Tag: Ceremonial vs culinary

Matcha prices reached record highs in 2025, with Japanese sources seeing a near-185% increase in average auction prices over the prior year. Given the wide range of costs, many wonder: is expensive matcha better, or are you just paying for a marketing gimmick?

Fact: All authentic matcha is made from shade-grown green tea leaves, a process that boosts its chlorophyll and amino acid content. However, the real question of what kind of matcha is the healthiest isn't a simple choice, but rather depends on how it's harvested and processed.

Despite the lack of official regulation in Japan, most Western consumers encounter matcha categorized by grade. Understanding what is the difference between ceremonial Matcha and matcha is key to choosing the right powder for your specific needs, whether for sipping or cooking.