Matcha is more than a trend – the finely ground green tea from Japan has long been part of tea culture. What makes it special, how it works and how it differs from ordinary green tea is set out here.
What is matcha?
Matcha (Japanese: 抹茶) is a finely ground green tea powder made from shaded leaves of Camellia sinensis. Shading the plants in the final weeks before harvest boosts the production of chlorophyll and L-theanine – which gives matcha its intense green colour and its characteristic slightly sweet, slightly bitter taste.
Unlike ordinary green tea, where the leaves are brewed and then removed, with matcha you drink the whole leaf in ground form. That means you take in all of the nutrients, antioxidants and active compounds.
Matcha effects: what does the science say?
L-theanine + caffeine – the ideal pairing
Matcha contains both caffeine and L-theanine. The combination is unusual: caffeine delivers energy and focus, while L-theanine softens the jitteriness that ordinary coffee can cause. The result is calm, sustained energy – without the typical caffeine crash.
Antioxidants
Matcha is exceptionally rich in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), one of the most potent plant antioxidants. Studies suggest EGCG may help support the immune system and protect cells.
Calories & sugar
Plain matcha tea is calorie-free and contains no sugar, which makes it an ideal sugar-free drink. Be careful with supermarket matcha latte mixes, though: they often contain milk powder, sugar and artificial flavourings.
Buying matcha in Switzerland – what to look for
Matcha quality varies enormously. These markers point to high quality:
- Colour: bright, vivid green – not a yellowish or brownish powder
- Origin: Japan (Uji, Nishio or Kagoshima) is considered the gold standard
- Ceremonial vs. culinary grade: choose ceremonial grade for drinking plain; culinary grade is enough for lattes and baking
- Organic certification: important, because pesticides can be highly concentrated in powder
Note: matcha powder is not part of the TEABALLS range. This guide is an orientation piece, not a sales text.
Preparing matcha – how to do it properly
Traditional matcha preparation:
- Sift 1–2 tsp of matcha powder through a fine sieve into a matcha bowl (chawan)
- Add water at 70–80°C (not boiling) – around 80 ml
- Whisk with a bamboo whisk (chasen) into a fine foam until no lumps remain
- Drink immediately
For iced matcha: whisk as above, then pour over ice cubes. If you would rather have a straightforward, sugar-free iced tea with no powder and no whisking, reach for TEABALLS Green Tea instead – drop it in the water and you are done.
Matcha latte recipe – hot or iced
For a creamy matcha latte: whisk 1 tsp of matcha with 50 ml of hot water (70–80°C) until smooth, then top up with 200 ml of frothed dairy or oat milk – unsweetened, the natural sweetness of the milk is enough. For the iced version, pour the whisked matcha over ice cubes and top up with cold milk. Important: do not use a ready-made matcha latte powder – sugar is usually its main ingredient. If you like spiced lattes, the chai latte recipe without sugar is the alternative.
Matcha vs. green tea – what is the difference?
Although both come from the same plant, they differ considerably: because the whole leaf is consumed as powder, matcha delivers far more caffeine (around 35 mg per gram of powder) and antioxidants than brewed green tea. The price is correspondingly higher. If you love the taste of green tea but prefer simpler preparation, TEABALLS Organic Jasmine Green Tea is a practical alternative on the go.
Buying matcha tea in Switzerland
In Switzerland, matcha is available in organic shops, specialist tea retailers, online from specialist suppliers and in large supermarkets. Good ceremonial grade usually costs between CHF 15 and CHF 40 for 30–50 g. Cheaper products are often inferior in colour and taste.
A convenient, sugar-free green tea alternative with no effort and no lumps of powder is TEABALLS Green Tea. If you are looking for organic quality, you will find it in the Organic Jasmine Green Tea from the organic collection. Free shipping from CHF 75 within Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions about matcha
How much caffeine does matcha contain?
One serving (2 g of powder) contains around 60–70 mg of caffeine – about as much as an espresso, but with a gentler, longer-lasting effect thanks to L-theanine.
What does matcha taste like?
Full-bodied and grassy-fresh with a slightly sweet, slightly bitter umami note. Good matcha never tastes bitter – bitterness points to poor quality or water that was too hot.
How much matcha per day is fine?
One to two servings a day are considered unproblematic. Because of the caffeine, best not to drink it right before bed.
Is matcha healthier than green tea?
Because the whole leaf is consumed, matcha delivers more antioxidants and caffeine per cup than brewed green tea. “Healthier” depends on the goal – for gentle enjoyment with no preparation effort, green tea in TEABALLS form is the more practical choice.
Conclusion: matcha is worth it – if the quality is right
Matcha is a high-quality, natural drink with interesting effects – provided you pay attention to quality and avoid added sugar. If you want green tea to be simpler and more portable, you will find it in the TEABALLS range overview.
