Have you already tasted matcha and kept a bitter memory of it? That green powder that left you grimacing rather than smiling? Don't give up! Behind that first disappointing experience often lies a poor-quality matcha. At Thés & Traditions, we know that real Japanese matcha can transform your relationship with this thousand-year-old drink. Let us guide you towards the brands that do justice to this ancestral art, with the passion and exigence that have driven us from the very beginning.

The key takeaways in 30 seconds

• Colour reveals everything: an excellent matcha displays a vibrant jade green, never dull or yellowish
• Origin matters enormously: favour renowned Japanese terroirs such as Uji, Kagoshima, or Nishio
• Organic certification is reassuring: it guarantees respectful farming methods and optimal purity
• Grade makes the difference: ceremonial matcha far surpasses culinary matcha in finesse and sweetness
• Price reflects quality: beware of matchas that are too cheap, they often hide compromises

Thés & Traditions: the Provençal house that does justice to Japanese matcha

Before travelling the world in search of the finest matcha, there is one address that has already made that journey for you. Founded in 2016, Thés & Traditions selects and hand-packages over 300 references, with an exigence that can be felt in every box opened.

On the matcha side, the range is designed for every moment and every use. The Matcha Shizuku, an organic ceremonial grade, is crafted for pure tasting: grown in Japan, it reveals that deep jade green and umami sweetness that enthusiasts seek. A matcha to whisk every morning, without compromise.

For those who prefer lattes, Thés & Traditions offers a range of ready-to-use powders that turn a break into an instant pleasure. The Matcha Latte Vanille marries the richness of Japanese matcha with a soft, enveloping vanilla. The Matcha Latte Fraise brings a fruity, tangy touch that pleasantly surprises. And the Matcha Latte Chocolat Noisette? It is the comforting, almost indulgent version, for the days when you need a little sweetness.

What sets Thés & Traditions apart? This ability to remain artisanal at every stage: rigorous sourcing, hand-packaged in France, a small team that knows every product. No factory, no anonymous catalogue. Just teas crafted with care, by people who love them.

👉 Discover the matcha range from Thés & Traditions

Anatae: French excellence in Japanese matcha

When Camille Becerra discovered matcha during a trip to Japan in 2016, it was love at first sight. This passionate explorer of world cultures was not content with a simple tasting: she set out to meet the most respected producers, those who perpetuate ancestral gestures with respect for biodiversity.

Founded in 2018, Anatae quickly established itself as an unmissable reference. Its Matcha Cérémonie won the Best Organic Product Award 2022 and the Épicures d'Or — distinctions that speak for themselves. This recognition rewards meticulous sourcing work and an authentic approach to traditional matcha.

What draws us to Anatae? This ability to combine Japanese tradition with French sensibility. Each batch is selected with particular care, from organic plantations where every leaf counts. The result? A matcha of remarkable purity, with delicate vegetal notes and a silky texture that reveals the full nobility of this exceptional tea.

Matcha Iro: Belgian passion for Japanese art

François Van Den Brulle has created something truly special with Iro. This Belgian brand does not 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, that region blessed by the gods where tea plants grow in ideal conditions.

Iro's approach touches us particularly. Beyond the product, the brand offers an entire universe: artisanal bamboo whisks, hand-crafted matcha bowls, traditional sifters... Every accessory tells a story — that 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 as a creamy latte. This versatility makes it an ideal companion for every moment of the day, from an energising morning to a contemplative afternoon break.

OMĒ Matcha: when modernity rhymes with authenticity

Nanou Van Dyck had a brilliant intuition when creating OMĒ: how to make the thousand-year-old heritage of matcha dialogue with contemporary aspirations? Her answer lies in this brand, which draws its inspiration from the serenity of Ōme, a small town near Tokyo where time seems to stand still.

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, a natural sweetness that caresses the palate without ever overwhelming it.

What fascinates us about OMĒ is this ability to create a bridge between tradition and modernity. Every gesture respects ancestral methods, yet the spirit remains resolutely contemporary. The result? A matcha that captivates both purists and newcomers alike — a rare feat in this highly codified world.

Nōka Matcha: creativity in service of tradition

The story of Nōka Matcha begins with an initiatory journey. In 2022, Estelle Cautres, a passionate content creator, set off alone to discover authentic Japan. This total immersion inspired her to create a brand that shakes up conventions without ever betraying the essence of matcha.

Nōka works directly with family producers in Nagasaki and Kagoshima, regions where traditional methods are passed down from generation to generation. This artisanal approach guarantees consistent quality and perfect traceability — two essential criteria for an exceptional matcha.

Nōka's innovation? An online quiz that guides every enthusiast towards the matcha that suits them perfectly. This personalisation of the experience reveals a keen understanding of contemporary expectations, while preserving the authenticity of the product. Their Matcha Cérémonie Bio Le Prestigieux perfectly illustrates this philosophy: powerful without being aggressive, smooth without heaviness.

Matcha & Co: the holistic approach to well-being

Matcha & Co has developed a holistic vision of well-being in which matcha holds a central, though not exclusive, place. This brand offers a complete range of organic superfoods, from collagen to spirulina, including turmeric. This holistic approach appeals to those seeking a coherent and natural health routine.

Their matcha comes in several grades, from ceremonial to culinary, allowing everyone to find their own path. The Matcha Premium reveals a remarkable balance: characterful enough to satisfy connoisseurs, yet accessible enough to win over newcomers. This 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, resonates with our own philosophy. In a world where shortcuts are tempting, this dedication to quality deserves to be celebrated and encouraged.

Milia Matcha: youth in service of innovation

At just 22 years old, Andie Ella revolutionised the approach to matcha with Milia Matcha. This content creator, followed by over 620,000 people, managed to transform her passion into a flourishing business. Her secret? An intuitive understanding of her generation's expectations, without ever sacrificing product quality.

Milia Matcha uses exclusively the Okumidori cultivar, a rare variety renowned for its natural sweetness and absence of bitterness. This refined selection, sourced from plantations in Mie prefecture, guarantees an exceptional taste experience, even for the most sensitive palates.

Milia's bold move? Offering flavoured versions with strawberry, vanilla, or cherry — creations that might make purists wince but that open the world of matcha to new audiences. This inclusive approach, far from betraying tradition, makes it accessible and alive. After all, is that not the very essence of transmission?

Yoshi En: authentic Japanese family tradition

Yoshi En embodies that rare authenticity that touches us deeply. This brand works exclusively with Japanese family plantations, those estates where expertise is passed down from father to son across generations. Every leaf is harvested with the respect owed to a thousand-year-old art.

Their organic Thé Matcha Sōdon reveals exceptional finesse. The vegetal notes unfold with a natural sweetness, without the slightest trace of bitterness. This gustatory purity reflects a preserved terroir and farming methods that respect the environment.

What draws us to Yoshi En is this ability to preserve the essence of traditional matcha while adapting to contemporary demands. Organic and pesticide-free, their matcha meets current expectations without ever compromising on quality. An approach that inspires and reassures us.

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 particular texture. Let us guide you through this taste exploration.

Oat milk stands out as the great favourite among enthusiasts. Its naturally creamy texture and subtle sweetness harmonise perfectly with the vegetal notes of matcha. It froths admirably, creating that smooth richness so sought after in a successful latte.

Almond milk seduces with its lightness and delicate nutty notes. Less rich than oat milk, it suits perfectly those who prefer lighter drinks, where matcha can fully express itself without being masked.

Soy milk remains a timeless classic. Its thick texture and ability to froth make it a go-to choice for generous lattes. Take care, however, to choose an unsweetened version to preserve the balance of flavours.

Coconut milk brings a fascinating exotic dimension. Its natural richness and tropical aromas create a surprising pairing with matcha. Use sparingly so as not to overpower the delicacy of the tea.

The secrets of a matcha latte worthy of the masters

Preparing a perfect matcha latte is as much about technique as intuition. Begin by delicately sifting 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha into a traditional bowl. This gesture, seemingly insignificant, eliminates lumps and aerates the powder — an essential condition for a successful preparation.

The water must reach 70°C, no more. Excessive temperature would scorch the delicate compounds of matcha, releasing the very bitterness we are trying to avoid. Pour 70 ml of water and whisk vigorously with a chasen, tracing rapid "W" movements. This ancestral technique creates that light foam, the hallmark of a perfectly prepared matcha.

Then heat 200 ml of your chosen milk and pour it gently over the frothy matcha. This magical moment reveals the full beauty of this drink: the deep greens of the matcha blend with the milky whiteness, creating those characteristic jade hues.

For the more adventurous, explore the trend of "thick matcha": reduce the water to achieve an ultra-creamy, almost syrupy texture. This dense preparation reveals the pure intensity of matcha, a striking taste experience that is making waves on social media.

The "cold whisk" offers a refreshing alternative: whisk the matcha directly with cold or iced water. This modern method creates a light and thirst-quenching drink, perfect for hot summer days.

Our verdict: which matcha should you choose?

Each brand in our selection deserves its place for different reasons. Anatae captivates with its recognised excellence and authentic approach. Iro charms with its holistic philosophy of Japanese tea. OMĒ fascinates with its balance between tradition and modernity.

Nōka surprises with its respectful creativity, Matcha & Co reassures with its holistic approach, Milia innovates with boldness, and Yoshi En preserves authentic family tradition. This diversity reflects the richness of the contemporary matcha world.

Our advice? Start with a quality ceremonial matcha, let your senses guide you, explore different preparations. The perfect matcha is the one that accompanies your moments of pleasure and serenity, the one that turns a simple break into a true ritual.

Frequently asked questions about choosing the best matcha

How to recognise a superior quality matcha?

Excellent question! A premium matcha is first recognised by its colour: a vibrant jade green, never dull or yellowish. The texture must be ultra-fine, almost powdery, and the aroma fresh and vegetal. In terms of taste, look for that natural sweetness without aggressive bitterness. A good matcha reveals complex notes: herbaceous, slightly sweet, with sometimes subtle marine nuances. Beware of prices that are too low — they often hide compromises on quality.

What is the difference between ceremonial and culinary matcha?

The distinction is fundamental! Ceremonial matcha comes from the youngest and most tender leaves, hand-harvested in spring. It offers exceptional finesse, a natural sweetness, and is traditionally enjoyed plain, whisked with water. Culinary matcha, more robust and slightly bitter, is perfectly suited to sweet preparations: pastries, ice creams, lattes. To discover the true taste of matcha, always start with a ceremonial grade.

Can you drink matcha every day without risk?

Absolutely, and it is even recommended! Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee but more than regular tea. Its richness in L-theanine, a relaxing amino acid, provides gentle and lasting energy without the peaks and crashes of coffee. One to two servings per day (i.e. 2 to 4 grams of powder) constitute an ideal dosage. The antioxidants in matcha, particularly catechins, support your daily well-being. Simply listen to your body and adjust according to how you feel.

How to store matcha to preserve all its qualities?

Storing matcha requires a few simple but essential precautions. Keep it in its original packaging, away from light, heat, and humidity. The refrigerator works perfectly, in an airtight container to prevent odours from seeping in. Once opened, consume your matcha within 2 to 3 months to fully enjoy its aromas. Take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before use to avoid condensation. These simple steps preserve its vibrant colour and distinctive freshness.

What budget should you plan for an excellent matcha?

A quality ceremonial matcha generally costs between 25 and 60 euros for 30 grams, depending on the origin and producer. This price may seem high, but divided by the number of cups it makes (approximately 15 to 20), the investment remains reasonable for an exceptional product. Matchas below 15 euros often hide compromises: dubious origin, inferior grade, or blending with other teas. Consider your purchase as an investment in your daily well-being rather than a simple expense.