After the whole turmeric latte fiasco, I was hesitant when it came to the rise of matcha. However, I can confirm that the best matcha powder is now a staple in my morning routine. Yep, I've subbed out my first coffee and with that, my mid-afternoon energy crashes — and capp-induced anxiety? A thing of the past.
Following the boom of Blank Street, though, brands have cottoned on to the fact that we like options, especially when it comes to flavour and additional benefits. So, to spare you hours of scrolling or mornings sipping on a less-than-satisfying cup, we've spent the last three months personally testing matcha powders to track down the very best.
But before we get into which green powders are worth your money, let's get some context. While matcha is experiencing something of a renaissance, it's anything but new — and in Japan, it takes centre stage in traditional tea ceremonies like ‘Chado’, a mindful ritual that encourages those involved to appreciate the present moment.
“The practice of turning finely ground young tea leaves into a vibrant green beverage dates back nearly a thousand years,” says Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit's Editorial Operations Manager – and confessed matcha obsessive. “Matcha boasts a boost of antioxidants and the amino acid L-Theanine, which is thought to promote relaxation and jitter-free, sustained energy.”
Sold? Me too. So, read on for Glamour editors' favourite matcha powders, as well as a rundown of the facts from industry experts.
Featured in this article:
How we test the best matcha powders:
The Glamour team are a hard-working bunch, spending their evenings and weekends moonlighting as beauty and wellness testers — AKA the best sleep supplements, electrolytes, green powders — to uncover which move them closer to their fitness, focus and health goals.
Each willing volunteer was asked to try one matcha powder for a minimum of four weeks, and at the end of their trial period, they were asked to rate it against the following criteria:
- Ease of use — Were the capsules easy to swallow? Did the powder mix well with water?
- Efficacy — How long into the four weeks did they notice a difference, if any?
- Taste — On a scale of one to five, how pleasurable was the taste?
- Value for money — Would they be happy to commit to the weekly, monthly or bi-monthly spend?
But, for matcha specifically, we also considered sourcing, grade, taste, and texture. As a starting point, we considered the sourcing region — all of the matchas recommended below are sourced directly from Japan, many from Uji, the region in the country that’s famous for its history of matcha production.
In terms of grade, we only featured brands that used ceremonial or high-grade matcha. Why is this important? “Ceremonial-grade matcha is the highest quality and is the best for drinking, says Remy Morimoto Park, author of the cookbook Sesame, Soy, Spice: 90 Asian-ish Vegan and Gluten-free Recipes to Reconnect, Root, and Restore and founder of Frauth Matcha and contributor to this edit. ”That's because the leaves are picked from the first harvest of the year, the matcha is more flavourful and nutrient-rich, and the colour is more vibrant.
“Ceremonial-grade matcha is deemed worthy of use in chado, while culinary-grade matcha comes from harvests that take place later in the year, and is better suited for cooking or baking.”
Park continues: “We also considered a few factors printed on the packaging, like ingredients and a best-by date. Park strongly recommends going for a matcha with no added ingredients like sugars or anti-caking agents like starches. As for the date, Mangan says this should be printed on the bottom of the tin or bag, “Matcha is not like wine and after milling does not benefit from age or vintage. Once the leaf is ground, it should be consumed as quickly as possible.”
“Finally, we noted the taste and texture. Of course, Park reminds us that the taste of matcha, like coffee, is subjective. Some people prefer a more astringent matcha while others like a deep umami flavour. As for texture, we looked for a smooth mouthfeel without grit, and a matcha that dissolves easily into water once sifted and whisked or frothed.”
Why you can trust me:
As a full-time shopping writer, I've spent the last three years — that's 14 months at Glamour and a year elsewhere — reviewing a host of new wellness launches and long-standing bestsellers. From sexual wellness products to running trainers and menstrual products like period pants and reusable sanitary pads, I've personally tested thousands of products across hundreds of brands in order to publicly declaring the best.
But to ensure I'm an expert on all things wellness, I've also attended countless press days over the last year, and have quizzed experts for their valuable insight on dietary supplements, mentstrual health and nutrition. As a result, you could say I am more of an expert on the subject of wellness than your average online shopper.
Ahead, the best matcha powders of 2026, reviewed by Glamour editors:
- We can confirm it's smooth, mellow and balanced.
- Airtight tin protects flavour, colour and freshness.
- Sign up for regular deliveries to your door every 1, 2 or 3 months with a subscription.
- A pricier option.
- Not all shoppers were convinced there were 20 servings per tin.
- Origin: Uji, Japan.
- Grade: Ceremonial.
- Size: 40g, or 20 servings.
Grown on a family-run farm in Uji, Jenki uses a unique blend of three different green tea cultivars to create its high-quality matcha: well-balanced Yabukita, sweet and floral Samidori, and Okumidori that boasts a rich umami flavour. After being steamed and air-dried, the leaves have their stems and veins removed, and are then stone-ground into a super fine pure matcha powder, each batch also being independently tested for heavy metals and pesticides. The result? A vibrant green powder that produces a drink that's smooth, mellow and balanced — perfect for first-time matcha drinkers.
- 100% pure, ceremonial grade, non-GMO matcha.
- Tested for radiation and heavy metals.
- Again, there's the option to subscribe to regular deliveries: every 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks.
- The brand recommends you store your matcha in an airtight container that you'll have to provide yourself.
- Origin: Uji, Japan.
- Grade: Ceremonial.
- Size: 30g.
Affordable, readily available on Amazon, and also stocked in most supermarkets, it's no surprise that this matcha powder seems to be the one all the UK girlies on TikTok are using to whip up their drinks. In terms of how it tastes, the original powder is rich and earthy — with just the right balance of sweetness and bitterness — but there are also plenty of other flavours available, like Vanilla Bean, Blueberry and Strawberry. Not too strong, it's a great option for morning lattes and cups of tea.
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- Includes 12 matcha blends to help them find their favourite, plus a step-by-step guide on how to make matcha and 4 recipes.
- 100% of its product packaging is plastic-free, and either recyclable or compostable.
- A carbon-conscious brand, meaning it's partnered with zero-emissions delivery partners.
- May contain traces of nuts, including peanuts.
- This one's only 92% matcha, as some include natural flavouring granules.
- Tested by: Georgia Lockstone.
- Origin: Japan.
- Grade: Ceremonial.
- Size: 12 x 3g matcha tins, or two cups per mini tin.
A great gift for Japanese matcha newbies, this Bird & Blend selection box includes twelve best-selling blends — from classic vegetal tastes like Pure Grade and Super Matcha, to more unique and exciting flavours like Ice Cream and Salted Caramel.
“I've tried most Bird & Blend flavours, but my all-time favourite has to be the Super Matcha — which I use to make the most delicious iced matcha lattes with oat milk," says Glamour freelancer, Georgia Lockstone. “I usually find coffee and matcha a little too bitter unless I add a splash of vanilla syrup, but this brilliant creamy blend is flavourful enough as it is, thanks to its infusion of fruity acai berries and tart blueberries."
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- Flavour is smooth, rich and strikes the right balance between earthy and sweet.
- Blends easily with both milk and water.
- Can also be used in baking — think matcha green tea cookies or tiramisu.
- You'll have to store this one in the fridge.
- Some say it has a slightly fishy odour.
- Origin: Uji, Japan.
- Grade: Culinary.
- Size: 100g.
The highest-quality variation of culinary-grade powder, this vegan and organic matcha is made with tea leaves from the second harvest — meaning it's not ceremonial grade, but it also doesn't have the bold and bitter taste you'd expect from a powder intended solely for culinary use. Dubbed ‘premium grade’, it sits somewhere in between the two — so it's great for cooking and baking, but it can also still be used to whip up delicious milk-based drinks.
- Origin: Undisclosed.
- Grade: Undisclosed.
- Size: 200g.
Made with matcha green tea, coconut milk, and reishi mushroom powders, this clever blend is specifically for whipping up superfood matcha lattes. Enriched with 450 million live bio cultures, it's the best blend for supporting your gut health – and it's also high in calcium, which helps contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the maintenance of strong and healthy bones. Essentially, if you're trying to cut down on the coffees, this is the powder to reach for instead.
- Origin: Kagoshima, Japan.
- Grade: Undisclosed.
- Size: 40g.
Naturally caffeine-free, Kuwa Matcha is a finely ground, bright green powder that has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. Instead of using tea leaves, it's made using mulberry leaves, which means, unlike green tea Matcha, Kuwa Matcha is naturally caffeine-free. While the ‘buzz’ you get from caffeinated Matcha is widely accepted to be less intense than what you'd get from coffee, for those who prefer to lead a caffeine-free life, this is a great choice.
- Origin: Japan.
- Grade: Ceremonial.
- Size: 120g.
A beverage blend designed to boost focus and help clear the mind, this matcha powder makes a deliciously frothy hot or cold drink that's been designed with helping you get over the mid-afternoon slump in mind. Alongside ceremonial grade matcha, it contains Lion’s Mane Mushroom to help support cognitive performance, 300mg of the powerful adaptogen KSM-66 Ashwagandha for combating inner stress and promoting calm, and ginger to reduce inflammation.
- Origin: Japan.
- Grade: Ceremonial.
- Size: 180g, or 30 servings.
If my FYP is anything to go by, we're all invested in the power of mushrooms, with the best mushroom supplements praised for boosting our focus, providing clarity, easing anxiety and promoting a deeper, more restful sleep. So, a matcha powder mixed with these natural wonders? A development that piqued my interest. While coming in a little more expensive than some other powders in this edit, I appreciated the fact that each serving contains 2,500mg of functional mushrooms, including Lion's Mane, praised for its ability to support your memory, brain function and gut microbiome. In terms of taste, it's a lot earthier than some others in this edit — I'll admit that adding a sweetener was essential for me. But in terms of helping me limit my daily supplement intake, it's a definite win.
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- Origin: Japan.
- Grade: High.
- Size: 30g, or about 30 servings.
While a morning matcha has really helped me avoid mid-morning energy crashes, prepping a cup of the green stuff is a little more time-intensive than a coffee — even weighing out my powder and sourcing a suitable vessel to mix the matcha powder with adds on a couple of minutes. Thankfully, this set includes both a hand-carved bamboo whisk and a measuring spoon, both being aesthetic enough to leave within easy reach. Granted, this set only includes high-grade matcha, but that's ideal if you prefer a milky matcha latte over a tea.
Matcha powder FAQs, answered:
How do you make the perfect matcha latte?
Regardless of whether you're whipping up a hot or iced latte, the first step is always the same — you need to make a matcha shot. Here's how you do it:
- Pop your serving of matcha powder in a spare bowl, ramekin, or mug — or better still, a traditional chawan — and add a couple of splashes of water that's roughly 80°C. Top tip: a splash of cold water before a quick splash of hot water should be just about right.
- Now pick up your chosen matcha whisk — ideally either a traditional bamboo whisk, or a handheld electric milk frother — and whisk in a vigorous W pattern until it starts to go frothy.
- Check that there are no blobs of powder clinging to the side of the cup to ensure it's fully whisked. Once complete, this is your finished matcha shot. Now it's time to turn it into your chosen drink.
Hot matcha latte: Pour your matcha shot into your chosen mug, add any sweeteners or syrups if you wish, and pour in hot frothy milk of your choice (use a handheld milk frother or wand).
Iced matcha latte: Fill your chosen glass up two-thirds of the way with ice and your cold milk of choice, then pour over your matcha shot and any sweeteners, and mix it all together with a straw.
What should I look for when buying a matcha powder?
While high-quality matcha is generally characterised by its vivid green colour, smooth and fine powdery texture, and strong aroma, knowing where it's come from is crucial if you want to make sure you're getting the real, authentic deal.
For starters, your matcha should actually come from Japan — ideally Uji, which is close to Kyoto. The birthplace of matcha, Uji's nutrient-rich soil and high altitude make it the perfect place to produce the best kind of powdered green tea. Also, shop only for pure single-origin matcha where possible — rather than matcha that has been made from green tea leaves from multiple different places.
What are the different grades of matcha powder?
Culinary grade is for cookng, while premium matcha is ideal for mixing with yogurt, into smoothies or serving with milk in a latte. Ceremonial grade matcha is considered the highest quality, and has been used for centuries in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Made by delicately grinding up the youngest tea leaves with a stone, it's famous for its naturally subtle yet sweet flavour, and incredibly vibrant green colour, thanks to the high chlorophyll content.
Does matcha have more caffeine than coffee?
No — an average cup of matcha generally contains up to around 70mg of caffeine, whereas a coffee can have almost double that amount. But while coffee releases its caffeine quickly — leading to an energy spike and sudden crash — one of the main benefits of matcha is that it releases its caffeine far more slowly. This is mainly because matcha contains the amino acid, L-theanine, which helps to reduce the rate at which the body absorbs caffeine.
The result? A prolonged period of steady energy and alertness, rather than a short-lived spike in adrenaline that can leave you feeling jittery and anxious.
Should you buy the same matcha for drinking as you would for baking?
While there's certainly nothing stopping you from baking with ceremonial grade matcha, it would make much more sense to use culinary-grade, instead. Made with tea leaves from later harvests, culinary-grade powders typically have a stronger and more bitter flavour due to their increased sun exposure — but this means that they work really well when combined with other ingredients.
Is it OK to drink matcha every day?
Yes! In fact, there are plenty of health benefits to be enjoyed from incorporating a cup of matcha into your daily routine. The powder can help to support weight management, boost brain function and cognition, and — most importantly — it's rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in reducing cell damage and preventing chronic disease.
How do you store matcha?
According to Mangan, after buying matcha, you should keep the unopened package in the refrigerator and continue to refrigerate it after opening. You should keep your matcha fresh by storing your tin inside a resealable plastic bag, if you can – though many matcha powders will come packed within a small tin that has a lid or plastic oxygen absorber inside. This helps keep the matcha safe from taste and colour damage.
Meet the experts:
| Kate Kassin | Bon Appétit's Editorial Operations Manager, and self-confessed matcha obsessive. |
| Zach Mangan | owner of Kettl Tea, a New York-based tea company that sources directly from Japan. |
| Remy Morimoto Park | Author of the cookbook Sesame, Soy, Spice: 90 Asian-ish Vegan and Gluten-free Recipes to Reconnect, Root, and Restore and founder of Frauth Matcha. |
This story was adapted from Bon Appétit.
