I may be a little obsessed with matcha, but for good reason. I drink it every.single.day.  It makes me feel so balanced- alert, focused, energized. And I just love all the magic it’s working on the inside as well- reducing inflammation, fighting free radicals, promoting healthy estrogen metabolism, and protecting my DNA from damage that could lead to cancer. 

What is matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground, powdered green tea made from shade-grown tea leaves

Health Benefits

• Antioxidant powerhouse: Matcha contains at least 3x more antioxidants than other types of green tea, and up to 137 times more than some brands!
• Sustained energy (no jitters!)
• Heightened focus and concentration 
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-aging
• Boosts metabolism
• Reduces anxiety (thanks to the L-theanine content)
• Hormone balance

Caffeine content

Matcha                                      vs.                               Coffee

70 mg per tsp (slow release thanks to L-theanine)          95 mg (quick jolt but often followed by jitters and crash)

Choosing a quality matcha

Always opt for organic and ceremonial. Ceremonial grade matchal is more expensive but worth every penny. Trust me on this one!

Regular matcha (culinary)      vs.                               Ceremonial

• Made from older leaves, may include stems          – Made from younger leaves, no stems
• Dull, yellowish-green                                             – Vibrant, bright green
• Bitter and slightly rough                   – Less bitter and smooth

Favorite Brands

I always look for organic and ceremonial grade matcha. Ceremonial matcha can be expensive so I try to look for more affordable options as well. Below are some of my favorites:

Matcha Organics

I plow through matcha so I am always on the hunt for bulk bags. I found this one on Amazon that I am enjoying. It’s organic, tastes good, ceremonial grade, and *relatively” inexpensive. ($11.32 per ounce)

Pique Sun Goddess Matcha ($27.20 per ounce)

Screened for pesticides, heavy metals, and mold

Kenko ($27.99 per ounce)

Matcha Love ($31.41 per ounce)

Ordering matcha at a coffee shop

Did you know many coffee shop matcha letts contain more sugar than a scoop of ice cream? On its own, matcha is one of the healthiest drinks. But it can become a sugar bomb if you’re not mindful of added ingredients. A 12 ounce almond milk matcha latte from Starbucks contains 20 grams of sugar. That;s 5 tsps of sugar, which is more than a scoop of ice cream. 

When ordering matcha lattes out at a coffee shop, ask if their matcha contains added sugar.

When buying matcha for homemade matcha lattes, opt for ceremonial with no added sugar.

Knowledge is power!

Recipes:

Hot Matcha Latte

The most common way I drink matcha is a hot matcha latte in the morning. I make it in a blender, which is not the traditional way to make it. The traditional way to make matcha is with a whisk, but the blender froths it up perfectly! I like to add a touch of sweetness with a clean creamer (Malk or Laird). You can also just add honey or maple syrup in place of the creamer.

Blend the following in a blender:

-12 ounces hot water

-1-2 tsps ceremonial matcha

-4 ounces almond milk (I like Malk or Organic Califia)

-1 TBSP of  Malk vanilla creamer or  Laird superfood creamer (Sweet and Creamy flavor) *both found in the fridge section

Iced Matcha Latte

-¼ cup hot water

-1-2 tsps ceremonial matcha

-8-12 ounces of almond milk (I like Malk or Organic Califia)

-1 TBSP of  Malk vanilla creamer or  Laird superfood creamer (Sweet and Creamy flavor) *both found in the fridge section

-Ice cubes

Add matcha to a glass. Add ¼ cup hot water and whisk together either with a hand whisk or an electric handheld whisk. Add ice cubes. Pour almond milk and creamer into the glass. Whisk again.

Matcha Yogurt Bowl

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (I like Fage full fat)
• 1/2-1 tsp ceremonial matcha 
• Toppings of your choice- berries, chia, flax, cacao nibs, bee pollen, nuts

Instructions:

1. Add yogurt and matcha to a bowl and mix together.
2. Add toppings of your choice.

Matcha Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup almond milk
• 1 tsp matcha
• 1 TBSP frozen avocado
• 1-2 cups spinach
• 1 TBSP chia or ground flax
• 1 TBSP almond butter
• ½ frozen banana
• ½ inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1 scoop plant-based protein powder, such as Sunwarrior
• 4-6 ice cubes

Instructions:Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Put in a bowl and top with cacao nibs, shredded coconut, or a low-sugar granola. Pro tip- opt for a store-bought granola with less than 5 grams of sugar or make your own. This homemade golden granola is my favorite!

Glowing Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

8-12 oz.	Unsweetened almond milk
1-2 tbsp	Collagen powder
1 scoop	Plant-based protein powder (I like Sunwarrior)
2 tsps	Matcha green tea powder
½	Banana (frozen or fresh)
Handful	Kale
¼-1/2	Avocado

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend on high until smooth.

Matcha Electrolyte Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp ceremonial matcha powder
• 12-16 ounces of water
• 1 scoop electrolyte powder (Ultima, LMNT, Drink Zyn, and Cure are all good ones)
• Ice

Combine matcha, water, and electrolytes in a glass. Whisk together either with a hand whisk or an electric handheld whisk. Add ice cubes.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.