Encha Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder

All grades of Encha are pure organic matcha powder grown on our farm in Uji, Japan. Their nutrition content and taste differences are detailed in an informative chart on Encha Grades page. 

In brief, Ceremonial-grade Encha is ground from premium 1st-harvest, the most tender leaves each spring. The taste is delicate and smooth. The best choice for the ceremonial style of drinking matcha with just water.

Latte-grade Encha is ground from standard 1st-harvest, high-quality leaves in each spring. When prepared just with hot water, Latte-grade tastes a bit stronger. That taste profile makes it very suitable to balance with the creamy taste of milk.

Barista grade is from premium 2nd-harvest leaves.

The recommended serving size is 1 tsp, about 2 grams. A 30g bag makes 15 servings. A 60g bag makes 30 servings. A 500g bag makes 250 servings. Adjust to taste, some prefer half a serving, others a heaping teaspoon.

A spoon can stir matcha into liquid, but it won't break up clumps or create the light, foamy texture a bamboo whisk (chasen) gives you, so the drink can end up gritty. If you don't have a chasen, a small handheld milk frother, a fork, or shaking matcha and liquid together in a sealed jar all work well as substitutes.

Both work well, it comes down to preference. A bamboo whisk (chasen) is the traditional tool and creates the lightest, silkiest foam, ideal if you're drinking ceremonial-style matcha with just water. An electric frother is faster and more convenient, and it's a great option for whisking matcha into milk for a latte.

Any milk you enjoy works well, dairy or plant-based. Oat milk is a favorite among our customers, its natural sweetness and creaminess pair especially nicely with matcha's grassy, umami notes. Almond and soy milk are also popular. We'd suggest avoiding very thin, watery alternatives, as they can make it harder to get a rich, well-balanced latte.

Use water that's hot but not boiling, around 175-185°F (80-85°C). Water that's too hot can scorch the matcha and bring out a bitter, astringent taste. If you don't have a thermometer, boil your water and then let it sit for 2-3 minutes before pouring.

Matcha can be enjoyed any time, but many people love it as a morning or early-afternoon ritual. Alongside caffeine, it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm, focused energy without the jittery crash coffee can cause. If you're sensitive to caffeine, we'd suggest avoiding it too close to bedtime.

Matcha naturally contains caffeine, so if you're pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition, we recommend speaking with your doctor before adding it to your routine. They can advise on an amount that's right for your individual health needs.

Because matcha contains caffeine, we generally don't recommend it for young children. If you'd like your kids to try the flavor, consider a very small amount mixed with plenty of milk, or check with your pediatrician for guidance on an appropriate amount for their age.

For food and beverage products, we're unable to accept returns once a package has been opened, for freshness and safety reasons. If there's a quality issue with your order or you're not satisfied with your purchase, please reach out to our support team, we're happy to help find a solution.