If you want to start drinking matcha but aren’t sure exactly how, this guide is for you! Our goal is to make drinking matcha feel approachable, fun, and doable. But we get it - the whisking, sifting, and different grades of matcha can be a bit intimidating at first. These 10 beginner friendly tips will help you get started with confidence. Whether you’re excited to drink matcha for the health benefits or looking for an alternative to coffee, we’ve got you covered.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a type of finely ground tea powder made from specially grown and harvested green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves and then discard them, matcha involves consuming the whole leaf, which you whisk into water, providing a more concentrated dose of nutrients, antioxidants, and flavor. It’s been used in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, but it’s become increasingly popular worldwide, and for good reason.
Learn more about matcha here
What are the health benefits?
One of the reasons matcha has become so popular is for its many health benefits. Matcha is rich in a unique antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is linked to reduced inflammation, boosted metabolism, and even protection against certain chronic diseases. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes a calm, focused energy—making matcha a favorite for people looking to stay alert without the jitters or crash that can come with coffee.
Now that you have a better understanding of what matcha is and why it’s worth drinking, let’s talk about exactly what you need to know. One thing to note about matcha is that how you store and prepare it can make a big difference in terms of taste, texture, and health benefits.
Here are 10 easy tips to get you started on your matcha journey.
1. Don’t overheat it
Most people use boiling water for tea, but that’s a big no-no with matcha. Boiling water can damage and burn the delicate tea powder, giving it a bitter, astringent flavor, and diminishing the health benefits. Aim for water heated to 165-175°F. If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring water to a boil and then let it sit for about five minutes to cool.
2. Sift before using
One of the biggest mistakes we see beginners make is skipping the sifting. Matcha naturally clumps (a sign of quality!), but if you skip this step, you’ll end up with gritty, clumpy tea. Sifting breaks up the clumps giving you a smoother texture. There are specific sifters designed for matcha, but any fine mesh sifter will do the trick.
3. Store in the fridge or freezer
Once you open a tin of matcha, it’s best to store it in the fridge or freezer. Matcha can easily oxidize if exposed to air, light, heat or humidity. Storing your opened tin in the fridge or freezer can help prevent oxidation and preserve its quality, color, and taste.
4. Matcha shouldn’t be bitter
Good quality matcha should taste slight sweet, grassy, and have a rich umami flavor. Overly bitter matter is often a sign of a lower quality product. When it comes to flavor, storing it correctly and using the right temperature water are also important.
5. Serve it hot or cold
Matcha is delicious served hot or cold! Don’t be afraid to play around with how you make your matcha. Iced matcha lattes can be great for beginners because you don’t have to worry about using too hot of water. For an on-the-go option, mix matcha powder with cold water in a bottle and shake- no equipment needed.
Check out our matcha recipes for inspiration!
6. Use high-quality matcha
Not all matcha is created equal. When buying matcha, look for a powder that is vibrant green with a fresh, grassy aroma - that’s usually a good sign of quality matcha. Lower-quality matcha tends to be a dull brown or yellow and has a bitter, more astringent taste. A little investment goes a long way in both flavor and benefits.
7. Invest in a whisk
A bamboo whisk (chasen) really helps to evenly mix matcha powder into your water, giving you that signature frothy top. When using a chasen, you want to barely touch the bottom of your matcha bowl and whisk in a rapid, zigzag motion - imagine making a “W” or “M” motion with the whisk. If a traditional whisk feels intimidating, a handheld electric frother is a great alternative.
8. It’s ok to sweeten it
If the taste of just plain matcha feels too strong at first, it’s more than ok to add a bit of sweetener. In fact, matcha is traditionally eaten with something sweet to help balance out the slight bitterness of the tea. A little honey, maple syrup or brown sugar are all good options.
9. Look for a ceremonial grade
When buying matcha to drink on its own, opt for ceremonial grade. It’s made from the youngest tea leaves, has the best flavor and color and is meant to be enjoyed straight. Save culinary grade matcha for baking or adding to smoothies.
10. Adjust your quantity
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make when drinking matcha is adding too much powder. It’s generally recommended to use about one teaspoon of matcha per eight ounces of water, but this can result in a really strong cup of matcha, which may not be everyone's preference, especially at first. Don’t be afraid to experiment based on your tase preference- more isn’t always better, especially if you’re new to drinking matcha.
Bottom Line: Drinking Matcha Doesn’t Need to Be Intimidating
If you’re new to drinking matcha, these 10 simple tips can help you enjoy a great cup of tea every time. Experiment with drinking it hot or cold, add a bit of sweetener if you like, and look for a high-quality powder for the best flavor and to get the most out of the benefits. At the end of the day, there are no magic rules, it’s all about what works best for you!
