How Is Green Tea Powder Different from Matcha?
A Simple Comparison of Production Methods
While both green tea powder and matcha are made from green tea leaves, their processing methods, ingredients, and usage differ significantly.
In this article, we’ll compare how each is made—and why they taste and behave differently.
1. Type of Tea Leaves
Both products begin with green tea leaves, but matcha uses a special kind called tencha, which is grown in the shade to enhance color and flavor.
- Green Tea Powder: May use sencha, bancha, or lower-grade matcha
- Matcha: Always made from shade-grown tencha
2. Steaming and Drying
Both teas are steamed shortly after harvest to prevent oxidation and preserve the green color.
- Green Tea Powder: Standard steaming → drying
- Matcha: Carefully steamed tencha → air-dried flat to preserve leaf structure
3. Grinding Method
This is a key difference:
- Green Tea Powder: Ground using high-speed machines for mass production
- Matcha: Milled using traditional stone grinders, taking more time and producing a fine, silky powder
4. Additional Ingredients
- Green Tea Powder is usually blended with:
- Sugar (for sweetened versions)
- Flavorings or dairy (to enhance taste or smoothness)
- Matcha is pure 100% tea, with no additives
5. Purpose and Packaging
| Aspect | Green Tea Powder | Matcha |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Sweet, mild, easy to drink | Rich, bitter, umami |
| Use Case | Cold drinks, lattes, desserts | Ceremonial tea, cooking, baking |
| Packaging | Sticks, cans, bulk sweetened blends | Tins or pouches (pure powder) |
Summary
| Process Step | Green Tea Powder | Matcha |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Type | Various green teas | Tencha (shade-grown) |
| Grinding Method | High-speed mill | Stone mill |
| Additives | Sugar, flavorings, dairy (optional) | None (100% tea) |
| Purpose | Everyday sweetened drinks | Traditional tea, culinary use |
Though they look similar, green tea powder and matcha are quite different in how they’re made and enjoyed.
Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right product for your needs—whether you want a quick, sweet drink or an authentic tea experience.
