The Rise of Matcha: A Green Revolution in Beverages
Matcha has taken the world by storm, becoming a favorite among caffeine lovers. This vibrant green drink, originating from Japan, has been around for centuries but is now experiencing a surge in popularity thanks to social media and health trends. Google Trends data shows that interest in matcha reached an all-time high in 2025, with demand so high that Japan is facing a shortage. This has led to increased prices and a growing fascination with this unique beverage.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha comes from the Tencha green tea plant, which is ground into a fine powder and mixed with hot water. According to registered dietitian Jennifer Weis, it’s like “green tea with flair.” Sahar Berjis, another registered dietitian, describes it as the more sophisticated cousin of traditional tea bags. Since the entire tea leaf is used, matcha delivers a wealth of nutrients, antioxidants, and earthy flavors.
There are two main types of matcha:
- Ceremonial grade: Higher quality with a smoother taste, ideal for drinking on its own.
- Culinary grade: Stronger flavor, often used in lattes or baked goods.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Both dietitians agree that matcha is rich in antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits such as supporting brain health, reducing inflammation, and fighting free radicals. Catechins, another type of antioxidant found in matcha, may help lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
Matcha also contains caffeine, but unlike coffee, it includes L-theanine, which works with the caffeine to provide calm, focused energy without the jitters or crash. This makes it a great option for mid-morning or afternoon boosts.
Top Matcha Products to Try
Here are some of the best matcha powders and mixes recommended by experts and shoppers:
Vahdam Vanilla Matcha Green Tea Powder
This culinary-grade matcha can be enjoyed traditionally or used in iced lattes, smoothies, and baked goods.
Jade Leaf Matcha Organic Café Style Crafted Mix
Perfect for an iced pick-me-up, this mix pairs well with almond milk and comes in various flavors loved by Shop staffers.
Jade Leaf Matcha Organic Ceremonial Grade Green Tea Powder
Ideal for iced matcha at home, this ceremonial grade matcha offers a bright green color and customizable sweetness levels.
Mighty Leaf Organic Matcha
Used by Peet’s Coffee, this matcha is popular for making affordable cafe-style drinks at home.
Blue Bottle Craft Matcha
Known for its smooth taste, this is a favorite for afternoon pick-me-ups.
UncommonGoods Matcha Tea Blends Sampler Set
A great gift for tea lovers, this set includes seven different matcha flavors for a comprehensive tasting experience.
Chalait Top Ceremonial Grade Matcha
A long-standing favorite, this brand is preferred by many for its quality and consistency.
Kroma’s Beauty Matcha Latte Powder
This blend includes adaptogenic mushrooms, bovine collagen, ginger, and turmeric, making it a nutritious choice for smoothies and other beverages.
Essential Matcha Accessories
To enhance your matcha experience, consider these accessories:
- Sentvend Drinking Glasses with Bamboo Lids: Stylish cups with bamboo lids and straws.
- Aerolatte Essentials Steam-Free Milk Frother: Produces great foam quickly and efficiently.
- Jade Leaf Matcha Traditional Bamboo Whisk: Ensures a smooth blend and vibrant color.
- Amazon Basics Electric Kettle: Perfect for quickly heating water.
- Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass Tumbler: Adorable cups with seasonal designs.
- Teanagoo Matcha Whisk Set Black: Durable and easy to use daily.
- Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother: Easy to clean and creates cafe-quality froth.
- Matcha Kari Organic Ceremonial Matcha Kit: Includes everything needed for a perfect matcha experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much matcha can you drink?
“A cup a day is a great place to start,” says Berjis. Some people enjoy two cups, especially if they’re replacing coffee.
Does matcha have more caffeine than coffee?
Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee, depending on how it’s brewed. An 8-ounce cup of coffee can have between 71-180 milligrams of caffeine, while matcha typically ranges from 19-44 milligrams per serving.
What makes matcha’s caffeine different?
The presence of L-theanine provides a smoother, more sustained energy boost compared to coffee’s spikes and crashes.
Meet Our Experts
Jennifer Weis, R.D., is a Registered Dietitian and founder of Jennifer Weis Nutrition Consulting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sahar Berjis, R.D., is a Registered Dietitian and founder of Inner Health and Wellness in Walnut Creek, California.
How We Chose
To compile our list of the best matcha products, we consulted Registered Dietitians and nutritionists to highlight the benefits of matcha. We also included editor and shopper picks, prioritizing positive user reviews and feedback.