Matcha 101: Benefits, How to Make It, and Recipes

By Remy

Sep 16, 2019 ā€¢ Updated Apr 28, 2025

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Learn what matcha is, why it’s loved for its health benefits, and how to make the perfect cup at home! I’m also sharing my favorite matcha recipes and tools to whisk up a perfect bowl, just like I learned from my oba-chan (grandmother) growing up in Japan.

What is matcha?
Matcha is a vibrant green powder made from ground shade-grown green tea leaves, prized for its antioxidants and calm energy benefits. Let’s dive in and learn more about matcha!

scoop of vibrant ceremonial grade matcha powder.

What Is Matcha?

Unlike other teas, matcha is made by finely grinding specially grown green tea leaves into a vibrant powder, offering a richer flavor and higher concentration of antioxidants.

The tradition of drinking matcha originated in China but was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 12th century. In Japan, matcha became an essential part of tea ceremonies known as chado, emphasizing mindfulness, respect, and purity.

Today, matcha is loved worldwide for its vibrant green color, unique taste, and incredible health benefits.

Health Benefits of Matcha

Matcha isn’t just beautiful; it’s also packed with wellness benefits (even Harvard did a study on matcha!):

  • Calm, sustained energy thanks to L-theanine, which balances the caffeine for a “calm alertness” effect.
  • High antioxidant levels, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), known for its anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.
  • Boosted metabolism and fat burning support.
  • Enhanced focus and concentration, making it a favorite among monks and modern creatives alike.

Fun fact: A single serving of matcha can have as much caffeine as coffee, but it’s delivered in a smoother, less jittery way.

Iced matcha latte with rich green color served at home

Ceremonial Grade vs. Culinary Grade

Not all matcha is created equal! Here’s the quick guide:

  • Ceremonial Grade:
    • Made from the first harvest.
    • Vibrant green color.
    • Smooth, naturally sweet, and delicate flavor.
    • Best for drinking straight or in lattes.
  • Culinary Grade:
    • Made from later harvests.
    • Duller green or yellowish hue.
    • More bitter or grassy flavor.
    • Best for baking or blending into recipes.

For the best experience, especially for drinking, I always recommend choosing a high-quality ceremonial grade matcha.

How to Choose High-Quality Matcha

When picking your matcha, look for:

  • Bright, vibrant green color (avoid dull or yellow hues)
  • Fine, smooth powder (not gritty)
  • Slightly sweet, fresh grassy aroma
  • Single-ingredient: 100% matcha only

My favorite brands:

If possible, choose matcha thatā€™s JAS-certified (Japan Agricultural Standards) or from a trusted tea farm.

Traditional Japanese matcha tea tools including bamboo whisk and tea bowl

Must-Have Tools for Making Matcha

Traditional tools truly elevate your matcha experience:

  • Tea Sifter: Breaks up clumps before whisking.
  • Bamboo Whisk (Chasen): Creates that beautiful froth.
  • Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku): Measures perfect servings.
  • Chawan (Tea Bowl): Allows for easy whisking.
  • Storage: Keep matcha in an airtight tin, in a cool, dark place (or fridge!) to preserve freshness.

Investing in the right tools makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture.

Close-up of bamboo matcha whisk used for frothing matcha tea

How to Make Matcha at Home (Step-by-Step)

Making matcha at home is simple and soothing:

Making matcha at home: freshly whisked matcha in traditional tea bowl
  1. Heat Water:
    • Bring water to just below boiling (~175Ā°F / 80Ā°C).
  2. Sift Matcha:
    • Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha into your bowl.
  3. Whisk:
    • Add about 1/4 cup hot water.
    • Whisk briskly in an “M” or “W” motion until frothy and smooth.
  4. Customize:
    • Enjoy as is, or add milk (for a latte) and sweetener if desired.

Pro Tip: I love using coconut milk or oat milk for a creamy, vegan matcha latte!

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Matcha

Once you master the basics, you can enjoy matcha in so many fun ways:

Explore even more matcha dessert and drink recipes on the blog!

Vegan iced matcha latte served in a glass with frothy green tea

FAQs

Is matcha stronger than coffee?

Matcha can have as much caffeine as coffee, but thanks to L-theanine, it provides a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost without the crash.

What are the benefits of drinking matcha daily?

Daily matcha can support antioxidant intake, improved metabolism, and better mental focus.

How should matcha be stored?

Store matcha in an airtight container, away from light and heat. Refrigerate for maximum freshness if you don’t use it quickly

Can you bake with ceremonial grade matcha?

Yes, but because ceremonial matcha is pricier, itā€™s usually ok to reserve it for drinking and use culinary grade for baking.

How often should I drink matcha?

You can safely enjoy 1ā€“2 servings per day. Thanks to the calming effects of L-theanine, many people find it gentle enough for daily use.

When is the best time to drink matcha?

Morning or early afternoon is ideal to enjoy matcha’s energizing benefits without disrupting sleep.

Is matcha healthier than regular green tea?

Matcha offers more concentrated antioxidants than regular green tea because you consume the whole leaf, making it an even richer source of EGCG and L-theanine.

a hot matcha latte in a white mug

Even More Matcha Recipes

Ready to make your perfect matcha? Explore all my matcha recipes here and find your favorite! Tag me on Instagram @veggiekins so I can see your matcha creations! šŸµ

a hot matcha latte in a white mug
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Matcha 101: How to Make It at Home!

How to make the perfect cup of matcha at home! I'm also sharing my favorite matcha tools to whisk up a perfect bowl, just like I learned from my oba-chan (grandmother) growing up in Japan.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Japanese
Diet: Vegan
Keyword: how to make matcha, matcha
Yield: 1 latte
Author: Remy

Materials

  • Tea Sifter: Breaks up clumps before whisking.
  • Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) Creates that beautiful froth.
  • Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku) Measures perfect servings.
  • Chawan (Tea Bowl) Allows for easy whisking.
  • Storage: Keep matcha in an airtight tin in a cool, dark place (or fridge!) to preserve freshness.
  • Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder

Instructions

  • Heat Water: Bring water to just below boiling (~175Ā°F / 80Ā°C).
  • Sift Matcha: Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha into your bowl.
  • Whisk: Add about 1/4 cup hot water. Whisk briskly in an “M” or “W” motion until frothy and smooth.
  • Customize: Enjoy as is, or add milk (for a latte) and sweetener if desired.

Video

Notes

Make it Iced:
  • Prepare your matcha shot as usual.
  • Fill a glass with ice.
  • Pour the matcha over the ice and top with your favorite plant milk.
  • Sweeten to taste if desired!

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About Remy

Hi there, Iā€™m Remy! Welcome to Veggiekins Blog, home to nourishing vegan + gluten-free recipes and tips to live your best balanced and holistic life. Iā€™m a human on a mission to empower you to be well and be kind to your mind, body and soul with the healing power of plants.

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22 Comments

  1. Hello! On a mission to create the perfect matcha, so thank you for your post! I am following your directions, but the frothiness of the matcha seems to disappear when I add the matcha to more hot water. Is that normal? Thank you!
    Reply
    1. HI Kelsey! Yes can be normal, I'd say add your hot water first then pour your whisked matcha on top to preserve some of the froth :)
      Reply
  2. Thanks for the information. I was just wondering, which variety of Ippodo matcha do you use? I love the variety, but I'm not sure which would be the best for me to try first. I am looking for matcha that's very flavorful, grassy, and has umami but not a lot of bitterness.
    Reply
    1. Hi Brianna! I usually switch between a few (I also love to try when they have new seasonal varietals) but this guide on my IG Story Highlights might be helpful!
      Reply
  3. Hi! I was wondering how much milk you should use, and what kind of milk do you recommend. Also can I use maple syrup as a sweetener? What should I use if I don't have a bamboo whisk? Thank Youu
    Reply
    1. Use as much as you'd like and whatever milk you'd like. It's up to your taste preference, do as you would with a regular coffee based latte :) Same with sweetener, use whatever you'd like and what tastes good to you. Unfortunately, you do need a whisk to prepare matcha so I don't have any alternative recommendations. If you blend it up in a high power blender, it might work but will likely clump once it settles again.
      Reply
  4. Hi Remy I was wondering if it is possible to store prewhisked matcha in the fridge, like making a small batch of it from 4-5 teaspoons in the morning and using it throughout the day just pouring it over the milk? Thank you!
    Reply
    1. Hi Mia! I wouldn't recommend that because matcha does settle and separate when it sits for a long time (even if you're having a latte and take over an hour to enjoy, for example).
      Reply
  6. Thank you for turning me on to Ippodo! I tried Horai last year and am working through Sayaka now. I have definitely been through some less than stellar matcha and now I feel like Ippodo spoils me for choice.
    Reply
  7. Is there a quick and easy ā€œjust add waterā€ matcha latte product that youā€™d recommend (like clevr blends or other)? Just had a baby and suddenly lost all the morning time, but could especially use some matcha!
    Reply
    1. Personally I don't use any just add water products so can't recommend but Ito En sells a bottled plain iced matcha.
      Reply
  8. Hi Remy, Thank you for sharing! Is it ok to heat the water for matcha in a stainless steel tea kettle? Do you know about how long a container of Ippodo lasts for you drinking daily? Also, does the matcha need to be refrigerated? Thanks!
    Reply
    1. Hi yes! Totally ok. As for the Ippodo, about a month for me, and it doesn't if you consume it quickly but for freshness it never hurts to store in the fridge or freezer.
      Reply
  9. So glad I found your videos! I started drinking matcha a few months ago and am hooked. I love the meditative aspect of preparation. Do I need to soak my whisk before each use? How long do the 20 and 40 oz containers of matcha from the website listed last if you have a cup a day? Also, how do you properly care for/clean your whisk? I typically just rinse mine and put it on its little stand to dry. I've been having a frothed latte daily but can't wait to try iced now that the warmer weather is coming!
    Reply
  10. Hi Remy! Thank you so much for all your wonderful content! My twin sister and I had to become mostly gf and df and your content have been a great help to us on our health and wellness journey - Especially at 18 it is really great to have such a positive role model :) I was wondering : are the characters of the Ippodo matcha obvious? And which one would you suggest? I like matcha but I've never had a high quality one before and am not sure what to get. They all look so good! Thanks so much!
    Reply
    1. Hi Katie! You can find descriptions for each of the matcha varieties on the website and there's also a little quiz you can take to fin the right one for you :)
      Reply