Best Matcha for Beginners

Bitterness and astringency are the two flavor profiles that often turn off matcha newcomers. This is why we’d recommend powders low in both to someone whisking their first bowl.

Bitterness is the sharp taste you get when biting into a citrus rind. Astringency is more of a sensation. It’s that drying or puckering feeling in your mouth after sipping a strong black tea, or eating very dark chocolate.

Every powder here scores 2/5 or lower for both bitterness and astringency, so a new palate, imperfect water temperature, or a rushed whisk will not punish you.