Whether you’re new to matcha, an enthusiastic matcha lover, a health-conscious individual looking to harness matcha’s incredible benefits, or a professional exploring private label options for product development, understanding the different matcha grades can feel like navigating a maze. You might have tasted two matcha’s both labelled “ceremonial,” only to find their flavours worlds apart.

As someone who has been importing matcha from Japan for the past eight years and has had the privilege of visiting tea farms to learn firsthand how matcha is grown and harvested, I understand the confusion surrounding matcha grades. Join me as I walk you through the so-called matcha grades and guide you toward finding the perfect matcha for your needs.

Ceremonial vs. Premium/Latte Grade vs. Culinary: Exploring Matcha Grades

Matcha, a finely ground powder from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, is a cornerstone of Japanese culture, originating in traditional tea ceremonies. As matcha gains popularity worldwide, you’ll encounter various grade names such as ceremonial, premium, latte, and culinary.

Some brands even label their matcha as AAA+ or AA, but it’s worth noting that these terms aren’t standardised and can be confusing. Let’s break down what truly distinguishes these grades and how to choose the right one for your needs.

The Role of Harvest Season

The harvest season is the most reliable indicator of matcha’s taste profile. Younger leaves, harvested in spring (first and second harvests), produce matcha with a bright, smooth flavour and vibrant green colour. These leaves are shaded for 2–4 weeks before harvest to protect them from sunlight, enhancing their nutrient content and umami flavour.

Leaves harvested in summer and autumn, on the other hand, are larger, more exposed to sunlight, and tend to have a stronger, more bitter taste. These are typically used for culinary-grade matcha, as they’re better suited for recipes that balance their robust flavours.

Ceremonial Grade Matcha: The Purest Form

Ceremonial grade matcha represents the highest quality, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Made from the youngest, most tender tea leaves at the top of the plant, it offers a delicate, sweet flavour and a vibrant green colour.

What Makes Ceremonial Matcha Special?

• Flavour Profile: Deep umami, naturally sweet with grassy undertones, and no bitterness.
• Texture & Appearance: Bright green, finely ground powder that whisks into a smooth, frothy consistency.
• Best Use: Enjoyed on its own with hot water, without milk or sugar, to savour its full-bodied, umami-rich taste.

Ceremonial matcha is rich in chlorophyll and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and focus, making it an excellent choice for mindfulness and energy.

Premium/Latte Grade Matcha: Bold Flavour for Lattes

Premium or latte-grade matcha is slightly less delicate than ceremonial matcha, designed to hold its flavour when mixed with milk or sugar. This grade often blends first and second harvests, resulting in a more robust profile with vegetal undertones ideal for lattes and other beverages.

What Makes Premium Matcha Ideal for Lattes?

• Flavour Profile: Earthier with a hint of bitterness, perfect for balancing milk and sweeteners.
• Texture & Appearance: Slightly lighter green.
• Best Use: Matcha lattes, tonics, and smoothies.

This grade is versatile, offering a deeper taste and beautiful colour that complements milk, soda, or fruit-infused drinks.

Culinary Grade Matcha: Bold Flavour for Recipes

Culinary grade matcha is made from more mature tea leaves, giving it a full-bodied, robust flavour. It’s perfect for recipes that pair its slightly bitter taste with sweeter ingredients, such as baked goods or savoury dishes.

What Makes Culinary Matcha Ideal for Recipes?

• Flavour Profile: Bolder and slightly bitter, complementing sweet or savoury recipes.
• Texture & Appearance: Green with yellow undertones, less vibrant than higher grades.
• Best Use: Baking, desserts, smoothies, and savoury recipes.

Culinary matcha is the most affordable and practical choice for infusing matcha into your everyday cooking.

Choosing the Right Matcha for You

• For Pure Enjoyment: Choose ceremonial grade to experience matcha’s authentic, nuanced flavours in its purest form.
• For Lattes: Premium or latte-grade matcha delivers a bold flavour that shines when mixed with milk or sweeteners. If you prefer a subtler taste, ceremonial matcha can also work—just use more for a richer flavour.
• For Recipes: Culinary grade is budget-friendly and versatile, perfect for experimenting with matcha in desserts, drinks, and savoury dishes.