What is matcha? Matcha is a finely ground, powdered green tea made from shade-grown tea leaves. It’s packed with catechins (like EGCG), potent antioxidants. 

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!)
• Brain protection: slows age-related shrinkage of the hippocampus (memory center of the brain)
• 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

Matcha contains ~70 mg caffeine per tsp (and it’s a slow release thanks to L-theanine), while coffee contains ~95 mg caffeine per cup (quick jolt but often followed by jitters and crash).

Choosing a quality matcha

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

Regular matcha, also called culinary grade, is made from older leaves and may include stems, which gives it a dull, yellowish-green color. It tends to taste bitter and slightly rough.

Ceremonial grade matcha is made from younger leaves with no stems, so it has a vibrant, bright green color. The flavor is smooth and much less bitter.

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. Comes in single-serving packets.

Pique gave me a link to share with you to get 20% off and a free starter kit: https://www.piquelife.com/DRSARAH 

Kenko ($27.99 per ounce)
Matcha Love ($31.41 per ounce)

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), honey or maple syrup, or my latest obsession, maple butter. Stevia or monk fruit would also do. The touch of sweetness cuts the bitterness.

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 tsp maple butter (I get this from Whole Foods) (honey, maple syrup, stevia, or monk fruit would also work)

Iced Matcha Latte

Ingredients:

• 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

Instructions:

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.