What are the best matcha powders for latte? If there’s anything that binds strangers together, it’s coffee. The love for this drink spans across continents and cultures, so much so that each country added their little twist.
While it may seem that the whole population is crazy over coffee, there’s still a small percentage that doesn’t consume the drink. Hence, coffee shops have experimented and created different recipes and flavors to provide to a broader clientele.
One of the most popular drinks is the matcha latte, a drink made from combining matcha powder and milk. The result is a green drink with a unique earthy and nutty flavor and sometimes bitter undertones.
Matcha powder originates from Japan and is made from green tea leaves ground into a fine powder. Since it is green tea, it’s said to bring numerous health benefits.
Moreover, match lattes have 50% less caffeine than coffee, making it an ideal coffee alternative.
To brew a delicious matcha latte drink, it is essential that you first purchase the best match green tea powder for latte.
This article will lay down pertinent information regarding matcha powders. It will also contain both a review section and a buying guide to help you get started.
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10 Best Matcha Powders for Latte
- Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
- PureChimp Lemongrass Matcha Green Tea Powder
- uVernal Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Japanese Matcha Powder
- Matcha DNA Certified Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Latte Mix
- Encha Ceremonial Organic Matcha
- Four Sigmatic Chai Latte
- Encha Latte Grade First Harvest Organic Matcha
Runner Up | Editor’s Choice | Also Great |
4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Has a bright green color, good starter tea, easy to store
- Texture could use refining
The Jade Leaf matcha green tea powder is 100% produced in Japanese farms, specifically in Uji and Kagoshima. These farm suppliers have worked with the company for generations and are continually refining their craft.
The Jade Leaf powder is also USDA-certified, ensuring that the tea plants were grown without using any additives and contaminants.
Moreover, this matcha powder comes in a resealable pack, which helps prolong its freshness. This easy-to-pack is also easy to store. You can choose from three different sizes: 1.06 oz, 3.53 oz, and 8.8 oz.
This ceremonial grade powder has vibrant green apple color and smells pleasant. You can detect the telltale sweet and earthy aromas with a subtle hint of bitterness.
As for its taste, the Jade Leaf powder has a rich and earthy flavor. It’s a good starter tea since it lacks any bitterness.
Pros
- Has a bright green color
- Good starter tea
- Easy to store
Cons
- Texture could use refining
PureChimp Lemongrass Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Comes in different flavors, has a mild but savory taste, comes in a recyclable jar
- Contains a bit of caffeine, has a slightly dull color
Produced in Kyoto, Japan, the PureChimp matcha green tea powder contains 80% ceremonial grade matcha green tea. However, it comes with a twist. The remaining 20% is an ingredient of your choosing: regular, lemon, mint, or turmeric.
With these choices, you get a different and unique blend in each cup. The extra ingredients also mean more health benefits. Take note that it contains 35mg of caffeine per serving.
The PureChimp matcha powder comes in a 50g-sized glass jar, providing up to 50 servings. The glass jar ensures freshness and is easy enough to store. The jar is also recyclable, making it eco-friendly.
PureChimp’s matcha powder provides a mildly sweet but savory taste. Users describe it as having a grassy but mild and smooth flavor, making it ideal for beginners.
Pros
- Comes in different flavors
- Has a mild but savory taste
- Comes in a recyclable jar
Cons
- Contains a bit of caffeine
- Slightly dull color
uVernal Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
The uVernal matcha green tea powder comes in a resealable 4-ounce pack, providing about 24 servings.
This green tea powder is known to provide numerous health benefits as it improves memory and concentration, lowers cholesterol, improves mood, aids digestion, and the like. It also contains a small amount of caffeine- enough to keep you alert and awake.
uVernal’s matcha powder has a darker green color compared to similar products. As such, you can tell that it has a lower quality. However, despite that, this matcha powder provides a surprisingly slightly sweet and mild flavor.
Since it is culinary grade powder, it’s great to use for cooking and baking. Plus, it’s affordable. As such, you wouldn’t feel too guilty using it when experimenting and exploring different matcha recipes.
Pros
- Has a mild and slightly sweet taste
- Suitable for cooking and baking
- Provides numerous health benefits
Cons
- Produced in China
- Slightly darker green color
Matcha Konomi Akira Organic Japanese Matcha Powder
When it comes to high-quality ceremonial grade matcha powders, Matcha Konomi’s Akira powder is considered one of the best. Its tea leaves are meticulously handpicked and processed using a stone-ground in Uji.
The Akira matcha powder comes in a 1-ounce tin can, providing up to 50 servings. This container is airtight and sealed, ensuring its freshness. The packaging also makes it easy to store and put away.
This matcha powder comes in deep green color and has a sweet and pleasant scent. Users even detect hints of vanilla, rose, and cacao. As for its taste, the powder is subtly sweet and has a well-rounded bitterness. It’s ideal for beginners and connoisseurs alike.
Moreover, this ceremonial grade matcha powder is easy to whisk compared to similar products. You would not experience any clumping or the like.
Pros
- A great blend of sweetness and bitterness
- Easy to whisk
- High-quality matcha powder
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Leaves a little graininess
Matcha DNA Certified Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
The Matcha DNA green tea powder is 100% organic and safe to drink. With a USDA-certification, the company has ensured safe and clean harvesting and production process with each batch being carefully tested for lead and other heavy metals.
Moreover, this product is also said to contain numerous health benefits due to its potency. It is known to aid digestion, improve concentration and memory, and the like.
This matcha powder also comes in a 1-pound airtight tin can. With this packaging, you can ensure that the product is fresh. Again, this makes it easy to store.
The Matcha DNA green tea powder comes in a slightly yellow-green hue since it is culinary grade matcha. However, it surprisingly gives off a mild taste. As such, it’s good to use in cooking and baking.
Pros
- Lab-tested for lead and metals
- Comes in a tin package
- Provides numerous health benefits
Cons
- Produced in China
- Not so vibrant color
Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Latte Mix
When it comes to high-quality matcha powder, Jade Leaf is also part of the list. Their matcha latte variant is no different.
This product is sourced and produced in Japan, specifically in the Uji and Kagoshima. The green tea farmers have been working with the company for generations, ensuring high-quality produce.
Jade Leaf’s latte mix comes in a 150-gram resealable pouch, making it easy to store. The packaging is also ideal for preserving the freshness. With its size, it can provide up to 15 servings.
The Jade Leaf matcha powder comes in a slightly dark green color and gives off a mild scent. This best matcha green tea powder for latte blend has a sweet and mild taste, reminiscent of the drinks you buy in cafés. It also blends well in both hot and cold beverages.
Pros
- Has a sweet and mild taste
- Blends easily in both hot and cold drinks
- Comes in a resealable pouch
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Limited servings
Encha Ceremonial Organic Matcha
Encha is also a well-established brand in the matcha powder scene. The company produces and sources their powder from Japan, specifically in Uji. With a USDA-certification, you know that these products are 100% organic and safe to drink.
Encha’s matcha powder comes in a 30-gram resealable pouch, making it easy to store. Its container is also secure enough to prolong its freshness. One pack of this green tea can provide up to 15 servings.
Since it is ceremonial grade matcha, Encha’s powder has a vibrant, deep green color. You can detect a note of sweetness and bitterness when opening the pack.
As for its taste, the Encha matcha powder has slight bitter notes and hints of wasabi. However, the taste does not linger.
Pros
- Has a vibrant, deep green color
- Gives off a pleasant aroma
- Comes in a resealable pouch
Cons
- Could use more refining
- Might be bitter for beginners
Four Sigmatic Chai Latte
The Four Sigmatic latte mix comes in four different flavors you can choose from. You can choose the golden latte, coffee latte, or matcha latte from the Chai latte variant.
The different blends contain different spices and ingredients that are good for your body. Moreover, these options make them ideal for all diets or for those who want to change their drink now and then.
Four Sigmatic’s latte mix comes in a box of ten 6-gram packets. I quite like their packaging since you can adequately pace yourself and track your consumption. It’s also easier to store and put away.
For its taste, the Four Sigmatic chai latte mix has a mild flavor. Users describe tasting the various spices. While it contains mushrooms, the drink does not have a mushroomy taste. However, it slightly lacks the sweetness most chai drinks have.
Pros
- Contains organic ingredients
- Comes in different flavors
- Single-packet servings
Cons
- Quite expensive
Encha Latte Grade First Harvest Organic Matcha
Compared to other matcha latte mixes, Encha claims to be the only company offering this mix using first harvest tea leaves. As such, the powder gives a more balanced and pleasant flavor and aroma.
Like all its products, the Encha latte mix is USDA-certified. This certification guarantees that the product is 100% organic and free from lead and other heavy metals. Moreover, this latte blend is said to give numerous health benefits.
Encha’s latte mix comes in a resealable pouch, making it easier to store and prolonging its freshness. You can choose from two sizes: 30 grams or 60 grams.
The Encha latte mix comes in a bright, apple-green color, indicating its quality. Many users describe its taste as mostly sweet with subtle hints of bitterness. As such, its flavor profile is loved by both beginners and veterans alike.
Pros
- High-quality latte mix
- Has a bright apple-green color
- Mostly sweet with bitter undertones
Cons
- Easily clumps when mixing
Buying Guide
Purchasing a good matcha powder for latte is essential if you intend to brew a delicious drink. However, it is much more complicated than it looks.
For one, match powders vary in quality, which hinges on numerous factors. You will have to possess a keen eye when shopping, lest you buy one with subpar quality. Aside from the quality and taste, you will have to ensure that it falls within your budget.
Luckily, you do not have to worry. This buying guide will give you tips and enumerate all the factors you need to consider when looking for the best matcha powder for lattes in the market.
Country of Origin
Like wine, your matcha powder’s quality and taste will depend on where it was grown, harvested, and processed. Most matcha powders either come from Japan or China. When faced with both options, go for Japan-made powders.
While China is also a substantial producer, the matcha powder it produces tends to be hit-or-miss. There is a fluctuation in quality since some farms in China are typically to be heavily polluted, which, in turn, affects the matcha powder’s quality and taste.
Japan-produced matcha powder boasts a more superior quality. Most of the best matcha for latte come from Japanese farms. Look for powders produced in the Aichi and the Kyoto regions since they provide about 80% of the country’s supply.
Matcha Powder Grades
Matcha powder also comes in different grades, which refers to the powder’s flavor profile. The differences lie in the quality and location of the tea leaves. Here are the different types:
Ceremonial Grade Matcha
Ceremonial matcha powder boasts the highest quality since it is made only using the freshest and youngest tea plant leaves. These leaves are usually plucked from the first harvest out of the four-yearly yields.
As such, it is also the most expensive out of all the grades. Moreover, with its rich taste, it was intended to be mixed with water and consumed independently.
In Japan, ceremonial grade matcha is only used in tea ceremonies and other special occasions. Today, the best matcha for lattes come from this grade. Still, most connoisseurs only drink it on special occasions.
Premium Grade Matcha
Premium grade matcha comes from the second and third leaves of green tea plants, making it the second-highest quality matcha powder.
In this grade, the tea leaves used were plucked during the second flush of the harvesting season. It is said to contain the highest health benefits due to a high concentration of tea catechins.
Compared to ceremonial grade matcha, premium grade matcha is slightly cheaper while still maintaining excellent tea quality and taste.
Culinary Grade Matcha
Culinary grade matcha is the cheapest out of the three since it is made using the tea leaves found at the plant’s bottom. These leaves tend to be the oldest.
Hence, this matcha grade has a coarser powder and gives a more bitter and astringent taste than the other variants.
Because of its flavor profile, culinary grade matcha is suitable for cooking or baking.
Color
Color is a significant indicator of matcha powder’s quality. It shows that the matcha powder is fresh and that its tea leaves were harvested at the right time. Not only that, but the color’s intensity also indicates higher antioxidant content and proper storage.
The best matcha for latte comes in a bright spring green color. Ensure that the color does not appear dull since dull-colored powders tend to be contaminated or improperly stored. Steer clear of brown and muddy green hues, too, since they tend to be bitter.
To determine the color correctly, you can smear a small amount of the powder on a white piece of paper.
Texture
High-quality matcha powder has a distinct fine texture. As such, the powder should completely dissolve when brewed in water.
You can tell the difference since low-quality variants feel gritty and are coarser.
Taste and Aroma
Matcha powders can also be determined by their taste and aroma. High-quality variants should emit a mild and “grassy” sort of smell. Matcha connoisseurs and enthusiasts state that you should look for the following odors: grass, fresh green, spinach, cacao, hazelnut, and nuts.
As for the taste, a good-quality match has a sweet and savory flavor with nutty and earthy notes. On the other hand, low-quality matcha powder has an astringent and bitter taste.
However, do keep in mind that the drink’s taste would depend on the brewing method. If it still gives a bitter taste, even if you are brewing it correctly, the powder is likely low-quality.
Storage and Packaging
Matcha powder is exceptionally delicate and needs to be packaged and stored correctly. Otherwise, it will immediately go wrong as the natural elements will adversely affect its color and taste.
Matcha powder should be kept in an airtight and opaque container and stored in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Many recommend buying one that comes in a tin since it’s airtight and easier for scooping. Resealable bags are also suitable containers as they help retain the freshness.
Many also tend to keep their matcha powder in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. However, you need to ensure that the package is sealed tight to prevent air and moisture from seeping in.
Expiration Dates
Everybody knows that a delicious drink will only be made using fresh ingredients. When purchasing your matcha powder, make sure the packaging contains the expiration date.
Typically, matcha powders only last for six months to a year. However, it’s best to consume the product within a month after opening it. The fresher the powder, the more delicious the drink will be.
Matcha Latte Recipes
If you are still unsure, this video contains more information on your matcha powder. It gives information on where to buy and how to store and work with your matcha powder. It even contains a matcha latte recipe you can try out.
Now that you have learned the basics, it’s time to explore the wonders of matcha powder. This video contains seven recipes you can experiment on.
Our Pick
- Has a bright green color, good starter tea, easy to store
- Texture could use refining
Out of all the products listed, the Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder is the best matcha powder for latte to purchase.
This matcha powder is 100% produced in Japan, specifically in Uji and Kagoshima. Not to mention, the company has worked with the same farms for generations, ensuring its high-quality.
Jade Leaf’s matcha powder is also safe and healthy to drink. With a USDA-certification, the production and manufacturing process has passed the required health and safety standards.
With a bright green hue, this matcha powder gives off a pleasant and mild scent. As for its taste, the matcha powder provides a rich and earthy flavor. But then, it lacks any bitterness since it doesn’t contain as much umami compared to similar brands. As such, it is a great starter tea. Buy the best matcha powders for latte today!
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