What we love: We love Navitas Organics for its plant-based superfood products, such as cacao and chia seeds, and its matcha is no exception. This one is premium culinary-grade, so it’s a great option to use in baked goods (like these Matcha Spritz Cookies or Chocolate-Matcha Butter Mochi Cake) and breakfast items (like this Matcha Mango Chia Pudding). It’s also a more budget-friendly option at $18.85 for 3 ounces. Out of a few culinary-grade matcha options, this one has little to no bitterness, isn’t overwhelmingly grassy, and dissolves nicely.
What we’d leave: This matcha is better for baking and cooking rather than drinking it straight up or in a latte because it has a bit less of a pronounced flavor and less umami to it than some of the ceremonial-grade options.
How we tested matcha powders
We considered sourcing, grade (the distinction of quality between ceremonial and culinary), taste, and texture when determining which matcha powders were the cream of the crop. For each powder, we used each powder first as straight matcha with water and then in latte applications, both iced and hot.
Best tools to make excellent matcha
Making really good matcha at home requires more than just a high-quality powder. The process calls for its own set of tools—most basically a bowl (chawan) and whisk (chasen), but other tools like a proper sifter or a precise kettle will help take your matcha from all right to great. Here are some of our recommendations to brew a clump-free, smooth cup of matcha.
Matcha set
A curated set is a great way to get started on your home matcha game because it has just about every tool you need (and sometimes more). For one that’s designed to sit out on your counter and double as home decor, we love this one from Fellow. This one from Rocky’s, which also includes a 20-gram jar of matcha, doesn’t require a designated counter or storage space and still has all the essentials.
