Jade Leaf Organic Culinary Matcha

Jade Leaf Organic Culinary Matcha is a pure matcha powder sold in 30g, 100g and 250g pouches and a 1lb bulk bag. The pouch front reads “Culinary Grade” and “Premium second harvest matcha for lattes, smoothies & baking,” and Jade Leaf’s product page says it is ground from a blend of second and autumn harvest leaves.

Who it suits

It suits people who use matcha as an ingredient: lattes with milk and sweetener, smoothies, baking and ice cream. If you want to drink matcha whisked with water only, Jade Leaf points to its ceremonial grade instead; see Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Matcha, Teahouse Edition and our ceremonial vs culinary matcha labels guide.

Key facts

• Per 1/2 teaspoon (1g): 4 calories, 0g fat, 0mg sodium, 0g carbohydrate, 0g protein; about 100 servings in the 100g pouch (pouch back image on Jade Leaf’s page)
• Caffeine per serving, as printed on the pouch: 10 to 30mg
• Ingredients: “Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder.” Product of Japan; the pouch says “Master crafted from Kagoshima & Uji, Japan”
• Tea cultivars listed by Jade Leaf: Yabukita, Saemidori, Yutakamidori, Asanoka, Okumidori
• USDA Organic seal on the front; the back reads “Certified Organic By CCOF”
• Pouch recipe amounts: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per smoothie, 1 to 3 teaspoons per cup of flour for baking

What reviewers say

Matcha Reviews tasted this culinary grade in 2016 and again in 2017. The reviewer found it bitter and chalky when drunk plain, said it was better in a latte, and suggested it mainly for sweetened lattes, smoothies or baking. They also noted the color had improved between the two tastings.

Pros

• Single-ingredient label
• Recipe amounts printed on the pouch

Cons

• Jade Leaf says later harvests taste more bitter than first harvest
• Panel lists only calories and zeros, so it tells you little beyond caffeine

Cautions

Matcha contains caffeine. If you are pregnant, nursing, sensitive to caffeine or take medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist how much is right for you. Discard the oxygen absorber packet in the pouch; the label says not to eat it.