By: PILATESBODY by Kayla and Mindful Menu
Matcha has taken the world by storm, becoming a favorite among tea lovers, health-conscious individuals, and even culinary enthusiasts. Whether you’re sipping on a frothy matcha latte, adding it to your smoothie, or incorporating it into desserts, this vibrant green powder is packed with benefits. You can find all of these recipes (plus 00 more!) in the FREE Mindful Menu app. Available for Apple or Android.
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then discarded, matcha is consumed in its entirety. This makes it more potent in terms of both flavor and nutrition.
The process of growing matcha involves shading the tea plants for about 3–4 weeks before harvest. This increases chlorophyll production, giving matcha its signature bright green color and enhancing its nutrient content. After harvest, the leaves are dried and stone-ground into a fine powder.
There are two main grades of matcha:
Not all matcha is created equal. When shopping for matcha, look for these key indicators of quality:
You can find matcha in specialty tea shops, Japanese grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers.
Mushroom matcha takes the antioxidant power of traditional matcha to the next level by blending it with adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi. These medicinal mushrooms are known for their brain-boosting, stress-reducing, and energy-enhancing benefits, making mushroom matcha an obvious choice for those looking to support focus, immunity, and sustained energy without the jitters of coffee.
I’ve been using Ryze Mushroom Matcha (use code KAYLABRUGGER15 to save 15% on your Ryze order!) and highly recommend it! Ryze Mushroom Matcha combines high-quality matcha with functional mushrooms to create a smooth, earthy drink that delivers both calm alertness and long-term wellness perks. Whether you’re swapping your morning coffee or looking for a nourishing afternoon pick-me-up, mushroom matcha offers a unique way to fuel your body and mind.
Matcha is more than just a trendy drink; it’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of its top health benefits.
Matcha is made from whole green tea leaves ground into a fine powder, while regular green tea is steeped and discarded. Consuming matcha whole provides more antioxidants, amino acids, and nutrients. Its vibrant color and rich flavor come from a special shading process during cultivation.
Matcha has a unique flavor profile that is both earthy and slightly sweet, with a rich umami undertone. High-quality matcha tends to have a smooth, creamy taste with little bitterness, whereas lower-grade matcha can taste more astringent or grassy. The flavor can be balanced by adding milk, sweeteners, or blending it into recipes like smoothies and baked goods.
Matcha is incredibly versatile and can be used in both beverages and food. The most popular way to enjoy it is as a traditional matcha tea or latte, but it can also be blended into smoothies, added to yogurt, or used in baking recipes like muffins, cookies, and cakes. To preserve its nutrients and flavor, it’s best to mix matcha with warm (not boiling) water and whisk it thoroughly to avoid clumps.
Matcha and coffee both boost energy, but matcha offers a steadier release due to caffeine and L-theanine. Unlike coffee, it avoids jitters and crashes while providing more antioxidants to support health and focus.
Yes, matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation and reducing stress while still maintaining focus and alertness. This makes matcha a great alternative to coffee for those who experience anxiety or nervousness from caffeine. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha creates a calm yet energized state, helping to improve mood, reduce tension, and support overall mental well-being.
Now that you know all about matcha, it’s time to put it to good use! Here are some easy and delicious matcha recipes to enjoy at home. If you want even more inspiration check out this article.
A creamy, comforting drink that’s perfect for any time of day.
Serves 1
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A healthy and filling breakfast, snack or dessert. Looking for more healthy dessert recipes? Try these!
Serves 1–2
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These pancakes are as delicious as they are fun! Kids will love the green color. Here are some more fun recipes you can make with your kids.
Serves 4 (Makes about 8 pancakes)
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A great on-the-go snack packed with nutrients. If you think these sound delicious, you need to try these other recipes.
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Serves 1
A refreshing and energizing drink. If you like smoothies, be sure to check out our other smoothie recipes.
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Matcha is more than just a trendy superfood—it’s a powerhouse of health benefits and a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re sipping it as a latte, blending it into smoothies, or using it in baking, matcha brings a unique flavor and vibrant color to your diet. You can find all of these recipes (plus 800 more!) by downloading the FREE Mindful Menu app. Available for Apple and Android.
Now that you know how to choose high-quality matcha, where to buy it, and how to use it in delicious recipes, it’s time to start enjoying this green tea magic in your daily routine!
Your Friend & Pilates Expert,
Kayla Brugger
Founder of PILATESBODY by Kayla
Hi, I'm Kayla Brugger. Certified Pilates Instructor & Minnesota Mama of 2.
