From Japan With Love: Thrive Market Matcha Tea

Celebrated for centuries in Japan and China, matcha is a type of green tea that was once reserved for samurai warriors and Zen Buddhist monks. Preparing it, serving it, and drinking it became an art form, and it took center stage in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Matcha’s popularity eventually caught on with the masses, and it became a versatile ingredient for both cooking and baking. These days people enjoy matcha for its distinctive flavor, Instagrammable green hue, and energy-boosting properties.* You’ll find it in everything from lattes to cookies and ice cream.

Meet Our Matcha

Thrive Market Organic Matcha hails from the famed Shizuoka and Kagoshima regions of Japan. The tea plants are grown in the shade and covered with tarps for roughly three weeks in the spring. Depriving the leaves of sunlight forces them to work harder to soak up the sun’s rays, which in turn causes them to produce more chlorophyll to combat the lack of light. This naturally makes the leaves more flavorful and nutrient-rich.*

Artisan farmers then pick the tea leaves and air-dry them to retain their bright green color. The veins and stems are removed, and the remaining leaves are stone-ground into a powder. The resulting organic matcha teas, available in ceremonial grade and culinary grade, contain no artificial ingredients, added sugars, or sweeteners—just pure green goodness.

Benefits of Matcha

Traditional teas come in tea bags you steep in hot water and then remove. But that brewing process only provides a diluted concentration of the plant’s nutrients. Matcha comes in a fine-ground powder that’s mixed into hot water, so you get all the nutritional and antioxidant benefits it provides. Here are some of the perks you can enjoy with every cup:

• EGCG, an antioxidant that promotes cellular health*
• L-theanine, an amino acid which calms and balances the effects of caffeine*
• Chlorophyll, which provides protection from free radicals and helps the body maintain an acid/alkali balance*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

One Amazing Matcha. Two Unique Grades.

There’s so much to love about this ancient elixir. Whether you enjoy sipping it or cooking with it—we have a matcha for you!

For the Tea Connoisseur

Our highest quality matcha available, Thrive Market Organic Ceremonial Matcha has a rich, umami flavor that’s best enjoyed on its own. To make the perfect cup, add ½ teaspoon of ceremonial matcha to three ounces of hot water. Whisk vigorously until dissolved and frothy. Top with more hot water or almond milk, and sip.

For the Home Chef

Matcha isn’t just for drinking. Thrive Market Organic Culinary Matcha is made to be mixed with other ingredients—and has a medium-bodied, earthy flavor perfect for baking and cooking! Add a scoop to sweet treats, savory dishes, and more (see below for a few ideas).

Recipes Using Matcha

From drinks to desserts, you can add matcha to just about anything. Get inspired with these one-of-a-kind recipes.

CBD Matcha Tonic

Matcha and CBD? Talk about a match made in heaven! This refreshing beverage starts with a base of coconut water, which is then infused with cucumbers, matcha, fragrant basil, and a few drops of hemp extract oil.

Matcha Macadamia Cookies

Matcha and macadamia nuts give the classic sugar cookie a superfood upgrade in this gluten-free recipe. Tender and chewy with a verdant green hue, they’re bound to be the conversation piece of any party.

Paleo Matcha Latte

Getting your matcha fix is easy with this three-ingredient latte. Made from just coconut milk, honey, and matcha—it’s Paleo-friendly, vegan, and unbelievably delicious.