Fancy a matcha latte at home? We asked our nutritionist what to look for in a quality matcha powder and rounded up our best blends to whisk, stir and sip your way
Our top picks
Ceremonial grade
PerfectTed
Perfect Ted Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder 30g
€14.50
Decaf alternative
Clearspring
Clearspring Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha Mulberry Leaf Powder 40g (Decaff)
Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price
€10.99
Matcha isn’t just having a moment – it’s having a full-blown main character era. Last year, more of us were Googling matcha than cappuccino¹ – and it’s now firmly embedded in the UK’s café culture. You’ve seen it everywhere: those scroll-stopping, Insta-worthy ombré lattes clutched on the commute, snapped mid-brunch and artfully lined up on café counters. But it’s more than just a pretty picture.
“Matcha is a vibrant, finely ground Japanese green tea powder packed with antioxidants – especially catechins like EGCG – and the calming amino acid L-theanine, delivering steady energy without coffee’s crash,” H&B nutritionist Sarah Harris explains.
Ready to whisk up a matcha latte at home? We’re spilling the tea and rounding up our best matcha powders – so you can brew up your new fave drink in your kitchen.
What to look for in a good matcha powder
Matcha’s unique appeal lies in the fact you’re drinking the whole leaf – not just an infusion. That’s because those bright green leaves are stone-ground into a fine powder and whisked straight into your drink. Unlike a regular cup of tea, where the leaves are steeped and then removed, with matcha you’re consuming the entire leaf. “Matcha naturally contains compounds including EGCG and L-theanine, which contribute to its distinctive profile,” Sarah explains.
“Look for a vivid green colour, a silky-fine texture and a sweet umami aroma”
When it comes to choosing a powder, quality makes all the difference. “Look for a bright, vivid green colour, a silky-fine texture and a fresh, slightly sweet umami aroma,” she says. “These signal careful shade-growing and stone-grinding. Ceremonial-grade matcha (considered the highest quality) is typically smoother and less bitter.” She adds that storing it in an airtight container, away from light and heat, will help maintain its freshness.
As you’re consuming the whole powdered leaf, matcha also naturally contains more caffeine than most green teas – contributing to its rich flavour and energy-supporting properties. While standard green teas typically contain around 11-25mg of caffeine per gram, matcha can range from roughly 19-44mg per gram, making it a more concentrated source.1
How to make a matcha latte at home
Ready to perfect your whisking technique? “As a general rule, sift one level teaspoon of matcha into a bowl, add hot – not boiling – water (around 70–80°C), then whisk briskly in a zig-zag motion until frothy,” says Sarah. “You can keep it traditional or add milk for a latte. It’s also great blended into smoothies.”
Our best matcha powders
Now you’ve got the lowdown, it’s time to meet our favourites – and find your new go-to.
If you’re after a matcha that ticks every box, this ceremonial-grade pick from PerfectTed is a standout. As Sarah puts it: “A favourite you can try is Perfect Ted Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder, a ceremonial-grade, organic matcha sourced from Uji, Japan, known for its smooth, naturally sweet flavour and vibrant colour – ideal for traditional whisked tea, lattes or adding to smoothies and baking.”
It’s also award-winning (Great Taste two stars), 100% pure, vegan and non-GMO – so you know you’re getting the good stuff.
Looking for more than just your morning matcha? This forest fruits superblend combines ceremonial-grade matcha with functional botanicals, mushrooms and yerba mate for a balanced, feel-good lift. With added vitamins B6 and B12 to support normal energy-yielding metabolism and immune function, plus 40mg of naturally occurring L-theanine per serving, it’s designed to help you stay focused and energised – without the crash some people may feel with coffee.
To serve, add one teaspoon to 100ml hot water and whisk until smooth, then pour over 50ml of your favourite milk. Prefer it chilled? Serve over ice for a refreshing iced matcha, or blend into a smoothie for an extra functional kick.
Twinings have been part of Britain’s tea ritual for over 300 years – so it’s no surprise they’ve turned their hand to matcha. This ceremonial-grade organic powder is sourced directly from family farms in Kagoshima and Shizuoka, Japan, delivering a bold lime green colour and fresh, grassy flavour with a gently savoury finish. Vegan-friendly and finely ground, it’s a refined take on a centuries-old tradition.
To prepare, add 1g of powder to a bowl with 70ml of boiled water cooled to 70–80°C and whisk in a W motion until smooth. Enjoy as it is with something sweet on the side, or stir into lattes, smoothies or your favourite shake for a modern twist on a classic.
If quality is top of your list, this AA grade organic matcha from OMGTea delivers. Made from a blend of first and second harvest Japanese green tea leaves, shade-grown in Kagoshima and stone-ground using traditional granite mills, it’s crafted with care – earning it a star at the Great Taste Awards. The result is a smooth, high-quality matcha that works beautifully as a latte, smoothie or enjoyed simply as a tea.
Whisk with hot (not boiling) water or mix with your favourite milk for a silky latte. A great choice if you’re looking to elevate your everyday matcha ritual.
Short on time? These strawberry-flavoured ceremonial-grade matcha pods make it effortless. Crafted with shade-grown green tea leaves, each pod delivers 51mg of caffeine for clean, sustained energy and focus – all with a smooth, balanced taste and natural strawberry sweetness. No bitterness, no whisking required.
Simply pop one into your Nespresso® machine for a barista-style matcha in seconds. Vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO, with recycled aluminium pods, they’re a convenient and more sustainable way to enjoy matcha at home.
If you love the ritual of matcha but want to skip the caffeine, this Kuwa matcha is one to try. Made from 100% organic Japanese mulberry leaves grown in Kagoshima, it’s naturally caffeine-free and offers a smoother, less astringent taste than traditional matcha green tea. The finely ground powder has a striking green hue and works beautifully as a daily drink.
To make, whisk ¼ teaspoon (1g) with 70ml warm water until smooth. Prefer it creamy? Mix one teaspoon with a little hot water, then top with warm plant-based milk for a gentle, caffeine-free latte.
The final say
From frothy morning lattes to iced afternoon pick-me-ups, matcha has firmly found its place in many daily routines. Making a matcha latte at home not only lets you tailor it to your taste – it can also save you some money on the daily coffee run. Whether you prefer it traditional and ceremonial, blended with functional extras or completely caffeine-free, there’s something to suit your mood and moment.
Ready to expand your barista repertoire? Jump into the world of mushroom coffees and golden turmeric lattes next – two more comforting, feel-good brews reshaping the way we drink.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Mruk H, Janda K. Health benefits and chemical composition of matcha green tea: a review. Molecules. 2021;26(1):85. doi:10.3390/molecules26010085.
Related to this article
