In a world where natural remedies are gaining prominence for their potential benefits, it's no surprise that people are turning to holistic solutions for hair care. Matcha has emerged as a potential solution, but can matcha boost hair?
Let’s find out! 💇💇♀️
Before we answer “can matcha boost hair” we should look into the nutrients in matcha, and what potential impact they can have on hair health.
Matcha powder is more than just ground up tea leaves, it's a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that collectively contribute to holistic well-being.
With its vibrant hue comes a spectrum of nutrients, including potent compounds like Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) and chlorophyll.
As we sip our matcha lattes and enjoy its earthy flavor, we're also nourishing our bodies with a host of potential benefits that extend beyond our taste buds.
Before we get started, you may want a quick crash course on what matcha is and how it's made. This is the best place for that 👉 What is Matcha? The one and only Matcha-Encyclopedia
How else can matcha boost hair? By neutralizing harmful free radicals, antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining the health of hair cells and the scalp environment.
As we sip on our matcha-infused concoctions, we're potentially arming our strands with the defense mechanisms needed to withstand the challenges of everyday life, from environmental pollutants to styling stressors.
Now that we have covered the basics of matcha and it’s nutrient profile, let’s discuss 3 factors that make matcha boost hair.
Matcha tea is renowned for its high concentration of antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage, including those of the hair follicles.
By neutralizing harmful free radicals, matcha's antioxidants contribute to a healthier scalp environment, potentially promoting hair growth and reducing the risk of hair breakage.
The presence of compounds like EGCG in matcha tea is believed to have a positive impact on blood circulation. Improved circulation ensures that hair follicles receive a steady supply of essential nutrients and oxygen, which are vital for healthy hair growth.
Better blood flow to the scalp can also help remove waste products and toxins that may hinder hair health.
Matcha is a nutritional powerhouse, containing vitamins (A, C, and E), minerals (such as zinc and selenium), and amino acids that play a role in hair health. These nutrients provide the building blocks for strong, vibrant hair.
For example, vitamin E supports a healthy scalp, while amino acids like L-theanine may help reduce stress, which is linked to hair loss. By incorporating matcha into your routine, you're nourishing your body with a spectrum of elements that can potentially contribute to robust and lustrous locks.
Matcha, often praised for its soothing properties, could be the secret ingredient to cultivating a harmonious scalp environment. Its potential to soothe scalp inflammation and maintain an optimal oil balance presents an intriguing opportunity for fostering an environment conducive to hair growth.
As we explore the relationship between matcha and scalp health, we uncover a holistic approach to nurturing our tresses from the very source.
If you want to learn more about the holistic health benefits of matcha, you may want to check out this article 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
Matcha will take care of the heavy lifting, you just need to do your part and drink it regularly! There are a few ways you can incorporate matcha into your daily routine. Let’s talk about each one of them here!
The traditional way to consume matcha is to mix it into water and drink it plain. For this, you’ll want to use a high quality ceremonial matcha, so the tea is smooth enough to drink without milk or sugar.
You also will want to get a bamboo matcha whisk. This is carved out of a single piece of bamboo and it is the best tool when it comes to creating that foam on top of the matcha.
If you want to learn how to prepare matcha the proper way, we made the perfect guide for you 👉 How to Make the Best Matcha
Matcha lattes are another classic way to enjoy the benefits of matcha and help matcha boost hair. When you are mixing matcha with milk and sugar, you can use the latte matcha powder.
This matcha is made from a later harvest, so it has a slightly stronger flavor to it. This is perfect because when you mix the tea with milk and sugar, you want to be able to taste the matcha through the latte.
Want to make a matcha latte? You can follow this guide here and start making them in no time 👉 Make an Iced Matcha Latte Just Like Starbucks Barista
In addition to drinking the matcha plain and using it in lattes, there are an infinite amount of recipes you can use matcha in. Because matcha comes in a powdered form, it is extremely versatile.
Matcha powder can be mixed into cakes, cookies, brownies and even ice cream. We have plenty of matcha recipes on our website, so you can start cooking and let matcha boost hair health!
If you don't know where to start, here is a great matcha recipe you'll love 👉 The Best Matcha Cookies You’ll Ever Eat!
So finally, can matcha boost hair? To truly dissect matcha's potential influence on hair health, let's turn to the experts who navigate the intricate realm of dermatology and nutrition.
Renowned dermatologists highlight the significance of maintaining a well-nourished scalp and emphasize that matcha's antioxidant properties may indeed contribute to a more favorable environment for hair growth.
They point out that while matcha holds promise, individual results can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, overall health, and lifestyle.
Nutritionists, on the other hand, underscore the holistic approach of matcha—how its fusion of nutrients can potentially synergize to create a foundation for radiant hair.
]]>Let’s get started!
Let’s start off with the basics and talk about what is Uji matcha. Uji matcha simply refers to a powdered green tea that was produced in Uji, Japan.
It is common to name matcha based on the region it was grown in and while there are many areas matcha can be produced, Uji is perhaps the most famous.
If you want to learn about some of the lesser known tea growing regions, you may enjoy this article 👉 Where Does Japanese Tea Grow?
Matcha is essentially a powdered green tea, but it needs to be made from special leaves in order to be considered high quality. These high quality ceremonial matcha teas are smooth enough to drink plain, without milk or sugar.
These leaves are shaded for 3 weeks prior to the harvest in order to boost their sweet and savory flavor. Then, the top 3 sprouts are selected, as these are the smoothest in flavor and highest in nutrients.
Finally, the stems are removed and the tea is ground into a fine powder in a large stone mill.
If you want to learn more about matcha, we made a complete encyclopedia for you 👉 What is Matcha? The one and only Matcha-Encyclopedia
In order to understand what is Uji matcha, you need to understand where Uji is. Uji is a small region right in the center of Japan’s main island of Honshu.
The city of Uji is located just a few minutes south of the more famous city of Kyoto, but it is surrounded by tea fields that grow the famous Uji matcha. As we will explore in the next section, this region has a lot of history, especially when it comes to the production of green tea.
Now that we have covered the basics of what is Uji matcha, we can talk a bit about what makes the region so special.
If you’re wondering what is Uji matcha so famous for, the main answer has to do with the rich history of this region dating back to the 1200s.
1191 AD is the first record of tea seeds being planted in Japan on the grounds of Kozanji temple in Toganoo. This region, not too far from Kyoto or Uji, was known for producing the best Japanese tea.
Tea seeds were also given to Myoe Shonin, who started growing tea in Uji. Uji was considered to be the second best tea in Japan in the year 1383.
For a complete guide to the tea history of Japan, you can read this article 👉 History of green tea in japan & Tea ceremony
In 1460, the silver medal Uji tea once had began to be called into question, when the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa proclaimed: “Uji [tea] during this age has recently been the favorite brand [of the shogun]”
For the next century, there was much debate over which tea was considered better, the original tea region Toganoo or the young upstart of Uji. By the end of the 1500s, Uji tea was broadly considered to be the best.
Throughout the next few centuries, there was a lot of innovation taking place in Uji. The farmers discovered that by shading the tea plants and cutting them off from sunlight, they could produce sweeter teas.
This was also where sencha tea was invented and Gyokuro. Sencha was the first widely consumed loose leaf tea in Japan, and Gyokuro tea still is considered the favorite tea of the emperor.
If you want to learn more about loose leaf teas like sencha, you might want to check out our complete guide 👉 Everything You Need to Know About Sencha
If you go to Uji today, you will find shops everywhere selling Uji matcha both plain as well as incorporated into various treats.
Uji still does have the reputation for producing the best matcha, almost 600 years after the shogun made his proclamation.
So what is Uji matcha known for besides its history? There are a number of different factors that make this matcha special.
The soil in Uji is considered to be exceptional quality, the hills are sloping which is the perfect terrain for tea cultivation and the area rarely gets frost, even in the winter.
In addition to providing a great climate for tea cultivation, there are also so many talented farmers that call this region home.
Tea cultivation is a craft that is passed down generations, and with centuries of experience, you can imagine the level of talent possessed by these farmers.
The long legacy of high quality Uji matcha continues and if you would like to take part in it, you can try some Uji matcha for yourself.
Now that you know what is Uji matcha and why it is so special, this tea will take on an even deeper meaning!
While there are many regions in Japan that produce excellent matcha, Uji is considered to be the most famous. If you are wondering what is Uji matcha all about, you definitely should try it for yourself.
It is important to state that just because a matcha is from Uji, does not make it good and there are plenty of wonderful matcha teas being produced in Shizuoka and Kagoshima as well.
Given the history, terroir and the people of Uji, it is the perfect recipe for great tasting matcha tea!
]]>In this article, we are going to compare chai vs matcha caffeine, chai tea vs matcha preparation and more. We’ll show you the unique strengths of each of these beverages so you can make the decision for yourself.
Let’s get started!
Before we compare chai vs matcha, we should do a brief summary of each. It’s important to remember that “chai” is the hindi word for tea, but it is often used to describe a tea made from black tea leaves, hot milk and a mixture of herbs and spices.
Matcha powder is essentially a powdered green tea, but it has to be made from special leaves. High quality ceremonial matcha is naturally smooth, nutritional dense and very difficult to make. This tea is what is used in the Japanese tea ceremony.
If you want to learn more about matcha, we made a whole encyclopedia about it! You can read it here 👉 What is Matcha? The one and only Matcha-Encyclopedia
Chai tea is usually used to refer to a tea that is made by brewing black tea leaves and spices in milk and water and then pouring it through a strainer.
This drink has a long history of being used throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Now that we’ve covered the basic differences between chai vs matcha, it’s time to talk about how each tea is produced. Let’s compare the production of chai tea vs matcha.
If you want to take a deep dive into the production of matcha tea, we recommend you read this article here 👉 How is Matcha Made?
The farmers work begins even before the tea plant is harvested. When the tea plant is exposed to sunlight, it begins to produce bitter compounds called catechins.
For most premium Japanese green teas like matcha, gyokuro and a lot of sencha teas, the farmer will cover the tea plants in a special type of netting in order to block out the sun and maintain a sweeter taste.
After the tea plants have been shaded for 3 weeks, they are ready to be harvested. Premium ceremonial matcha has to be made from the top 3 sprouts of the tea plant, as these are the highest in nutrients and flavor.
After the tea leaves have been picked and gathered, it is time for them to be processed. The leaves are put through a steam bath which stops them from oxidizing and locks in their vegetal flavor profiles.
The stems of the leaves are also removed to ensure the matcha has a smoother and sweeter flavor.
Once the leaves are dried, they are ready to be ground. This grinding process takes place in a large stone mill. It takes this granite mill an hour just to produce 50 grams of matcha powder.
When we talk about chai tea, the leaves that are typically used are Indian black tea leaves. Let’s take a look at the harvesting and processing of this black tea.
High quality black teas are typically made with a younger picking, using the top 3 leaves of the plant. While these teas are processed using the Orthodox method which involves careful rolling to maintain a larger leaf size, lower quality black teas are made using a different method.
The CTC or Cut Tear Curl method was invented to produce black teas on a larger scale. After the leaves are withered, they are fed into a machine that cuts them into smaller pieces so that they can fit into a teabag. This process is one of the many reasons why loose leaf tea is far superior to tea bag tea.
What makes chai tea vs matcha different is that matcha is a green tea and chai tea is an oxidized black tea. Green teas like matcha are heated after the harvest in order to stop the oxidation process. To accelerate the oxidation process, black teas are slightly bruised to expose the juices of the leaf to oxygen.
Black teas are then allowed to oxidize naturally and during that time they take on a darker color and a completely different flavor. Oxidized teas brew a reddish or amber liquor which is why they are called red teas in China, rather than black teas.
After the leaves have been oxidized they can be sorted by size and separated with the larger leaves being used for high quality loose leaf tea and the smaller leaves used for low quality tea bag tea.
The flavor differences between chai vs matcha are staggering! In addition to being made from black tea leaves, chai also incorporates various herbs and spices, giving it a completely different flavor profile.
The flavor of chai can be described as spicy, but depending on how you make it, the tea can also be sweet and milky.
Herbs like ginger, cinnamon and peppercorn can really bite the tongue, but the black tea and cardamom can add a lot of depth to the tea making it a very nuanced flavor profile.
Another spicy ingredient that can also work well in the chai latte is turmeric. If you want to learn more about how this can work well with matcha, you can read our article 👉 Benefits of Matcha Green Tea with Turmeric
Although matcha is simply made from powdered tea leaves, the flavor can be remarkably nuanced. Most high quality matcha teas have a milky smooth mouthfeel, and notes of steamed vegetables.
Some matcha teas are even more complex, with floral notes or notes of white chocolate and coconut milk.
If you want to become an expert on the flavor of matcha, you may want to take a look at this article here 👉 What does matcha taste like? Taste Chart with Video
When we compare chai vs matcha caffeine content we notice a slight disparity between the two teas.
Let’s go through a quick comparison between chai vs matcha when it comes to the caffeine content of each of the teas.
By the way, if you want to learn about which teas are highest in caffeine and which ones are lowest, you can find this full guide here 👉 Which tea has the most caffeine
A high quality matcha tea contains 34mg of caffeine per gram of powder. This may not sound like much, but a typical bowl will contain 2 grams of powder and half a cup of water. This means a full cup of matcha can have as much as 136mg of caffeine!
This is more than coffee, but you may not feel the same jolt. That’s because matcha contains l-theanine which can buffer the negative side effects of caffeine like jitters, anxiety and the crash. Instead, tea drinkers report having a longer lasting, calm alert sensation that carries them throughout the day.
A typical chai tea latte has about 70mg of caffeine per cup. This means the chai vs matcha caffeine is relatively small by comparison. The caffeine all comes from the black tea leaves, as the typical spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper are all caffeine free.
It is important to point out that even though the chai vs matcha caffeine is smaller, it still has almost as much caffeine as a small cup of coffee which is significant.
How does matcha compare to other high caffeine drinks? We made a whole article comparing matcha tea vs the caffeine heavyweight Yerba Mate, and you can read all about it here 👉 Yerba Mate vs Matcha: a Battle is Brewing
There are big differences between chai tea vs matcha when it comes to the preparation of the two teas. Both teas are prepared in very unique ways, and we’re going to discuss each of them here.
Matcha is unique in the world of tea because it comes in a powder rather than a loose leaf form. This means it can be mixed directly into water rather than being infused.
When you mix matcha powder into water, you are consuming the entire leaf, rather than just the water soluble components. This means that you get more of the caffeine, amino acids and antioxidants.
If you want to learn how to prepare matcha tea the proper way, we made the perfect guide for you! 👉 How to Make the Best Matcha
The preparation of chai vs matcha is very different. Chai tea is almost prepared more like a soup rather than a tea. The water is boiled with various herbs and spices, then the tea is brewed and the milk is added.
After everything has been brewed and simmered inside the pot, the mixture is poured through a strainer. This means that chai tea is more of an infusion rather than a mixture, but it does include elements of both.
The benefits of chai tea vs matcha are very similar. Both drinks are rich in antioxidants and can be beneficial to our health, but they each have their own particular strength.
For a complete list of the health benefits of matcha, you can read this article here 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
The blend of black tea, various spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, creates a concoction rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These components have been associated with anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits for heart health.
Additionally, chai tea's spice mix can aid digestion, alleviate nausea, and promote a sense of warmth and comfort.
Bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, matcha plays a role in combating oxidative stress and reinforcing the immune system.
Its distinctive cultivation process, including shading the leaves, results in elevated levels of chlorophyll and L-theanine amino acids.
This unique blend offers a harmonious surge of energy and concentration, minus the edginess that caffeine sometimes triggers.
Matcha has been associated with potential benefits like revved-up metabolism, sharpened cognitive function, and potential heart health support.
When we compare chai vs matcha it is easy to see the differences. These teas taste different, they are prepared differently and they are produced differently.
These teas do however share a lot of similarities. They both come from the same plant and they are both healthy and flavorful beverages. It doesn’t matter which one you decide is better, you can benefit from incorporating both into your daily routine.
If you enjoyed this article, we strongly advice you to make sure to read 👉 Yerba Mate vs Matcha: a Battle is Brewing
If you are interested in getting some matcha for yourself. You can try some of the best matcha teas we’ve found during our travels around Japan.
After meeting with dozens of farmers and sampling hundreds of different matcha teas, we have found a small handful of our favorites and we are happy to send them to all of you with free shipping worldwide.
]]>We’ll conduct a comparison between matcha tea vs yerba mate when it comes to flavor, production, health benefits and more.
Let’s get started! 🧉🍵
Before we compare yerba mate vs matcha, we should do a brief summary of each.
Matcha powder is essentially a powdered green tea, but it has to be made from special tea leaves. It is famous for its use in the Japanese tea ceremony, where it is mixed into warm water using a bamboo whisk or chasen. It is very high in caffeine, amino acids and antioxidants.
If you want to learn more about matcha, we made a whole encyclopedia for you! You can read all about it here 👉 What is Matcha? The one and only Matcha-Encyclopedia
Yerba mate is not technically a tea but rather an herbal infusion that is mostly consumed in South America. It is made from the ilex Paraguariensis plant which is rich in caffeine and minerals. It is typically consumed in a gourd with a metal straw or bombilla.
To understand the differences between mate vs matcha, it’s helpful to understand how each of them are produced. Let’s take a look at the production of matcha tea vs yerba mate to see the differences and similarities of each.
Before the matcha is even harvested, it needs to be shaded. When the tea plant is exposed to sunlight, it begins to convert theanine into bitter catechins. To produce a sweeter, less bitter tea, the farmer can cut the tea plant off from sunlight so the plant maintains more of its sweet theanine.
When it comes to the harvesting of mate vs matcha, matcha is very particular. It needs to be made from only the top 3 sprouts of the tea plant. These are the youngest leaves and therefore they are the richest in flavor and nutrients.
After the leaves are harvested and collected, the process has just begun. The leaves need to be steamed in order to lock in these vegetal taste profiles and prevent the tea from turning into a black tea. They also have their stems removed, as this will detract from the flavor of the tea.
Once the stems are removed and the leaves are dried, the tea can be ground into a fine powder in a large stone mill. This granite mill takes up to an hour just to produce 50 grams of precious matcha powder.
If you want to take a deep dive into the production of matcha tea, you may want to check out this guide here 👉 How is Matcha Made?
Yerba mate is primarily grown in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The leaves are typically harvested from the yerba mate shrub (ilex paraguariensis), which is a species of holly native to the Amazon.
The ideal harvesting time is during the warmer months, typically from October to April.
After harvesting, the leaves are spread out in the sun to dry, which allows moisture to evaporate. Drying enhances the flavor, aroma, and longevity of the leaves.
Proper drying is crucial to prevent the growth of molds and maintain the quality of the yerba mate.
Once dried, the leaves are aged for a period ranging from several months to a couple of years. This aging process contributes to the development of the yerba mate's flavor profile, mellowing its bitterness and enhancing its character.
During aging, the leaves are stored in cool, dry environments to achieve the desired results.
After aging, the dried leaves undergo a process called sapeco, where they are exposed to heat to halt the enzymatic activity and further enhance flavor. The leaves are then coarsely ground to create a mixture of leaves, stems, and fine powder.
The final mixture is known as yerba mate, and its composition can vary, giving rise to different types of yerba mate with distinct flavors and characteristics.
The flavor is one of the biggest differences between yerba mate vs matcha. A high quality matcha is designed to have a smooth, vegetal flavor profile while yerba mate tends to be more robust.
There are two main types of yerba mate, roasted and “green” mate. The roasted yerba mate has an intense, almost smoky flavor profile and the green mate is more earthy and slightly astringent.
One similarity between mate vs matcha is that both flavors are considered to be an acquired taste, but they are extremely different.
The flavor of matcha is quite complex, and a lot of work goes into curating a nuanced taste experience. Most good ceremonial matcha will have a smooth, milky mouthfeel to it with notes of steamed vegetables.
Some matcha teas will have a hint of these more flowery notes, and some will even take on a hint of white chocolate or tofu.
If you really want to learn what matcha tastes like, we wrote a whole article to describe the taste profile 👉 What does matcha taste like? Taste Chart with Video
The caffeine content of yerba mate vs matcha is a topic that often gets talked about. Both of these teas are considered to be very high in caffeine, but let’s find out how they compare!
By the way, if you want a full guide on the caffeine content in different types of teas and herbal infusions, you can find that here 👉 Which tea has the most caffeine
When comparing the caffeine of matcha tea vs yerba mate, matcha is generally considered to have less, but as you will see there are a few reasons why this might not be the case.
One teaspoon of high quality, ceremonial matcha contains 68mg of caffeine. If you use 2 tablespoons you already have more caffeine than many cups of coffee. Also, even though matcha is high in caffeine, it may go unnoticed because you don’t get the same jittery effect as you do with coffee.
Matcha contains l-theanine which balances out a lot of the negative effects of caffeine, which is why tea drinkers report having a longer lasting calm alert sensation throughout the day.
The caffeine levels in yerba mate can vary, but they generally fall between that of traditional tea and coffee. An 8-ounce cup of yerba mate typically contains around 70 milligrams of caffeine, making it on a similar level to a cup of coffee.
The reason the caffeine content is so high might have to do with the fact that the drink is traditionally prepared with a large amount of leaves and only a small amount of water. This is something we will explore in the next segment.
One of the biggest differences between yerba mate vs matcha is how they are prepared. If you are used to preparing loose leaf teas, these preparation methods will seem very foreign to you. Let’s briefly go through the preparation of mate vs matcha.
What makes matcha unique from other types of teas is that it is not infused into water. Because matcha comes in a powdered form, it can be mixed directly into water. This is done with a bamboo whisk or chasen, and when you mix the powder directly into water you are consuming the entire leaf along with all of its benefits.
If you use the bamboo whisk, and follow the proper whisking technique, you should be able to create a nice green foam on top of the matcha. This contributes to a lighter, airier consistency and a smoother taste profile.
If you want to make expert level matcha teas, we recommend you read this guide 👉 How to Make the Best Matcha
When you compare the preparation of yerba mate vs matcha, mate is more similar to a typical loose leaf tea. The leaves are infused into water rather than being consumed directly.
The difference is instead of being brewed in a strainer or a teapot, yerba mate is brewed directly in the cup and then drunk with a straw. The strainer is actually on the metal straw (bombilla) itself. This filters out the leaves as you sip the drink, so they stay in the cup and not in your mouth.
Both matcha and yerba mate are considered to be nutritional powerhouses, but which one is better? Let’s compare the health benefits of matcha tea vs yerba mate to how they measure up.
If you want to find a complete list of health benefits when it comes to matcha tea, this is the place you should go 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, yerba mate supports immune health, aiding the body's defense against oxidative stress.
The high caffeine content of yerba mate contributes to enhanced alertness and focus, coupled with theobromine and theophylline that foster a calm energy boost.
Yerba mate is also thought to aid digestion, promote cardiovascular health, and potentially assist in weight management.
High in antioxidants, matcha offers protection against oxidative stress and supports the immune system. Because when you drink matcha you consume the whole tea leaf, it can provide a potent source of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll.
Matcha contains a high amount of caffeine, combined with L-theanine, promoting calm alertness and focused energy that lasts throughout the day.
Studies suggest matcha may aid in metabolism, enhance cognitive function, and contribute to overall well-being. Drinking matcha can help you stay energized, avoid sickness and stay on track with your fitness and weight loss goals.
After conducting a thorough comparison of yerba mate vs matcha, it’s fair to say that both of these teas offer a unique flavor and potent health benefits.
They both offer a fun opportunity to learn about a new culture and they can be a great replacement to coffee. If you want to try some matcha tea, you can browse our selection of some of the best matcha teas we’ve found during our travels around Japan.
After tasting hundreds of different matcha teas, we’ve selected these ones as having the best flavor and they are also rich in caffeine and antioxidants. Try them out for yourself and let us know what you think!
And if you enjoyed this article, we strongly advice you to make sure to read 👉 Chai vs Matcha: Teatime Turf War is Heating Up
]]>We’ll also show you how the ritual of matcha preparation in and of itself can be a form of moving meditation.
Let’s get started! 🍵 🧘♂️
Matcha meditation isn’t some trendy new thing, it has its roots as far back as the Tang dynasty between the 7th and 10th century. It was during this time that Japanese monks would travel to China to learn about Buddhism from the Chinese monks.
If you want to learn the full history of Japanese green tea, I highly recommend you read this article 👉 History of green tea in japan & Tea ceremony
In addition to bringing back knowledge and insights, they also brought back tea as well. The Japanese monks found that by drinking tea, they were able to improve their focus during long periods of meditation.
The tea consumed at the time consisted of tea leaves pressed into a cake. The leaves were gradually broken off and ground into a powdered tea, resembling the matcha we know today. So this is where matcha meditation really got its start!
At this time, matcha was mostly consumed by the monks, but by the 1200s, people all around Japan were beginning to take note of the impressive benefits that came from drinking the tea.
It’s no doubt that they were also taking advantage of the matcha meditation effect.
We now know that the reason the monks found matcha meditation to be so effective has to do with the caffeine and theanine in the tea leaf. Let’s briefly talk about each of these components and why they make matcha meditation so effective.
Caffeine can be a big factor when it comes to why matcha meditation is so effective. Caffeine is very similar structurally to adenosine, which signals to the brain that the body is tired. Caffeine can bind to the adenosine receptors in the brain and make it feel less tired.
When you are sitting in meditation for long periods of time, it can be difficult to not drift off. This is why caffeine can be a helpful part of the matcha meditation ritual.
How much caffeine is in matcha? For that, you'll want to read our full matcha caffeine guide 👉 Does Matcha Have Caffeine? It’s the most Caffeinated Tea
Unlike other caffeinated drinks, matcha also contains theanine, an amino acid that can induce a calming effect on the brain. This is why tea drinkers report having this calm alert sensation that lasts throughout the day.
The theanine in matcha is also thought to buffer some of the negative side effects that come with caffeine like the jitters, the anxiousness and the crash. This is how theanine can help make your matcha meditation even better.
There are so many other components in matcha that come with great health benefits. If you want to learn about them, you can read this article here 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
So besides the concentration, are there any other benefits to matcha meditation? The theanine in matcha is thought to stimulate alpha brainwave activity, which is the same brainwaves stimulated during long periods of meditation.
Alpha brainwaves are characterized by their frequency range of approximately 8 to 13 Hertz (cycles per second) and are typically associated with a state of wakeful relaxation.
These brainwaves are often considered conducive to creative thinking, problem-solving, and overall mental clarity, making them a key component in achieving a balanced and peaceful state of mind.
In addition to drinking matcha during meditation, the preparation of the tea itself can also be a great way to experience a moving matcha meditation.
By focusing the mind on something simple like preparing a cup of matcha, you can get a lot of the benefits of meditation. Here are a few steps you can follow.
Before you prepare the matcha, you will first sift it. Place a metal sifter on the top of a bowl and open up the matcha package. Slowly take two small scoops of powder out and place them into the sifter.
As you sift the powder into the bowl, take note of the sound you hear as the chasaku scrapes against the metal sifter. Watch as the green matcha powder cascades down and collects as a fine powder on the bottom of the bowl.
Once you have a finely sifted powder at the bottom of the matcha bowl, gently pour in a small splash of water and watch how the water combines with the powder. Take your bamboo matcha whisk and mix the matcha into a paste, making sure all the clumps are smoothed out.
Once you have a nice smooth paste, take in the aroma of the matcha. It should fill your nose with a refreshing, steamed vegetable scent.
Add in the rest of the water and gently use your whisk to stir the matcha powder into the water. Observe how the small, individually carved bristles interact with the water. Do they carve right through or are they met with resistance.
Once the matcha has been easily combined with the matcha, begin to whisk the matcha quickly in zigzag motions using your wrist. Let the gentle sound of the matcha splashing comfort you as a bright green foam begins to appear.
Soon, this green foam will cover the entire top of the matcha. Gradually slow your whisking down and observe how the foam has changed the consistency of the tea.
If you want to master the proper whisking technique, you may want to check out this guide 👉 How to Make the Best Matcha
Before taking a sip of the matcha, take in its aroma and reflect on all the work that went into making it. This drink before you was once a leaf, grown with love and care on a small farm in the Japanese countryside.
After you have expressed gratitude, take your first sip and observe how the texture interacts with your palate. Then take a minute to reflect on what taste profiles you notice, and what other foods it reminds you of.
As long as you take the time to slow down your matcha meditation ritual and devote all your 5 senses to it, you will emerge from your tea session with a clearer mind and a more peaceful state of being.
It can be tempting to prepare matcha quickly, but most of the benefits come from preparing it slowly with intent and appreciating all aspects of the tea.
If you want to try your own matcha meditation at home, I’m sure you’re wondering what is the best matcha to use for it. For this, you will want to use high quality, ceremonial grade matcha. This matcha is smooth enough to drink plain, so you can enjoy it without milk or sugar.
If you want to get the best matcha tea grown on small family farms around Japan, you can try some of our favorites at nioteas.com. You can have a look at our best seller, the one and only 👉 Washimine Ceremonial Matcha Tea
After traveling around Japan for the past few years, we’ve met with dozens of farmers and sampled hundreds of different matcha teas. We are happy to share our favorites with you, with free shipping worldwide!
If you want to learn what differentiates a good matcha from a bad matcha, you may want to check out this article 👉 A guide to Matcha Grades that actually makes sense
Matcha meditation can be a great ritual to incorporate into your daily routine. Whether you drink matcha to improve your focus during meditation, or you treat the matcha itself as the meditation, you will no doubt begin to see the benefits.
Just remember to slow things down. Take a minute to reflect on all that went into bringing the cup of tea before you. See if you can pick up on small nuances when it comes to the color, the aroma, the taste and the texture of the matcha.
]]>In this article, we’re going to break down how much matcha per cup you should use and what problems you might encounter if you use too much matcha or too little matcha.
Let’s get started! 🍵
So let’s just start off by answering how much matcha per cup of water.
Typically, we recommend you use 2 grams of matcha powder for 100ml of water. This is about half a cup, so if you want to get the same consistency on a full 8 ounce cup of matcha tea, you should use 4 grams.
Getting the right ratio of powder to water is just one part of the equation. If you want to learn how to make great matcha at home, you should read this guide 👉 How to Make the Best Matcha
The reason we recommend drinking matcha in such a small volume is because it really concentrates the flavor of the tea. It’s better to have a small quantity of super flavorful tea than a larger quantity of more watered down tea.
If you are used to drinking tea in these large mugs, we recommend you try to transition to a smaller cup and take smaller sips to appreciate the flavor.
So now that we have discussed how much matcha per cup you should use, let’s talk about why we use so much.
Because matcha is mixed directly into water, it plays a large role in the consistency of the tea. When you make matcha, you want to have a thick, velvety consistency. If you don’t use use enough matcha powder, you will end up with more of a thin, watery consistency.
How much matcha per cup also influences the foam on top of the matcha. This foam is not just for looks, it also plays a role when it comes to the flavor and consistency of the taste.
A well foamed matcha has a light, airy consistency almost like a latte and it can have a smoother taste profile. In order for the matcha to hold a foam, in needs to be made with enough powder.
Why isn't your matcha foaming? There could be a few reasons, and we'll cover each of them in this complete guide 👉 How to make matcha foam
Matcha is a very healthy drink, but if you use a lot of powder, you may want to watch out for your caffeine intake.
Each gram of high quality, ceremonial grade matcha contains 34mg of caffeine. This means that a regular cup of matcha made with 2 grams contains 68mg of caffeine. This is about half of a cup of coffee, so just make sure you limit your intake accordingly.
The caffeine content of matcha is a complicated topic. For a complete breakdown, we recommend you read this guide 👉 Does Matcha Have Caffeine? It’s the most Caffeinated Tea
Of course if you use too much powder, eventually the consistency will become an issue. The matcha will become a thicker paste and more difficult to drink.
In the next section, we will talk about a matcha that is actually meant to be drunk as a thick paste.
The type of matcha you are likely familiar with is called “Usucha” or “thin tea”. There is another way to prepare matcha and it is called “koicha” or “thick tea”.
This is made using double the amount of powder and half the amount of water. It is drunk during special tea ceremonies, and can only be made using super smooth matcha powder like the matcha washimine, otherwise it will be extremely bitter.
If you want to learn more about koicha, you can read our guide here 👉 All About Koicha by Japanese Tea Experts
We’ve talked about how much matcha per cup you should use if you’re drinking matcha plain, but how much matcha per cup should you use if you’re making a matcha latte?
When it comes to matcha lattes, you can use 2 grams of powder for 1 cup of latte. We recommend to use as little water as possible for making the matcha latte
So how much matcha per cup of milk should you use? For the best matcha latte ratio, we recommend you mix the 2 grams of matcha powder into a paste with about 2 tablespoons of water and then add in one cup of plant based milk (oatmilk tends to work best).
You can use warm milk if you’re making a warm matcha latte and cold milk if you’re making an iced matcha latte.
If you want to learn how to craft and expert level matcha latte, you can follow this guide 👉 Make an Iced Matcha Latte Just Like Starbucks Barista
The reason we recommend using so little water in this matcha latte is because it dilutes the flavor. When it comes to a matcha latte, you want to maximize the creaminess, the sweetness and the matcha flavor.
Adding more water adds more volume to the latte, but a less concentrated flavor. If you’re wondering how much matcha per cup of latte, you can use 2 grams of powder but make the rest of the cup oatmilk and a hint of sweetener.
So how much matcha per cup should you use? This depends on what you are making. If you are drinking the matcha plain, we recommend you make not a cup of matcha, but actually a half cup.
This can be done by mixing 2 grams of powder into 100ml (or about half a cup) of water.
If you’re making a matcha latte and wondering how much matcha per cup you should use, stick to the same 2 grams of powder but this time mix it into one cup of oatmilk.
Make sure you reduce the amount of water you use in your latte so you get a rich and consistent matcha taste profile!
Finally, why does it matter how much matcha per cup is used? The ratio of matcha powder to water can influence just about everything, from the flavor to the consistency to the foam.
If you don’t use enough matcha powder, you will end up with a more watery consistency, less foam and a diluted taste. If you use too much, the consistency will be too thick and contain way too much caffeine.
]]>In this article, we are going to shift our focus to using matcha before a workout and what benefits it can provide. We’ll also see how matcha pre workout compares to traditional supplements, and what advantages it might have.
Let’s get started! 💪 🍵
Matcha pre workout is essentially when you drink matcha tea before a workout to keep you energized and focused.
There are many benefits to using matcha as a pre workout which we will discuss in further detail later. For now let’s just focus on the basics, and answer what is matcha pre workout.
Pre workout has become a slang term for supplements you take before a workout. These supplements tend to give you some type of boost when you are working out.
In theory, if you take the right pre workout before going to the gym, you can make more progress towards your fitness goals.
Matcha is essentially a powdered green tea, but in order to be considered high quality, it needs to be made from special tea leaves.
These leaves are shaded before the harvest to improve their sweetness, they have their stems removed and they are carefully ground into a fine powder in a large stone mill. Matcha is very high in caffeine, antioxidants and amino acids, making matcha pre workout a great choice.
There are many aspects of matcha that make it great for improving energy and focus during workouts. It also has a lot less side effects when compared to synthetic pre workouts.
Let’s go through a list of benefits that come from using a more natural matcha pre workout.
P.S if you're interested in a full list of the health benefits of matcha, you can learn all about it in this article 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
Matcha pre workout contains caffeine, which can provide a natural and sustained boost in energy levels. Unlike coffee, matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calmness and reduces the jitters often associated with caffeine, creating a balanced energy effect.
If you want to learn about how matcha can help boost your energy levels, we have the perfect article for you 👉 Does matcha give you energy?
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha pre workout can contribute to improved cognitive function, including enhanced focus and alertness. This mental clarity can be particularly beneficial when approaching a workout session.
Catechins, a type of antioxidant found in matcha pre workout, have been associated with a potential increase in metabolic rate. This could lead to a higher calorie burn during exercise and support weight management goals.
The high levels of antioxidants, including catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), in matcha can help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, which is especially important during intense physical activities.
Matcha pre workout contains all the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. This can support muscle repair and recovery post-workout.
What makes matcha pre workout so special is that it can really hydrate the body. This sets it apart from other caffeinated drinks and pre workouts which can actually have a dehydrating effect.
Matcha's high antioxidant content can help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by intense exercise, potentially reducing muscle soreness and aiding in recovery.
This can make matcha pre workout even better when compared to regular pre workout.
A lot of pre workout drinks on the market are loaded with sugars and artificial flavors. Matcha is naturally sugar free, and it tastes good naturally so instead of just choking it down, you can really enjoy a delicious bowl of matcha tea before you head out to the gym.
In addition to there being a ton of benefits behind matcha pre workout, there are also not many side effects.
Matcha is simply made by grinding up tea leaves, so it is much more natural than a lot of the pre workouts out there that are produced in laboratories.
One thing you do need to watch out for when it comes to matcha pre workout is the caffeine content. Each gram of premium ceremonial matcha can contain 34mg of caffeine and you should not exceed over 300-400mg per day.
If you want to learn more about the caffeine content in matcha, we suggest you read this article 👉 Does Matcha Have Caffeine? It’s the most Caffeinated Tea
If you want to try matcha pre workout, its as easy as picking up some matcha powder online, like the matcha tea washimine.
After traveling around Japan for the past few years, we have met with dozens of tea farmers and sampled hundreds of different matcha teas.
We’ve selected a small handful of our favorites and we’re so excited to share them with all of you, with free shipping worldwide.
If you like to drink a nice pre workout smoothie or latte before heading off to the gym, you may want to pick up the latte matcha powder. This matcha is much more affordable and it is perfect for using in recipes like smoothies or lattes.
Speaking of lattes, we have a matcha recipe you might really enjoy before you head off to the gym 👉 Iced Strawberry Oat Matcha Latte : Recipe and Benefits
If you want to use matcha pre workout, it couldn’t be easier to prepare! Just add 2 grams of matcha into a bowl, add in 100ml of water and whisk it up until it starts to foam.
This green foam on top of the matcha is not just for looks, it also creates an airier consistency in the tea and a smoother flavor. If you master the matcha making technique, you should be able to get the perfect foam every time.
If you really want to become an expert on preparing matcha, you'll want to read this 👉 How to make matcha taste good with 11 simple tips
If you really want to make the best bowl of matcha pre workout, you might want to invest in a bamboo matcha whisk. This is the best tool for whisking up beautiful bowls of matcha tea.
To learn more about the matcha whisk and why you might want to start using it, you can read this article here 👉 Learn all you need to know about Matcha Whisk
If you really want to fit in at the gym, you can make your matcha pre workout in a blender bottle. Just put a teaspoon into the bottle, add in some water and shake it up!
You'll find that these shaker bottles can also produce a nice foam on the matcha, and it can taste great!
Matcha pre workout is the healthier alternative to using various supplements before your workout. You’ll find that it gives you the energy and the recovery you need, without all the extra side effects.
Another big benefit is that it tastes great! A lot of matcha lovers start using matcha as a pre workout and they end up continuing to drink it because they like the taste. Try it out for yourself and see how you like it!
]]>We’ll take you through the different flavors you might experience when you drink a matcha latte, and how those flavors might change based on the ingredients you use.
Let’s get started! 🍵
So let’s get down to basics and discuss what does a matcha latte taste like when you make it using milk and sugar. We’ll go through the different ingredients, and what each one adds to the flavor of a matcha latte.
The most important component when discussing what does a matcha latte taste like is the matcha itself. Matcha has a very complex flavor profile, but it is typically associated with these steamed vegetable or slightly grassy notes.
If the matcha is very high quality, it will have a natural sweet and smooth flavor to it, allowing you to drink it plain without experiencing much bitterness. The matcha used for lattes tends to be a lower quality, so it will have a bit more astringency.
If you want to learn more about the taste of matcha, we made a full guide here 👉 What does matcha taste like? Taste Chart with Video
The matcha used for lattes like the latte grade matcha comes from later harvests, so it tends to have more of this citrusy acidity to it, and a bit more of a dryness in the finish.
The stronger flavors might make it too intense to drink plain, but they can actually be an asset when it comes to the matcha latte. The stronger flavors allow you to taste the matcha flavor through the milk. So what does a matcha latte taste like? That depends on which matcha you use!
There's a big difference between the different grades of matcha, and if you want to become an expert you can read this 👉 A guide to Matcha Grades that actually makes sense
If the more vegetal flavors of matcha have you a bit hesitant, have no fear, milk is here to the rescue! While the question of what does a matcha latte taste like can vary depending on what type of milk you use, all milks add a smoother texture and taste to the matcha.
This can be a great compliment to the earthier and grassier flavors of the matcha, meaning that you don’t have to be a true tea lover in order to enjoy the taste of a matcha latte.
If you want to learn how to make a professional level matcha lattes, we suggest you follow this guide 👉 The Ultimate Matcha Latte Recipe
Of course the additional sugar will add some sweetness to the matcha, and further smooth out any of the bitterness. If you’ve been following our green tea flavor pairings, you’ll know that matcha is best paired with things that are neutral and sweet. The sweetness comes from the sugar, and the neutrality comes from the milk.
If you want the perfect food pairing for matcha tea, we recommend you prepare this recipe 👉 The Sweet and Chewy Delight of Green Tea Mochi
So what does a matcha latte taste like depends on how much sugar you add to it. If you add a lot of sweetener, the drink can almost taste like a green tea ice cream. If you add only a tiny bit of sugar, you tend to get more of a natural matcha flavor.
Because sweetening green tea can be difficult, we made a whole guide to show you how to do it 👉 How to Sweeten Green Tea
So we’ve covered what does a matcha latte taste like when it is made the proper way. It should be a perfect balance between the strong vegetal flavors of the matcha, the rich creaminess of the milk and the sweetness of the sugar.
But what if the matcha latte is made improperly? Let’s cover a few beginner mistakes, and how they can impact what does a matcha latte taste like.
So what does a matcha latte taste like when you make it with too much water? The flavor becomes very diluted, and you can’t really get a sense of the matcha. This is a common mistake when making matcha lattes, and we’ll show you how to avoid it.
First, instead of making a bowl of matcha and adding milk to it, start off with a matcha paste using 1 teaspoon of powder and 2 tablespoons of water. This will concentrate the flavor and make it less watered down.
Also, if you are making an iced matcha latte, you can use matcha ice cubes instead of regular ice cubes. When these ice cubes melt, they will add more matcha flavor to the drink, instead of just more water.
Another common mistake when making a matcha latte is to not sift the powder. This will create clumps in your matcha, and the taste won’t be as consistent.
Instead of getting this smooth balance of flavor, some sips will be overpowering, and other sips will have barely any flavor. You want to make sure the matcha is well sifted, so the powder can be evenly combined into the milk.
One big factor that can determine what does a matcha latte taste like is the type of milk that you use. Let’s go through a few of the most popular ones, and what each tastes like.
Soy milk usually tends to be the sweetest of the plant milks, and this can really pick up the flavor of your matcha latte. If you are sensitive to sweet things, you may want to choose a different milk.
Coconut milk can be the creamiest of the plant milks, but it also tends to have a tiny bit of bitterness in the finish. This can have its advantages and disadvantages when used in a latte.
Rice milk tends to be the “thinnest” of the plant milks. If you are using this in your matcha latte, you may want to use a smoother matcha powder or more sweetener, because it may not be enough to neutralize the bitterness.
After rice milk, almond milk tends is probably the thinnest milk, but it is often made with a heavier amount of sweetener. This makes it well-suited for matcha lattes, but you will still want to be careful because some can come with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Oatmilk is perhaps the best milk for matcha lattes. It has a medium thick consistency, its slightly sweeter and it has a smooth finish. Oatmilk can also be frothed, which gives it an advantage when it comes to hot matcha lattes.
So, to finish things up, what does a matcha latte taste like? This depends on how you make it, and what ingredients you use.
If you use ceremonial matcha, it will be smoother, but latte grade matcha can make it more flavorful.
If you forget to sift the matcha, it can become clumpy and inconsistent, and if you use too much water you dilute the flavor.
Finally, a lot of the matcha latte flavor will come from the type of milk you use, so make sure that you choose wisely!
I hope you have found this guide helpful and I wish you all the best in your future matcha lattes!
]]>We'll take a deep dive into the history of matcha and how it made its way from the temples to tea shops all around the world.
So before asking where did matcha originate in Japan, we first need to ask where did matcha originate in China. Matcha can trace its roots back to the Tang Dynasty 600-900AD. Tea was originally consumed in Southern China where it was pressed into cakes in order to be transported easier.
Some would break off pieces of this dried leaf cake, grind it into a powder and mix it directly into water. This powdered tea was likely very bitter compared to the matcha we know today, but it can still be considered a precursor to the world famous beverage.
If you want to learn more about matcha and it's history, we suggest you read our full matcha encyclopedia 👉 What is Matcha? The one and only Matcha-Encyclopedia
Now that we’ve answered where did matcha originate in China, let’s talk about the Japanese side of the equation. As far back as the 8th century, we have records of powdered tea being consumed in Japan.
The full history of Japanese green tea is as complicated as it is fascinating, and if you'd like to learn more about it, we recommend you read this article 👉 History of green tea in Japan
During this time period, the capital of Japan was in Nara, the nations first permanent capital. The monks that worshipped in the temples of Nara would frequently travel to China to learn about buddhism from the Chinese monks.
In addition to bringing back knowledge, they also brought back physical goods like tea, that could actually improve their focus and concentration during long periods of meditation.
Again, the powdered tea of this time was likely very bitter, so if we truly want to know where did matcha originate, we need to go forward a few hundred years or so.
Although tea was being consumed in Japan, it technically couldn’t be considered Japanese tea yet. It was produced in China and brought over to Japan by the monks who studied there. So if we want to know where did matcha originate we have to the grounds of Kozanji temple, just north of Kyoto.
If you’re wondering where did matcha originate, the short answer is in Kyoto. It was here, at the grounds of Kozanji temple that the monk Eisai planted some the first tea seeds on Japanese soil. These seeds soon grew a crop of tea plants that could be turned into Japanese green tea for the monks that worshipped here.
Nowadays, Kyoto is just one of many growing regions for Japanese green tea. If you want to learn about the others, we suggest you read 👉 Where Does Japanese Tea Grow?
Matcha is technically the oldest type of tea native to Japan. This is because the consumption of powdered tea predated loose leaf by hundreds of years. It began as a drink only consumed by the monks for meditation, but soon reached every strata of Japanese society.
Many began to take note of the health benefits of this drink after the book Kissa Yojoki was written by Eisai in 1211. This was the oldest book on tea in Japan, and kicked off an explosion of interest in the field of green tea.
Between the period of 1211AD to the 1500s, matcha was primarily consumed by the upper classes.
During the turbulent Sengoku period, different warring factions within Japan would compete not only for territory and wealth, but also for prestige.
Tea ceremonies took place during this time, but it was mostly an excuse for the wealthy and powerful to showcase their expensive tea and teaware.
To find the answer to the question where did matcha originate, we have to talk about the modern Japanese tea ceremony. During the Sengoku period, a man known as Sen no Rikyu came along with a more humble vision of what the tea ceremony could be.
Instead of opulent palaces and fancy teaware, he opted for a more rustic approach - a single, modestly decorated room inside which all were equal. The purpose of this tea ceremony was to foster a strong bond between the host and their guest, and make tea accesible to all people.
If you're curious about the Japanese tea ceremony, you may find this guide helpful Japanese tea ceremony: Description, History, & Facts
Sen no Rikyu's tea ceremony matcha famous all around Japan, but it was still not finished yet. It underwent a lot of change over the next few hundred years to turn it into the delicious beverage we know today.
Farmers began experimenting with shading and harvesting techniques and the industrialization of the late 20th century made the tea more affordable and easier to export. Soon, people all around the world began to take notice of matcha and celebrate it for it's unique vegetal and savory flavor.
Eventually, Uji became known for producing the best matcha in Japan, a title it still holds today. If you want to learn more about what makes Uji matcha so special, you can read our article here 👉 What is Uji Matcha and Why is it the Most Famous Tea?
So finally, where did matcha originate? The short answer is Japan, but in reality it is far more complicate than that. Matcha had to go through a lot of different stages to become the world renowned beverage it is today.
The matcha we consume today is likely the best its been in history, thanks to innovations in the growing, harvesting and processing of the tea. If you'd like to try some for yourself, we encourage you to browse our assortment of teas and order some for your collection!
]]>So is matcha one of these foods? In this article, we’ll answer the question is matcha tea acidic once and for all. We’ll also get to the bottom of a lot of the stubborn matcha myths when it comes to acidity, health and more. Let’s get started!
Before we answer the question, it’s important to go through a quick middle school chemistry lesson. Substances are either basic (alkaline) acidic or neutral. This is determined by measuring the substance on the pH scale.
The pH scale is a numerical representation of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral, while values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. The lower the pH value, the more acidic the substance is, and vice versa.
Acidity in beverages and foods is determined by measuring the concentration of hydrogen ions present in the substance.
A higher concentration of hydrogen ions results in lower pH values, indicating higher acidity. Conversely, a lower concentration of hydrogen ions results in higher pH values, indicating alkalinity.
In the context of matcha, understanding the pH scale is crucial to evaluate whether this green tea variety is acidic or alkaline and how it compares to other beverages and foods. Matcha is generally considered to be slightly acidic or neutral, with a pH level ranging from around 5.5 to 7.0.
Matcha is generally considered to be slightly acidic, with a pH level ranging from around 5.5 to 7.0. This makes it a mildly acidic beverage, similar to regular green tea.
To put it in perspective, the pH of water is neutral, around 7.0, while coffee and fruit juices often have lower pH values, indicating higher acidity.
Scientific studies and research have been conducted to analyze the pH levels of various teas, including matcha. These studies typically involve measuring the pH of tea infusions and comparing the results to the pH scale.
While specific research on matcha's acidity may vary, the consensus is that matcha falls within the mildly acidic range.
Matcha and coffee are often compared to one another when it comes to caffeine, health benefits and flavor so let’s do a quick comparison of the acidic, to determine is matcha acidic when compared to other popular beverages.
The pH of coffee is between 4.5 and 5, which makes it quite acidic, almost on a similar level to beer. As we mentioned before, matcha is only slightly acidic, and some matcha can be neutral like water.
What’s even more impressive is that matcha actually has an alkalizing effect on the body, so it works for restoring your pH balance.
If you want to see how matcha and coffee compare, you can check out our article 👉 Is Matcha Better than Coffee? Let’s Find Out!
When people ask is matcha tea acidic, it is important to mention that how the tea is stored can affect it’s acidity.
If you want to store green tea the right way, we recommend you read our guide 👉 Best Way to Store Loose Leaf Tea
When matcha tea is exposed to air, it can undergo oxidation, which may lead to changes in its chemical composition. This oxidation process can cause a slight decrease in pH over time, making the tea slightly more acidic.
Moisture can also affect the pH of matcha tea. When matcha is exposed to moisture, it may absorb water, which can lead to hydrolysis of some compounds present in the tea. Hydrolysis can alter the pH of the tea, making it slightly more acidic.
Exposure to light, especially direct sunlight, can degrade certain compounds in matcha tea. This degradation can lead to changes in the pH level of the tea.
Fluctuations in temperature during storage can impact the stability of the compounds in matcha tea. Extreme temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions that affect the pH of the tea.
In addition to storage, there are a few other factors that can complicate the question of is matcha acidic. Let’s go through each one briefly.
The products applied to the tea plants used to make matcha can have an impact on the final product. This means that the ph of the soil, the ph of the water and the ph of the fertilizer can all make matcha more or less acidic. This is something to keep in mind when you are wondering is matcha acidic.
How the matcha is processed can also affect the pH. For example, if the tea leaves are steamed for a longer time, the pH will be raised slightly, making the matcha closer to neutral.
Also, blending the tea leaves during the production will influence the pH. Some farmers make teas using multiple tea plant varieties grown on different plots of land, and this will impact the acidity of the finished product.
Of course this biggest factor that can influence the acidity of matcha is the ph of the water you use, as matcha tea is mostly water. Assuming you use perfectly neutral water, you can still influence the acidity of matcha by using a higher brewing temperature.
Using extremely hot water may increase the extraction of certain compounds, which can lead to a more acidic taste. On the other hand, using cooler water (around 160°F or 70°C) may result in a less acidic taste.
If you want to prepare the perfect cup of matcha, and make sure it is not too acidic, you may want to follow our guide 👉 Complete Ceremonial Matcha Preparation
When people ask is matcha acidic, it’s important to point out that even though it is slightly acidic, matcha has an alkaline nature when metabolized in the body.
This means that it can help balance the body's pH levels, promoting a more alkaline environment.
An alkaline state is believed to be beneficial for overall health, as it may support the body's natural detoxification processes and reduce the risk of certain health issues related to acidity, such as acid reflux and digestive discomfort.
Catechins and amino acids found abundantly in matcha play a vital role in neutralizing acidity. Catechins are a group of antioxidants that have an alkalizing effect on the body when metabolized.
One particular catechin in matcha, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation.
If you're interested in learning more about the health benefits of matcha, we have the perfect article for you 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
Several misconceptions have arisen around matcha's acidity, leading to concerns about its impact on health. Some myths suggest that matcha is excessively acidic and can harm tooth enamel or cause acid-related issues in the stomach.
However, scientific evidence shows that matcha's mildly acidic nature is not a cause for alarm. The pH level of matcha is within a safe range for consumption, and when consumed in moderation, it is unlikely to cause any negative effects on dental health or digestive system.
As with any beverage, moderation is essential. Enjoying matcha in reasonable amounts as part of a balanced diet is safe for most individuals. Also, make sure not to drink too much matcha on an empty stomach
Enhance the alkalizing effect of matcha by pairing it with alkaline-rich foods, such as leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables.
If you want to learn more about the flavor of matcha and how to pair it with different foods, we put this guide together just for you 👉 What Does Matcha Taste Like?
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help maintain proper pH balance in the body.
If someone finds matcha too acidic, they can add small amounts of honey, agave syrup, or a pinch of baking soda to balance the taste. However, it's best to avoid excessive sweeteners, as they can negate some of the health benefits.
In summary, matcha is mildly acidic in its raw form but has an alkalizing effect on the body when metabolized.
The presence of catechins and amino acids in matcha plays a role in neutralizing acidity and contributing to potential health benefits. Debunking myths about matcha's acidity reveals that it can be safely enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
Ultimately, incorporating matcha into one's lifestyle should be based on individual preferences and considerations. With its unique flavors, antioxidants, and alkalizing properties, moderate consumption of matcha can be a delightful addition to a well-balanced diet.
]]>We’ll first show you what matcha powder and turmeric are, and then we’ll get into the health benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric mixed in.
Let’s get started! 💛💚
Before we dive into the benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric, let’s briefly discuss each.
Turmeric and matcha both are celebrated all around the world, so you can only imagine the health benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric together!
Matcha green tea is not your ordinary cup of tea; it's a tea with a remarkable journey from plant to powder. Unlike traditional teas where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves carefully handpicked and ground into a fine powder.
This special production process ensures that every bit of the tea leaf's nutrients and antioxidants are preserved, offering a concentrated and potent source of health benefits. With matcha, you consume the whole tea leaf, providing a unique and elevated tea-drinking experience that packs a punch in terms of flavor and wellness.
If you want to learn more about the health benefits of matcha, you may want to read this article 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
Turmeric, a bright golden spice originating from the ginger family, holds within it a powerful secret - curcumin. Curcumin is the active compound responsible for turmeric's incredible health benefits. Revered for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin has been studied for its potential role in supporting overall health and well-being.
From promoting joint health to aiding digestion and bolstering the immune system, turmeric's golden warrior, curcumin, has captured the attention of health enthusiasts and researchers alike. Incorporating turmeric into your diet is like adding a touch of golden goodness to your culinary creations, elevating both taste and wellness in one splendid package.
If you want to combine the benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric, we made the perfect recipe for you 👉 The Glorious Glowing Golden Matcha Latte Recipe
Although matcha and turmeric have health benefits on their own, there are even greater health benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric together. Let’s explore how these two superfoods can be mixed together to get the best aspects of each.
The compounds present in matcha and turmeric complement each other in promoting overall health and well-being. The antioxidant-rich nature of matcha helps support cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism, and may aid in weight management. On the other hand, curcumin from turmeric is known for its potential benefits in reducing inflammation and supporting joint health.
When these two superfoods come together, their combined effect creates a holistic approach to wellness. They may support the immune system, promote digestive health, and even contribute to cognitive function. The active compounds in both matcha and turmeric work synergistically, amplifying their individual benefits and enhancing their collective impact on our bodies.
One of those buzzwords when it comes to health benefits is “antioxidants”. These are potent compounds within foods that can help protect the body against free radical damage. Let’s focus on the specific antioxidants within matcha and turmeric and how they can improve health.
Matcha green tea boasts an impressive concentration of antioxidants, notably EGCG, a type of catechin. When you consume matcha, you're ingesting the whole tea leaf, harnessing its abundance of antioxidants. These potent compounds work diligently to combat harmful free radicals in the body, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to oxidative stress.
By incorporating matcha into your diet, you elevate your antioxidant intake, providing your body with a robust defense against cellular damage and promoting overall health.
Turmeric is not only known for its vibrant color and earthy flavor but also for its active compound, curcumin. Curcumin is celebrated for its exceptional antioxidant capabilities, which play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
This mighty warrior from turmeric works in tandem with matcha's antioxidants to create a powerful combination that fortifies the body's cellular health and supports various bodily functions, from immune support to skin health.
Where the health benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric are really apparent is when it comes to inflammation. We’ll show you the benefits of each of these herbs together, and then we’ll combine them to find the benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric together.
By the way, if you want another opportunity to combine matcha green tea with turmeric, you might want to check out this recipe 👉 Matcha Turmeric Latte: A Harmony of Wellness and Flavor
Turmeric's curcumin takes center stage with its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated curcumin's ability to suppress inflammatory molecules and modulate certain pathways involved in the inflammatory response.
By reducing inflammation, curcumin may have potential benefits in managing inflammation-related health conditions, such as joint discomfort and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Matcha's star antioxidant, EGCG, also contributes to the battle against inflammation. EGCG has been linked to the inhibition of certain pro-inflammatory substances in the body, showcasing its anti-inflammatory potential.
When combined with curcumin from turmeric, the synergistic effect of these two natural ingredients may enhance their ability to alleviate inflammatory stress, supporting a balanced and comfortable well-being.
By harnessing the combined benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric, you're not only enriching your taste buds with delightful flavors but also empowering your body with a potent shield against free radicals and inflammatory stress.
Their harmonious partnership showcases a holistic approach to wellness, making these two green wonders a valuable addition to your daily health regimen.
In addition to providing support against inflammation, one of the most praised benefits of turmeric is its immune supporting properties. Let’s discuss the benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric when it comes to the immune system.
Both matcha green tea and turmeric have been praised for their immune-boosting effects. Matcha's high concentration of antioxidants, particularly EGCG, bolsters the body's defense by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, which can weaken the immune system.
On the other hand, turmeric's curcumin exhibits immunomodulatory properties that may enhance the immune response, supporting the body's ability to fend off infections and illnesses.
Worried about getting the flu? Fear not! We made the perfect guide for you 👉 The Ultimate Guide for Cold and Flu Tea
The combined power of matcha and turmeric works in tandem to fortify the immune system. By promoting a balance of antioxidants and providing anti-inflammatory support, these superfoods create an environment in the body that supports overall immune health.
A well-nourished immune system is better equipped to ward off pathogens and maintain the body's natural defense mechanisms, helping you stay resilient against common ailments.
There are many ways in which matcha green tea with turmeric benefits the brain. We’ll discuss the benefits of matcha and turmeric individually, and then we’ll show you how the health benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric work in synergy.
Matcha and turmeric team up to offer potential cognitive benefits that go beyond their delightful flavors. The neuroprotective properties of matcha's EGCG and turmeric's curcumin have garnered attention for their possible role in supporting brain health.
Studies suggest that these compounds may help protect brain cells from damage and inflammation, potentially slowing down age-related cognitive decline.
The combination of matcha and turmeric brings forth a powerful duo that supports brain function and memory. Matcha's natural caffeine content offers a gentle energy lift, promoting alertness and focus without the jittery effects of other caffeine sources.
Simultaneously, curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties may reduce oxidative stress in the brain, supporting cognitive processes and enhancing mental clarity.
In addition to inflammation and immune support, there are health benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric when it comes to digestive health. Let’s see how each one of these herbs can aide digestion and the benefits of matcha green tea with turmeric together.
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties extend their goodness to the digestive system. By mitigating inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, curcumin may provide relief from digestive discomfort and support overall gut health.
This soothing effect can be particularly beneficial for those with occasional digestive issues.
Matcha contains polyphenols, including catechins and EGCG, which have been associated with potential benefits for gut health.
These compounds may encourage a healthy balance of gut bacteria and support the gut lining, creating an environment conducive to improved digestion and overall gastrointestinal wellness.
Matcha gets a bad name for being acidic, but it can actually have an alkalizing effect on the body and gut. If you want to learn more, you can read this article 👉 Is Matcha Acidic? A Tea Expert Solves the pH Puzzle
Incorporating matcha green tea and turmeric into your daily routine offers a multi-faceted approach to wellness. From bolstering your immune system and promoting brain health to soothing digestive woes, these green powerhouses offer a treasure trove of benefits for your body and mind.
Embrace the union of matcha and turmeric as they work harmoniously to enrich your well-being and elevate your health journey.
]]>We’re going to show you the matcha protein content, whether or not it is sufficient and how you can make your own matcha protein powder at home.
Matcha tea protein can be a great addition to your workout routine either before or after you go to the gym and we’ll show you how to make it!
Let’s get started! 💪
The first thing to ask is how much matcha protein can you get from just matcha powder alone. We’ll take a brief look at the match tea protein content, and see if it is a sufficient source.
Matcha powder contains a moderate amount of protein, making it a noteworthy addition to one's diet. On average, one teaspoon of Matcha powder (approximately 2 grams) provides about 0.3 grams of protein.
While the protein content may seem relatively low compared to other sources like meats or legumes, every gram counts!
Protein isn't the only thing in matcha, there are so many other interesting compounds that can be found in green tea! To learn about them, you can read the article 👉 Chemical Composition of Green Tea
Matcha's nutritional value extends beyond just the matcha protein. It is rich in antioxidants, notably catechins, and contains essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Matcha's unique combination of nutrients contributes to its popularity as a superfood, supporting overall well-being and promoting a sense of vitality.
Whether incorporated into smoothies, lattes, or baked goods, Matcha powder offers a delightful way to enjoy its nutritional benefits while savoring its distinct flavor and vibrant green hue.
Gram for gram, the matcha protein is very high. The one problem is that you will be consuming matcha in such a small quantity that you will be unable to meet your daily goals of 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
If you’re interested in adding more protein to your diet, but you still want to enjoy the delicious flavor of matcha, this next section is for you!
If you really want to maximize your matcha protein, you can combine it with protein powder. If you search online, you can find all sorts of products being sold as matcha protein, but in reality, these are just protein powders combined with a small amount of matcha tea powder for flavor.
This means that you can easily and affordably make your own matcha tea protein at home! This can be great before and after workouts, and we’ll show you how to do it in the next section!
To create your own matcha protein powder, you can easily combine matcha powder with a plant-based protein source. Start by selecting your preferred plant-based protein, such as pea, hemp, soy, or brown rice protein, which can be found in health food stores or online.
Measure out a days worth of protein powder according to your protein needs and taste preferences. Then, you can add in a teaspoon of matcha powder, which should be enough to get the flavor (plus a healthy dose of caffeine).
Use a spoon or whisk to thoroughly blend the two powders together until well combined. Transfer the homemade matcha protein powder to an airtight container for storage or mix it in with water directly for a post workout shake.
This personalized matcha protein blend that not only offers the benefits of green tea antioxidants but also provides a plant-based protein boost to support your active lifestyle and overall well-being.
Enjoy incorporating this nutritious and flavorful matcha protein powder into your smoothies, shakes, or baked goods for a delicious and energizing treat!
The homemade matcha tea protein can be the perfect fitness buddy to take along to your workouts. Matcha protein can be helpful both as a pre-workout drink and as a post workout drink, and we’re going to discuss each briefly.
The matcha protein mixture holds a plethora of benefits, particularly when it comes to pre and post-workout nutrition.
Before exercise, the combination of matcha's natural caffeine content and plant-based protein offers a gentle energy boost, promoting alertness and focus without the jitters often associated with synthetic stimulants.
The antioxidants in matcha help combat oxidative stress, supporting the body during physical activity.
If you're interested in how much caffeine is in matcha, and how it may be able to energize you in your workouts, you may want to read this article 👉 Does Matcha Have Caffeine? It’s the most Caffeinated Tea
the plant-based matcha protein aids in muscle repair and recovery, helping to reduce post-workout muscle soreness and promoting muscle growth. The easily digestible nature of plant-based protein makes it ideal for pre-workout fuel, providing sustained energy throughout the session.
After exercise, the matcha protein mixture aids in replenishing depleted nutrients, supporting muscle recovery, and optimizing the body's ability to repair and rebuild.
With its impressive blend of green tea antioxidants and plant-based protein, this matcha protein powder becomes a powerful ally for maximizing workout performance and fostering overall well-being.
It also comes with a great taste profile, so if you’re a tea lover and a frequent gym-goer, this matcha protein is must have!
To learn more about the health impacts of matcha, you may find this article helpful 👉 Is Matcha Good for You?
In conclusion, while the matcha protein content is not sufficient, you can make your own matcha tea protein at home that makes the perfect pre and post-workout companion!
The matcha protein mixture offers an extraordinary array of benefits that make it a game-changer for pre and post-workout nutrition.
By combining the power of matcha's natural caffeine and antioxidant-rich profile with the muscle-supporting properties of plant-based protein, this personalized blend provides an optimal fuel source for both physical and mental performance before exercise.
Its ability to promote muscle repair, reduce soreness, and enhance recovery after workouts makes matcha protein a must-have addition to any fitness routine. Embracing this matcha tea protein powder unlocks a world of nutrition that energizes, revitalizes, and empowers the body to reach new heights.
With each sip, you not only experience the vibrant flavors of matcha but also savor the numerous health benefits that come hand in hand. So, raise your shaker cup and toast to the matcha protein mixture - your secret weapon for a stronger, more invigorated, and well-nourished journey to peak performance and well-being.
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So right off the bat, is matcha bad for dogs? In small quantities and if you're micro-dosing matcha, it will be beneficial for dogs in the short term. However, when it comes to matcha pet servings, we strongly recommend consulting with your veterinarian first before giving your dog more than a lick of your matcha green tea.
Matcha powder is a concentrated form of green tea that contains caffeine, which can be harmful to dogs.
Dogs are more sensitive to these stimulants than humans, and even small amounts of matcha can lead to symptoms like restlessness, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures.
It's essential to keep matcha and other caffeinated products away from dogs to ensure their safety and well-being. If a dog accidentally ingests matcha or shows any signs of distress, it's crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.
If you want to learn more about the caffeine in matcha, you should check out our article 👉 Does Matcha Have Caffeine? It’s the most Caffeinated Tea
When people ask is matcha bad for dogs, the first thing worth discussing is the relatively high caffeine content of matcha. Caffeine is a stimulant that can be toxic to dogs, and they are much more sensitive to its effects than humans.
While it is important to limit your caffeine consumption to under 400mg per day, it is especially important for dogs to limit their caffeine content, as they are more sensitive to it. So is matcha bad for dogs? From a caffeine perspective it certainly is!
If you’re curious is matcha bad for dogs, one important question comes down to dental health. If you’ve ever had a dog, you know one of the most frustrating parts is keeping their teeth healthy. If this is a concern for you, this next section is for you!
Although it is low compared to other types of tea, matcha contains small amounts of tannins, which can cause staining on both human and animal teeth. Additionally, matcha's acidic nature may also contribute to enamel erosion over time.
While dogs are less prone to dental issues like cavities compared to humans, prolonged exposure to acidic or staining substances can still have a negative impact on their dental health.
Dentists will say that matcha can actually be good for teeth. If you want to learn more about it, you can read this article 👉 Does Matcha Stain Teeth? Here’s What to do About it
Matcha, like green tea, naturally contains fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that is often added to tap water and oral care products like toothpaste because of its beneficial effects on dental health. It helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay caused by acids and bacteria.
In small amounts, the fluoride naturally present in matcha is unlikely to cause harm to dogs. However, excessive consumption of fluoride can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which can affect tooth and bone health.
This is why it's crucial to avoid giving your dog large amounts of matcha or any other fluoride-containing substances.
So we’ve talked a bit about is matcha bad for dogs, but we haven’t asked is matcha good for dogs. While it is not advisable to give matcha to dogs, it is interesting to highlight a few potential benefits this superfood can have to the canine world.
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, such as catechins and EGCG, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and support cellular health.
The EGCG in matcha has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for dogs with certain inflammatory conditions.
Matcha contains theanine, an amino acid known for its relaxing and calming effects. It may help reduce stress and anxiety in some people.
Matcha is low in calories and can be a healthier alternative to sugary beverages or treats, potentially supporting weight management. This is more of a benefit towards humans rather than dogs
Whether or not it is good for dogs, matcha is great for humans! If you want to learn more about the benefits of matcha tea, we made a full guide for you 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
So is matcha bad for dogs? The caffeine alone is a reason to not give your pooch a cup of matcha tea, but besides that matcha is not the worst thing they can get into.
If your dog drinks a little bit of matcha by accident, it’s not the end of the world and it may be able to benefit them in small quantities. If your dog drinks too much matcha and is starting to exhibit some symptoms, it may be time to call a vet.
Matcha is a wonderful beverage and a potent superfood, but it's best to keep it to ourselves. So pour a nice cold bowl of water for doggo, a nice foamy bowl of matcha for yourself and raise a toast to this incredible green tea!
]]>Introduce the entertaining yet informative approach to compare their attributes and benefits.
Encourage readers to buckle up for an exciting ride through the world of greens.
In one corner, we have Moringa, the ancient powerhouse with roots that reach back through the annals of time.
Nearly every part of the moringa tree is edible. It is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients which are commonly missing in the diets of people living in undeveloped countries. When dried, its leaves can be ground into a fine powder that will keep many months without refrigeration.
From Ayurvedic medicine to traditional folklore, Moringa's cultural significance is as impressive as its nutritional prowess.
And in the opposing corner, we have Matcha, the illustrious Japanese tea with a legacy that spans centuries.
Discover the enchanting tales of Zen monks, tea ceremonies, and the art of mindful sipping. Matcha's journey through time has left an indelible mark on Japanese culture, making it not just a beverage but a symbol of harmony and sophistication.
As we uncover the stories of these two powerhouse herbs, we'll witness how they've carved their places in the hearts and traditions of people around the world. It's time to ring the bell and let the battle between moringa vs matcha begin!
If you're interested in matcha history and you want to learn more, we put together the perfect article for you 👉 History of green tea in japan & Tea ceremony
This is the showdown between moringa vs matcha that most people are interested in. Both of these herbs are regarded for their nutrient content, but which will come out on top? Let’s find out in the nutritional showdown between moringa vs matcha!
If it's a competition between moringa vs matcha in terms of antioxidants, matcha reigns supreme with its abundant catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant known for its exceptional health-promoting properties.
These antioxidants combat oxidative stress and protect your body from cellular damage, making Matcha a heavyweight champion in the battle against free radicals.
To learn more about the health benefits of matcha, you may want to take a look at our complete guide 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
Unlike Moringa, Matcha delivers a harmonious blend of caffeine and L-theanine. This winning combination provides a sustained, gentle energy boost without the jitters or crashes commonly associated with other caffeine sources.
The presence of L-theanine is a key differentiating factor between moringa vs matcha. It induces a sense of calm focus, keeping you steady and alert throughout the day.
If you're interested in using matcha as an energy source, you can read the full guide 👉 Does matcha give you energy?
Thanks to its unique amino acid profile, Matcha enhances cognitive function and promotes improved memory retention. This advantage sets Matcha apart, positioning it as an ally in maintaining mental clarity and focus, especially during demanding tasks or stressful periods.
With a higher concentration of chlorophyll, Matcha proves to be a more efficient detoxifier compared to Moringa. Chlorophyll helps to flush out toxins and supports healthy liver function, aiding your body's natural detoxification processes.
Additionally, Matcha's metabolism-boosting properties can aid in weight management and promote overall well-being. By the way, another superfood matcha gets compared to is turmeric, but you don't have to choose between the two! You can get the best of both worlds with this recipe 👉 Matcha Turmeric Latte: A Harmony of Wellness and Flavor
Matcha takes the lead in terms of bioavailability, allowing your body to absorb its nutrients more effectively than Moringa. The finely ground powder of Matcha ensures that you receive the full spectrum of its health benefits without leaving any valuable components behind.
While the nutritional battle between moringa vs matcha is pretty evenly matched, Matcha's unique combination of antioxidants, calm energy, mental clarity, detoxification, and superior nutrient absorption positions it as the ultimate winner in this thrilling bout.
So, raise your cups to Matcha, the reigning champion of superfoods, and savor its remarkable benefits for a healthier and more vibrant life!
Now that we’ve compared the health benefits of moringa vs matcha, let’s talk about the taste.
As a reminder, matcha goes through a long, labor intensive production process in order to attain the perfect taste profile. Let’s see how the flavor of matcha vs moringa compares!
Matcha is celebrated for its bold, rich, and grassy taste. Its flavor is characterized by a unique umami essence, which imparts a savory and slightly sweet undertone. When prepared traditionally, whisked with hot water, Matcha delivers a smooth and velvety texture that coats the palate.
The taste is robust, with a satisfying vegetal aftertaste. High-quality Matcha exhibits minimal bitterness and a well-balanced flavor profile that appeals to tea enthusiasts seeking a more intense and indulgent tea-drinking experience.
If you're interested in trying matcha but you want to learn more about what it tastes like before you buy, you can check out our full guide 👉 What does matcha taste like? Taste Chart with Video
In contrast, Moringa offers a more subtle flavor profile. Its taste is earthy and slightly nutty, with gentle green and spinach-like notes. Moringa leaves have a mild bitterness, and it is slightly drier compared to Matcha.
The overall taste is gentle and easily adaptable to various recipes, making it a versatile choice for culinary use. Unlike matcha, it is not recommended to drink this plain, but rather you should mix it into your morning smoothie!
It may be unfair to do a comparison between moringa vs matcha because matcha is so carefully produced to ensure the best possible flavor. The taste will be much smoother and more nuanced, but the flavor of moringa can be pleasant as well.
It can be mixed into all sorts of smoothies, lattes and culinary creations for an additional health benefit bump. So the winner of this battle of moringa vs matcha flavor is matcha again!
As the dust settles and the final round comes to a close, the moment of truth is upon us - the decision of the ultimate winner! But before we reveal the victor, let's take a moment to marvel at the strengths and uniqueness of both superfood champions, Moringa vs Matcha.
Moringa, the "Miracle Tree," has astounded us with its nutritional prowess. Packed with an array of vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and powerful phytonutrients, Moringa truly lives up to its name.
Its anti-inflammatory properties, cholesterol management potential, and support for blood sugar regulation make it a formidable contender in the ring of health benefits. Moreover, Moringa's gentle, earthy flavor and versatility in various culinary creations have earned it a special place in our hearts.
On the other side, Matcha, the revered Japanese tea, has showcased its own arsenal of healthful benefits. Bursting with antioxidants, notably the mighty EGCG, Matcha fights off free radicals like a true champion. Its perfect blend of caffeine and L-theanine delivers a calm yet focused energy, making it a favored choice for mindful alertness.
Matcha's detoxifying and metabolism-boosting prowess, along with its smooth and velvety texture, have enchanted tea enthusiasts worldwide.
We put together the ultimate guide on matcha tea, and if you want to become a tea expert, we really recommend you check it out 👉 What is Matcha? The one and only Matcha-Encyclopedia
Before we reveal the winner in this showdown of moringa vs matcha, it is important to emphasize that both of these herbs can provide plenty of benefits. Also, these two are not mutually exclusive, you can use both matcha and moringa in your daily routine and get the best aspects of each.
That being said, in the competition of moringa vs matcha when it comes to taste and health benefits, matcha comes on top. This beverage is a clear favorite in terms of flavor and in the battle of health benefits it has a slight edge, thanks to its high antioxidants and that long lasting calm alert sensation you get when you drink it!
]]>There are a lot of matcha being sold online and all of them claim to be the best, so which one should you get? We’ll also show you what to look for when buying matcha, so you don’t end up overpaying for low quality tea.
Also, where to buy matcha powder depends on what you’re planning on using it for. We’ll show you where to get the best matcha powder for lattes and for drinking plain.
Let’s get started! 🙌🏻🍃🏆
If you’re looking for where to buy matcha powder, it’s important to first have an idea of what you’re planning on using it for.
If you want to drink the matcha plain like they do in the Japanese tea ceremony, we recommend you go for premium ceremonial grade matcha tea.
These matcha teas are smooth enough to drink plain, and they are made through a long, labor intensive production process to maximize flavor.
There are two different ways to prepare matcha during the tea ceremony and this will determine where you should buy your matcha powder : usucha and koicha.
But before going into the detail, we want to make sure that you're not familiar with the concept of matcha grades. So make sure to read our article 👉 A guide to Matcha Grades that actually makes sense before starting the next section!
Usucha or “thin tea” is likely the type of matcha you are familiar with. This is whisked into a bowl using a bamboo whisk until a light green foam appears on top. This foam creates a smooth and airy consistency, so the matcha ends up tasting almost like a latte.
If you want to know where to buy matcha powder to make Usucha, Mr. Henta, a small farmer in Kirishima, produces a great one. The Henta matcha is very smooth and complex in its flavor and it comes with an affordable price tag so it is one of the best tea for beginners.
Koicha, also known as “thick tea” is used in special tea ceremonies. This is made with double the amount of powder and half the amount of water. This creates a concentrated matcha paste that is passed from guest to guest.
When you concentrate the matcha like this, it magnifies not only the health benefits of matcha tea plant, but also the matcha taste profile. If you use a regular matcha, it will become incredibly bitter. That's why we recommend using a super smooth matcha like the Washimine Ceremonial Matcha Tea, which is made by Mr. Nakai.
Mr. Nakai also makes an even more premium matcha called the Wazuka Tea Nakai Superior, which you can also get on our website nioteas.com. The Nakai superior and washimine are both made from the Okumidori cultivar, which is known for having a well rounded and smooth flavor with no bitterness.
Now that we’ve given you a couple ideas on where to buy matcha powder, let’s talk about what you should be looking for when it comes to taste, appearance and the description of the matcha.
Of course the only true way to evaluate a matcha is by tasting it, but if you are looking for where to buy matcha powder online, you probably won’t have this option (unless you try our matcha samplers).
So what does matcha taste like? You want a matcha that can produce a good foam and has a smooth and complex flavor. It shouldn’t be too bitter, but a hint of bitterness is enjoyed by a lot of matcha drinkers. The flavor shouldn’t be too flat either, it should have a varied flavor profile to it, much like a fine wine.
Besides tasting it, the next best thing you can do to evaluate a matcha is by looking at the powder. A premium matcha should be a vibrant green color, not the dull green or yellow color you may see on a lot of cheap matcha teas.
Within premium matcha, there is a variation from a bright chartreuse to a duller kelly green, but there should always be a luminance to the color.
If you’re looking for where to buy matcha powder online, the only thing you’ll really have access to is the description, but there is still a lot you can tell about a matcha from this alone.
The key here is specificity. The more specific the seller is with the description, the better the tea is likely to be. If its simply sold as “matcha” it is probably from the cheapest possible source.
If the tea is named by region, cultivar or the farm it was produced on, this tends to be a good sign. It shows the seller is proud of where the tea comes from and wants to share information about it.
If you are looking to get the most for what you pay, you can buy some matcha tea from Mr. Noike. Most premium matcha can cost at least $1 per gram, but the Noike matcha costs a small fraction of that and it includes shipping.
This matcha is grown on a small farm outside of Kyoto in the middle of a pine forest. This forest provides the matcha plants with partial shade throughout the day, which renders the tea slightly sweeter. It is also made using the Okumidori cultivar which is known for its lack of bitterness.
Now that we’ve talked a little bit about where to buy matcha powder that is high quality, let’s discuss why quality matters. Matcha is more than just powdered tea leaves. They have to undergo a special process before they are ground, otherwise the result will be incredibly bitter.
First the matcha plants need to be shaded for 3 weeks before the harvest in order to maximize their sweetness and reduce their bitterness. Then the top 3 sprouts are selected as these are the highest in nutrients and the smoothest and sweetest in flavor.
Finally, the stems are removed from the tea leaves, as these will only detract from the flavor. Only then is the matcha ground into a fine powder in a large stone mill.
If you’re looking for where to buy matcha powder that is high quality, specificity is the key. If a tea seller invested the time and resources to make sure their matcha was made using these methods, they will want to share that information.
In the description of the product, or on the website, there should be a mention of how the tea was produced. You can see which of these steps were taken to produce the matcha and which ones were skipped.
If you’re looking where to buy matcha powder, but you’re only planning on using it in lattes, you can go for a latte grade matcha. This matcha is made from later harvests but the upside is, the tea can be purchased for a fraction of the price.
This is important because if you’re making matcha lattes every morning, you tend to go through a lot of matcha powder. If you want great tasting matcha without breaking the bank, you can get the latte grade matcha from Mr. Masuda.
Mr. Masuda is a talented tea farmer in Shizuoka, and he is committed to growing green tea without the use of pesticides or chemicals. When we visited Mr. Masuda, he taught us so much about tea cultivation and tea plant varieties.
We also fell in love with his premium matcha teas like the Kyoto Matcha Masudaen and the Masudaen Makinohara Matcha. These teas can also be purchased at nioteas.com
In addition to being more cost effective, the latte grade matcha provides another advantage. When you are adding milk and sugar into your matcha latte, often times it can overshadow the flavor of the matcha itself.
Ceremonial grade matcha is smoother, but in the case of a latte that is not always a good thing because you want a strong flavor that you can taste through the milk. This is where the latte grade matcha comes in.
So if you’re looking for where to buy matcha powder for lattes, Mr. Masuda is your guy, and you can find his matcha on our website where we offer free worldwide shipping.
If you’re planning on using matcha powder for recipes like ice cream, cakes and cookies, you can go for an even more inexpensive matcha powder. This is where we recommend the Basic Latte Grade matcha from Mr. Masuda.
The more ingredients you add to the matcha, the less important it is to go for the premium stuff. If you are going to be making matcha cookies for example, the premium matcha will be wasted by mixing it into the dough, so you can go for the more inexpensive matcha powder.
Even if you’re looking for where to buy matcha powder to cook with, you still want to go for matcha that is grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals. These chemicals will make their way into the matcha, and can have a negative impact on health.
Of course it would be great if we could all go to Japan and buy from farmers directly, but if you’re looking for where to buy matcha powder online, we can handle all of the hard work for you.
After traveling around Japan for the past few years, we’ve met with dozens of farmers and sampled hundreds of different teas. We’ve put them altogether in one collection at nioteas.com and we offer free shipping to tea lovers all around the world.
We would really appreciate it if you could order some teas from these small farmers and let us know what you think.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this article. Hopefully by now you have a better idea of where to buy matcha powder. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. Until then, we’ll see you next time!
]]>The short answer is that matcha comes from Japan, but where in Japan?
This is the question that we hope to answer in this article, as we take you on a deep dive through the matcha production process from leaf to cup. We’ll also show you where matcha comes from when it’s low quality versus high quality.
Let’s get started!
If we take a look at a map of Japan, one of the first things you’ll notice is that it is very spread out in terms of Latitude.
Japan has everything from extreme cold climates in the Northern Island of Hokkaido, to tropical climates in the small Southern Islands like Okinawa.
The tea plant is an evergreen shrub native to Southern China and it prefers mild, subtropical climates.
For this reason, it can’t be easily cultivated north of Tokyo and therefore matcha is really only grown in Southern and Central Japan.
Interested to learn more about where other Japanese green teas are grown? Make sure to read our article 👉 Where Does Japanese Tea Grow?
The largest production of Matcha actually happens in Central Japan, which includes well known areas like Kyoto with richest tea history. It's also where the best matcha farmers are from such as Nakai matchas, the chanoka matchas or the osada matchas. While most of Japan is mountainous, there are small pockets of flat land in these areas where tea can be easily produced.
The downside of this area is that the winters can be quite cold, and therefore the farmers need to take certain steps in order to avoid the frost.
Some farmers will cover the roots of the matcha plant, use fans to blow air over the tea plants and even spray water on them, all to keep the tea plants above freezing so the frost doesn’t damage them.
In southern Japan, there are lots of great growing regions for matcha like Kagoshima, where the Sakamoto matchas are from, Kirishima, where the henta matcha is from and Yame.
Here, the tea plants benefit from mild winters and rich, volcanic soils. While central Japan produces the largest volume of tea, there are exceptionally high quality teas being produced in the South
Because of the cold winters in Central Japan, the farmers tend to grow tougher, more frost resistant tea cultivars like Yabukita. In Southern Japan, frost isn’t as much of an issue, so the farmers can experiment with more delicate tea cultivars like Saemidori and Asatsuyu.
These more delicate tea cultivars can produce a sweeter flavor in the tea. As a result, you will tend to find more of these rare tea varietals produced in Southern Japan compared to the North.
Where does matcha come from might not be the right question. Matcha can come from anywhere, so a better question might be where does matcha come from when it is high quality.
Japan mastered the art of matcha over the past 800 years. The first powdered tea that was brought over from China in the 8th century was likely very bitter, but through the discovery of shading, stem removal and steaming, the flavor of this tea was greatly improved overtime.
These techniques were passed down through generations, and the matcha being produced today is likely the best it has ever been. While it is possible to produce high quality matcha in China, the best matcha tends to come from Japan because of the multiple generations of knowledge, specialized equipment and unique varieties of tea plants.
So now that we’ve talked about where does matcha come from when it is high quality, let’s talk about the low quality stuff. Of course, low quality matcha can be produced just about anywhere, but a lot of it will likely be coming from China simply because China produces the largest volume of tea.
If you know anything about matcha, you likely already know that matcha can’t be made from just any powdered tea leaves. The leaves have to be shaded for 3 weeks before the harvest, the top 3 sprouts are carefully picked, the stems are removed and then the tea is ground into a fine powder.
If these steps are skipped, you end up with a low quality matcha. This is how you’re able to find those cheap matchas made in China being sold online. They are still made from powdered tea, but they will taste extremely bitter.
The history of green tea in Japan is extensive and captivating. Initially originating in China, it quickly transformed upon reaching the Islands, taking on a distinctively Japanese identity. If you're interested about the topic, make sure to read our article 👉 History of green tea in japan & Tea ceremony
If you want to try premium matcha tea, you can get it from our website, nioteas.com. After traveling around Japan for the past few years, we’ve met with dozens of farmers and sampled hundreds of different matcha teas.
We’ve ultimately selected a small handful of our favorites. These matchas are produced on small family farms in the Japanese countryside, and we’ve had the great privilege to get to know the farmers and their families over the years.
If you’d like to support us and our mission, we would really appreciate it if you could try some of our teas with free worldwide shipping.
]]>We’ll take a look at how each drink affects you when you drink it in the morning, and then we’ll take a look at the unique nutrient profile of each drink.
We’ll also take a look at the versatility of each drink to see which is easier to prepare and use.
Hopefully, by the end of this article, we’ll be able to answer is matcha better than coffee once and for all! 💚🤎
For many individuals, the ritual of starting the day with a cup of coffee is deeply ingrained, but is matcha better than coffee for getting that morning energy boost?
While coffee provides a quick jolt of energy due to its high caffeine content, it often leads to a subsequent crash. Matcha, on the other hand, contains a moderate amount of caffeine combined with L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting calmness and relaxation. So does matcha give you energy?
Yes! This combination offers a sustained and focused energy boost without the jitters or the crash associated with coffee. Matcha provides a sense of alertness and clarity without the rollercoaster effect on your energy levels.
So is matcha better than coffee? If your goal is to have sustained energy throughout the day without the crash, the answer is yes.
But how does matcha compare to a low caffeine drink, like a chai latte for example? For that comparison, you'll have to read our article 👉 Chai vs Matcha: Teatime Turf War is Heating Up
Is matcha better than coffee for your overall health? This is a question that is on a lot of people’s minds, so we thought we’d take a deep dive into the differences between matcha and coffee when it comes to various nutrients.
We’ll take a look at the antioxidants, detoxifying properties and the weight loss effects of each of these drinks to see which is better.
Matcha is renowned for its exceptional antioxidant content. The vibrant green tea leaves used to make matcha are shade-grown, enhancing their chlorophyll and antioxidant levels. Matcha contains a potent antioxidant called catechin, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and boosting the immune system.
Matcha contains significantly more antioxidants than coffee. In fact, it might contain more antioxidants than just about anything else you put in your body, with 18 times the amount of antioxidants as blueberries. Coffee by comparison contains relatively few antioxidants.
We know matcha is a longer lasting energy source than coffee, but is matcha better than coffee when it comes to your overall state of mind?
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha provides unique cognitive benefits. L-theanine promotes a state of relaxation and mental clarity, counterbalancing the potential anxiety-inducing effects of caffeine.
This synergy results in improved focus, enhanced concentration, and heightened productivity. Matcha can also be helpful during meditation, and this is one of its first uses when it was brought to Japan from China over 1,000 years ago.
If you want to learn more about the history of matcha, you can read our complete guide to the history of green tea.
Matcha is renowned for its detoxifying properties, thanks to its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll helps to cleanse the body by eliminating toxins and heavy metals. It supports the liver's natural detoxification processes, promoting overall well-being.
Unlike coffee, which can have a diuretic effect, matcha hydrates the body and aids in digestion. So is matcha better than coffee when it comes to detoxifying the body? It would appear so.
When people discuss the health benefits of various foods, one of the first things on their mind is weight loss. So is matcha better than coffee when it comes to losing weight?
Matcha boosts metabolism and increases fat oxidation due to its unique combination of caffeine, EGCG, and other phytonutrients. It helps the body burn calories more efficiently, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet and active lifestyle. In terms of caloric content, one teaspoon (approximately 2 grams) of matcha powder contains about 5 calories.
Coffee can be helpful when it comes to weight loss, but it lacks a few nutrients that matcha has in abundance. For example, coffee does not contain catechins which are thought to aid with fat oxidation. So the answer to the question is matcha better than coffee when it comes to weight loss appears to be yes again.
By the way, if you want to find out which green teas are best for weight loss, you're going to want to read this article 👉 What’s the Best Green Tea To Lose Weight? Find Out Here
We’ve talked about the health benefits of matcha and energy that matcha can give you, but is matcha better than coffee when it comes to its overall versatility? The answer is also yes.
Matcha comes in a finely ground powder, and it can be consumed directly without any brewing or filtering. This means that you don’t need as many fancy tools in order to prepare it.
Essentially, all you need to do is mix the powder into water and drink it. If you want to make the matcha taste better, you can always add tools and techniques to the preparation.
For example, sifting the powder before use and using a bamboo whisk to mix the matcha will lead to a smoother and creamier tasting matcha tea, but this is not strictly necessary.
If you want to learn more about how to prepare matcha tea, you can read our article all about it.
Is matcha better than coffee when it comes to versatility? One of the biggest benefits of matcha that often goes unnoticed is the versatility. Because matcha comes in a fine powder, it can be mixed into just about anything you can think of.
At its finest, espresso powder can make for a nice dusting on top of tiramisu, but it tends to be too gritty to mix into water directly. Matcha on the other hand can be easily mixed into lattes, smoothies, desserts and candies, and you don’t even have to brew it.
Are you tired of the same old cup of joe every morning? Looking for a way to kickstart your day without relying on caffeine? Well, you're in luck! We've got the inside scoop on the best substitute for coffee that will leave you buzzing with energy. Say goodbye to those coffee jitters and hello to a whole new world of delicious alternatives. To discover the best teas that taste like coffee or have the same effects, make sure to read our article 👉 Complete Guide about Tea that Tastes like Coffee
While coffee has its merits and remains a beloved morning beverage for many, matcha green tea offers a host of advantages that make it a compelling alternative.
With sustainable energy, a rich antioxidant profile, enhanced mental focus, detoxifying properties, and potential weight management benefits, matcha provides a well-rounded and healthier choice.
By incorporating matcha into your daily routine, you can elevate your overall well-being and enjoy the unique qualities of this vibrant and ancient Japanese tea. So is matcha better than coffee? We think yes!
If you want to try premium matcha green tea for yourself and experience its many benefits, you can browse our selection of ceremonial grade matcha. After traveling around Japan for the past few years, we’ve met with dozens of farmers and sampled hundreds of different matcha teas.
We’ve ultimately settled on a small handful of our favorites to share with all of you, with free shipping worldwide!
]]>In this article, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about matcha calories. We’ll show you how many calories are in matcha, and what you can do to reduce the amount of calories in your matcha latte.
Let’s get started! 🍃
Made from finely ground green tea leaves, matcha is known for its concentrated flavor and nutritional profile.
In terms of caloric content, one teaspoon (approximately 2 grams) of matcha powder contains about 5 calories.
Since matcha is typically consumed in small quantities, the calorie count per serving remains relatively low and is almost non-existent.
It's important to note that the nutritional value of the matcha extends beyond calories.
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, making it a nutritious choice despite its low-calorie content.
Now, let's try to understand where do matcha calories come from!
By the way, the amount of calories in matcha is different than a standard green tea. If you want to learn more about that, you'll want to read our article 👉 What You Need to Know about Green Tea Calories
Matcha is made from tea leaves, and just like leaves in your salad, these contain calories. Unlike nuts and seeds, the leaves of the matcha plant are not very calorically dense and this is why people that are trying to lose weight try to eat more salads.
Now picture you take a tiny bit of those leaves, blend them up and mix it into water. Because water contains no calories, you are getting the same amount of nutrients but in a larger volume. This is why a big bowl of matcha has 5 calories and a can of soda has 100 calories or more for the same amount of liquid.
Even though the matcha calories themselves are low, people often add other ingredients in order to create a matcha latte. If you want to reduce the calories in your latte, this next section is for you!
If you are mindful of your calorie intake, there are a few ways to reduce the number of calories in your matcha preparation. Just keep in mind that if you are making a matcha latte for example, the matcha calories will be a relatively small piece of the equation.
If you really want to reduce your caloric intake, you will have to take a look at the milk and sweetener you are using. Here are a few tips to help you reduce your matcha calories:
Since matcha is flavorful and concentrated, you can use less powder to reduce the overall calorie count. Experiment with smaller amounts until you find the right balance of taste and calorie content that suits your preferences.
If you enjoy adding sweeteners to your matcha, consider using calorie-free or low-calorie options such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. These alternatives provide sweetness without adding excessive calories.
If you prefer matcha lattes, using low-fat or plant-based milk options like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can help reduce calorie intake compared to whole milk or cream. Just make sure to carefully check the nutrition facts on the back of the package if you want to reduce the matcha calories.
Matcha lattes have become a popular choice among tea enthusiasts and coffee shop-goers alike. The caloric content of a matcha latte varies depending on the ingredients and proportions used. Here's an approximate breakdown of matcha calories you’ll get from a latte:
Matcha powder: 5 calories per teaspoon (2 grams)
Milk: The caloric content will depend on the type and quantity of milk used. For instance, an 8-ounce matcha latte made with 2% reduced-fat milk contains approximately 122 calories. Opting for plant-based milk options can yield similar or lower calorie counts, depending on the brand and variety chosen.
Sweeteners: There are 16 calories in 1 teaspoon of sugar. Adding sugar or flavored syrups will really start to add up and increase the matcha calories. It's best to use calorie-free or low-calorie sweeteners sparingly or choose unsweetened options.
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, and the actual calorie count may vary depending on specific brands, proportions, and additional ingredients.
While matcha calories are very low compared to other foods and drinks, its the things we add to matcha that increase the calorie count. Tea is considered to be almost a calorie free beverage, but even adding a little bit of sweetener can quickly change that.
If you want to reduce your matcha calorie intake, it’s not about consuming less matcha powder and more about adding less to your matchas. Although the occasional matcha latte can be a delicious treat, we recommend people try to enjoy matcha plain.
If you get a premium, ceremonial grade matcha like the matcha washimine, you’ll find that it is smooth enough to drink plain. It contains no additional calories compared to a low quality matcha, but it tastes so much better. If you want great tasting matcha without too many matcha calories, this is a good place to start.
]]>Unlike regular matcha, which naturally contains caffeine due to the young tea leaves' inherent properties, decaf matcha offers a milder, more soothing experience without compromising on taste or the plethora of beneficial compounds found in regular matcha.
Decaf matcha undergoes a decaffeination process that removes or reduces the caffeine content.
This decaffeination process is usually applied to the tea leaves and not the finished powder, as the caffeine is on the outside of the leaves and once ground it can be difficult to isolate.
Here are a few common methods employed to create decaf matcha:
This method utilizes pressurized carbon dioxide to extract caffeine from the tea leaves while leaving behind the desirable compounds. The CO2 acts as a solvent, gently drawing out the caffeine molecules, which are then separated and discarded.
Of course this can alter the flavor of the decaf matcha. The CO2 not only extracts the caffeine, but other compounds as well, that’s why decaf matcha will never quite taste as good as true ceremonial grade matcha.
In this method, the tea leaves are soaked in water, allowing the caffeine to dissolve. The water is then filtered through activated charcoal or resin filters that selectively capture the caffeine molecules.
The caffeine-free water is reintroduced to the tea leaves to preserve the flavor and other compounds. Again, this method will show a downside when it comes to the flavor of the decaf matcha.
Even if the filtered water is reintroduced to the tea leaves, it still will taste like a “second steeping”.
This method involves treating the tea leaves with ethyl acetate, a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables. Ethyl acetate selectively bonds with caffeine molecules, which can then be separated, leaving behind decaffeinated tea leaves.
Although there are significant drawbacks when it comes to the taste of decaf matcha, there are a few advantages. Let’s go through a few of them here.
If you are sensitive to caffeine or you simply prefer to limit your intake, decaf matcha provides an excellent option. It allows you to experience similar flavor, aroma, and health benefits of matcha without the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and a sense of calm. Decaf matcha maintains its L-theanine content, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful beverage that can aid in stress reduction.
Normally, the l-theanine combines with the caffeine to create a synergistic effect, giving you a calm alert energy that lasts throughout the day. This can be perfect for long periods of work and study, but if you just want to mellow out, perhaps decaf matcha is the right choice.
As we mentioned before, there is no way to produce decaf matcha while still leaving the flavor intact. All decaffeination methods involve some sort of extraction and if you’ve ever brewed green tea before, you’ll know that there is something special about the flavor of that first extraction.
So is natural matcha good for you? Yes!
If you want to experience the real deal and get some premium Japanese matcha tea grown without pesticides, you can browse our selection of matcha powder and accessories.
After traveling around Japan for the past few years, we’ve met with dozens of farmers and sampled hundreds of different matchas. We’ve ultimately selected just a small handful of our favorites to share with all of you.
]]>Brace yourself for a delightful exploration of how this iconic treat has become an irresistible sensation for matcha lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike.
Imagine a velvety chocolate coating infused with the vibrant essence of matcha, a finely ground, shade-grown green tea that has been celebrated in Japan for centuries.
The Matcha Kit Kat perfectly captures the essence of this traditional Japanese tea and combines it with the beloved qualities of a beloved chocolate wafer treat.
Before we get started, you may want to study up on matcha.
We made the perfect guide with everything you'll ever need to know 👉 What is Matcha? The one and only Matcha-Encyclopedia
As the name would suggest, the matcha kit kat is made with matcha. Of course the matcha used in the matcha kitkat isn’t nearly as high quality as the ceremonial grade matcha we get from small farmers in Japan, but it’s made out of powdered green tea leaves.
The tea powder has this strong, grassy or vegetal flavor to it which works surprisingly well in things like white chocolate. This lower quality cooking matcha is extremely bitter if you drink it plain, so we recommend you go for the premium stuff, which will be naturally sweet and smooth.
If you're curious about the different grades of matcha and why they matter, we suggest you take a look at this guide 👉 A guide to Matcha Grades that actually makes sense
The story of Matcha Kit Kat traces back to 2004 when Nestlé, the renowned confectionery giant, introduced this unique flavor variation exclusively in Japan.
It quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike, captivating their palates with its harmonious balance of bittersweet chocolate and earthy matcha. The green hue of the Kit Kat bar pays homage to the vibrant shade of matcha tea leaves, adding a visual charm that only adds to the overall allure.
Soon, foreigners began to take notice of the kit kat matcha flavor, and demand for it internationally began to grow. People traveling to Japan would bring back these matcha green tea kit kat bars back to friend and family.
It wasn’t until 2019 that Nestle announced that they would be bringing the long awaited matcha kitkat to Europe. From there, the kit kat matcha green tea flavor become among it’s most popular!
Crafting a Matcha Kit Kat is no simple task. It begins with carefully selecting matcha sourced from tea-growing regions of Japan, where the leaves are cultivated, harvested, and stone-ground with precision.
The matcha powder is then blended into a creamy white chocolate base, infusing it with the distinctive flavor and vibrant green color. Layering this luscious matcha-infused white chocolate over crisp wafers, the Kit Kat takes its iconic form, ready to be savored with every bite.
The matcha green tea kit kat bars destined for the European market are manufactured in Hamburg, Germany using UTZ-certified cocoa beans and matcha from China and Japan.
It is worth pointing out that the original matcha kit kat japan was launched with Uji matcha. Perhaps this is because the Japanese market is more picky when it comes to matcha tea, and Uji is the most well-known matcha region
The European market may be more interested in the kit kat matcha green tea flavor and willing to accept ones made using Chinese matcha.
If you want to learn more about Uji and the other places green tea is grown in Japan, you may find this guide helpful 👉 Where Does Japanese Tea Grow?
What started as a regional delicacy in Japan quickly transcended borders and captured the hearts of chocolate enthusiasts worldwide. The Matcha Kit Kat has become an international phenomenon, celebrated for its unique flavor and cultural fusion.
It has found its way into the hands of curious travelers, tea connoisseurs, and adventurous foodies, who delight in experiencing the essence of Japanese matcha in the form of a beloved chocolate treat.
The Kit Kat Matcha Green Tea flavor has become among Nestles most popular, and has certainly given them the permission to take more risks. They currently have 350 different varieties and they have even added a roasted tea flavor.
If you want to learn more about this roasted green tea kit kat, you can read all about it in our articles 👉 Why the Hojicha Kitkat just might Take Over the World
The marriage of the Kit Kat Matcha Green Tea flavor is no coincidence. Matcha's rich, earthy flavor and natural antioxidants complement the smooth sweetness of chocolate, creating a harmonious balance of tastes.
The slightly bitter undertones of matcha help cut through the sweetness, allowing for a delightful and nuanced flavor experience. It's a match made in confectionery heaven!
Matcha also makes a great pairing in cookies! If you want to learn how to make your own at home, you can follow this recipe here 👉 The Best Matcha Cookies You’ll Ever Eat!
The Matcha Kit Kat stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of culinary artisans who fuse tradition with contemporary indulgence. From its humble beginnings in Japan to its global recognition, this iconic treat has mesmerized taste buds and introduced the world to the enchanting world of matcha-infused chocolate.
So, embrace the matcha magic, savor the delightful crunch, and let the Matcha Kit Kat transport you on a flavorful adventure that bridges cultures and delights chocolate enthusiasts worldwide.
]]>But can matcha stain your teeth if you’re not careful? Yes, it can overtime unless you follow the tips in this guide!
Let's embark on a toothsome adventure and separate the fact from fiction, all while sipping our delightful cups of matcha!
Matcha's vibrant green color might lead you to believe it's a tooth-staining villain lurking in disguise. After all, it's a powdered substance that's bound to leave its mark, right?
Well, not so fast! Unlike its notorious cousin, coffee, matcha owes its color to a natural pigment called chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll is actually beneficial for your teeth, as it has been shown to help combat bad breath and maintain a fresh mouth.
So why does matcha stain teeth if it doesn’t contain so many tannins? While matcha doesn’t directly stain teeth, it can color the plaque on your teeth. This is why your tongue and teeth can turn green after you drink a lot of matcha but it won’t last.
Ah, tannins. These organic compounds are often associated with staining teeth and are found in beverages like red wine and black tea. But fear not! Matcha contains significantly lower levels of tannins compared to other teas.
This means you can enjoy your latte matcha or bowl of whisked matcha without worrying about tannin-induced tooth discoloration.
The tannins in tea can also make the tea taste bitter. If you want to learn how to avoid this, you can read our article 👉 Why Green Tea is Bitter & How to Reduce the Bitterness
So does matcha stain teeth more than a beverage like coffee for example? The answer is no. While matcha only has the capacity to stain the plaque on your teeth, coffee really can color your teeth overtime.
As we will discuss in a later section, the catechins in matcha actually have the potential to prevent your teeth from staining. Also, matcha functions as an antibacterial, preventing stain causing bacteria from taking hold.
If you're trying to switch from coffee to green tea, you may be looking for a tea that tastes like coffee and we have you covered 👉 Complete Guide about Tea that Tastes like Coffee
While the answer to the question "does matcha stain teeth" is a complicated, yet resounding “no” matcha can stain basically everything else, including clothes, furniture and paper. This is why you need to exercise caution when preparing and pouring matcha tea.
As we mentioned before, while matcha doesn’t contain tannins, it does have powerful coloring agents like chlorophyll that can put an unintentional splash of green on your favorite outfit! Matcha tea is a collection of small green leaf particles that can get trapped in fibers and lead to staining.
If you’re interested in whether or not does matcha stain things like clothes, you can read our article 👉 Does Matcha Stain Clothes? Yes, But Don't Panic Yet!
Matcha can stain the plaque found on your teeth, which forms between 4 to 12 hours after your last brushing. This is why it is so important to brush your teeth frequently, especially if you're a tea lover!
We also recommend that you rinse your mouth out after you drink matcha tea. This will remove the leaf particles from your mouth and keep you with a pearly white smile.
So the answer to the question does matcha stain teeth is “not necessarily”. The answer to can matcha stain your teeth is a yes, if you’re not careful, but can matcha actually be good for your teeth? Yes, it can, and here are a few reasons why.
When it comes to oral health, matcha emerges as a champion. Packed with catechins, potent antioxidants, matcha possesses the power to combat harmful bacteria, reduce plaque formation, and even aid in preventing tooth decay.
These catechins work their magic by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.
Additionally, matcha's natural abundance of chlorophyll helps freshen breath and maintain oral hygiene. It’s funny to think earlier we were asking does matcha tea stain teeth because of the chlorophyll, and now we know the chlorophyll can actually be good for teeth!
One of the hidden gems within matcha is its fluoride content, which contributes to its dental benefits. Fluoride is a mineral known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods.
Matcha naturally contains fluoride, derived from the soil in which the tea plants are grown. When you enjoy a cup of matcha, you're not only savoring its exquisite flavor but also giving your teeth a little boost of mineral goodness.
If you're interested in the other ways matcha can benefit your health, we suggest you take a look at our guide 👉 What do Scientists say about Matcha Benefits? Find Out Here
Another thing we can take a look at is “does matcha stain teeth as a warning sign?”. For example, According to Dr. Patterson, a dental surgeon, "If you see stains on your teeth from Matcha, then you might have grooves or chips in your teeth, or you're not brushing and flossing correctly."
This means that matcha can actually provide a benefit to your teeth even if it does stain. It gives you a warning that you need to take better care of your teeth. So for all these reasons and more, matcha is a good choice when it comes to keeping a healthy smile!
So if you concerned matcha fans out there are wondering does matcha stain your teeth, you can rest easy. In fact matcha can actually be good for your teeth. It can even alert you to more serious issues that you can take a look at before it’s too late!
Remember, your brushing and flossing routine are still essential to keep your teeth gleaming. So, go ahead, indulge in that vibrant green cup of matcha, and enjoy the numerous health benefits it has to offer, all while keeping your teeth squeaky clean. Cheers to a bright and beautiful smile!
]]>We’ll take a look at why does matcha stain clothes and what you can do to get rid of matcha stains.
Let’s get cleaning! 🧽 🍵
The answer to the question does matcha stain clothes is an emphatic yes. Matcha will stain your clothing if you spill it.
But don’t worry! We’ll show you what to do in order to prevent matcha stains and how you can clean them up if they do happen.
In the next section, we’re going to take a look at why does matcha stain clothing, so that you can have a better idea of what is going on behind the scenes.
So we’ve answered the question of does matcha stain clothes, but we haven’t answered why it stains clothes. The reason most teas stain clothes has to do with the tannins. Tannins are a type of polyphenol that is found in many different plants.
Historically, these tannins have been used as a coloring agent for things like leather. Black tea is higher in tannins and that’s why it stains more than green tea. Matcha happens to be very low in tannins, and yet it still stains so the question again becomes why does matcha stain clothes.
The reason your spilled matcha stains your clothes green rather than brown is because it is not the tannins but the individual leaf particles themselves interacting with the fabric.
Unlike other teas, matcha is made from powdered leaves and it is mixed directly into water. This means that the leaf particles are suspended in the liquid and if it is spilled, they will end up on your shirt, for example.
So does matcha stain clothes compared to other teas? As we mentioned, black teas are notorious for staining clothes because of their high tannin content, but matcha tea can be even worse.
The reason for this is that matcha is made with such a rich concentration of leaf compared to other teas. In other words, when you spill a cup of matcha on your shirt, you are getting far more leaf material on your clothing than if you were to spill a normal green tea.
So does matcha stain clothing more than other teas? The answer is yes again.
If you want to see how matcha compares to a normal green tea like sencha, you can read this article 👉 Learn the Difference between Matcha vs Green Tea
So we’ve answered does matcha stain clothes and why does matcha stain clothes, but what should you do if you’re the victim of a matcha stain? Here are a few tips and tricks you can follow to get that shirt looking good as new after a matcha incident!
As soon as you feel that fateful matcha splash against your clothes, that’s your cue to start blotting! Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible.
Create a stain-fighting potion by mixing a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent with cool water. It’s important you’re not using the most powerful tools in your arsenal (yet). All you have to do is dab the mixture onto the stain, working from the outside in.
To rub out the stain, all you need to do is take a soft-bristled brush or a clean toothbrush, and gently rub the stain in a circular motion. This helps to loosen those leaf particles we talked about earlier.
Once you have cleaned and rubbed out a lot of the leaf particles, it is time to rinse. You can rinse the stained area under cool water to flush away any soapy residue.
Check if the stain has vanished, but if it's still holding on, you can keep repeating the previous steps until your clothes are free from that matcha!
For stubborn or set-in matcha stains, you might need to look for backup. See if your closet has any stain remover specifically designed for fabrics and follow the instructions carefully.
Remember matcha lovers, you don’t need to worry about asking does matcha stain clothing because you will be prepared! This delicious green tea is no match for your determination and skill.
If you're interested in clearing up other tea stains, you may want to check out our guide 👉 Does Green Tea Stain Clothes? What to Do When it Does
So does matcha stain clothes? Yes. Should you be worried about it? No. As long as you are careful with your matcha tea, it is unlikely you will end up with a stain in the first place.
If you do end up with a spill on your clothing, there are quite a few tricks you have up your sleeve in order to fix it. So fear not! Even though you may be worried, you can go back to enjoying your delicious matcha tea in peace!
]]>We’ll explain what matcha grades are, why they’re important and then we’ll walk you through the different matcha grades.
Let’s get started! 🎨
Matcha grades like ceremonial grade don’t really have a technical definition, but a good way to break them up is by their intended purpose.
They act as a stand-in for quality, and just as you wouldn’t cook with a top-shelf wine, you also wouldn’t bake with a premium matcha.
The highest grade matcha would be wasted if you were to add it to milk and sugar.
Instead, the premium matcha grades are meant to be savored on their own and the lower matcha grades are meant to be mixed with other ingredients.
In the next section, we’ll show you how the different matcha grades are made, and how they serve different purposes.
Here are 3 of the basic matcha grades (from best to worst). You may sometimes just see two mentioned, but it is important to differentiate because the middle option can actually be quite good in its own right, just maybe not suitable for drinking plain.
If there is any technical definition of ceremonial grade, it’s a matcha that is intended to be used for tea ceremonies, mixed into water and drunk plain.
Unlike in a latte, there is no room for this matcha to hide, it has to be good!
A lot of work goes into producing these smoother and sweeter matcha grades, so let’s take a brief look at it:
When we talk about ceremonial matcha grades at Nio, we refer to the first harvest matcha. The tea plant can be harvested up to 4 times throughout the year, but the first harvest will be the highest in nutrients.
The tea plants are shaded 3 weeks before the harvest in order to develop a smoother and sweeter flavor. This is because if the tea plant were to be exposed to sunlight, it would produce more bitter catechins and less sweet and savory theanine.
When the first harvest comes around in early to mid spring, the tea leaves are harvested, but only the top 3 sprouts are selected. These are the highest in nutrients and the smoothest in flavor so they are the most sought after for premium teas like matcha.
The processing of the leaves used to make premium matcha grades is very similar to any other Japanese green tea with two exceptions. One is the removal of the stems, which would detract from the flavor and the second is the grinding in the stone mill. This large mill is made out of granite and it has a big network of grooves that push the leaves out as they are ground into a finer and finer powder. It takes the mill an hour just to produce 50 grams of this precious powder.
As a result the ceremonial matcha grades are ideal for drinking plain. During the long, labor intensive cultivation and production the tea develops a natural sweetness, and it doesn’t need milk or sugar.
If some of the steps are skipped you end up with a lower grade matcha that is perfect for lattes like the latte grade matcha. We like to make a distinction with this category because even though you are making a matcha latte, you still want high quality.
Our latte grade matcha is grown in Shizuoka by a talented tea farmer who produces it without the use of pesticides or chemicals. He just uses a later tea harvest, and as a result the latte grade matcha can be bought at a fraction of the price.
It doesn’t have quite as green of a color, and it is a bit more bitter but this is no problem because it is intended to be mixed with milk and sugar to create a delicious matcha latte! The price is more affordable which is great because you can add a few scoops to your latte each morning without worrying about the costs.
Finally we have the lowest grade of matcha and that is culinary grade matcha.
As the name would suggest, these matchas are meant to be mixed into other ingredients to create all sorts of culinary treats like matcha ice cream, matcha cakes, cookies and more.
In general, the more things you add to the matcha, the less the quality matters.
We like to make a distinction between adding a little splash of milk into a matcha and mixing it into a matcha ice cream for example.
Anyways, I hope our guide makes sense when it comes to differentiating between the different matcha grades. If you would like to test out the quality of matcha at home, you can simply compare the color on a sheet of paper and check out how green it is. If it is a vibrant shade of green, you probably have a good matcha and if it is more brown or yellow, chances are you either have an old matcha or a lower quality one.
Of course the color isn’t a perfect indication, as there is variability even within premium matchas, with some cultivars being darker green and others being lighter green, but you get the idea.
If you’re looking to get some ceremonial matcha, you can check out some of the best teas we’ve found during our travels throughout Japan. We have met with dozens of farmers and sampled hundreds of different matcha teas and compiled a list of our favorites at nioteas.com which you can order with free worldwide shipping.
As we mentioned before, we also provide latte grade matcha that comes from a high quality source. It's important to be a bit picky even when you’re making a latte.
]]>Blue matcha seems to be taking over the internet right now and it’s easy to see why!
The colors of this drink are striking, and there is a long list of purported health benefits.
In this article, we are going to be breaking down what blue matcha is, the taste profile of blue matcha, its benefits and how you can make a blue matcha latte at home.
Let’s get started! 💙
Blue matcha is a term that gets thrown around a lot and it is actually a bit misleading.
You see, matcha is made from powdered green tea leaves and a lot of work goes into the cultivation and production of this tea to make it taste a certain way.
So blue matcha is a word used to refer to ground up flowers of the butterfly pea plant.
These flowers do not have much flavor to them, but they do offer a bright blue color, which is why they are used in a lot of natural dyes. Surprising isn't it?
Now that you know that and if you're curious to learn more about green matcha, we strongly advice you to read the article 👉 What is Matcha? The one and only Matcha-Encyclopedia.
In terms of taste, blue matcha has a mild and earthy flavor with floral undertones. It is often described as slightly woody or reminiscent of green tea.
The taste of blue matcha can be influenced by various factors such as the quality of the flowers, the steeping time, and any additional ingredients or sweeteners you may add.
Some people enjoy drinking it plain, while others prefer to enhance its flavor by adding citrus juices, honey, or other herbs and spices.
Additionally, the acidity of lemon juice or other citrus fruits can cause the blue color to transform into purple or pink, creating a visually stunning effect.
Overall, the taste of blue matcha is subjective and can vary from person to person.
Question: do you know what does matcha taste like? If not, make sure to check the article 👉 What does matcha taste like? Taste Chart with Video
While most of the health benefits of the drink we’re about to make come from the nutrient power house that is matcha, there are some benefits to the butterfly pea flowers.
Butterfly pea flower contains a rich array of antioxidants, which may also be beneficial for promoting hair and skin health.
In addition to possibly helping with hair and skin, butterfly pea flowers may also have an impact on weight loss.
One test-tube study suggests that butterfly pea flower extract may slow the formation of fat cells by regulating certain pathways involved in cell progression
So how do we combine the benefits of matcha tea with the cool colors of the butterfly pea flower?
We make a blue matcha latte of course! In the next section, we are going to show you a recipe you can follow to make a striking blue matcha latte at home. Let’s get started!
]]>Is there a difference between matcha vs green tea? Technically not, but the true answer is a bit more complicated than that. In this article, we’re going to compare matcha vs green tea to see the differences and similarities between the two.
]]>Let’s get started. 🍃
Before we compare matcha vs green tea, it’s important to first clear up one thing.
It is actually a type of green tea. The definition of a green tea is a tea that is unoxidized.
This sets it apart from black teas which are fully oxidized and oolong teas that are partially oxidized.
Like other green teas, matcha begins its life as leaves on the camelia sinensis plant.
This plant, also simply called the tea plant, is an evergreen, flowering shrub native to Southeast Asia.
All true teas need to come from this plant.
If the leaves come from a different plant, it is not considered a green tea or even a type of tea at all.
When we compare matcha vs green tea in loose leaf form like sencha, there are two main stages in the production process that make it unique.
Matcha has to be made from the top leaves of the tea plant, they have to be shaded for a long period of time.
The first is the removal of the stems and the second is the grinding of the leaves in a large stone mill.
This fine powder is then mixed directly into the water. The biggest difference between matcha vs green tea like sencha is that matcha is mixed directly into water whereas most teas are infused into water. This leads to big differences in both the flavor and in the matcha health benefits, both of which we will discuss next.
Matcha, a vibrant green powder, is a unique form of green tea created by grinding young tea leaves into a fine texture.
Unlike traditional green tea, which involves steeping the leaves in water and subsequently removing them, matcha is prepared by whisking the powdered leaves with hot water.
This distinct preparation method sets matcha apart from its counterparts.
When you compare the flavor of matcha vs green tea like sencha, you’ll notice the flavor of matcha is much more intense. This is because you are getting more of the leaf with each sip.
When you grind the tea leaf into a powder and mix it directly into water, you are magnifying the taste of the tea. This is why you can’t make matcha out of normal green tea leaves.
Matcha has to be made from the top leaves of the tea plant, they have to be shaded for a long period of time and they have to have their stems removed prior to grinding, all of which improves the flavor
Matcha has a much thicker consistency and it tends to have more of this savory or umami flavor. It also can have more of this steamed vegetable flavor profile thats common in other types of green teas. By looking at the matcha green color palette, you can actually tell a lot about the matcha powder.
Sencha on the other hand tends to be a bit more subtle. It has a translucent color, a thinner texture and a light sweetness. In addition to there being a difference in taste, there is also a difference between matcha vs green tea like sencha when it comes to health benefits.
Below you can find the comparison chart of the iconic Japanese green tea and ceremonial matcha green tea:
Is matcha good for you? Yes! As we said before, the taste of matcha is like a more intense version of green tea and the same can be said for the matcha vs green tea health benefits. Because you are consuming the entire leaf, you are getting more of the health properties within the leaf.
Think about when you brew a loose leaf tea. You must be extracting relatively little from the leaves because it seems like you throw out the same amount of leaves that you started with. With matcha, you start out with a few grams of powder and then you drink all of it.
Matcha and green tea differ in their caffeine levels due to variations in their preparation and consumption methods.
Matcha contains a higher caffeine content compared to regular green tea. This is primarily because when preparing matcha, the entire powdered tea leaf is consumed, whereas with regular green tea, the leaves are steeped and then discarded. By consuming the whole leaf, matcha delivers a more concentrated amount of caffeine.
The exact caffeine content in matcha can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the tea leaves, the serving size, and the brewing technique. On average, a typical serving of matcha (1 teaspoon of powder) contains approximately 35-70 milligrams of caffeine. However, it's important to note that there are variations among different brands and grades of matcha.
On the other hand, green tea, when brewed conventionally, contains a moderate amount of caffeine. A typical cup of brewed green tea contains around 25-45 milligrams of caffeine, depending on factors such as the variety of green tea, water temperature, steeping time, and the amount of tea leaves used.
It's worth mentioning that the caffeine in tea interacts with other compounds present in the tea leaves, such as L-theanine. L-theanine has calming properties and can help counterbalance the potential jitteriness caused by caffeine, providing a more balanced and relaxed energy boost.
Both green tea and matcha can be beneficial for weight loss, but it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. Here are the four factors to consider when deciding between green tea vs matcha for weight loss:
There is an often used statistic that matcha contains 136 times the antioxidants as a regular tea. While this is very far from the truth, there is a big difference between the antioxidants in matcha vs green tea, likely closer to 10 times. The most common antioxidants in green tea are catechins, which have been credited with helping everything from weight loss to immune support.
These antioxidants may be healthy, but they come with a slightly astringent flavor. This is why we don’t recommend brewing green teas with a high temperature water, as it extracts more of these catechins and therefore more bitterness. If you ever leave a tea brewing for too long, you will experience this first hand as the tea will become incredibly bitter.
Because matcha is mixed directly into water, you’re getting all the catechins in the tea and thats why most matcha is bitter. If you want a better drinking experience, you have to go for a smoother matcha like the matcha washimine, which still is high in antioxidants but it is balanced out by a smooth flavor profile.
In addition to having more antioxidants, matcha also contains more theanine and caffeine. Theanine is thought to buffer some of the more negative side effects of caffeine. It slows the absorption and helps you avoid things like the jitters and the crash which normally accompany a caffeineated beverage.
Theanine is also thought to induce a calming effect on the brain. This is why tea drinkers report having a calm alert feeling that lasts throughout the day. It also is thought to stimulate alpha brainwave activity, the same brainwaves stimulated during long periods of meditation.
The high theanine content in matcha comes from the long shading process of the tea, which is why the theanine is much higher in matcha vs green tea.
When we say green tea, normally what comes to mind is not matcha. There is good reason for this, as matcha is very different from your average green tea when it comes to production, taste and health benefits. I hope this guide has helped you understand the differences between matcha vs green tea.
If you would like to try some matcha for yourself, you can find a great selection at nioteas. After traveling around Japan for the past few years, we have met with dozens of different tea farmers and sampled hundreds of different matcha teas. We’ve ultimately decided on a small handful of our favorites, and we’re so excited to share them with all of you. Try a few out for yourself and let us know what you think!
]]>In this article, we are going to answer that exact question. We’ll start with the short answer and then we’ll get into the longer answer.
We’ll give you a brief overview of what matcha is, and then we’ll dive into the nitty gritty of the matcha production process.
There is a short answer to the question what is matcha made of and that answer is that matcha tea is made out of powdered green tea leaves.
This was actually the original way to consume green tea in Japan, and over the past 1,000 years it has undergone a major transformation.
There is however more to the answer. The question what is matcha made of cannot be answered by simply saying “green tea leaves”.
The reason we know this is because if you were to take regular green tea leaves and grind them into a powder, they wouldn’t taste like matcha. Instead, they would be extremely bitter.
So what is matcha made of? Special tea leaves? Matcha has to undergo a long and labor intensive production in order to yield the smooth, creamy flavor and iconic matcha taste.
In the next section, we’re going to dive into the process used to make matcha tea, and how the farmer is able to produce these special tea leaves.
Now that we’ve given you the short answer, let’s get into the long answer to the question what is matcha made of. When people encounter matcha for the first time, usually the thing that surprises them most is the price. In a moment, you will see all the steps that go into producing premium matcha tea, and why it is so expensive.
When the tea plant is exposed to the sunlight, it begins to convert its theanine into catechins as a protection against the UV light. These catechins offer protection for the tea plant, but they produce a bitter flavor in the green tea.
If a farmer wants to produce a smoother green tea, they will cut the tea plant off from sunlight leading up to the harvest. This will allow the plant to maintain more of its theanine and produce less of these bitter catechins. This is why shaded teas like gyokuro produce a much sweeter flavor when compared to unshaded teas like sencha.
Japanese tea plants can be harvested up to 4 times per year, but when it comes to what is matcha made of, the premium stuff needs to be made from the first harvest. This harvest happens in the early spring, from late March to early April. During this time, the tea plant has had all winter long to absorb nutrients from the soil and it releases it all at once into the fresh sprouts of the springtime.
Only the top 3 sprouts are selected for producing premium matcha. These are the smoothest and sweetest in flavor, but they are also the highest in nutrients. These light green sprouts are also used to make other premium teas like gyokuro and sencha.
We are one step away from finding out what is matcha made of. If you really want to get specific, matcha is made from ground “tencha” leaves. These leaves are cultivated using all the steps we mentioned before but after they are harvested they need to be steamed, dried and then they need to have their stems removed. These stems detract from the flavor, so they are excluded from the finest of matcha teas.
The shaded, processed young leaves with their stems removed are called tencha and they are one step away from becoming matcha. They now need to be ground into a fine powder in a large, specialized mill made out of granite. This mill has a large network of grooves that pushes the tencha leaves out as they are ground into a finer and finer powder. It takes this mill an hour just to produce 50 grams of precious matcha powder.
So what is matcha made of if it’s the $30 per pound kind you find on Amazon? Certainly it doesn’t go through all these steps, right? Exactly. Cheaper matchas are made by skipping some or all of these steps. They can be made from later harvests, unshaded tea plants of older leaves of the tea plant.
All of this will produce:
You’re better off saving your money for the high quality, first harvest matcha and drinking it sparingly.
If you are making matcha lattes on the other hand, you can go a bit cheaper. The latte grade matcha that we offer is produced by Mr. Masuda, a talented farmer in Shizuoka that is committed to growing tea plants without the use of pesticides or chemicals. This matcha is made from later harvests, and while it is slightly more bitter, it works great in matcha lattes, so we decided to offer it to all the matcha latte aficionados out there that prefer their matcha with milk and a bit of sugar. No judgement!
So the quick answer to what is matcha made of is that it is made of tencha leaves, but to understand what tencha leaves are, you have to go through the whole production process of matcha tea.
Suffice to say, a lot of work and research has gone into producing the smoothest possible flavor in a matcha not by adding sugar, but by playing around with different factors of the growing and the processing of the tea.
After traveling around Japan for the past few years it has been such a privilege to meet with dozens of farmers and sample hundreds of incredible matcha teas. We’ve ultimately decided on just a few of our favorites, and we’re so excited to share them with all of you! You can find these in our matcha selection, or you can try them all at once with one of our matcha samplers. Try them out and see which you like most!
]]>
In this article, we are going to explain what plant matcha comes from, what the matcha plant is and how it is grown.
Let’s get growing 🌱
Because matcha is a type of green tea, it comes from the tea plant, camelia sinensis. All true teas have to come from this plant. If an infusion comes from another plant, it cannot technically be considered a tea.
The matcha plant or camelia sinensis plant is an evergreen flowering shrub native to Southeast Asia. The native growing region of the matcha plant is in what is now Northern Myanmar and China’s Southern Yunnan province.
The matcha plant has since been transplanted all around the globe, but in general it prefers the climate of its birthplace, with mountainous topography, mild subtropical climates and seasonal rainfall.
Even though the matcha plant doesn’t grow natively in Japan, it was brought over almost 900 years ago, and has since thrived in Southern and Central Japan. Now, all the best matcha in the world comes from Japan.
What makes the matcha plant special compared to other types of tea plants is that the plants used to make matcha need to be shaded for 3 weeks before the harvest.
This actually alters the chemical composition of the leaves, giving them a smoother and sweeter taste with less bitterness.
When the matcha plant is exposed to sunlight, it begins to convert the amino acid theanine into catechins, as a protection against the UV light.
These catechins produce a bitter flavor in the tea, so if a farmer wants to maintain a sweet flavor profile, he will shade the tea plant prior to the harvest.
This allows the matcha plant to produce less catechins and maximize its content of sweet and savory theanine.
And if you never tried matcha and are curious to know how it taste like, we strongly advice you to read our article 👉 What does matcha taste like? Taste Chart with Video
After the 3 weeks are up, it’s time to harvest the matcha plant. It’s very important to select the right leaves for matcha, as different leaves produce different flavors.
The youngest leaves of the matcha plant have the highest nutrient content and the smoothest and sweetest flavor, so these are reserved for premium teas like matcha and gyokuro.
It takes about 4 years for a matcha plant to reach maturity, meaning in 4 years it is mature enough to be harvested. It will take another few years of harvesting before the matcha plant begins to take on the characteristic rows that Japanese green tea fields are famous for.
People often ask how they can grow their own matcha plant at home, but to be completely honest it’s not worth the investment. It can take years to grow the plant to the point where you can start harvesting leaves and even then the yield isn’t very high. Also, you will need to take matcha through the long, labor intensive production process, otherwise it will be extremely bitter.
It’s best to leave the growing of the matcha plant to the professionals, the Japanese tea farmers. If you want to try some of the matcha tea for yourself, you can go to our matcha collection and search for what you want. After traveling around Japan for the past few years, we have met with dozens of different farmers and sampled hundreds of different matcha teas. We’ve ultimately decided on a small handful of our favorites, and we’re proud to share them with all of you.
]]>In this article, we are going to answer that exact question. We’ll start with the short answer and then we’ll get into the longer answer.
Fair warning, you might not like what you’re about to read! Let’s dig into the question of what matcha does starbucks use. 🍃
There is a short answer to the question what matcha does starbucks use and that answer is they use a very cheap green tea powder (that may or may not be considered matcha) mixed with a lot of sugar.
This may be frustrating for matcha drinkers to learn, but it is even more frustrating for matcha producers to learn.
So much work goes into making matcha taste naturally sweet and smooth, without sugar.
Adding sugar to the drink not only negates all the matcha health benefits, but also a lot of the hard work and research put into making natural, great tasting matcha tea.
So let’s dive into the breakdown of what matcha does starbucks use and then we’ll get into the long answer.
You must give credit where credit is due, Starbucks does provide nutritional information for most of their drinks and you can find the basic nutritional content of their matcha latte online. It takes a bit more digging to find out what matcha does starbucks use and if you look at the amount of sugar you’ll see why.
The 16oz matcha latte contains 32 grams of sugar, which is similar to a can of soda. So that “healthy drink” may not be so healthy afterwards. You can mask a lot of low quality matcha with that amount of sugar. The matcha latte also contains 240 calories or 12% of your daily calorie intake (you’ve heard the saying: “don’t drink your calories”).
The worst part is, you can’t ask for no sugar because the sugar is included in the matcha itself.
Now that we’ve given the short answer and some context, let’s get into the long answer for what matcha does starbucks use.
When it comes to large corporations, the priority is providing a standardized product at a low price. Unfortunately for them, not only is good tasting matcha difficult to produce, it is anything but standardized.
The farmers we meet with in Japan all have subtle differences in their production styles. They picked up these techniques through multiple generations of tea growing. This leads to slight variations in how the small batch, premium matcha tastes and that’s part of what we love about matcha!
This means that traditional, small family farms are ignored in favor of larger scale operations. It is here where the quality is lost.
To make sure a matcha latte tastes the same in Berlin as it does in Mexico City, a larger company would need to buy up a massive amount of green tea powder, that all tastes more or less the same.
To produce high quality matcha that is naturally sweet without sugar or cream, there is a long production process that needs to be respected.
So finally, what matcha does starbucks use if it has to be standardized and inexpensive?
To produce cheaper matcha, a lot of these steps are skipped. The tea is mass-produced so a lot of the attention to detail is lost, it’s made from later harvests so the nutrient profile is lower and the stems are not removed.
The result is a dull, bitter matcha that is often sweetened, dyed and added to other ingredients to disguise the flavor.
To answer the question what matcha does Starbucks use once and for all, we can say that Starbucks uses a blend of cheap green tea powder mixed with sugar. The green tea powder is likely produced on a large scale, and it certainly is not produced using the traditional methods we know create great tasting matcha tea.
If you want to truly experience the beauty and health giving properties of matcha, it’s best to put your matcha latte money to better use and go for premium, first harvest matcha. These teas are made by a handful of talented farmers all across Japan and they are smooth enough to enjoy plain.
If you don’t know where to start, you can try our matcha sampler, and assortment of the 21 best teas we’ve found during our travels around Japan. Some of these are designed for making lattes, and others are perfect for plain drinking. Try them all out for yourself and see which you like most!
]]>Certain steps in the production process give the matcha powder its legendary green color, and when these steps are skipped, it can take on a less appealing yellow color or even brown!
In this article, we’re going to present you visual illustration about the different types of green matcha, walk through what these colors mean and why it is important when it comes to evaluating the quality of a matcha tea.
This article presents a unique collaboration between a distinguished Japanese Green Tea expert and an accomplished graphic designer, aiming to offer you a harmonious fusion of design principles and the art of matcha 💚🍃
Different colors of matcha indicate varying qualities. Brown matcha is low quality or spoiled.
Yellow matcha is low quality and bitter, suitable for baking or heavily sweetened lattes.
Dull green matcha is bitter but works well in lattes. It's cheaper and pesticide-free.
Bright green matcha is premium, especially from the Yabukita cultivar, with a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Jade green matcha is the highest quality, from rare cultivars like okumidori and gokou, providing an engaging drinking experience.
Look for this deep green color for the top premium matcha.
If you're interested in learning where these green color variations come from, we advice you to read the paraphes below.
This is really what you want to look for in a matcha green tea color.
These dark jade green colors are usually indicative of not only premium matcha, but premium matcha from some of the more rare cultivars like okumidori, gokou and saemidori.
These are reserved for only the highest quality matcha powders and if produced right, they create a really engaging drinking experience as well as a deep jade green color.
This is definitely something to look out for when you are choosing the top premium matcha teas of the world.
Are you interested to learn about what is matcha? Then we have the perfect article for you! Make sure to read the article 👉 What is Matcha? The one and only Matcha-Encyclopedia
This particular shade of ceremonial matcha green tea color, with its enchanting and vibrant hues, serves as a captivating gateway into the realm of premium matcha.
As we have previously discussed, it is worth noting that numerous exceptional matcha powders derived from the esteemed Yabukita cultivar manifest this lighter green color, often staying within this exquisite phase without progressing further.
When encountering matcha of the Yabukita variety, one can adopt a slightly more lenient approach when evaluating its characteristics.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the flavor profile of such matcha tends to lean towards the refreshing and invigorating notes of citrus, which add an extra layer of zesty vibrancy to the overall experience.
The subtle interplay between freshness and the tangy essence of citrus further contributes to the unique allure of this particular grade of matcha.
A dull green matcha green tea color is usually suitable for a matcha latte, but may very well be too bitter to drink plain.
As we mentioned before, it is okay for the matcha to be on the more bitter side if you are making a matcha latte.
These more bitter and grassy flavors actually pair kind of well with the sweetness of the oatmilk and sugar, so it ends up working out.
You can also save money because these matchas tend to be much cheaper than their premium counterparts that are meant to be consumed plain.
The important thing with matcha, even if it is just for lattes is that it is produced without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
When you consume thematcha powder, you are consuming the entire leaf and everything that was on it, so make sure to go pesticide free!
When it comes to lower quality latte grade or culinary grade matcha, you'll notice a particular matcha green tea color that typically characterizes them.
This color is an indication of their lower quality and suggests that they are best suited for matcha baking or lattes where a generous amount of sugar is added.
Due to their lower quality, the flavor of these matcha varieties tends to lean towards the bitter side, making it challenging to achieve a well-balanced taste even with the addition of other ingredients.
Remember to be mindful of the matcha green tea color as it can help you identify the quality and determine the most suitable usage for different matcha grades.
When it comes to low-quality matcha, one of the key distinguishing factors is its color.
Unlike the vibrant green hue that characterizes high-quality matcha, low-quality matcha tends to exhibit shades of yellowish tones or even hints of brown.
This lackluster color not only fails to capture the eye but also serves as a visual indicator of lower freshness and overall quality.
The dull appearance of low-quality matcha is a clear sign that it may not deliver the desired taste and overall matcha experience.
This less desirable color serves as an important clue, suggesting that the matcha powder itself may be subpar, compromising its flavor profile and aromatic qualities.
When it comes to matcha green tea, the lowest quality is often associated with a color that leans towards brown, indicating its inferiority.>
It's important to note that even if you're purchasing inexpensive matcha specifically for lattes, it is advisable to avoid using matcha with a brownish hue.
The presence of such a color suggests that the matcha is of extremely low quality or has potentially gone bad.
This could mean that the matcha lacks the vibrant green color and essential flavor compounds that are characteristic of higher quality matcha varieties.
Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize obtaining matcha of better quality to ensure a more enjoyable and authentic tea-drinking experience.
The matcha green color comes from the chlorophyll and theanine in the plant. Just like other plants, the tea plant produces chlorophyll to facilitate photosynthesis.
When you shade the tea plant, it is forced to produce more chlorophyll to compensate for the lack of sunlight.
Matcha colors are particularly green because the plants used for high quality matcha have to be shaded for 3 weeks prior to the harvest.
During this long shading process, the tea plant is really pushed to its limits and it maximizes the chlorophyll, yielding this dark jade green color.
While matcha colors don’t have a direct impact on the flavor, they tend to tell a piece of a larger story.
Higher quality matcha powder tends to have a richer green color because it comes from long shaded tea plants and it is made from the younger sprouts of the tea plant.
These sprouts are the sweetest in flavor and they give the matcha a smoother and rounder taste profile.
After the leaves are harvested, they also have their stems and veins removed. This actually improves the matcha green tea color even further.
When you look at a tea leaf, or most leaves for that matter, you will notice that the leaf itself is a dark green color, but the stem tends to be a bit more yellow.
If you were to grind the leaf up into a powder, without removing the stems, it would take on a more yellowish color.
For this reason, while matcha colors aren’t a perfect indicator of matcha quality, they can tell you a lot about how the matcha is produced.
In the tea world, there is perhaps no greater difference between high quality tea and low quality than with matcha.
High quality matcha is a thick, rich and flavorful green liquid and low quality matcha is a bitter, coarse and brown liquid.
Not only are the matcha colors completely different, but the flavors are different as well. Here we will briefly discuss the two different matcha teas.
Ceremonial grade matcha is meticulously made from first-harvest sprouts, maximizing nutrients and green color.
The tea plant absorbs winter nutrients, yielding flavorful sprouts with higher caffeine content. Shading increases chlorophyll, theanine, and caffeine.
Stems are removed, improving nutrient profile and color. Grinding in a large granite mill produces the finest powder.
As you can see, the matcha green tea color doesn’t affect the taste, but the production of the matcha tea affects both the color and the flavor so as a result, you can often asses quality just by looking at the matcha green tea color.
This is also referred to as culinary grade matcha, as it is meant to be added to matcha desserts and other culinary creations like lattes.
During the production of this matcha, certain steps are skipped, so the end product is not as good. The color is also more yellow or even brown.
Not all of this matcha is bad. We have found a later harvest matcha from Mr. Masuda that works great in lattes which we call the latte grade matcha. When you add matcha powder with oatmilk and sugar to make a latte, it doesn’t need to taste super smooth. In fact, you actually want the tea to have some strength to it so you can taste it through the latte.
That’s why the latte grade matcha works great here, and it is a good way to save money. This tea is also produced without the use of pesticides or chemicals, which is very important particularly with powdered tea as you are consuming the entire leaf. This latte grade matcha will have a more yellow matcha green tea color as the chlorophyll content is lower, although it still works great in a matcha latte!
There are variations in the matcha green tea color within high quality matcha. For the most part, they should have a darker jade green color, but occasionally you will find some high quality matchas that taste great but have a lighter color to them.
This could have to do with the cultivar, or tea plant variety. A cultivar like Yabukita, which is the most common cultivar for Japanese green tea, takes on a lighter green color, but this does not mean that it is lower quality.
While these matcha teas tend to be cheaper, a lot of tea drinkers appreciate their lighter, more citrusy taste profile.
So if you see a light green matcha and its from the Yabukita cultivar, it may not be low quality, it may just be an attempt to capture a different taste profile.
The Matcha green tea color will change from green, to yellow, to brown as it is exposed to light, heat and humidity.
The flavor of even a high quality matcha will begin to approach that of a low quality matcha if it is left out, which is why matcha storage is so important. Make sure you keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight tin that doesn’t let any light through.
A lot of the tins these matcha teas come in have a bag inside. This acts as a double seal, which protects the flavor and color of the matcha powder. We recommend sealing up the bag, putting it back in the tin and then closing up the tin so it’s airtight.
During our travels around Japan, we have met with a couple of farmers who have told us that some tea companies use a certain type of tea plant to color matcha and manipulate the matcha green tea color.
We make sure to ask about the ingredients in all the matchas we sell to make sure that this trick is not being used.
As we have discussed elsewhere in this article, making the color better does not make the matcha better, but making the matcha better often makes the matcha green tea color better.
That being said, we like to honor the hard work of the farmers by not taking short cuts and having the matcha green tea color be an accurate reflection of the matcha tea.
There has been some images of blue matcha floating around the internet, but this title is a bit misleading.
This is not actually matcha and its not even a type of tea technically. It’s made from ground up flowers from the butterfly pea plant.
Because these flowers don’t come from the camelia sinensis plant, they can’t be considered a true tea. Nevertheless, they are still used for their coloring in different herbal infusions and drinks.
They don’t have much taste to them, but they do have a lot of color. So in conclusion, no there really is no such thing as blue matcha , but you may find products online claiming to be blue matcha.
If you are really curious about trying blue matcha , you can try it out for yourself but you may be disappointed. Not only is it nothing like real matcha, it doesn’t have much flavor to it at all.
As an herbal infusion, it doesn’t have much value other than the intense blue color that it produces. That being said, if you need to use blue matcha to create a blue drink or a blue smoothie, it may be a good option strictly as a coloring agent.
These are the matchas we have, in no particular order that have the best green colors:
This is a premium matcha from Mr. Masuda in Shizuoka. What sets this matcha apart from others is its very vibrant yet dark green color. This matcha powder is not just for looks however, it produces a beautiful smooth, yet sweet matcha with a great foam on top.
We were so happy to learn that our favorite Gyokuro farmer also produces matcha! Mr. Sakamoto recently started producing matcha with his very own granite mills and the results have already been spectacular. The Sakamoto Sae matcha has a beautiful matcha green tea color to it and a light a sweet taste. This is typical for premium matcha teas made with the Saemidori cultivar.
This premium Okumidori matcha is one step above our already popular matcha washimine. This super green matcha powder is produced by Mr. Nakai outside of Kyoto. His family has a great history in the Organic Japanese tea industry, and his father is one of the ones credited with designing the “JAS” logo that appears on the packs of organic green tea.
Are you interested in prepare the best home made matcha or want to become a Japanese Tea master? We wrote a detailed article about how to make the best matcha in four 4 steps. In this article we’re going to walk you through how to prepare the best bowl of matcha tea at home.
That’s why we’re going to show you how to make one that’s just as good as the professionals.
You can click here to directly jump to the recipe section!
Let’s get started! 🧊🍃🍵
An iced matcha latte is a simple enough concept to understand, it’s made by mixing matcha tea with milk, sweetener and then serving it cold over ice.
Unlike the hot matcha latte, the iced matcha latte is extremely cold, making it the perfect refreshing drink for a warm day.
In the next section, we’re going to show you how to get the best out of your iced matcha latte!
Before you get started on your iced matcha latte, make sure you have a few key ingredients. Other than the matcha powder, which you can easily find on our website, you should have everything at home already.
Matcha powder is the key ingredient in making an iced matcha latte. It is a finely ground green tea powder that is packed with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
Milk is used to create the creamy texture of an iced matcha latte. Any type of milk can be used, but we really recommend going for a plant based milk like oatmilk, soymilk almond milk or coconut milk. This will improve the flavor and make it so that you can still get the health benefits of the matcha.
A sweetener is used to balance out the bitterness of the matcha powder. Common sweeteners used include honey, agave, maple syrup, or simple syrup. You can experiment with different types of sweetener to see which works best in your matcha latte.
Ice is added to create a refreshing and chilled drink. It is important to use enough ice to keep the drink cold, but not too much to dilute the flavor. If you really want to take your iced matcha latte to the next level, you can make matcha ice cubes by freezing matcha in an ice cube tray. When these ice cubes melt, they won’t dilute the flavor of the drink.
There are several optional add-ins that can be used to enhance the flavor of an iced matcha latte. For example, vanilla extract can add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Whipped cream can add a creamy texture and extra sweetness.
A sprinkle of cinnamon can add warmth and spice. Some people also like to add fruit such as strawberries or blueberries to add a fruity twist to the drink. This is the part where you can really make this recipe your own and experiment with different combinations.
Now that you have all the ingredients for your iced matcha latte, it’s time to combine them all together. All you need to do is follow these steps and you will soon have the ultimate iced matcha latte.
Preparing the matcha powder: In a small bowl or cup, sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder to ensure there are no clumps. Add 1 tablespoons of hot water and then mix the matcha powder until it forms a smooth paste
Pour in the milk: Pour the heated milk into the matcha paste and mix it up using your whisk until it is thoroughly combined.
Combining it all: Now that you have the matcha and milk well mixed together, pour it into a cup or glass filled with ice (or matcha ice cubes).
Add sweetener (optional): Add sweetener to taste, stirring until it is fully dissolved. Use more or less sweetener depending on your preference.
Add any optional add-ins (optional): If you want, now is the opportunity to add additional add-ins or garnish. In the next sections, we’ll give you some tips on how you can improve the presentation and taste of your iced matcha latte.
How you serve your iced matcha latte can be almost as important as how you make it. This is where you can really get creative and make an iced matcha latte just like starbucks. I used to save starbucks cups and clean them out just so I could present the drink in its exact form, but I don’t expect you to go through all that trouble!
Top your iced matcha latte with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some matcha powder on top for an extra touch of indulgence. If you’re used to more of the decadent dessert type lattes at Starbucks, you might want to add this for the additional effect.
Serve your iced matcha latte with a fun straw to add some flair and fun to the drink. You can even get a green straw to really get that starbucks effect.
Dust a little bit of matcha powder on top of the drink before serving to add a pop of color and enhance the matcha flavor. This can be that little extra step that makes your iced matcha latte even more instagram-worthy
What type of glass you serve your iced matcha latte in can make a difference, particularly to the person drinking it. We like to use a nice tall glass or mason jar to really showcase the color and the layers of the drink
Add a fresh mint leaf or a slice of fruit to the drink for a finishing touch.
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