Matcha has gained significant popularity in recent years, both among F&B industry players and everyday consumers. Still, many people ask: what is matcha powder, and how do you choose the best matcha powder for business or personal use?

This article provides a comprehensive overview — from definition and production process to grades, benefits, applications, and tips for selecting high-quality matcha powder.

What Is Matcha Powder?

Matcha powder is finely ground green tea made from carefully selected tea leaves that are milled into an ultra-fine, submicron powder. Unlike regular green tea, which is steeped and discarded, matcha is consumed whole in powdered form, meaning you ingest the entire leaf.

The Origins of Matcha

Matcha originated in Japan and has been used for centuries, particularly in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies (chanoyu). Over time, cultivation and processing techniques were refined to produce its signature bright green color and distinct umami flavor.

How Matcha Differs from Regular Green Tea

The key differences between matcha and standard green tea include:

How Matcha Is Made

The quality of the best matcha powder largely depends on how it’s produced.

Shade-Grown Tea Leaves

Several weeks before harvest, tea plants are shaded from direct sunlight. This method increases chlorophyll and L-theanine production, contributing to matcha’s vibrant green color and smooth umami taste.

Steaming & Hot Air Fixation

The harvested leaves are steamed to halt oxidation. They are then dried using controlled hot air systems to preserve quality and stabilize the leaves.

Grinding Process

The dried leaves (known as tencha) are slowly ground using stone mills into an ultra-fine powder. The process is intentionally gradual to prevent heat buildup, which could compromise color and nutritional integrity.

Types and Grades of Matcha

In commercial applications, matcha is categorized into several quality grades. Below is a general overview:

Grade selection depends on intended use. For premium beverages, AAA and above are commonly preferred. For bakery and blended applications, Grade A or AA often provides a cost-effective solution.

Benefits of Matcha Powder

Many people search for information about the benefits of matcha powder due to its impressive nutritional profile.

Key benefits include:

• High in antioxidants, particularly catechins (EGCG)

Matcha is known for its high concentration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin recognized for its strong antioxidant properties.

• Supports focus and concentration (L-theanine + caffeine combination)

The L-theanine naturally present in matcha may help promote calm alertness, especially when combined with moderate levels of caffeine.

• May promote more sustained alertness compared to coffee

Due to the synergistic interaction between caffeine and L-theanine, matcha’s stimulating effect is often described as more gradual and steady, without the sharp spikes commonly associated with coffee.

• May support metabolic function as part of a healthy lifestyle

Some studies suggest that green tea catechins may contribute to thermogenesis; however, results depend on various factors including diet and physical activity.

• Naturally contains chlorophyll, contributing to its bright green color and phytonutrient profile

The shade-grown cultivation method increases chlorophyll content, resulting in matcha’s vivid green appearance while also contributing to its bioactive compound composition.

For F&B brands, these benefits also serve as strong value propositions in product positioning.

Matcha Applications in the Industry

Beverage

• Matcha latte
• Ready-to-drink beverages
• Smoothies
• Functional drinks

Food

• Cake & pastry
• Cookies & brownies
• Ice cream & gelato
• Chocolate & confectionery

Thanks to its versatility, matcha has become a staple ingredient for premium and health-oriented product lines.

How to Choose High-Quality Matcha Powder

If you're looking for the best matcha powder, here are several important indicators:

• Bright, vibrant green color (a sign of high chlorophyll content)
• Fresh, clean aroma
• Ultra-fine texture
• Minimal bitterness
• Certifications (organic, halal, food grade)
• Transparent sourcing

For industrial applications, conducting internal matcha powder testing is also essential to ensure consistent color and flavor performance in finished products.

Where to Buy High-Quality Matcha Powder

For businesses seeking bulk supply, choosing the right matcha powder distributor is critical. A reliable supplier should:

• Offer multiple grade options
• Guarantee supply consistency
• Provide technical specification documents
• Support B2B requirements

Selecting the right partner helps ensure product consistency, stable supply chains, and efficient production costs.

Bahtera Adi Jaya offers multiple grade matcha powder options for industry needs.

Matcha is more than just a passing trend — it has become a key ingredient in modern food and beverage innovation. Understanding what matcha powder is, its grades, and how to select the best matcha powder allows both businesses and consumers to maximize its value.

With the right quality and application strategy, matcha can serve as a powerful differentiator in today’s competitive F&B market. Find your solutions with Bahtera here.