Quick Answer
Matcha, as defined by English Wikipedia, is finely ground powder of specially processed, shade-grown tea leaves; shade-growing gives matcha its vivid green color and strong umami and also raises caffeine and free amino acid levels. It’s prepared by whisking the powder with hot water using a bamboo whisk rather than steeping like regular tea. The most common bubble tea version is the matcha latte: whisk matcha with a little hot water, then add fresh milk and ice. Shops can choose pure matcha powder (rich flavor, sweeten yourself) or matcha latte powder (pre-flavored, faster).
The Origins of Matcha
Summarized from English Wikipedia’s “Matcha”:
| Period | Development |
|---|---|
| Song dynasty China | Tea ground into powder and whisked with hot water |
| Around 1191 | The Japanese monk Eisai brought the practice to Japan |
| Muromachi period | Japan developed shade-growing to produce tencha for matcha |
| Today | Used in lattes, ice cream and all kinds of desserts |
How to Make a Matcha Latte
- Whisk the matcha: add a little hot water and whisk with a bamboo whisk or frother until lump-free.
- Sweeten: with pure matcha, add syrup by sweetness level.
- Add milk and ice.
- Layer or shake: pour milk first, then the matcha, for a layered look.
Follow the pack for matcha dosage and water temperature.
Pure Matcha vs Matcha Latte Powder
| Comparison | Pure matcha | Matcha latte powder |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Matcha | Matcha with sugar, milk powder, etc. (by product) |
| Flavor | Rich, adjustable sweetness | Pre-flavored, consistent |
| Handling | Whisk, sweeten separately | Just dissolve |
| Best for | Strong matcha, premium pricing | High volume, simple workflow |
Caffeine Note
According to English Wikipedia, shade-growing raises matcha’s caffeine content. Matcha drinks are caffeinated freshly made drinks, which Taiwanese chains must label; see How Much Caffeine Is in Bubble Tea?
Popular Matcha Bubble Tea Drinks
- Matcha latte, matcha red bean latte (see Using Canned Red Bean and Mung Bean)
- Matcha mochi latte (see How to Make Mochi and Tangyuan)
- Matcha pudding, matcha cheese foam
Tang Sugar’s Matcha Range
Tang Sugar supplies pure matcha powder, matcha latte powder, matcha pudding powder and matcha mochi powder (1kg per bag), plus green tea snow ice powder. Request samples.
FAQ
What is matcha?
Finely ground powder of specially processed, shade-grown tea leaves, whisked with a bamboo whisk to drink.
Is matcha the same as green tea powder?
According to English Wikipedia, matcha is made from shade-grown tea, giving it a vivid green color and strong umami; ordinary green tea powder may use different leaves and processing, so check the product label.
Does matcha have caffeine?
Yes. According to English Wikipedia, shade-growing increases matcha’s caffeine content.
How do you make a matcha latte?
Whisk matcha with a little hot water, sweeten with syrup as desired, then add fresh milk and ice.
How do I choose commercial matcha powder?
For rich matcha lattes with adjustable strength, choose pure matcha; for speed and consistency, choose pre-sweetened matcha latte powder. Tang Sugar offers pure matcha, matcha latte, matcha pudding and matcha mochi powders in 1kg bags.
Further Reading
- How to Make Mochi and Tangyuan
- How Much Caffeine Is in Bubble Tea?
- How to Use Pudding and Jelly Powders
- Cocoa Powder vs Chocolate Powder
- How to Make Cold Brew Tea
Sources
- Wikipedia: Matcha
- Tang Sugar product list (March 2026 edition)
