What is matcha powder?

Matcha is a high-quality green tea that is finely grounded in powdered form. When prepared, matcha powder is whisked with hot water (instead of steeped in boiling water) to form a frothy, vibrant green tea packed with unique health benefits.  

 

What Exactly Is Matcha Powder?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, known as Camellia sinensis. Unlike regular green tea, where leaves are steeped in water and discarded, matcha allows you to consume the entire leaf, providing a concentrated source of nutrients and antioxidants.

The term “matcha” literally means “ground tea” in Japanese. Its origins trace back to ancient China, but it was Japan that perfected the cultivation and ceremonial use of matcha over 800 years ago.

 

How Matcha Powder Is Made

Matcha’s distinctive flavor, color, and nutritional potency come from its unique cultivation and production process, which includes four key stages:

1. Shade-Grown Tea Leaves

About three to four weeks before harvest, tea bushes are covered with shade cloths to limit sunlight. This increases chlorophyll production, giving the leaves their deep green color and boosting amino acid levels — especially L-theanine, which gives matcha its characteristic umami flavor.

2. Hand-Picking the Youngest Leaves

Only the finest, youngest tea leaves — usually from the top of the plant — are carefully handpicked. These tender leaves ensure a smoother texture and less bitterness in the final product.

3. Steaming and Drying

The leaves are briefly steamed to halt oxidation, preserving their color and nutrients. After drying, the stems and veins are removed, leaving only pure leaf material known as tencha.

4. Stone Grinding

Tencha leaves are slowly ground into a fine powder using traditional granite stone mills. This meticulous process prevents overheating and maintains matcha’s natural flavor and nutritional integrity.

What does matcha do?

Matcha is one of the most potent natural sources of antioxidants, which results in numerous health benefits when you drink it regularly. When you consume matcha, it may help alleviate anxiety, lower heart disease risk, while also stimulating healthy weight loss, relaxation, and alertness.

Health Benefits of Matcha Powder

Daily consumption of matcha can benefit the body in multiple ways. Here are the most well-researched benefits:

1. High in Antioxidants

Matcha is one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These compounds fight oxidative stress, slow down aging, and help reduce inflammation in the body.

2. Boosts Energy and Focus

Unlike coffee, matcha provides a smoother, longer-lasting energy boost thanks to its balanced combination of caffeine and L-theanine. This combination improves focus, alertness, and mental clarity without causing jitteriness or a sudden energy crash.

3. Supports Heart Health

Regular consumption of matcha can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while improving HDL (“good”) cholesterol, supporting overall cardiovascular health.

4. Aids in Weight Management

Matcha helps boost metabolism and promotes fat oxidation during exercise. Studies suggest that catechins in matcha increase thermogenesis, making it a useful supplement for weight loss or body composition goals.

5. Detoxifies Naturally

Thanks to its high chlorophyll content, matcha helps remove heavy metals and toxins from the body, promoting liver function and skin clarity.

6. Supports Immune Health

Matcha contains a combination of vitamins (A, C, and E) and catechins that strengthen the immune system and help the body fight infections.

 

Matcha nutritional facts | A half teaspoon (2 grams) of matcha contains:

Calories: 5 calories

Protein: 3 grams.

Fat: 0 grams.

Carbohydrates: 0 grams.

Fiber: 2 grams.

Sugar: 0 grams.

Wondering about matcha's nutritional health benefits? One serving of matcha or one cup of matcha green tea (½ tsp or 2 grams) contains around 612mg of protein, 544mg total amino acids, and 100mg of lipids, amongst other nutrients. 1/2 Teaspoon is often around 1.5-2 grams of matcha - which is also equivalent to two chashaku scoops.

Matcha also has minerals and vitamins that can help you fill common vitamin deficiencies and can be used during fasting periods.

Additive matcha powders like the one used at Starbucks have a much higher caloric count.

 

How to Use Matcha Powder

There are countless ways to enjoy matcha beyond traditional tea. Some popular uses include:

Matcha Latte – Blend matcha with milk or plant-based alternatives for a creamy, energizing drink.

Smoothies and Juices – Add a teaspoon to your morning smoothie for a nutritional boost.

Baking – Incorporate matcha into muffins, cookies, and pancakes for added color and antioxidants.

Ice Cream and Desserts – Mix into whipped cream, frostings, or homemade ice cream for a vibrant treat.

Skincare Products – Matcha is used in masks and serums for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

What Does Matcha Taste Like?

The quality and age of the green tea leaves used to make matcha and the actual production process and then preparation of making a cup of matcha has a considerable impact on its taste. Good, high-quality matcha has no bitter taste but a slightly sweet and vegetal flavor. Keep in mind that if you combine your matcha powder with too hot water (i.e., boiling), it can burn your matcha and create a bitter, less inviting taste. (1)

There are many elements that impact the quality of matcha you may be drinking. At Matcha.com, we categorize our matcha based on color, aroma, and taste.

Conclusion

Matcha powder is far more than just a trendy drink — it’s a powerful superfood rooted in centuries of tradition. Rich in antioxidants, L-theanine, and chlorophyll, it supports energy, focus, heart health, and detoxification. By consuming matcha daily, you can enjoy sustained vitality, improved well-being, and a mindful approach to health.

Whether you enjoy it in your morning latte or as part of your skincare routine, matcha remains a versatile and valuable addition to a modern healthy lifestyle.
Yangge Biotech is a professional manufacturer and supplier of high-quality botanical extracts, functional powders, and nutritional ingredients. Our premium-grade Matcha Powder is sourced from authentic Japanese tea leaves and processed under strict quality control to preserve its nutrients and vibrant color. Partner with us for bulk supply, private labeling, and custom formulation services tailored to your brand’s needs.

 

References

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