Matcha is diverse far beyond its health benefits  —  with its ancient roots and rapidly growing global interest, you’ll be certain not to get bored with limited ways to enjoy it. You’ve probably even found it hard to ignore, every other day new ‘super elixir’ recipes are using matcha in at least some way. Maybe it’s part of your once-a-day smoothie that packs all nutrients and superfoods into one place, or maybe matcha is your automatic ‘go-to’ as part of a daily adaptogenic latte  —  is there really a right or wrong way how it’s consumed? 

Well, with the power of creativity comes responsibility, the answer ultimately depends on what you’re going for. That’s why with a bit of knowledge you can be sure to choose the right matcha, prepare it, and integrate it with your lifestyle in ways that are best for you. 

Below you’ll find '9 Ways to Matcha,’ a quick guide as you optimize your personal matcha lifestyle. Pay special attention for key ways to use it beyond how it’s prepared.

9 Ways to Matcha:

1) As an Adaptogenic Matcha Cold Brew   — There’s a lot to choose from in the world of adaptogens, and a healthy suspicion is always important. That’s why we recommend a matcha cold-brew which uses time-tested or scientifically-supported tonics like ashwagandha, ginger, turmeric, and a handful of asian mushrooms (especially shiitake, reishi, cordyceps, maitake, lion’s mane).

Try using fresh roots when possible, and be sure to source quality mushroom powders. You can experiment with a 16oz preparation which uses at least 1-2tsp of this grade of matcha, alongside your choice of adaptogens. Add a dash of low-glycemic sweetener if needed.

2) As part of a Weight Loss Strategy — Sometimes it isn’t about how you drink matcha, but why you’re using it. The natural compounds found in matcha are well-known to promote weight loss. Multiple studies suggest matcha to increase thermogenesis (the rate that calories are burned). It also may improve symptoms of metabolic syndrome which can otherwise make weight loss difficult, and the antioxidant polyphenols like EGCG encourage healthy production of fat-burning molecules called ketones. [1] 

When choosing the right matcha for weight-loss, it’s most important to consider what’s cost effective. That’s because regardless of grade, all quality sourced Japanese matcha contains a shared host of health benefits. Any of these types of matcha are great options, and will work best for fat-burning through 2+ servings per day. Try drinking it plain for the best absorption of healthy compounds.

3) In a Breakfast Chia Pudding — This doesn’t get much easier. Chia pudding is painless to make, and the texture perfectly absorbs the flavor, benefits, and the lovely color of good matcha. The recipe is simple, usually just by tossing a couple ingredients together. You can try winging your normal recipe by adding 1-2tsp of matcha, or start here:

1. Grab a 16oz mason jar or similar-sized airtight container
2. Add 1cup of non-dairy milk (almond or coconut are great)
3. Use up to 1tsp of honey or agave if needed (the matcha will already add a sweet flavor) 
4. Mix together with 1/4tsp of vanilla extract and sifted matcha (1-2tsp)
5. Add 1/2cup of chia seeds and agitate until the mixture begins to thicken (~60sec)
6. Refrigerate until the morning, and enjoy!

The nice thing about matcha chia pudding is it takes kindly to basically any grade of matcha, and it looks and tastes amazing as you fuel up for the day. 

4) As a REAL Detox — The market for detox products is stronger than ever, but unfortunately most of the labels you’ve read rely on scant evidence or traditionally suspected benefits. You can read our full insights here, and instead look to matcha as a superior opportunity to aid your body’s natural detox process. 

Quickly, most popular detox products tend to ignore the importance of first to stop consuming toxins. This is the ideal foundation to encourage those natural mechanisms of cleansing and purifying our cellular health. Of course, choosing a healthy diet and drinking a lot of clean, filtered water also goes a long way. 

If you want to go beyond these basics, enjoying matcha 2 or 3 times a day will provide your body important vitamins and trace minerals which help the synthesis of enzymes involved in detox. Also, the L-theanine encourages psychophysiological changes that improve immunity, natural detox, and stress-response. Finally, the antioxidant catechins help support cellular health while those metabolic byproducts and other toxins are excreted from the body.

5) As a No-Bake Energy Bite — Because some of the natural compounds in matcha can be damaged by high heat, ‘no-bake’ culinary uses are a great option if you’re looking for a fun and delicious way of adding more matcha to your lifestyle. And no, just because you already drink matcha, doesn’t mean you can’t eat it! 

In order to keep those health benefits as available as possible, look for an ingredient list that doesn’t overdo the sugar. Too much sweet can trigger an inflammatory response and make matcha’s compounds work harder to keep you feeling healthy. Also, look for one that avoids dairy milk (find out why below).

6) In a Nut-Milk Latte — Nut-milks like almond, cashew, macadamia, and even coconut are great alternatives for use in a matcha latte. These options are also becoming more readily available, and although these types of milk do contain protein, the amount and type of it is a lot different from cow’s milk. 

The primary protein in dairy milk comes from casein, which is a type of protein rich in the amino-acid proline. Unlike most nut-milks, this greater level of proline is scientifically documented to inhibit the antioxidants in matcha. In some studies, the use of dairy completely reduced the antioxidant benefits of teas like matcha. 

That said, don’t sweat this if you’re into matcha for the taste, we think it’s a great flavor too! You can always alternate, or consider drinking matcha plain as well. And if you’re looking to maximize every last bit of those antioxidants, you may consider matchas like these on an empty, or nearly empty stomach. 

7) As a Pre-Workout — Matcha makes for an impressive exercise boost. That’s because it promotes blood flow by encouraging vasodilation. This protects the heart, while helping you reach greater levels of performance. Interestingly, matcha before a workout also helps reduce oxidative stressors created from exercise because of its antioxidant polyphenols like EGCG. These effects, combined with greater fat-burning means more output, peak performance, and better recoveries. 

8) As part of a Green Juice — This one speaks for itself. If you’ve already got a couple favorite greens that you like to juice, consider adding 1-2tsp of matcha for every 8oz. The color will be that much more vibrant, and the health kick you’re looking for will be that much more effective.

9)As a Nootropic — This is one of the most popular benefits of matcha, and one of the best explanations behind its ancient history. The matcha we know today was developed as a result of Zen Buddhism, around 1100AD. Zen monks realized that consuming matcha before meditation was a great benefit to their mental stamina, and calm focus. 

Fast forward to today, science now recognizes that the unique amino-acid, L-theanine, has synergistic qualities with the natural caffeine content. Because this amino-acid is chemically similar to glutamate, one of the brain’s primary neurotransmitters, it is able to modulate mood and neurochemistry in a way that seriously improves focus. This synergy with caffeine also means no afternoon crash, and it won’t interfere with your sleep either. If greater capacity for learning, memory, and attention are things you seek, matcha is nature’s oldest and most time-tested nootropic. 

For the most L-theanine, choose a ceremonial grade of matcha. You’ll feel the difference. 

The bottom line

These 9 ways to use matcha represent only a handful of the growing ways people are learning to use it. No matter what your hustle is, or what your wellness goals are, the benefits of matcha are easily accessible and second-to-none. What’s more, is that matcha is more than something you add to your daily routine, it’s a reliable way to get where you're going. 

Unlike coffee, and other jangling energy drinks, matcha packs a daily dose of vitamins and minerals, and has medically supported health benefits that go above and beyond each day for our focus, longevity, and overall happiness. 

Wherever, or however you do matcha, we have what you need.