Matcha Tea

Swap your morning cup for a mug of wellbeing-boosting matcha tea.

By now you’ve probably heard lots about matcha tea. In recent years, matcha has popped up in lattes, ice-cream and even food supplements in extract form. But what is it about this plant-based food that we love so much? We’ll explain below. Likewise, if you already know what you’re looking for, skip ahead and check out our range of matcha tea products from Pukka and more.

What is matcha tea?

Matcha is a product of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the same plant we get green tea from. So is matcha simply another word for green tea? Not quite. The two may come from the same source, but they’re grown and harvested differently.

With matcha, farmers cover plants up to a month before they’re ready to be harvested. With no direct sunlight, the plants speed up their chlorophyll production and turn a deeper shade of green. The benefit of this is an increase in amino acids and nutrients when matcha is ground up to make tea.

Does matcha have caffeine?

Yes, it does, and that’s also thanks to the way it’s grown. And while you may think caffeine is bad for you. 

Matcha health benefits – Is matcha good for you?

Compared to sugary coffee or tea, which is commonly drunk with milk or cream, matcha is a great alternative that can give you a gentle lift. As with many superfoods or, super teas in this case, matcha has been the subject of numerous studies, leading scientists to claim matcha may have an array of benefits thanks to a class of plant compounds called catechins.

As with everything, balance is key to a healthy diet. Drinking ten cups a day isn’t recommended, for instance. But when enjoyed in moderation, there are plenty of matcha green tea and all-round matcha benefits.

So far, you’ve read why nutritionists believe matcha tea is a match made in heaven for your body, so how can you make your own?

Matcha made easy

You don’t need to go to an artisan cafe to enjoy matcha tea – not with a wide range of products available at Holland & Barrett, including matcha green tea powder, matcha powder and organic and plastic-free matcha tea bags from carefully-selected brands including but not limited to:

• Pukka
• Heath & Heather
• OMGTea
• Golden Greens
• Bloom

As for preparing matcha tea, there are two main methods depending on which products you buy. The first is to use matcha tea bags, which you can just brew in hot water and stir like you would a regular cup of tea. As with all tea, leaving the teabag in for longer will obviously give you a stronger flavour. 

The other option is to buy matcha powder, which is just as popular. Making matcha tea with powder is easy. In the case of OMGTea’s AAA+ organic matcha, you simply need to stir a few drops of hot water with half a teaspoon of matcha to make a paste, and then add hot water and stir.

If you’re looking for an alternative way to start your day matcha tea’s floral and fresh taste is a winner. Take a look at our range and discover your new favourite hot drink.