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Everything You Need to Know About Matcha
Let’s whisk through the basics.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant behind true teas including, green, black, white and oolong tea.
The difference is in how it is grown, processed, and prepared
How is matcha made?
A few weeks before harvest, tea bushes grown for matcha are shaded from direct sunlight.
This helps boost chlorophyll, giving matcha its vibrant green colour, and encourages amino acids like L-theanine, which contribute to its smooth, umami-rich flavour.
After harvest, the leaves are steamed, dried, de-stemmed and de-veined. At this stage, the leaf is known as tencha.
The tencha is then slowly ground into a very fine powder to become matcha.
Is matcha the same as green tea?
Not quite.
Matcha and green tea come from the same plant, but they are grown, processed and prepared differently.
Green tea is brewed as an infusion, meaning the leaves are steeped in water and then removed.
Matcha is different. Because the tea leaves are ground into a fine powder and whisked into the drink, you are consuming the whole leaf.
That is why matcha is often more concentrated in flavour, colour and naturally occurring green tea compounds, including antioxidants.
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha has a flavour all of its own.
It is often described as earthy, green, smooth, slightly sweet, savoury and umami-rich. Some matcha can taste grassy or bitter, especially lower quality grades or matcha made with water that is too hot.
A smoother matcha should feel balanced, not harsh.
If you are new to matcha, a matcha latte is a lovely place to start. Milk softens the flavour, and a little honey or vanilla can bring out its natural sweetness.
Can matcha help you feel more focused?
Matcha naturally contains caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea.
Caffeine is known for helping you feel more alert, while L-theanine is often associated with a smoother, more mellow tea-drinking experience.
That combination is why many people describe matcha as giving them a more balanced lift compared with coffee.
How much caffeine is in matcha?
Caffeine levels can vary depending on the grade, growing conditions and how much powder you use.
As a general guide, a serving of matcha contains around 60–70mg of caffeine.
For comparison, a typical cup of coffee often contains around 80–120mg, while brewed green tea usually contains around 20–40mg.
So matcha generally sits somewhere between green tea and coffee.
What are the different grades of matcha?
Matcha is often described as ceremonial, premium or culinary grade. These terms help explain how each matcha is best used.
Ceremonial grade is usually the smoothest and most vibrant. It is best enjoyed simply with water, or in a simple latte where the matcha flavour is still the star.
Premium grade is a great everyday option, especially for iced matcha, milk-based lattes and flavour combinations like strawberry, mango or vanilla.
Culinary grade is usually stronger and more robust, making it best suited to baking, desserts and recipes.
How should you store matcha?
Matcha is delicate, so storage matters.
Keep it sealed and away from heat, light and moisture. Once opened, enjoy it within a reasonable timeframe so the colour, aroma and flavour stay at their best.
Ready to whisk? Explore our matcha range.