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!)
• 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                   – Smooth and 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

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). 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

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.