Best Shade-Grown Matcha of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Shade-grown matcha is a type of green tea that is grown under the shade of trees. This unique method of cultivation gives the tea leaves a distinct flavor and texture. The leaves are hand-picked, steamed, and ground into a fine powder, which is then used to make a delicious and healthy beverage. Shade-grown matcha is known for its high concentration of antioxidants, which makes it a popular choice among health enthusiasts. It is also believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind after a long day. Overall, shade-grown matcha is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional tea and coffee.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

MEGAPLANTS Matcha Magic Cover #TOP 1
MEGAPLANTS Matcha Magic
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Naoki Matcha Superior Ceremonial Blend Cover #TOP 2
Naoki Matcha Superior Ceremonial Blend
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wild Matcha Green Tea Powder Cover #TOP 3
Wild Matcha Green Tea Powder
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Shade-Grown Matcha

#TOP 1

MEGAPLANTS Matcha Magic

MEGAPLANTS Matcha Magic Cover
MEGAPLANTS Matcha Magic (50 Servings) | Superfood 5 Mushroom Powder Blend for Focus, Clarity & Energy | USDA Organic | Japanese Ceremonial Grade Matcha | Shade Grown

MEGAPLANTS Matcha Magic is a powerful superfood powder blend that combines 5 organic mushrooms with Japanese ceremonial grade matcha. This blend is designed to enhance focus, mental clarity, and energy. The 5 mushrooms in Matcha Magic have been carefully selected for their ability to improve energy, mood, and vitality. The blend includes adaptogens like reishi, which supports stress response and recovery, and lion's mane, known for its memory and focus-boosting properties. Cordyceps provides energy and endurance, while chaga and turkey tail offer antioxidant benefits and immune support. Made from 100% natural and organic ingredients, Matcha Magic is vegan, plant-based, and free from artificial sweeteners or fillers. With 50 servings per pouch, it is a convenient and easy way to enjoy the rich taste and nutritional benefits of matcha and functional mushrooms.

What We Like
Powerful superfood blend
Enhances focus and energy
100% natural and organic ingredients

Naoki Matcha Superior Ceremonial Blend

O4-JD03-P0NA
Naoki Matcha Superior Ceremonial Blend Cover
Naoki Matcha Superior Ceremonial Blend – Authentic Japanese First Harvest Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder from Uji, Kyoto (40g / 1.4oz)

Naoki Matcha Superior Ceremonial Blend is an authentic Japanese First Harvest Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder from Uji, Kyoto. It is made from shade grown, First Harvest tea leaves from Uji Kyoto, and is ground into powder right before it leaves Japan for the USA. This matcha is smooth, creamy and versatile, making it ideal for matcha beginners. It provides a steady boost of energy for up to 6 hours, and is a healthy source of antioxidants. Naoki Matcha provides full guidance through directions for use, recipes and tips for enjoying it.

What We Like
Deep flavor
Freshness
Great taste
Health benefits
Energetic boost
#TOP 3

Wild Matcha Green Tea Powder

4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Wild Matcha Green Tea Powder Cover
Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder, Ceremonial Grade, Authentic Japanese Matcha Grown In Japan, JAS Certified Organic (4 oz)

Introducing Wild Matcha Powder, an authentic Japanese matcha made from high-quality shade-grown green tea leaves. This ceremonial grade matcha is sourced from small family farmers who have been growing matcha for generations in a climate renowned for producing the best matcha in the world. By choosing Wild Matcha Powder, you are opting for the original and highest quality matcha available. The small batch production ensures premium ingredients that are beneficial for your body. Plus, with the Wild guarantee, you can enjoy a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Experience the rich flavor and numerous health benefits of Wild Matcha Powder today!

What We Like
Authentic Japanese matcha
Shade-grown and stone ground
Small batch production
#TOP 4

HANDPICK Japanese Organic Matcha Powder

HANDPICK Japanese Organic Matcha Powder Cover
HANDPICK Japanese Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder (100 Servings) - Authentic Premium Second Flush Harvest | Resealable Ziplock Pouch

HANDPICK Organic Matcha offers a premium green tea experience sourced directly from Japan. The leaves, grown in the shade, are hand-picked and stone-ground, ensuring a rich, earthy flavor in every sip. This non-GMO matcha boasts a vibrant color and a smooth, velvety texture, enhancing your tea-drinking pleasure. Packaged in a resealable ziplock pouch, it maintains its freshness and aromatic qualities, allowing you to enjoy multiple servings without compromising quality. By incorporating this nutritious tea into your daily routine, you can embrace a balanced lifestyle while savoring its delightful taste.

What We Like
Organic and authentic flavor
Non-GMO verified quality
Resealable for freshness
Supports a balanced lifestyle

Matcha Love Culinary Matcha Powder

835143011367
Matcha Love Culinary Matcha Powder Cover
Matcha Love Culinary Matcha 3.5 Ounce Finely Milled Green Tea Leaves, Japanese Style Matcha Powder

Matcha Love Culinary Matcha Powder is a medium-bodied, finely milled green tea powder with a delicate balance of sweetness and grassiness, perfect for daily consumption. Harvested from shade-grown green tea, it offers pure herbaceous flavor and the health benefits of ingesting the whole leaf, including high antioxidant content. Green tea is known for its refreshing quality and ITO EN North America offers a variety of green tea products to suit every taste, including ready-to-drink matcha, loose leaf tea, tea bags, and more.

What We Like
Strong flavor
Convenient container
50 servings per container
Good quality powder
#TOP 6

Japan's Finest Organic Nishio Matcha

にほんのごはん
Japan's Finest Organic Nishio Matcha Cover
Japan’s Finest 100% Organic Nishio Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder (有機抹茶) – Shade-Grown First Flush, Rich in Catechins, Deep Green Color, Intense Umami and Full-Bodied Flavor, Exquisite Aroma, Ideal for Cooking and Baking, USDA & JAS Certified, Made in Japan (60g / 2.12oz)

Nihon NO GOHAN Matcha is a premium ceremonial grade green tea powder sourced from Nishio, Japan. It’s made from first flush tea leaves that are shade-grown, giving it a rich green color and full-bodied flavor. This matcha is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits, thanks to its high levels of catechins and vitamins. You can enjoy its exquisite aroma while preparing traditional matcha tea or using it in various recipes, from lattes to pastries. With USDA and JAS organic certifications, you can trust that you’re getting a pure product free from harmful chemicals.

What We Like
Rich in antioxidants
Versatile culinary uses
Sourced from premium region
Organic certifications
#TOP 7

TOMOSAN Organic Matcha Powder 30g

TOMOSAN
TOMOSAN Organic Matcha Powder 30g Cover
TOMOSAN Japanese Organic Matcha - Authentically Japanese Uji Kyoto Origin, Traditional Stone Milled Green Tea Powder, 30g/1.06oz

TOMOSAN Matcha Powder is crafted from 100% organic tea leaves grown in the misty mountains of Kyoto, ensuring you enjoy a safe and high-quality beverage. The matcha is made from shade-grown "Tencha" leaves, offering a vibrant flavor and excellent health benefits. You can easily mix it with hot water or use it in various recipes, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Whether you're preparing for a traditional tea ceremony or modern dishes like smoothies and desserts, this matcha enhances your culinary experiences while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

What We Like
100% organic certified
Versatile for recipes
Rich in health benefits
Vegan and gluten-free
#TOP 8

TeeLux Culinary Grade Matcha Powder

TeeLux Culinary Grade Matcha Powder Cover
TeeLux Matcha Green Tea Powder, Premium First Harvest Culinary Grade Matcha Single Serve Packets, Unsweetened Matcha Powder Travel Stick Packs, 50 Count

TeeLux Matcha Powder offers a premium experience with its high-quality, first-harvest green tea leaves. This culinary-grade matcha is rich in antioxidants, providing you with numerous health benefits while delighting your taste buds with its unique grassy flavor. You can enjoy a delicious matcha latte or smoothie, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Its vibrant color and rich aroma enhance any recipe, whether you're baking or cooking. Plus, the single-serve packets make it convenient to enjoy matcha at home or on the go, ensuring you never miss a moment of this healthy treat.

What We Like
High-quality ingredients
Rich in antioxidants
Versatile for recipes
Convenient single-serve packets
#TOP 9

Senbird Organic Ceremonial Matcha Tea

1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Senbird Organic Ceremonial Matcha Tea Cover
Senbird Organic Ceremonial Matcha - Japanese Powdered Green Tea - From Kyoto, Japan - Ceremonial Tea In Airtight Tea Tin (1oz/30g)

Senbird Matcha Tea is an authentic ceremonial grade matcha sourced from the Uji mountains in Kyoto, Japan. This premium green tea is made from stone-ground tencha leaves, ensuring a rich flavor and smooth texture. As a 100% organic product, it is free from GMOs, sugars, and preservatives, offering you a pure tea experience. With its naturally high caffeine content and nutrient richness, it's perfect for energizing your mornings or afternoons. Plus, the tea's delightful aroma of sweet grass and chocolate adds an enjoyable touch to your daily routine, whether you enjoy it straight or in creative recipes.

What We Like
Authentic Japanese matcha
100% organic and pure
High caffeine content
Rich flavor and aroma
#TOP 10

Holy Matcha Ceremonial Green Tea Powder

HOLY MATCHA
sample_sku_5510
Matcha Green Tea
Holy Matcha Ceremonial Green Tea Powder Cover
Holy Matcha Ceremonial Green Tea Powder Authentic Japanese from Kyoto | Antioxidant Superfood with L-Theanine for Natural Energy, Antioxidants, Focus, Anti Aging & Metabolism Support, 30 Servings

Holy Matcha Green Tea is a premium ceremonial matcha sourced from Uji, Japan. You’ll enjoy the same quality matcha used in award-winning cafes, perfect for lattes, smoothies, and desserts. This matcha is rich in antioxidants, helping you boost your energy naturally without the jitters associated with coffee. Its unique UMAMI flavor enhances your drinks and treats, ensuring a delightful taste experience. Plus, since you consume the whole leaf, you gain maximum benefits from its nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious consumers.

What We Like
High-quality Japanese matcha
Rich in antioxidants
Natural energy boost
Delicious UMAMI flavor
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is matcha grown in the shade?

Matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves that also are used to make gyokuro. The preparation of matcha starts several weeks before harvest and may last up to 20 days, when the tea bushes are covered to prevent direct sunlight.

2. Why is matcha grown in the shade?

There are two reasons for limiting sunlight: Shade-growing tea allows for the plant to concentrate its many nutrients in the leaf, while also achieving a lovely and balanced flavor profile between the bitter catechins and sweet L-theanine.

3. Is green tea grown in shade?

Gyokuro green tea grows in the shade for 20 days before harvest. This unique harvesting process produces a jade-colored tea rich in nutrients. Shade-grown green tea is especially high in natural caffeine. Even in Japan, Gyokuro is considered a rare green tea.

4. Why is my matcha not bright green?

Yellow matcha: If your matcha has a yellowish or brownish hue, this typically means that mature leaves (less optimal) were used to make your matcha, and the more bitter and astringent it will taste. It also signifies that this matcha contains less amino acids, specifically L-theanine.

Editor's Notes

During our shade-grown matcha research, we found 24 shade-grown matcha products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 44,672 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shade-grown matcha list. We found that most customers choose shade-grown matcha with an average price of $22.52.

The shade-grown matcha are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shade-grown matcha, including MEGAPLANTS, Naoki Matcha, Wild Foods, HANDPICK, matcha LOVE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 110 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!