MATCHA DNA Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder

This is culinary grade matcha, not ceremonial. That's actually part of why it's such great value—you get a full pound (16 oz) for the price of a small tin of ceremonial grade. It's perfect for lattes, smoothies, and baking where you'll mix it with other ingredients. If you're looking for sipping-quality matcha for traditional whisked tea, you'll want to invest in ceremonial grade instead.

The biggest issue reported is batch variation—some customers receive vibrant green powder that tastes smooth and earthy, while others get brownish, dull powder with a bitter or musty taste. About a dozen reviewers specifically mentioned this quality control problem. It's worth checking the color when you first open the tin. Fresh batches should be bright green, not brown or olive-toned.

Most reviewers specifically praise the smooth, sustained energy without jitters or crashes. The natural L-theanine in matcha creates a calmer, more focused energy compared to coffee. That said, this benefit assumes you get a fresh batch—lower quality batches may not deliver the same clean energy experience.

It performs really well in lattes and mixed drinks, which is where culinary grade matcha shines. The fine powder texture blends smoothly with milk and sweeteners, and several reviewers mention it's their go-to for daily matcha lattes. The milk and sweetener also help balance out any bitterness, making it forgiving even if you're still learning how to prepare matcha properly.

When fresh, it has a smooth, grassy, earthy flavor that's not too bitter. However, quality issues create big variations—poor batches have been described as swampy, musty, or even metallic tasting. The smell can be telling: fresh matcha should smell pleasantly vegetal and grassy, not like rotting grass or compost. If your batch smells off or tastes overly bitter, you likely received older or improperly stored product.

Yes and no. The pros: it's incredibly affordable, so you can experiment without breaking the bank, and the large 16 oz quantity gives you plenty of chances to practice making lattes and find your perfect recipe. The cons: the inconsistent quality means your first experience might not represent what good matcha tastes like. If you get a good batch, it's a fantastic introduction. If you get a poor one, it might turn you off matcha entirely.