can be confident that you are getting a product that has been carefully crafted with tradition and expertise.
Transparency about their harvesting methods
When choosing a matcha brand, it’s important to look for transparency about how their tea leaves are harvested. You want to know that the company is sourcing their leaves from reputable farms that use the same traditional methods of harvesting.
Look for brands that provide information about where their tea comes from, such as specific regions or farms in Japan.
It’s also helpful if they have certifications or partnerships with organizations that promote responsible farming methods. Transparency is key because it shows that the brand cares about quality and wants you to make an informed decision.
Offer Ceremonial Grade Matcha
While looking for a matcha brand, it’s essential to find one that offers ceremonial grade matcha. This type of matcha is the highest quality and is made from young tea leaves that are carefully shade-grown and stone-ground into a fine powder.
Ceremonial grade matcha has a vibrant green color, a smooth texture, and a rich, umami flavor. It is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies and is known for its numerous health benefits.
When choosing a matcha brand, look for one that clearly labels their product as ceremonial grade and provides information about where the tea leaves are sourced from.
Consistency in quality and flavor
Consistency in quality and flavor can vary among different matcha brands. When it comes to choosing a matcha brand, it’s important to do your research and read reviews from other customers.
Some brands may have a more consistent quality and flavor profile, while others may be hit or miss. The way the matcha is grown, harvested, and processed can all affect its taste and overall experience.
Look for brands that prioritize sourcing high-quality leaves and using traditional methods of production. These brands often have a reputation for delivering a consistently delicious cup of matcha every time.
Consumer Reviews
To find a matcha brand that suits your taste, take a look at what other consumers have to say in their reviews. Reading reviews can give you valuable insights into the quality and flavor of different matcha brands.
You’ll get firsthand information from people who have actually tried the products and can provide honest feedback. Look for common themes or patterns in the reviews, such as comments about the smoothness of the matcha or its vibrant green color.
Pay attention to any negative reviews as well, as they can highlight potential issues or drawbacks with certain brands. By taking the time to read consumer reviews, you can make a more informed decision and find a matcha brand that will satisfy your taste buds.
The Best Matcha Green Tea Brands
When it comes to the best matcha green tea brands, Kiyo Matcha takes the top spot as the best overall choice. Ujido Matcha follows closely as a runner up, offering high-quality matcha powder. For those looking for a family-owned brand, Aprika Matcha is the best choice. And if you’re interested in exploring different flavors and blends, Matchaful is worth considering.
Here’s a table with all the Matcha Tea brands we’re proposing in this post:
| Brand | Ranking | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Kiyo Matcha | Best Overall | https://kiyomatcha.com/ |
| Ujido Matcha | Runner up | https://ujido.com/ |
| Aprika Matcha | Best Family Owned Matcha Brand | https://aprikamatcha.com/ |
| Tenzo Matcha | Best Value For Money | https://tenzotea.co/ |
| Aprika Matcha | Best Matcha Tea Brand With JAS Certification | https://aprikamatcha.com/ |
| Matchaful | Best Matcha Brand With Values | https://www.matchaful.com/ |
| Matchabar | Most 5 Star Reviewed Matcha Tea Brand | https://www.matchabar.co/ |
| Matcha Konomi | Best Woman Founded Matcha Brand | https://matchakonomi.com/ |
| Micro Ingredients | Best Matcha Brand For Price | https://www.microingredients.com/ |
1. Kiyo Matcha: Best Overall
If you’re looking for the best overall matcha green tea brand, Kiyo Matcha is an excellent choice.
Inspired by the Japanese concept of Ichigo-Ichie, meaning ‘once-in-a-lifetime encounter’, Kiyo Matcha embraces the rich tradition of Japanese tea culture. They strive to offer the highest quality matcha grades, each with its own distinct flavor profile and intensity level.
Kiyo Matcha is committed to bringing the finest and most authentic Japanese matcha to their customers. They obtain their matcha from Japan’s domestic market, ensuring strict production methods and best practices are rigorously enforced. By following Japan’s strict food safety regulations, they guarantee that their matcha is 100% pure and always fresh in small batches.
Grown in Uji, which has unique agro-climatic conditions ideal for matcha cultivation, Kiyo Matcha ensures that every step of the process is handled with utmost care by a Japanese Tea Master to bring out the delightful aroma and delicate umami flavor of their matcha.
2. Ujido Matcha: Runner up
For a close contender to the top spot, you might consider Ujido Matcha. With almost 200 years of matcha history, Ujido is not new to green tea and spans generations.
Their matcha is also grown in Uji, on the rolling hills of Southern Kyoto, where matcha has been traditionally grown for 800 years. The leaves come from small family farms using ancient harvesting and cultivation traditions.
What makes Ujido Matcha superior is that it is grown in the fertile Uji River Valley, renowned for the finest teas. The tea leaves are hand-picked for the youngest and greenest of leaves, then stone-ground to preserve vital ingredients, antioxidants, and flavor. This matcha is grown in covered tea gardens for the highest nutrition.
With its rich history and dedication to quality, it’s no wonder that Ujido’s matcha is sought after by matcha enthusiasts worldwide and no wonder it is considered one of the best matcha tea brands around the world.
3. Tenzo Matcha: Best Value For Money
Now let’s talk about Tenzo Matcha, another top contender in the world of matcha green tea brands.
Tenzo Matcha is all about simple goodness. Their matcha is 100% organic, directly sourced from a family of farmers in Kagoshima, Japan. These farmers have been nurturing matcha for centuries in volcanic soil that’s rich and nurturing.
Founded by Robbie Page and Steve O’Dell, Tenzo is not just about selling matcha; it’s about helping individuals reach their full potential and creating a better life and world through constant progress.
What sets their matcha apart is its pure quality. No extra stuff thrown in – just the good stuff. No fillers, no preservatives, and definitely no hidden sugars. It’s matcha the way it’s meant to be – natural and real.
Their philosophy? “Better Every Day.” Starting your day with Tenzo matcha puts a spring in your step and keeps your focus sharp. They’re all about embracing change and learning, and they want to grow better – in body and mind.
Tenzo isn’t just about a sip of matcha. It’s about being the best you – fueled by a simple cup of goodness. The founders believe in this, and they’re here to help you reach your full potential.
4. Aprika Matcha: Best Family Owned Brand
Aprika Matcha is a family-owned brand known for valuing quality and sustainability. Their journey started when they discovered Matcha during a trip to Japan in 2017. They stayed with a Japanese family in a small village and learned about the best Matcha leaves.
During their stay, they understood that Matcha comes from specific leaves of the tea plant. The Japanese family also taught them how to prepare Matcha traditionally. They realized that good Matcha could be expensive and wanted to make it more accessible.
To make that happen, they partnered directly with the Japanese family, cutting out middlemen and supporting a family business. This ensured that the Matcha they offered was genuine and affordable.
As time went on, Aprika Matcha continued to prioritize authenticity. They not only focused on taste but also wanted to keep the traditional way of making Matcha alive. Their direct partnership allowed them to maintain the genuine experience.
So, whether you have memories of that peaceful Japanese village or simply want a moment of calm, Aprika Matcha brings together quality, tradition, and sustainability – a true taste of nature’s best, made with a family’s dedication.
5. Matchaful: Best Matcha Brand With Values
Matchaful, a female-founded brand, focuses on quality and hand-selects ingredients for their nutrient-dense products. With a belief in taking time to pause and care for the collective, Matchaful crafts their matcha with care to benefit overall wellbeing. They highlight the beauty and connection between people, nature, and daily objects, creating products that offer functional health benefits and fresh flavors.
Not only does Matchaful prioritize the quality of their matcha, but they also embrace sustainable practices. They work in direct-trade with a sustainably-operated Japanese tea farm, ensuring that their matcha is single origin ground-to-order to prevent oxidation.
The plants are grown without pesticides and fertilized using organic compost. Additionally, they employ innovative use of solar panels for shading during the final weeks of growth, which generate power for nearby towns.
In addition to their commitment to quality and sustainability, Matchaful also offers an immersive experience at their café. Their menu includes alchemic matcha lattes, elixirs, and plant-based creations prepared fresh daily by in-house chefs. The café’s wabi-sabi influenced interiors create a moment of zen where customers can enjoy a tranquil experience amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
By being a proud member of 1% for the Planet, Matchaful demonstrates their commitment to the environment. They donate 1% of annual sales to environmental nonprofits and actively support businesses with similar missions. Through these efforts, Matchaful contributes towards building a sustainable future for our planet.
Overall, Matchaful stands out as a brand that not only prioritizes product quality but also embraces sustainability while offering an immersive café experience.
6. Matchabar: Most 5 Star Reviewed Matcha Tea Brand
If you’re looking for a brand that focuses on sustainability and promoting matcha as a healthier energy alternative, Matchabar is the one for you.
Founded in 2014 by Max & Graham Fortgang, Matchabar has been dedicated to bringing matcha to the people and increasing accessibility across the country. They have developed their own blend of ceremonial grade matcha and opened America’s first matcha cafe in Brooklyn.
With a commitment to responsibility, they strive to make healthy, sustainable, plant-based matcha energy. By using simple ingredients that customers understand and supporting local farmers while sourcing high-quality matcha, Matchabar encourages customers to make conscious choices with their products.
They also partner with retailers to distribute their products and promote matcha as a healthier alternative to other energy drinks.
Choose Matchabar for your sustainable and energizing matcha needs.
7. Matcha Konomi: Best Woman Founded Matcha Brand
Founded by Michelle Fraedrick, Matcha Konomi has grown to become a leading matcha supplier in North America. With a passion for matcha and healthy eating, Michelle started the company in Corpus Christi, TX.
From the beginning, Matcha Konomi was a huge success, winning local people’s choice awards and gaining recognition from TV channels and magazines. The brand’s popularity continued to grow as they catered specialty matcha lattes at events across the country. In fact, they were even invited to gift matcha lattes to celebrities during the 2017 Academy Awards.
Recognizing a gap in the US market for authentic matcha, Michelle built strong connections with local farmers and tea makers in Japan. Today, Matcha Konomi is known for their hand-selected varieties of matcha produced in collaboration with multi-generation tea farmers and masters.
Their vision is to make excellent quality matcha affordable for everyone while also educating the world on its benefits.
8. Micro Ingredients: Best Matcha Brand For The Money
Now let’s talk about another top matcha green tea brand: Micro Ingredients.
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, this is the brand for you. Based in California, Micro Ingredients is a premier supplier of raw and pure nutritional ingredients. They offer over 200 premium ingredient powders, including their USDA Organic Pure Matcha Powder Green Tea.
Their culinary grade matcha comes from the first harvest and has an authentic Japanese origin. And the best part? You can get a whole pound of it at an unbeatable price!
Keep in mind that many of your popular supplement brands get their raw materials from Micro Ingredients to transform them into capsules and tablets.
Micro Ingredients takes pride in providing high-quality products at affordable prices, ensuring that their ingredients are free from additives and fillers. So if you want to enjoy delicious matcha without breaking the bank, look no further than Micro Ingredients.
Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder, 1 Pound
- Micro Ingredients Organic Matcha Tea Powder, Pure Matcha Powder Green Tea, 1 Pound, Culinary Grade and Authentic Japanese Origin.
- Best Superfood – Matcha is Rich in Antioxidants and is a Great Source of Natural Energy and Mental Clarity.
- Rich in Caffeine, Gradually Aids with Digestion, Healing, Cleansing and Contains Natural L-Theanine, Provides Good, Clean Energy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.8 (165 reviews)
The History of Matcha
When learning about the history of matcha, you’ll discover that it was created over 800 years ago by a Buddhist priest named Myōan Eisai. This young priest embarked on a spiritual journey and returned to Japan with a new philosophy called ‘Chan’ and some unique tea seeds.
These seeds were planted by another Buddhist priest named Myoe Shonnin at a temple near Kyoto, where they grew into special tea leaves that were then ground into a green tea powder known as matcha. The Buddhist monks quickly realized the exceptional health and spiritual qualities of matcha, using it to enhance their focus and chi energy during Zen meditation.
Eventually, Uji in southern Kyoto became renowned for producing the finest matcha in Japan, gaining recognition from powerful rulers like Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
Even today, Uji matcha remains highly sought after by enthusiasts all over the world for its exceptional quality.
Top Matcha Health Benefits
Matcha is known for its numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural way to improve their physical and mental health. With its high levels of antioxidants and unique combination of nutrients, matcha can help you feel energized and focused while supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes.
Boosts Metabolism Naturally
To naturally boost your metabolism, try incorporating matcha green tea into your daily routine.
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that is rich in antioxidants and contains a compound called catechins, which can help increase metabolism. When you drink matcha, you are consuming the whole tea leaf, which means you get all of its beneficial nutrients.
Matcha also contains caffeine, which can give your metabolism a temporary boost. Additionally, matcha has been shown to help burn fat by increasing thermogenesis, the process in which your body produces heat and burns calories.
Enhances Mental Focus
Incorporating matcha into your routine can enhance mental focus and concentration. The unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine found in matcha green tea helps to promote a calm state of alertness, allowing you to stay focused on the task at hand.
Unlike other caffeinated beverages, matcha provides a sustained energy boost without the jitters or crash that often accompany them. By drinking matcha regularly, you can experience improved cognitive function and increased productivity throughout your day.
Whether you’re studying for an exam, working on a project, or simply trying to stay sharp during the afternoon slump, adding matcha to your routine is a simple and effective way to enhance your mental focus and concentration.
Supports Detoxification Process
Now that you know how matcha green tea enhances your mental focus, let’s talk about another incredible benefit – its ability to support your body’s detoxification process.
Matcha is packed with antioxidants called catechins, which help eliminate harmful toxins from your system. These powerful compounds work by neutralizing free radicals and protecting your cells from damage.
As you sip on a cup of matcha, you are giving your body a natural boost in cleansing and rejuvenating itself. Unlike other teas, matcha is shade-grown, which increases the chlorophyll content in the leaves.
Chlorophyll is known for its detoxifying properties and can aid in flushing out heavy metals and chemicals from your body. So not only does matcha provide mental clarity, but it also supports the detoxification process within you.
Provides Antioxidant Protection
Matcha provides your body with a natural boost in detoxification and protection against harmful toxins. By drinking matcha green tea, you can benefit from its high levels of antioxidants, specifically catechins. These powerful compounds help to neutralize free radicals in your body, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
Matcha also contains chlorophyll, which aids in the elimination of toxins and heavy metals from your system. This means that regularly consuming matcha can support your body’s natural detoxification processes and help keep you healthy.
In addition, matcha has been found to enhance the activity of certain enzymes that are responsible for protecting against harmful substances. So, by incorporating matcha into your daily routine, you’re giving your body an extra line of defense against toxins and promoting overall well-being.
Promotes Overall Well-Being
Regularly consuming matcha can improve your overall well-being by providing your body with essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea that contains high levels of catechins, a type of antioxidant. These antioxidants help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to various health issues such as inflammation and chronic diseases.
In addition to antioxidants, matcha also contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium. These nutrients support your immune system, promote healthy skin and hair, aid in digestion, and contribute to overall vitality.
Culinary vs Ceremonial Matcha
If you’re looking for the best matcha green tea brands, it’s important to understand the difference between culinary and ceremonial matcha.
Culinary matcha is typically used in cooking and baking, as it has a stronger flavor and is less expensive than ceremonial grade matcha. It can be great for adding a vibrant green color and earthy taste to your recipes.
On the other hand, ceremonial matcha is of higher quality and is meant to be enjoyed on its own as a tea. It has a smoother, more delicate flavor profile and is often used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
When choosing a brand, make sure to consider your intended use for the matcha and select accordingly.
Final Take
In the world of matcha green tea, finding the best brands can be a rewarding journey. With careful consideration of factors such as authentic sourcing, transparency in harvesting methods, ceremonial grade offerings, consistency in quality and flavor, and positive consumer reviews, you can navigate through the plethora of options to uncover the true gems.
From Kiyo Matcha’s commitment to authenticity and tradition to Ujido Matcha’s centuries-old legacy, these brands provide exceptional matcha that captures the essence of Japanese tea culture. For those seeking family-owned authenticity, Aprika Matcha stands out, while Matchaful offers an immersive café experience that embodies sustainability and quality.
Not to be forgotten, Matchabar offers a sustainable and energizing option, Matcha Konomi boasts a female-founded legacy, and Micro Ingredients provides a budget-friendly yet authentic matcha experience. These brands reflect diverse philosophies, stories, and values, allowing you to align your preferences with the matcha that resonates most.
Ultimately, the journey to discovering the best matcha green tea brands is a personalized one, guided by your unique taste preferences and priorities. With this curated list, you’re well-equipped to embark on a delightful exploration of matcha that promises to enhance your well-being and connect you to the rich traditions of this cherished tea. So, whether you’re sipping for the health benefits, the taste, or the cultural experience, you’re in for a flavorful adventure.
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