New to Matcha? Our Top Matcha Powder Picks for 2026
Choosing your first matcha powder isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. With so many brands, grades, and price points available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed… especially if you’re new to matcha. Whether you’re planning to make a creamy matcha latte at home or enjoy a traditional cup of ceremonial matcha, finding the right powder can make all the difference. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a quality matcha.
In this guide, I’ve compared five popular matcha brands available in UK: Ippodo, Marukyu Koyamaen, Pure Matcha, PerfectTed, and Jade Leaf (based on extensive research, feedback from experienced matcha drinkers, and the long-standing reputation of each brand). Each brand has its own strengths, from premium Japanese ceremonial matcha to affordable everyday options for beginners.
So, if you’re wondering which matcha is worth buying in 2026, let’s explore some of the best options available in the UK!
What Makes a Good Matcha Powder?
Before comparing different brands, it’s helpful to know what separates a great matcha from an average one. While personal preference always plays a part, there are a few key factors that can help you recognise a quality matcha.
- Colour: One of the first things you’ll notice is the colour. High-quality matcha should have a bright, vibrant green appearance, which indicates that the tea leaves were carefully grown and processed. A dull or yellowish-green powder is often a sign of lower quality or older matcha.
- Aroma: Fresh matcha has a pleasant, grassy aroma with subtle sweet notes. It should smell fresh and inviting rather than stale or overly bitter. If the aroma reminds you of fresh spring greens, you’re usually off to a good start.
- Texture: Top-tier matcha is stone-ground so finely that it behaves like cornflour. If you rub a pinch between your fingers, it should feel perfectly silky, never gritty.
- Taste: A good matcha should be smooth and well-balanced. Premium ceremonial matcha is known for its natural sweetness and rich umami flavour—a smooth, savoury taste often described as mellow, creamy, and pleasantly satisfying, with very little bitterness. Culinary matcha, on the other hand, has a stronger, slightly more robust taste that works well in lattes, baking, and desserts. Not sure about the difference? Check out our guide on Ceremonial vs Culinary Matcha Explained to learn which grade is right for you.
- Origin: Although matcha is now produced in several countries, Japan is still considered the gold standard. Regions such as Uji (Kyoto), Nishio, and Shizuoka are internationally recognised for producing some of the world’s finest matcha thanks to their long tea-growing traditions and ideal climate.
- Freshness: Unlike many teas, matcha is best enjoyed while it’s fresh. Over time, exposure to air, light, and heat can reduce its vibrant colour and delicate flavour. When possible, look for brands that clearly state their harvest or production information and always store your matcha in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.
With those basics in mind, let’s take a closer look at five popular matcha brands available in the UK and see how they compare.
Quick Comparison
If you’re looking for a quick recommendation before diving into the detailed reviews, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the five matcha powders featured in this guide easily for you to choose.
| Brand | Origin | Best For | Price Range | Overall Rating |
| Ippodo Tea | Kyoto, Japan | Premium ceremonial matcha & traditional tea drinking | £0.45/g – £3.95/g | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Marukyu Koyamaen | Uji, Japan | Matcha enthusiasts & authentic Japanese experience | £0.46/g – £4.64/g | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pure Matcha | Japan (Organic) | Everyday matcha lattes & strong matcha taste | £0.67/g – £4.60/g | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| PerfectTed | UK Brand (Japanese matcha) | Beginners & convenient daily matcha | £0.13/g – £0.35/g | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Jade Leaf Matcha | Japan | Organic everyday drinking & good value | £0.12/g – £0.38/g | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Our Top Matcha Picks
1. Ippodo Tea — Best Overall Premium Matcha
Overview
If you’ve spent any time researching matcha, you’ve almost certainly come across Ippodo Tea. Founded in Kyoto in 1717, Ippodo is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected tea companies, with over 300 years of experience producing premium Japanese green tea.
Unlike many modern brands, Ippodo focuses almost exclusively on traditional Japanese tea and is particularly well known for its ceremonial-grade matcha. Among tea enthusiasts, it’s often regarded as one of the benchmark brands for anyone wanting to experience authentic Uji matcha.
Taste Profile
According to tea reviewers and long-time customers, Ippodo matcha is praised for its:
- Bright emerald green colour
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Rich umami flavour
- Gentle natural sweetness
- Very little bitterness
Many describe it as balanced and refined, making it ideal for drinking with water rather than mixing into lattes.
Best For: Traditional matcha drinking, premium ceremonial matcha and tea lovers looking for an authentic Japanese experience
Pros
- Stunning, uncompromised authentic Japanese quality.
- Phenomenally smooth mouthfeel with complex, layered tasting notes
- Beautiful packaging and long-standing reputation
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
- Harder to find on regular UK high streets (requires ordering online or visiting specialist tea shops)
My Verdict
Ippodo is the luxury splurging option. If you’re looking to experience authentic Japanese ceremonial matcha and don’t mind paying a little more, this is an excellent place to start.
Where to buy: official international webstores
2. Marukyu Koyamaen — Best for Traditional Matcha Lovers
Overview
Another legendary name in Japanese tea, Marukyu Koyamaen has been producing matcha in Uji, Kyoto since the early 1700s. The company is highly respected for its traditional production methods and has received numerous awards for the quality of its tea.
Taste Profile
Marukyu Koyamaen matcha is commonly described as:
- Cheerful spring green in colour
- Rich and creamy
- Toasted-nut and grassy aroma
- Slightly sweeter than many competitors
Its flavour is often considered more complex, which has a a tiny vegetal bitterness that grounds the tea, perfectly balanced by a rich, buttery umami base, making it a favourite among experienced matcha drinkers.
Best For: Daily matcha drinkers and experienced matcha enthusiasts who want an authentic Japanese experience every morning without draining their bank account.
Pros
- Outstanding flavour complexity
- Creates a gorgeous, thick foam easily
- Exceptional value for money given the professional quality
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Frequently out of stock
- Can feel slightly too bold if you aren’t used to traditional green tea flavors
My Verdict
Marukyu Koyamaen is often mentioned alongside Ippodo as one of Japan’s finest matcha producers. If you’re interested in exploring traditional Japanese tea culture, this brand is definitely worth considering. It balances price and sheer artisan quality perfectly.
Where to buy: official international webstores
I really enjoyed this video from DougDoesDelicious on Youtube, he introduced more about how to find the best matcha. From 9:30 in video, he visits the famous Ippodo and Marukyu Koyamaen tea shops in Japan, comparing their matcha and sharing his personal tasting experience. It’s helpful if you’d like to understand both brands a little better!
3. Pure Matcha — Best Organic Everyday Choice
Overview
Pure Matcha focuses on organic Japanese matcha sourced from carefully selected tea farms. The brand emphasises simplicity, sustainability, and everyday enjoyment, making it a popular option among health-conscious consumers. Its products are often recommended for people looking for a reliable organic matcha without paying premium ceremonial prices.
Taste Profile
Reviewers generally describe Pure Matcha as:
- Fresh and clean
- Smooth with light vegetal notes
- Balanced sweetness
- Gentle umami
Best For: Organic matcha lovers who want an accessible, community-driven UK brand, and those who want a gentle powder that plays beautifully with syrups, ice, or alternative milks.
Pros
- Organic certification
- Pretty strong matcha flavor
- Suitable for both tea and lattes
Cons
- The texture is slightly less fine, which may require sifting
- Packaging and product range are relatively simple
My Verdict
Although I haven’t had the chance to try Pure Matcha myself, it appears to offer a dependable balance between quality, price, and sustainability. If buying organic is important to you, this is a solid option that should suit both beginners and regular matcha drinkers.
Where to buy: official international webstores
4. PerfectTed — Best UK Beginner-Friendly Matcha
Overview
If you have stepped into a UK supermarket lately, you have almost certainly seen PerfectTed. As a massive UK high-street success story, this brand has done wonders to make matcha trendy, accessible and easy for beginners to enjoy. They source their ceremonial grade powder from Uji, Japan, and pack it into bright, fun, modern tins.
Taste Profile
From my own experience, PerfectTed has:
- A pleasant, smooth flavour
- Low bitterness
- A lighter body than premium ceremonial matcha
It mixes particularly well into lattes and is approachable if you’re trying matcha for the first time. Btw, I really like their packaging visual design!
Best For: Latte lovers or complete beginners who want to pick up their matcha during the weekly supermarket run and love a modern, lifestyle-focused brand.
Pros
- Widely available in the UK (available in major supermarkets like Tesco and Boots)
- Easy to prepare
- Beginner-friendly flavour
- Good value
Cons
- Doesn’t have the same depth or complexity as premium Japanese ceremonial matcha
- Better suited to lattes than traditional matcha drinking
My Verdict
Let’s be completely honest: PerfectTed is not designed for traditional tea ceremonies and didn’t completely wow me. But I still think it’s smooth, approachable, and doesn’t overwhelm beginners with strong grassy or umami flavours. If you’re just starting your matcha journey, it’s a sensible and accessible choice.
Where to buy: widely available in standard supermarkets across UK or official international webstores
5. Jade Leaf Matcha — Best for Everyday Matcha Lattes
Overview
Compared with the centuries-old Japanese tea houses above, Jade Leaf Matcha is a much newer brand. However, Jade Leaf made a name for itself online by partnering directly with organic farms across Japan to provide transparently sourced, highly reliable matcha that demystifies the whole buying process for beginners. Jade Leaf also offers several grades of matcha, ranging from ceremonial to culinary, giving beginners plenty of flexibility depending on how they plan to use it.
Taste Profile
Customers often describe Jade Leaf matcha as:
- Fresh and grassy, mildly sweet
- Smooth with gentle bitterness
- Cheerful spring green
- Complex flavor
Its flavour stands up particularly well in milk-based drinks, which has a slightly sharper bite at the end, but it remains incredibly clean.
Best For: Complete beginners who want a reliable, no-fuss introduction to organic ceremonial matcha that works well both straight and in morning lattes or smoothies
Pros
- Great value for money
- Excellent brand transparency and organic certification.
- Perfect for recipes and lattes
Cons
- Doesn’t quite match the refinement of premium Japanese ceremonial brands
- Some blends vary depending on grade, the texture is slightly less fine
My Verdict
If you’re planning to enjoy matcha every day, especially as a latte, Jade Leaf offers a great balance between quality and affordability. It’s a practical choice that doesn’t feel intimidating for newcomers.
Where to buy: official international webstores
Well… if you’re curious to hear another perspective, Meredith Mao reviews a variety of popular matcha brands which are available on Amazon in this video, including a few we’ve mentioned in this guide. It’s worth a watch if you’d like another opinion before your next matcha shopping!
Which Matcha Should You Choose?
Still undecided? Don’t worry, from my perspective, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” matcha. The best choice depends on how you plan to enjoy it.
👉If you’re buying your very first matcha
PerfectTed is an easy place to start. It’s beginner-friendly, widely available in the UK, and makes a pleasant everyday latte without feeling intimidating.
👉If you want an authentic Japanese tea experience
Choose Ippodo or Marukyu Koyamaen. Both are highly respected tea houses with centuries of craftsmanship behind every tin.
👉If you prefer organic products
Pure Matcha is a reliable option that balances quality, strong matcha taste, and value for everyday enjoyment.
👉If matcha lattes are your go-to drink
Jade Leaf Matcha offers great versatility and value, making it an excellent choice for creamy lattes, smoothies, and baking.
However, if you’re still not sure
Just start with a reasonably priced option and simply enjoy the experience. Your taste will naturally develop over time and discovering new matcha is part of the fun!
Finding the right matcha doesn’t have to be complicated and the “best” matcha isn’t always the most expensive one. It’s the one that makes you look forward to your next cup. As you continue your matcha journey, don’t be afraid to try different brands and discover what you enjoy most.
I hope this guide has made choosing your first matcha a little less overwhelming and a lot more exciting. If you have a favourite matcha brand or a hidden gem you’d recommend, contact us, I’d love to hear about it!
Until then… happy whisking, and may your matcha always be bright green and wonderfully clump-free!