Matcha grades can be confusing because there’s no official standard. Different companies use different terms. Here’s what actually matters.
The Two Main Categories
Culinary Grade
Use for: Lattes, smoothies, baking, cooking
What it is: Good matcha made from leaves that aren’t the absolute top-tier. The flavor is strong enough to come through when mixed with milk, sugar, or other ingredients.
Price range: $15-25 for 30g
Also called: Latte grade, kitchen grade, cooking grade, everyday grade
Ceremonial Grade
Use for: Drinking straight (whisked with water only)
What it is: The highest quality matcha, meant to taste good on its own without sweetener or milk. Made from the youngest leaves of the first spring harvest.
Price range: $25-50+ for 30g
Also called: Premium, highest grade, competition grade
Quick Comparison
| Culinary | Ceremonial | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Lattes, baking | Drinking straight |
| Flavor | Stronger, more bitter | Smooth, sweet, umami |
| Color | Green (may be duller) | Vibrant bright green |
| Price | $15-25 / 30g | $25-50+ / 30g |
| Leaf quality | Later harvests, older leaves | First harvest, youngest leaves |
Why the Grades Aren’t Standardized
In Japan, matcha is graded by tea masters based on color, aroma, and taste. But there’s no universal system, so Western vendors create their own terminology.
This means:
- One brand’s “ceremonial” might be another brand’s “premium”
- Some brands have 5+ grades; others have only 2
- Marketing terms like “super premium” or “imperial” are invented categories
What to do: Focus on buying from reputable sellers and choose based on your intended use rather than grade names.
How to Choose
Buy Culinary Grade If:
- You’re making lattes or adding milk
- You’re baking or cooking with matcha
- You’re new and want to experiment cheaply
- You’re making matcha for multiple people
- Price matters and you’ll go through it quickly
Buy Ceremonial Grade If:
- You want to drink matcha straight (traditional style)
- You want to taste matcha’s subtle flavors
- You’ve already tried matcha and want to upgrade
- You’re treating matcha as a mindful ritual
Don’t:
- Put ceremonial grade in a latte (waste of money — the milk masks the subtle flavors)
- Drink culinary grade straight and expect it to taste great (it’s designed for mixing)
Price Guidelines
- Under $15/30g: Likely low quality or not from Japan. May work for baking.
- $15-25/30g: Good culinary grade. Fine for lattes.
- $25-40/30g: Entry ceremonial grade. Good for drinking straight.
- $40-80+/30g: High-end ceremonial. For when you really want the best.
Very cheap matcha (under $10/30g) is often from China, may contain additives, or is simply old. Matcha deteriorates quickly, and cheap products often sit on shelves too long.