Matcha is a form of green tea made from finely-ground tea leaves, and it’s full of health benefits. It’s a great substitute for coffee if you’re looking for a pick-me-up but a little sensitive to caffeine. Green tea contains a chemical compound called L-Theanine that helps to balance the effect of caffeine so that its effects are felt gradually rather than with a sharp spike. There are tons of brands of matcha available today, but we’ve got a few go-to’s to recommend.
Ippodo Tea
This Japanese brand has been making matcha for over 300 years, so you know they’re the real deal. They have a few different varieties for whatever flavor profile you prefer and also offer different matcha-making accessories for a perfectly brewed cup.
Tea Bar
Tea Bar is a cafe located in Portland, Oregon whose owner spent two years living in China before returning to Portland to pursue her tea dreams. The cafe sources all of its tea from Uji, Japan, which is one of the best locations in the world for growing tea.
Matchaful
If you’re looking for a great place for matcha in New York City, head to one of Matchaful’s three cafes. If you’re not in New York, they’ve got a great selection of organic, ceremonial-grade matcha available on their website.
