Matcha comes in many forms, but not all powders are the same. If you’ve ever wondered why some matcha is vibrant green and smooth while others taste bitter or are used in desserts, it’s all about the grade. At Nara Tea, we want to help you understand the main categories so you can choose the right matcha for every occasion.
🍵 Ceremonial Grade Matcha
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What it is: The highest quality matcha, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies (chanoyu).
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Color: Bright, vibrant green with a silky texture.
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Flavor: Smooth, mellow, rich in umami with little to no bitterness.
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Best for: Drinking straight, whisked with hot water in a tea bowl. Perfect for mindful tea time.
🌿 Premium Grade Matcha
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What it is: A step below ceremonial but still excellent quality.
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Color: Bright green, though sometimes slightly less vivid.
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Flavor: Balanced taste—still smooth with umami but with a hint of natural bitterness.
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Best for: Daily matcha bowls, lattes, or when you want high quality at a more approachable price.
🍪 Culinary Grade Matcha
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What it is: Matcha made specifically for cooking and blending.
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Color: Often darker green, sometimes with a yellowish hue.
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Flavor: Stronger, more astringent taste designed to shine through milk, sugar, or baked goods.
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Best for: Matcha lattes, ice cream, cookies, smoothies, and other recipes.
| Grade | Color | Flavor | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceremonial | Vibrant, bright green | Smooth, rich umami, no bitterness | Traditional tea ceremony, straight matcha |
| Premium | Bright to mid-green | Balanced, slight bitterness | Everyday bowls, lattes |
| Culinary | Dark green, sometimes yellow | Strong, bold, more bitter |
Baking, smoothies, desserts |
How to Choose the Right Matcha
Think about how you want to enjoy it:
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Mindful tea moment? → Ceremonial Grade
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Daily latte or affordable bowl? → Premium Grade
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Baking or blending? → Culinary Grade
By understanding the grades, you’ll never feel lost in the tea aisle again. Instead, you can enjoy matcha the way it was meant to be—vibrant, nourishing, and tailored to your taste.
Not all matcha is created equal. Each grade has its own purpose, flavor, and beauty.
At Nara Tea, we celebrate this diversity by offering matcha that respects tradition while fitting into modern lifestyles. Whether you’re whisking a ceremonial bowl or baking matcha cookies, the right grade makes all the difference.