DoMatchaOrganic Ceremonial Green Tea Matcha Powder, Natural Source of Antioxidants, Caffeine, and L-Theanine, Promotes Focus and Relaxation, Kosher, 25 Servings (1 oz)

I have been drinking matcha for decades and have traveled to Japan extensively, where ceremonial matcha like this is absolutely adored for the traditions it signifies as well as the health properties attributed to this powder. Premium matcha can easily cost $100 for 30grams (roughly one ounce) throughout Japan (and Korea). It can also be as inexpensive as $10 for 30grams, but there are distinct differences between the quality for a given price point. The cheapest matcha ($10/ounce) almost always is bitter, less fine a powder, and is a green color similar to an army green (not vibrant in color). The best matcha is smooth, very very fine in powder and is a bright (natural) green that looks the color of a bright wheatgrass. This matcha is much, much closer to the latter even though its price is much closer to the former. Thus, really it is the best of both worlds (high quality, not super expensive). I think DoMatcha as a brand is very conscientious about things like the land where the matcha leaves are grown, and the health of the land giving a healthier matcha product. DoMatcha makes another matcha powder which is not as smooth or bright, but even more economical, so if budget is a driving factor, try that green-label version first and if you find the benefits of matcha worth a bigger slice of your budget, then get this red-label version and see if you don’t also prefer the smoothness of the red-label. DoMatcha also makes a Master’s Choice available only in 30gram tins, and that one tends to be fantastic when super fresh (like just opened the can), but is less shelf stable. All-in-all, I would recommend DoMatcha as a brand and the red-label as the top pick within this brand.

I had tried some matcha prior from Red Leaf Tea (admittedly their mid grade matcha of which they have 3) and I did enjoy it but found that the experience was not worth the premium I paid.I again am overwhelmed at the cost. I'm sure I could buy quality illegal substances on the street for cheaper. If like the more vehement proponents claim it is the cure for depression, cancer, heart disease, human suffering and Donald Trump it might be worth it, but scientifically it seems to be only the more basic claims have been substantiated. That's enough for me to work my way into the matcha world, but there is that retirement I've been eyeing.That having been said I will say that the increase in price is certainly in line with the increase I have tasted in quality. I am very happy with this DoMatcha matcha. The color is almost neon green, it bubbles up quite a bit and has a mellow but full sweet/grassy vegetal taste. It's fairly strong but mild and smooth if that makes sense.All in all very impressive but since I plan to drink about 5 cups of green tea a day that would run me hundreds per month, so I'll have to find a sweet spot between quality and price and I'm not sure this is it.If you want a treat I would get this or the highest quality ipoddo (which seems to come much higher recommended), but for a daily drinking tea I might recommend Red Leaf's caramel matcha lowest grade.EDIT: I've since had a chance to try Ippodo's Matchas and I have to say they are the best matcha I have ever tried and at this point I've tried quite a few. So if you want an affordable daily drinking tea get Red Leaf's caramel matcha lowest grade. A mid range get this DoMatcha and high end Ippodo. There are big differences in quality but they are all enjoyable. I think you owe it to yourself to at least try each one once.

I have now tried several different Matcha's. THIS IS THE BEST OF THE BESTI am very sensitive to substances that go into my body. Do your research. I did.I drink Green Tea for the health benefits. I am 61 years old now. My metabolism has slowed. My brain never tolerated caffeine very well. And, I do not want or like to be physically addicted to any drug (caffeine). When I was in Iraq, I drank caffeinate concentrated coffee (1 can of triple shot) per day. When I missed a day or two, my body went into a sluggish withdrawal with headache/stuffy brain. That was awful.I read about this Do Matcha Green Tea and how the other substances (Catechins, etc.) in it were so healthful and that the caffeine was low. I tried it and found there were no withdrawal symptoms after drinking one cup every day for a week. To my surprise it was just as uplifting as the Triple Shot had been, but with less than a third of the caffeine. It also had a very calming effect and produced a mental clarity I enjoyed in my 20's and 30's.The other Matcha's I tried because of cheaper price failed to produce the mental clarity. Mental clarity is what I missed the most in getting older. Only Do Matcha first harvest (Ceremonial Grade) has produced this. Read up on this so that I do not have to write so much to impart knowledge to those who do not know.I do not drink this for the taste. I drink it for the health benefits. The others DO NOT measure up to Do Matcha!!!You get what you pay for. Many extoll the different mixes they use Green Tea for. That is not me. I drink it straight with cool water. I don't want to lose any of the nutrition because of heated water. I use a battery operated frother to mix it. I like the veggie taste (like raw spinach). It is a quick drink that uplifts, enlivens, and clarifies. If you need to enhance your life. Pay for this. Yes, it is expensive... and worth the extra cost if you value your health.My body has become more supple. No more morning stiffness. No more morning grogginess. No more sore feet when getting out of bed. I have been using Do Matcha (and tried others) for 7 months now. I can quit without any signs of withdrawal. But, the age factors set in again.So, one cup a day of Do Matcha seems to be quite therapeutic for me.