Best Matcha: Our Selection of the Top Brands
Have you tried matcha before and been left with a bitter memory? That green powder that made you wince rather than smile? Don't give up on it just yet. Behind that disappointing first experience, there's often a matcha of poor quality to blame. At Thés & Traditions, we know that real Japanese matcha can completely change your relationship with this ancient drink. Let us guide you toward the brands that truly do justice to this ancestral art, with the passion and standards we've held since the very beginning.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Color tells all: a great matcha displays a brilliant jade green, never dull or yellowish
- Origin matters enormously: look for renowned Japanese terroirs such as Uji, Kagoshima or Nishio
- Organic certification offers reassurance: it guarantees responsible growing methods and optimal purity
- Grade makes the difference: ceremonial matcha far surpasses culinary grade in finesse and smoothness
- Price reflects quality: be wary of matcha that seems too cheap, it often hides compromises
Thés & Traditions: French excellence in organic Japanese matcha
Founded in 2016, Thés & Traditions has established itself as a French benchmark for organic Japanese matcha. This family house offers a ceremonial range (Matcha Shizuku) alongside indulgent latte blends, all hand-selected and hand-packaged in its workshops in Simiane-Collongue, Provence.
Before scouring the world for the best matcha, there's one address that has already done that journey for you. Founded in 2016, Thés & Traditions hand-selects and hand-packs over 300 references, with a level of care you can feel the moment you open the box.
The matcha range is designed for every moment and every use. Matcha Shizuku, a certified organic ceremonial grade, is made for pure tasting: grown in Japan, it reveals that deep jade green and the gentle umami sweetness that enthusiasts seek. A matcha worth whisking every morning, without compromise.
For those who prefer a latte, Thés & Traditions offers a range of ready-to-use blends that turn a break into an instant pleasure. Matcha Latte Vanilla pairs the richness of Japanese matcha with a soft, enveloping vanilla. Matcha Latte Strawberry brings a fruity, gently tart note that delights. And Matcha Latte Chocolate Hazelnut? That's the comforting version, almost indulgent, for the days when you need a little warmth.
What sets Thés & Traditions apart? The ability to stay artisanal at every stage: rigorous sourcing, hand-packaging in France, a small team that knows every product personally. No factory, no anonymous catalogue. Just teas made with care, by people who love them.
Our matcha selection at a glance:
- Matcha Shizuku, organic ceremonial: for pure tasting, whisked each morning
- Vanilla matcha latte: the soft, enveloping version
- Matcha Latte Strawberry: the fruity, gently tart option
- Matcha Latte Chocolate Hazelnut: the comforting choice
Explore the full matcha range from Thés & Traditions or read our complete matcha guide.
Anatae: the Parisian brand for organic ceremonial matcha
When Camille Becerra first discovered matcha on a trip to Japan in 2016, it was love at first sip. This passionate explorer of world cultures didn't stop at a single tasting: she sought out the most respected producers, those who carry on ancestral traditions while honoring biodiversity.
Founded in 2018, Anatae offers a range of organic ceremonial matcha, sold primarily online. The brand focuses on sourcing from certified organic Japanese plantations.
What draws us to Anatae? The ability to bridge Japanese tradition and French sensibility. Each batch is chosen with particular care, from organic plantations where every leaf counts. The result is a remarkably pure matcha, with delicate vegetal notes and a silky texture that reveals the full nobility of this exceptional tea.
Looking for a French alternative to Anatae with the same organic ceremonial grade? Our Matcha Shizuku ceremonial grade is sourced directly from Japan with the same exacting standards, hand-packaged in Provence.
Matcha Iro: a Belgian passion for Japanese craft
François Van Den Brulle has created something truly special with Iro. This Belgian brand doesn't simply sell matcha: it cultivates a genuine philosophy around Japanese tea. Its Matcha Premium Ceremonial Grade comes exclusively from the first spring harvest in Kagoshima, a region where tea plants grow in near-ideal conditions.
Iro's approach resonates with us deeply. Beyond the product itself, the brand offers a whole world: handcrafted bamboo whisks, hand-thrown matcha bowls, traditional sieves. Each accessory tells a story, one of a craft preserved and passed on with respect.
Their matcha stands out for its complete absence of bitterness and its ability to reveal subtle aromas, whether enjoyed plain or in a creamy latte. This versatility makes it an ideal companion for any moment of the day, from an energizing start to a contemplative afternoon pause.
Iro's approach speaks to us because it mirrors our own. If you'd like to try a ceremonial matcha in that same spirit, our Shizuku, organic ceremonial matcha, was made for exactly that. And for the full ritual, we also carry the bamboo whisk.
OMĒ Matcha: where modernity meets authenticity
Nanou Van Dyck had a brilliant intuition when creating OMĒ: how to bring the ancient heritage of matcha into conversation with contemporary life? Her answer lives in this brand, inspired by the serenity of Ōme, a small town near Tokyo where time seems to slow to a standstill.
OMĒ matcha comes directly from the plantations of Uji, near Kyoto, that legendary terroir where Japan's finest teas are born. This prestigious origin is felt immediately: the powder reveals exceptional finesse and a natural sweetness that caresses the palate without ever overwhelming it.
What fascinates us about OMĒ is its ability to build a bridge between tradition and modernity. Every gesture respects ancestral methods, yet the spirit remains resolutely contemporary. The result is a matcha that wins over purists and newcomers alike, a rare achievement in such a codified world.
Our ceremonial Matcha Shizuku shares the same philosophy: rigorous Japanese tradition, accessible every day, with no harsh bitterness.
Nōka Matcha: creativity in service of tradition
The story of Nōka Matcha begins with a journey of discovery. In 2022, Estelle Cautres, a passionate content creator, set off alone to explore an authentic Japan. That total immersion inspired her to create a brand that challenges conventions without ever betraying the essence of matcha.
Nōka works directly with family producers in Nagasaki and Kagoshima, regions where traditional methods are handed down from generation to generation. This artisanal approach ensures consistent quality and full traceability, two essential criteria for an exceptional matcha.
Nōka's innovation? An online quiz that guides each customer toward the matcha that suits them perfectly. This personalized experience shows a perceptive understanding of contemporary expectations, while preserving the authenticity of the product. Their Matcha Cérémonie Bio Le Prestigieux illustrates this philosophy perfectly: powerful without being aggressive, smooth without being heavy.
No quiz needed to find your matcha at Thés & Traditions: start with the Shizuku ceremonial for pure tasting, or a organic vanilla matcha latte if you prefer something more indulgent.
Matcha & Co: a holistic approach to wellbeing
Matcha & Co has built a broad vision of wellbeing in which matcha plays a central, though not exclusive, role. The brand offers a full range of organic superfoods, from collagen to spirulina and turmeric. This holistic approach appeals to those seeking a coherent, natural health routine.
Their matcha comes in several grades, from ceremonial to culinary, allowing everyone to find their way in. The Matcha Premium strikes a remarkable balance: characterful enough to satisfy the knowledgeable, approachable enough to welcome newcomers. That versatility makes it an excellent entry point into the world of authentic matcha.
Matcha & Co's commitment to pure ingredients, free from additives and preservatives, echoes our own philosophy. In a world where shortcuts are tempting, this dedication to quality deserves both recognition and encouragement.
At Thés & Traditions, we've made a different choice: we focus entirely on tea. Every matcha in our range is hand-selected and hand-packaged, with no detour into other superfoods. Our Shizuku, our premium matcha, is the clearest expression of that.
Milia Matcha: youthful energy in service of innovation
At just 22, Andie Ella has reinvented the matcha experience with Milia Matcha. This content creator, followed by over 620,000 people, has turned her passion into a thriving business. Her secret? An intuitive understanding of her generation's expectations, without ever compromising on quality.
Milia Matcha uses exclusively the Okumidori cultivar, a rare variety prized for its natural sweetness and absence of bitterness. This carefully chosen selection, from plantations in Mie Prefecture, delivers an exceptional tasting experience, even for the most sensitive palates.
Milia's bold move? Offering flavored versions with strawberry, vanilla or cherry, creations that might make purists raise an eyebrow but open the world of matcha to new audiences. Far from diluting tradition, this inclusive approach makes it accessible and alive. After all, isn't that exactly what transmission is about?
If flavored matcha is your thing, our latte range will speak to you: Matcha Latte Strawberry, Matcha Latte Vanilla or Matcha Latte Chocolate Hazelnut, sourced in Japan, packaged in Provence.
Yoshi En: genuine Japanese family authenticity
Yoshi En embodies a rare authenticity that moves us deeply. The brand works exclusively with Japanese family plantations, those estates where expertise is passed from parent to child across generations. Every leaf is harvested with the reverence owed to a centuries-old art.
Their organic Thé Matcha Sōdon reveals exceptional finesse. Vegetal notes unfold with a natural softness, without the faintest trace of bitterness. This gustatory purity speaks to a preserved terroir and growing methods that respect the environment.
What draws us to Yoshi En is its ability to safeguard the essence of traditional matcha while meeting contemporary expectations. Organic and pesticide-free, their matcha answers today's demands without ever compromising on quality. An approach that both inspires and reassures us.
That same attention to sourcing goes into our organic Matcha Shizuku: ceremonial grade, Japanese, smooth without bitterness, hand-packaged.
How to choose the perfect milk for your matcha latte
The choice of milk completely transforms the matcha latte experience. Each variety brings its own personality, nuances and texture. Let us guide you through this exploration.
Oat milk has become the firm favorite among enthusiasts. Its naturally creamy texture and gentle sweetness harmonize beautifully with the vegetal notes of matcha. It froths wonderfully, creating that velvety smoothness so prized in a well-made latte.
Almond milk charms with its lightness and delicate hazelnut undertones. Less rich than oat, it suits those who prefer a lighter drink where matcha can fully express itself without being masked.
Soy milk remains a timeless classic. Its thick texture and excellent frothability make it a reliable companion for generous lattes. Just choose an unsweetened version to preserve the balance of flavors.
Coconut milk adds an intriguing exotic dimension. Its natural richness and tropical aromas create a surprising and memorable pairing with matcha. Use it sparingly so it doesn't overshadow the tea's delicacy.
The secrets of a truly exceptional matcha latte
Making a perfect matcha latte is as much about technique as intuition. Begin by gently sifting 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha into a traditional bowl. This seemingly simple step eliminates lumps and aerates the powder, which is essential for a smooth result.
Water should reach 70°C, no higher. Excessive heat scorches the delicate compounds in matcha, releasing the very bitterness we're trying to avoid. Add 70 ml of water and whisk vigorously with a chasen, tracing rapid "W" movements. This ancestral technique creates the light foam that is the hallmark of a perfectly prepared matcha.
Next, warm 200 ml of your chosen milk and pour it gently over the frothy matcha. This is the magical moment that reveals the full beauty of the drink: the deep greens of the matcha swirl into the milky white, creating those distinctive jade tones.
For the adventurous, explore the "thick matcha" trend: reduce the water to achieve an ultra-creamy, almost syrupy texture. This dense preparation reveals the pure intensity of matcha, a striking tasting experience that makes quite the impression.
The "cold whisk" offers a refreshing alternative: whisk matcha directly with cold or iced water. This modern method produces a light, thirst-quenching drink, ideal for warm summer days.
Our verdict: which matcha should you choose?
Every brand in our selection earns its place for different reasons. Anatae wins with its recognized excellence and authentic approach. Iro charms with its holistic philosophy around Japanese tea. OMĒ captivates with its balance of tradition and modernity.
Nōka surprises with its respectful creativity, Matcha & Co reassures with its holistic approach, Milia innovates with boldness, and Yoshi En preserves genuine family authenticity. This diversity reflects the richness of the contemporary matcha world.
Our advice? Start with a quality ceremonial matcha, let your senses guide you, and explore different preparations. The perfect matcha is the one that accompanies your moments of pleasure and calm, the one that turns a simple pause into a genuine ritual.
Our practical advice for getting started
If you're still unsure, here's our suggestion:
- For pure tasting: Matcha Shizuku organic ceremonial (€16.02), sourced directly from Japan, hand-packaged in Provence.
- For an indulgent matcha latte: Vanilla, Strawberry or Chocolate Hazelnut (€17.91), ready to whisk.
- For the complete ritual: add a bamboo matcha whisk and a traditional bowl.
Frequently asked questions about choosing the best matcha
A premium matcha reveals itself first through its color: a brilliant jade green, never dull or yellowish. The texture should be ultra-fine, almost powdery, and the aroma fresh and vegetal. On the palate, look for that natural sweetness with no aggressive bitterness. A good matcha offers complex notes: herbaceous, gently sweet, sometimes with subtle marine undertones. Be wary of very low prices, as they often signal compromises on quality.
The distinction is fundamental. Ceremonial matcha comes from the youngest, most tender leaves, hand-picked in spring. It offers exceptional finesse and natural sweetness, traditionally enjoyed plain, whisked with water. Culinary matcha, more robust and slightly bitter, is perfectly suited to sweet preparations: baking, ice cream, lattes. To discover the true taste of matcha, always start with a ceremonial grade.
Absolutely, and it's even encouraged. Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a standard tea. Its richness in L-theanine, a relaxing amino acid, provides gentle, sustained energy without the peaks and crashes of coffee. One to two servings a day (2 to 4 grams of powder) is an ideal amount. The antioxidants in matcha, particularly catechins, support your daily wellbeing. Simply listen to your body and adjust as you go.
Storing matcha well requires a few simple but important steps. Keep it in its original packaging, away from light, heat and humidity. The refrigerator works well, in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors. Once opened, use your matcha within 2 to 3 months to enjoy its full aroma. Take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before use to avoid condensation. These simple habits preserve that vibrant color and freshness that make matcha so distinctive.
A quality ceremonial matcha typically costs between €25 and €60 for 30 grams, depending on origin and producer. That may sound significant, but spread across the number of cups it yields (around 15 to 20), the investment is quite reasonable for an exceptional product. Matchas priced below €15 often hide compromises: questionable origin, lower grade, or blending with other teas. Think of your purchase as an investment in your daily wellbeing rather than a simple expense.