Craving for some matcha but don’t want to go out? Buy your matcha powders online and make your own drinks at home! This way, you can make your drinks how you like them. You can make the flavor as strong or as weak as you like, and you can add whatever additional ingredients you want.
We have created a top 10 list of our recommended products as well as a buying guide, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, to help you choose the best quality matcha powders out there, on how to choose a matcha powder that will suit your taste and purpose.
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
When browsing different tea labels in groceries or even in milk tea shops and cafes, you’re sure to come across matcha and green tea. They come from the same plant but they’re not quite the same. Confused? We break them down for you below.
Matcha is something we can see popping up in stores and cafes more and more. But, did you know that matcha and regular green tea are different? Although they are both derived from the same kind of leaves called Camellia Sinensis, they go through different processes and produce different results.
Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from whole tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder form. You then mix the powder with hot water to produce a bright green drink. It produces an intense, almost sweet flavor that has earthy and vegetal hints.
For green tea, the process involves leaving the leaves out in the sun to dry. It is usually drunk by steeping the leaves in hot water to produce a light, delicate, and fresh-tasting drink.
Green tea and matcha share the same health benefits. However, matcha has ten times the nutritional value of a regular green tea and up to 137 times the amount of antioxidants. More than berries and other fruits!
As said above, green tea and matcha both have the same nutrients. But, matcha is a more potent source of those nutrients than steeped green tea. Here are some of the benefits of drinking matcha tea.
Firstly, matcha teas have a high amount of antioxidants called polyphenols. These polyphenols help in protecting the body against heart disease and cancer. It also aids in better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-aging.
Another polyphenol in matcha is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Studies say that EGCG helps boost metabolism and slows or halts the growth of cancer cells. However, a serving of matcha tea is potent, so it also has a high amount of caffeine.
Here are some key points to consider:
Just like wine, the taste and quality of the matcha powder will vary depending on where it's grown and processed. While the tea leaves can be grown in different places in the world, nothing will beat the meticulous and artful way they produce matcha powders in Japan, passed down from generation to generation of farmers and tea masters.
The two regions in Japan most popular for making matcha powders are Nishio City in Aichi and Uji City in Kyoto. They produce around 80% of all the matcha produced in Japan.
Good quality matcha should have a bright, almost electric green color. If the matcha powder has a faded green or a yellowish-green color, chances are the matcha is of lower quality, and might have a bitter and not-so-rich taste.
It is said that the greener the matcha powder, the richer the taste will be, and it will have more health benefits.
Matcha can be classified as ceremonial grade or culinary grade. This is a measure of the quality, and sometimes the price, of the matcha. Continue reading to find out their defferences.
Ceremonial grade matcha powders are typically used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It involves a more time-consuming and labor-intensive harvesting and processing of the tea leaves.
Ceremonial grade matcha is harvested from the freshest and youngest leaves of the plant. It is intended to be mixed only with water and drunk straight. With matcha powder of this quality, you wouldn't want to drink it any other way.
This kind of matcha is ideal for matcha enthusiasts or those who want to experience a more traditional-tasting matcha drink.
Culinary-grade matcha is made from leaves on the lower parts of the plant. This produces a coarser powder with a more bitter taste. It also has fewer health benefits than ceremonial grade matcha powders.
While culinary grade matcha powders are not ideal for drinking, they are good for baking or cooking. This kind of matcha powder is also more affordable and is perfect to use if you want lattes instead of pure matcha teas.
While matcha is best enjoyed in its pure form, some people are used to drinking matcha teas in latte form or mixed with other flavorings. If you don't like the intense taste of pure matcha and just want subtle hints of the flavor, you can get matcha-flavored drinks or mixed drinks.
However, if you are health-conscious, do keep in mind that added ingredients like sugar and cream equate to more calories, and some blends might have too much sugar in their mixes. Be sure to read the labelsーmatcha should still be the first in the ingredients list to get the benefits of matcha.
Looking for authentic, high-quality matcha available in the Philippines? Look no further than this matcha powder from Matchaholics! Their matcha powder is sourced from Uji, Kyoto, and is produced and packed by Japanese artisans in compliance with the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS).
There's no need to go to expensive cafes or even Japan just to savor authentic matcha goodness! Since it's JAS-compliant and FDA-registered, you can assure that this matcha powder is safe for consumptionーyou'll truly enjoy all the benefits of matcha with this one! Whether you're an occasional drinker or a matcha aficionado, you can never go wrong with Matchaholics!
From ₱965
The demand for matcha is so great that local brands have been stepping up their game, like Jacob’s Well Chai. They use premium-grade Uji matcha. It has a deep, rather earthy umami flavor with a smooth aftertaste.
Reviewers have also noted that the matcha powder is very fine; there is almost no residue left behind after drinking. Although ceremonial grade powders are meant to be mixed with water alone, this particular variety can be made into a latte. Just mix 2-3g of matcha powder into 50mL of hot milk and add a bit of hot or cold mix.
Can’t get enough of matcha? Made in Matcha’s cafe-grade matcha powder has got you covered. It is specifically made to be blended with other ingredients like baked goods. Now you can make matcha cookies and cakes aside from your usual lattes and smoothies.
It contains 100% pure matcha powder from the Kansai region in Japan, so you're sure that this will give an authentic matcha taste! Reviewers have also noted it isn’t as bitter and earthy as other powders, making this a great gateway for those new to matcha.
If you’re still getting used to matcha’s taste, you may want to try the blended versions first, particularly if you like sweet things. This instant matcha latte from Marukyu Koyamaen is one example. It is already sweetened and contains milk, therefore you only need to add water! What’s more, you can prepare this in both hot and cold water.
It is manufactured with a freeze-dry technology that allows the powder to be soluble even in cold water! This makes it great for those spur-of-the-moment matcha cravings. Plus, even if it is a matcha blend, you can still see the vibrance of the powder. Another thing to note is that for a latte mix, it has a relatively short ingredients list.
This product contains only 250 grams of pure matcha powderーnothing more or less than that, so you're sure that you won't be adding any other unnecessary calories to your drink. This is not a ceremonial grade, so it is less intense, perfect for newbies or for those who only want a hint of matcha in their drinks.
This matcha powder can also be enjoyed as a latte or a blended into your smoothies if you want that added flavor. Moreover, its overall milder taste make it perfect for cooking or baking.
This Japanese matcha mix drink is popular in Japan because it gives a balanced taste of creamy milk and earthy flavor of matcha. The milk in this blend is not overpowering the unique taste of the matcha at all. It is one of the bestselling matcha drinks in Japan, so you know it's good.
One box contains seven stick packs with 12 grams each. This drink can be enjoyed hot or served with ice. This is perfect for those who want the matcha flavor without the intense taste of pure matcha. You can now have your own matcha au lait in the comfort of your own home with just one sachet of this!
This culinary grade matcha powder is loved by many because of its taste. They love using it for their lattes and at-home frappucinos. Some users of this product also love drinking this matcha powder in the mornings to relieve bloatedness and to jumpstart their metabolisms.
This product is made with no added color or flavoring. Though keep in mind, the manufacturers of this product say that the matcha powder should be consumed within six months to maintain its freshness and nutrient value.
This product is perfect for those following a keto diet or those staying away from sugar, but can’t get enough of matcha drinks. In essence, a keto diet is high in fats and protein and low in carbohydrates. This mix does not use refined sugars, so it is also good for people with diabetes or for people watching their calorie intake.
This matcha blend also suppresses appetite while prolonging satiety, meaning you will stay full for longer and will have fewer cravings. The MCT in this mix acts as a stable energy booster and will keep you alert without giving you a mid-day crash.
If you love matcha frappuccino and have them frequently, try this matcha drink! Frappuccinos from coffee shops are not cheap and will cost you a lot of money in the long run. Reviewers say this matcha drink mix is very similar in taste to the famous coffee shops' matcha lattes and frappuccinos.
This mix has no trans fats and no cholesterol. However, some reviewers say that this mix is too sweet, so make sure to add more liquids to balance out its taste. You can have it hot, served with ice, and you can even put it in a blender with some ice and make your own frappuccinoーperfect for hot summer days!
Making your own drink is fun but can be time consuming, especially for those who have busy lifestyles. With Lipton’s matcha tea latte, getting your matcha fix won’t be a problem. It consists of individual sachets that you can take with you, perfect for those always on-the-go.
That way, you can make matcha drinks even while you’re at work - all you need is hot water! It has a smooth and creamy texture since it is infused with milk. This makes it ideal for those in the mood for a malinamnam drink, the perfect pick-me-up for merienda!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Yes, much like regular green tea, matcha powder does contain caffeine but less than a cup of coffee and black tea. Look at it this way, a 240mL cup of coffee contains about 96mg of caffeine in contrast to matcha powder’s 70mg per 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. Therefore, not only does matcha contain caffeine, it packs a stronger punch than your usual green tea.
The ratio of matcha powder to water would depend on how you prefer to drink your matcha. For instance, the typical way of preparing matcha is about 2 grams or a teaspoon of matcha powder dissolved in 2 ounces or 59mL of hot water.
If you want it thinner, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of powder in 89-118mL water. But, if you want to prepare it the traditional way, add one more teaspoon of matcha powder in 2 ounces of water to get a thicker consistency. It is also recommended you use a higher grade of matcha powder.
Matcha powder does not really go bad. But it can go stale. That is, it will lose its potency or taste lipas. The question of how long it can keep its shelf life depends on when it was manufactured. Most matcha powders are good for about 10 months to a year. But, keep in mind, that this pertains to unopened matcha powder.
Once opened, matcha is rather delicate as it is prone to degradation from sunlight, moisture, and heat, which can also shorten its shelf life to about 6 months. That is why it is recommended to purchase matcha powder in tins rather than in pouches to ensure you can preserve its quality.
Tired of going to cafes and coffee shops to get your drink and snack fix? Make your own drinks at home with these products and pair it with some delicious cake! With the following picks, it’s as easy 1, 2, 3!
Author: Rie N.
Re-editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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