Comprehensive Review of 34 Matcha Powders: Repurchase Decisions and Flavor Profiles

Michelle Kanemitsu

Introduction and Matcha Journey [0:43]

Michelle, a matcha enthusiast since 2021, shares her journey from drinking coffee to consuming matcha daily. She initially made simple usuchas (matcha with hot water) using basic tools but was inspired to perfect her homemade matcha lattes after a trip to Japan.

Taste Preferences and Ratios [2:48][3:29]

Michelle's ideal matcha has:

• Preferred Notes: Nuttiness, umami, slight sweetness, creaminess, richness, full-bodied flavor (lingers), depth, complexity, smoothness, and boldness.
• Disliked Notes: Excessive bitterness, astringency, or grassiness.
• Typical Ratios:
  • Latte: 3g matcha powder, 30ml water (170°F/77°C), 80ml Califa Farms Barista Blend Oat Milk.
  • Usucha: 2g matcha powder, 30ml water (170°F/77°C) to whisk, plus 70ml extra water (100ml total).
  • Koicha: 3g matcha powder, 30ml water (170°F/77°C) to whisk.
• She avoids sweeteners to experience the full matcha flavor. All reviews are based on her personal preferences, considering taste, price, and brand values.

Matcha Reviews: Repurchase Decisions and Flavor Profiles

1. Pique Life “Sun Goddess Matcha” [5:13]

• Purchase: Gifted. Pricey ($2.07/g for 1g packets, $1.04/g for 2g packets).
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, from Kagoshima, US (Asian-owned) company.
• Repurchase? No. Extremely grainy, strong matcha flavor, but very bitter and astringent. Recommended only for heavily flavored dessert-style drinks.

2. Chamberlain Coffee “Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder” [6:59]

• Purchase: Gifted. $29.95 for 30g ($1.00/g).
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, from Shizuoka, US company.
• Repurchase? No. Sweet, light-bodied, but unmemorable and basic. Better options exist.

3. Marukyu Koyamaen “Aoarashi” [7:49]

• Purchase: Amazon ($24.99 for 40g, $0.62/g). Cheaper on MK website (approx. $11.67 USD).
• Details: Ceremonial, from Kyoto, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? No. Bitter, light flavor, grainy mouthfeel, basic. Good for price but hard to find and lacks complexity.

4. Marukyu Koyamaen “Isuzu” [9:17]

• Purchase: Asakichi Japantown SF ($23 for 40g, $0.58/g). Cheaper on MK website (approx. $14.38 USD).
• Details: Ceremonial, from Kyoto, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Medium-bodied, moderate matcha strength, slightly bitter but creamy, vibrant green. Not the smoothest, but had slight umami and astringency. More flavor depth than Aoarashi.

5. Marukyu Koyamaen “Chigi no Shiro” [10:53]

• Purchase: Kohshi Japantown SF ($25 for 40g, $0.63/g). Cheaper on MK website (approx. $17.90 USD).
• Details: Ceremonial, from Kyoto, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Slightly bitter, slightly grainy, strong matcha flavor, very creamy, smooth with a fragrant aftertaste. Deep and complex flavor, preferred over Isuzu.

6. Ippodo “Horai” / “Sayaka” [11:44]

• Purchase: Amazon (Horai), Ippodo website (Sayaka - $37 for 40g, $0.93/g; Horai - $20 for 20g, $1.00/g).
• Details: From Kyoto, Japanese company. (Horai and Sayaka are the same matcha, just different sizes).
• Repurchase? Yes. Strong matcha flavor, umami, nutty, sweet, slightly vegetal, minimal bitterness and astringency. Creamy, medium-bodied with deep flavor and a vibrant green color. Michelle considers it her "golden standard."

7. Ippodo “Ummon” [13:41]

• Purchase: Ippodo website ($32 for 20g, $1.60/g).
• Details: From Kyoto, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? No. Very umami/savory, slightly nutty, sweet, a little grassy, slightly vegetal. Deep and complex flavor, slightly astringent, creamy, full-bodied with a bright green color and fine, smooth powder. Delicious but too pricey for the overall experience.

8. Rocky’s Matcha “Oishi blend” [15:09]

• Purchase: Broom St. General (Oahu) ($36 for 20g, $1.80/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, cultivars: Okumidori, Saemidori, Yabukita, from Yame, US (Asian-owned) company.
• Repurchase? No. Very odd powdery mouthfeel even after sifting. Slightly umami, light-medium body, not sweet, lacked complexity for the high price.

9. Rocky’s Matcha “Okumidori” [17:06]

• Purchase: Broom St. General (Oahu) ($28 for 20g, $1.40/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, cultivar: Okumidori, from Shizuoka, US (Asian-owned) company.
• Repurchase? No. Worse than Oishi. Very astringent, very bitter, barely umami, very light-bodied. Distinct intense tart/sour aftertaste. Not worth the price.

10. Rocky’s Matcha “Hojicha” [18:08]

• Purchase: Broom St. General (Oahu) ($24 for 20g). Website price: $22 for 20g ($1.10/g).
• Details: From Uji, US (Asian-owned) company.
• Repurchase? No. Very grainy, very astringent, very seaweedy. Lacked depth, only a slight chocolate note. Too pricey for hojicha powder.

11. Naoki Matcha “Superior Blend” [18:57]

• Purchase: Amazon ($23.99 for 40g, $0.60/g).
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, first harvest, from Uji, Japanese company with US offices.
• Repurchase? No. Lacked matcha flavor, astringent, bitter, basic, low complexity. Would try other blends from the brand.

12. Naoki Matcha “First Spring Blend” [20:16]

• Purchase: Amazon ($25.99 for 40g, $0.65/g).
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, first harvest, from Kirishima, Kagoshima, Japanese company with US offices.
• Repurchase? No. Unmemorable.

13. Nami Matcha “Yame First Harvest” [20:57]

• Purchase: Gifted. Website price: $36 for 30g ($1.20/g).
• Details: First harvest, cultivars: Okumidori and Saemidori, from Yame, US company.
• Repurchase? No. Nutty, umami, a little sweet, light-bodied, slightly bitter and astringent, smooth. Lighter matcha flavor, not as bold as preferred, and pricey.

14. Matcha Kari “Organic Barista Ceremonial” [22:55]

• Purchase: Gifted from a friend (Amazon) ($23 for 30g, $0.77/g).
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, from Uji, US company (also known as Matcha.com).
• Repurchase? No. Very bitter, very astringent, very grassy, not smooth, no depth, very light flavor. Also dislikes the company's unprofessional behavior of leaving rude comments on other creators' social media.

15. Kanbayashi Shunsho “Goun no Shiro” [25:50]

• Purchase: Kohshi Japantown SF ($28 for 40g, $0.70/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, from Kyoto, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Sweet, creamy, strong flavor with depth, slight umami, slightly astringent, slightly bitter, slightly nutty, medium-bodied richness. Great for usucha and lattes.

16. Kanbayashi Shunsho “Zuiho” [26:59]

• Purchase: Kohshi Japantown SF ($32 for 40g, $0.80/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, from Kyoto, Japanese company. Made for koicha.
• Repurchase? Yes. Strong flavor, nutty, umami, sweet, vibrant flavor and color, not bitter, creamy. Best koicha Michelle has ever tried; not grassy, not astringent, full-bodied. (Note: Recommend storing in an airtight container for freshness). Also great in a latte.

17. Kanbayashi Shunsho “Mikazuki no Shiro” [28:36]

• Purchase: Store in Uji (¥1,700 / $11.56 for 40g, $0.29/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, from Kyoto, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Vibrant green color, very savory/umami, a little buttery, not grassy, not bitter, creamy, slightly astringent. A little punchy but bold flavor, medium-bodied (flavor fades). Hard to find online.

18. Mizuba Tea Co. “Daily Matcha” [31:27]

• Purchase: Website ($25 for 40g, $0.63/g). Repurchased four times.
• Details: Ceremonial, from Uji, US company.
• Repurchase? Yes. (Michelle's personal favorite due to taste and accessibility). Umami, sweet, slightly bitter (well-balanced), buttery, mellow, smooth. Great for everyday. Vibrant yellowish-green.

19. Horii Shichimeien “Uji Mukashi” [34:02]

• Purchase: Store in Uji (¥1,814 / $12.34 for 30g, $0.41/g).
• Details: From Kyoto, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Fresh taste, slight grassiness, a little floral, slightly seaweedy, slightly nutty, a little astringent, a little sweet, not umami. Very creamy (fine powder), good complexity, medium-bodied with deep, vibrant green flavor. Hard to find.

20. Horii Shichimeien “Agata no Shiro” [35:25]

• Purchase: Store in Uji (¥2,376 / $16.15 for 30g, $0.54/g).
• Details: From Kyoto, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Slight nuttiness, slightly vegetal, light-bodied, sweet, creamy, not bitter, slightly astringent. Less complex flavor than Uji Mukashi but still good. Hard to find.

21. Hatoya “Joyo Matcha (No. 3)” [36:15]

• Purchase: Gifted from a friend (from Japan). 20g bag.
• Details: Handpicked, from Kyoto, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Super nutty, very bold, strong matcha flavor, full-bodied and rich (flavor lingers), super creamy. Not grassy, bitter, or astringent. Vibrant green color.

22. Zenkyu Matcha “Zenkyu Signature Blend” [37:47]

• Purchase: Gifted. Website price: $44 for 25g ($1.76/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, first harvest, cultivars: Okumidori, Samidori, and others, from Uji, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? No. (Changed from Yes due to price point). Bright vibrant green, very bold, very nutty, very umami, full-bodied (most full-bodied in collection), very sweet, very creamy, not bitter or astringent, smooth with a pistachio aroma. High quality, recommended for special occasions due to its bold flavor and price.

23. Zenkyu Matcha “Uji Latte Blend” [40:31]

• Purchase: Gifted. Website price: $44 for 50g ($0.88/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, first harvest, cultivars: Okumidori, Samidori, and others, from Uji, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Bold, medium-bodied (flavor lingers a bit), nutty, sweet, creamy, slight bitterness and astringency (well balanced with milk), slightly vegetal aftertaste, smooth, slightly umami. Good value.

24. Jade Leaf Matcha “Barista Edition” [42:08]

• Purchase: Amazon ($35.96 for 100g, $0.36/g). Repurchased multiple times before.
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, first harvest, cultivars: Okumidori, Komakage, Yabukita, from Uji and Kagoshima, Kyoto/US company.
• Repurchase? No. (Used to repurchase, but no longer). Not clumpy even without sifting, smooth. Light flavor, quite bitter, yellow-green color, a bit astringent, not sweet, lacks complexity. Lower quality compared to others.

25. Jade Leaf Matcha “Teahouse Edition” [44:05]

• Purchase: Amazon ($24.99 for 30g, $0.83/g).
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, first harvest, cultivars: Okumidori, Kanayamidori, Sayamakaori, Samidori, Yabukita, from Uji and Kagoshima, Kyoto/US company.
• Repurchase? No. (Changed from Yes). Pricey for what it is. Accessible and good for beginners. Light-bodied, creamy, astringent, but lacked depth and complexity.

26. Daylight Matcha “Morning Light” [45:14]

• Purchase: Gifted. Website price: $35 for 30g ($1.17/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, first harvest, cultivars: Okumidori and Yabukita, from Uji, US-based (Japanese-owned) company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Very refreshing (unique quality), slightly bitter, slightly grassy, a little floral, bright green color, not very astringent, a little nutty, creamy, medium-bodied. Fits its name for waking you up.

27. Tsujiri “Tsujimidori” [46:49]

• Purchase: Store in Uji (¥1,069 / $7.27 for 30g, $0.24/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, from Uji, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? No. Very light flavor, basic, bitter, tart/sour aftertaste, astringent, vegetal, grassy. Yellowish-green color. Lacked depth but tea-forward.

28. Tsujiri “Kyo Mukashi” [47:54]

• Purchase: Store in Uji (¥1,650 / $11.22 for 30g, $0.37/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, from Uji, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Vibrant green, umami, slightly nutty, creamy, medium-bodied, punchy, a little bitter, a little astringent, a little grassy, slightly grainy, not very sweet. Complex flavor. Preferred over Tsujimidori. Hard to find.

29. Junbi “Daily Ceremonial Matcha” [48:51]

• Purchase: Gifted. Website price: $33 for 30g ($1.10/g).
• Details: Ceremonial, from Japan (likely Uji), US (Asian-owned) company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Great for flavored lattes. Strong matcha flavor, yellow-green color, grassy, vegetal, a little bitter and astringent, slightly umami, not a ton of depth. The strong matcha flavor stands out against other ingredients.

30. Little Foot Matcha “Yabukita” [50:52]

• Purchase: Gifted. Website price: $32 for 30g ($1.07/g).
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, first harvest, cultivar: Yabukita, from Shizuoka, US company.
• Repurchase? No. (Changed from Yes). Lacks complexity, light flavor, grassy, vegetal. Punchy at the start but fades quickly, a bit bitter, light-bodied. Also mentioned the brand's unprofessional online conduct regarding other matcha brands.

31. Kuwahara Zensuke “Misono no Shiro” [53:35]

• Purchase: Gifted from family (found at Don Quijote, Japan). 40g tin.
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, cultivars: Asahi, Samidori, Ujihikari, Goko, Hosun, Japanese company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Vibrant green color, fresh, strong aroma, nutty, strong matcha flavor, medium-bodied, sweet on its own. Surprisingly good quality for being from Don Quijote. Hard to find.

32. Matcharl “Gold Matcha” [55:15]

• Purchase: Amazon ($27.99 for 40g, $0.70/g).
• Details: Organic, ceremonial, first harvest, from Japan, US (Japanese-owned) company.
• Repurchase? Yes. Slightly nutty, slightly umami, sweeter side, a little grassiness, low depth of flavor (one-dimensional), creamy, smooth. Enjoyable profile, accessible on Amazon.

33. Hohohojicha “Premium Hojicha Powder” [56:46]

• Purchase: Store in Uji (¥890 / $6.05 for 40g, $0.20/g).
• Details: Japanese company.
• Repurchase? No. Very grainy texture, slight roasted flavor (not much overall), light-bodied, slightly sweet, very astringent, seaweedy smell and taste. Texture was the main issue.

34. Don Quijote (Kikusho Nagomi) Hojicha powder [58:21]

• Purchase: Don Quijote - Osaka (¥1,097 / $7.46 for 80g, $0.09/g). Cheapest on the list.
• Details: Japanese company.
• Repurchase? No. Very seaweedy, very grainy, very bitter, very light flavor. Light yellow-brown color. Disliked intensely.

All Recommendations [59:35]

Michelle provides a full list of all 34 matchas reviewed, indicating which ones she would or would not repurchase.

"Yes" Recommendations Ranked [59:43]

She then presents her ranked list of "Yes" recommendations, based on her overall preferences:

1. Hatoya “Joyo Handpicked Matcha (No. 3)”
2. Ippodo “Horai” / “Sayaka”
3. Mizuba Tea Co. “Daily Matcha”
4. Kanbayashi Shunsho “Zuiho”
5. Kanbayashi Shunsho “Mikazuki no Shiro”
6. Marukyu Koyamaen “Chigi no Shiro”
7. Kanbayashi Shunsho “Goun no Shiro”
8. Kuwahara Zensuke “Misono no Shiro”
9. Marukyu Koyamaen “Isuzu”
10. Zenkyu Matcha “Uji Latte Blend”
11. Horii Shichimeien “Uji Mukashi”
12. Daylight Matcha “Morning Light”
13. Tsujiri “Kyo Mukashi”
14. Horii Shichimeien “Agata no Shiro”
15. Matcharl “Gold Matcha”
16. Junbi “Daily Ceremonial Matcha”