Matcha Powder Vs. Tea Bags: What’s Best?

When it comes to matcha powder vs. tea bags, you might not be sure about what’s so different about these drinks. We’ve got it all covered.

matcha powder vs. tea bags
Matcha Powder vs. Tea Bags

Given that matcha powder and tea bags are both teas, you might be wondering which one trumps when it comes to matcha powder vs. tea bags. These drinks have a lot in common, but some crucial differences will help you determine which you think is the best.  

A Short Overview Of Matcha Powder Vs. Tea Bags

Matcha powder is pure ground matcha tea. It comes completely used and is fine enough to dissolve in your drink. In contrast, tea bags are little sachets containing ground tea leaves and buds. The leaves stay in the tea bag as it brews and is usually removed from the cup when the brewing time is up.

What Do Matcha Powder And Tea Bags Have In Common?

The obvious thing these two have in common is that both matcha powder and tea bags can make a cup of tea. 

What’s The Difference Between Matcha Powder And Tea Bags?

Matcha Green Tea
You need to measure out the tea from matcha powder

Matcha powder is almost always found as a loose powder. You need to measure out the tea yourself, so there is a little more room for error.

It takes a bit more effort to make matcha tea, as you need to put some powder in a mug and then whisk it into a paste using a little bit of water. You then pour some hot water on top and stir before serving. 

Teabags are already measured out for you, so you just brew it with some hot water and remove the tea bag when it’s brewed (usually around 3 to 5 minutes) – or leave it in if you like an extra-strong cup. 

Find out how much caffeine is in a cup of tea.

Matcha tea in teabags is usually a blend of green tea and matcha but is rarely pure matcha because actual matcha only comes in powder form. Macha is greener than green tea and other teas derived from the Camellia sinesis because the plant is shielded from the sun before harvesting to increase the amount of chlorophyll.

Comparing Matcha Powder Vs. Tea Bags

Matcha PowderTea Bags 
Matcha powder is 100% finely ground green tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Teabags contain diced and dried leaves and buds from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Matcha powder is prepared by first making a paste and then adding some hot water All you need to do to brew tea bags is add some hot water and leave it to sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
Matcha powder comes in small sachets or glass jars and is usually quite expensive – although the recommended serving sizes are small.Teabags are very affordable and you typically get a lot in a box.
Matcha powder is versatile. It can be added to baked goods or be used in a matcha latte.Teabags can usually only be used to make hot tea, iced tea, or cold brew. You typically would not add milk or sugar to green tea from a teabag.

What’s Better About Matcha Powder? 

Matcha does not taste the same as the tea found in teabags. Some people would say that matcha has a more pleasant taste.

In terms of being a healthy drink, matcha is a better choice. Teabags retain all the tea leaves. While some nutrients and caffeine leech into your drink, it doesn’t have as much caffeine or antioxidants as matcha tea does – because you ingest the powder. 

What’s Better About Teabags?

a number of tea bags laid on top of a flat surface - how many times can you use a tea bag
Teabags are more affordable

Teabags are quick and easy to brew. They’re also typically much more affordable than matcha powder, but the tea is still very healthy.

Who Should Opt For Matcha Powder?

If you prefer the taste of matcha, then there’s not much of a point in making yourself drink another kind of tea – especially if you have the budget to go all out on high-quality matcha powder and a ceremonial whisk. 

If you’re a very health-conscious person and drink tea for an extra nutritional boost, matcha is a better option because you’re consuming all of the goodness found in tea leaves. 

Who Should Opt For Teabags?

If you drink a lot of tea, you’re better off with tea bags. Teabags are much cheaper and easier to brew. It would be costly if you’re drinking more than one cup of matcha tea per day, compared to just brewing green tea from a teabag. 

Resources

Matcha Vs Coffee: Which Is Better?

Matcha Powder Vs. Moringa Powder: What’s The Difference?

Matcha Powder Vs. Leaves: What’s The Difference?

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.