Top Matcha Picks in Malta: Powders, Drinks & Wellness Boosts

October 20, 2025 at 03:32 PM
The Independent

Matcha, a vibrant green tea known for its health benefits and unique flavor, continues to gain popularity in Malta as a versatile superfood and coffee alternative. Packed with antioxidants like EGCG and calming L-theanine, matcha supports energy, focus, skin health, and overall wellbeing, making it a favorite among wellness enthusiasts. Ceremonial-grade matcha, sourced from younger tea leaves, offers premium quality and authentic flavor, while culinary-grade matcha is perfect for lattes, smoothies, and baking. Ready-to-drink matcha cans and innovative blends, such as collagen-infused or mushroom-enhanced options, cater to Malta’s busy and health-conscious lifestyles. Top brands for 2025 include JP’s Originals for pure ceremonial-grade matcha, Reformed for collagen benefits, and Humanitea for convenient on-the-go lattes. With its growing presence in cafés and kitchens across Malta, matcha is set to remain a key player in the wellness-focused dining scene.

The Best Matcha Brands for 2025: From Ceremonial-Grade Powders to Ready-to-Drink Options

Matcha has taken the world by storm, and Malta is no exception. This vibrant green tea, hailed as a superfood, has become a favorite among health-conscious foodies and wellness enthusiasts looking for delicious ways to boost energy and stay focused. Whether you’re sipping it at a trendy café in Valletta or whisking it up in your kitchen, matcha is the ultimate alternative to coffee, packed with antioxidants and amino acids that promote physical and mental wellbeing.

But what makes matcha so special? Derived from finely ground green tea leaves, matcha is traditionally mixed with water or milk to create a silky, smooth drink. More than just a beverage, it’s a natural source of health benefits, supporting everything from improved energy levels to better skin and cognitive function. Its high concentration of antioxidants—particularly catechins like EGCG—helps protect against free radicals, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This can lead to better mood, healthier skin, improved muscle recovery, and even enhanced brain health.

Matcha also contains chlorophyll, a compound known to aid detoxification and boost energy. You may have seen chlorophyll trending on social media lately for its purported benefits to skin and vitality. Unlike coffee, matcha delivers a gentler caffeine kick without the jitters, thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes focus and calmness—perfect for busy Maltese professionals looking to stay sharp throughout the day.

What Does Matcha Taste Like?

Matcha’s flavor profile is unique, with a bold, earthy character that’s both fresh and slightly savoury. Its umami undertones make it stand out from regular loose-leaf green tea. Whether you mix it with water, dairy, or plant-based milk, the taste can range from intensely herbal to creamy and mild, depending on preparation and personal preference. Maltese locals who enjoy experimenting with flavors will find that matcha pairs beautifully with almond milk, coconut milk, or even oat milk—a growing favorite among those seeking dairy-free options.

Ceremonial Grade vs Culinary Grade: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for matcha, you’ll often come across the term “ceremonial grade.” This denotes a higher-quality matcha made from younger tea leaves harvested early in the season. These leaves are rich in chlorophyll, giving the powder its signature bright green hue and smooth flavor. Ceremonial-grade matcha is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, which focus on mindfulness, health, and intentionality—values that resonate deeply with Malta’s growing wellness community.

Culinary-grade matcha, on the other hand, is made from older tea leaves. While it’s slightly less vibrant and contains fewer nutrients, it’s still a great option for lattes, smoothies, and baking. Both types of matcha can be incorporated into a balanced diet, but if you’re looking for the ultimate health boost and authentic flavor, ceremonial-grade is the way to go.

How to Serve and Enjoy Matcha

Matcha can be enjoyed in several ways, making it a versatile addition to your healthy lifestyle. For the purists, a traditional matcha whisk can be used to blend the powder with hot water into a smooth paste before adding more liquid. Alternatively, an electric frother can create a creamy, café-style consistency. From classic hot matcha to refreshing iced lattes, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this emerald-green beverage.

For those who love convenience, ready-to-drink matcha cans are available, with some brands offering exciting flavor combinations like fruit-infused blends or pre-mixed lattes with plant-based milk. Whether you prefer matcha on its own or enjoy experimenting with flavors, there’s something for every palate.

The Best Matcha Brands to Try in 2025

Whether you’re sipping your matcha at home or ordering it at one of Malta’s wellness-focused cafés, choosing the right brand is key to a great experience. Here are our top picks for 2025:

Best Pure Ceremonial Grade Matcha: JP’s Originals Matcha Supreme (£27.99, jpsoriginals.com)

JP’s Originals sources its ceremonial-grade matcha directly from Uji, Japan, a region renowned for producing the highest-quality matcha. The eco-friendly glass jar ensures the tea stays fresh while protecting it from light, preserving its rich flavor and vibrant color. Perfect for matcha purists, this powder is silky, smooth, and packed with antioxidants, making it ideal for an authentic matcha experience.

Best Collagen Matcha: Reformed Collagen Matcha (£39.99, feelreformed.com)

For those who want to elevate their matcha game, Reformed combines ceremonial-grade matcha with marine collagen peptides to promote skin, hair, and nail health. This nutrient-rich blend comes with handy accessories like an electric frother and storage tin, making it easy to prepare. Perfect for anyone looking to combine beauty benefits with a natural energy boost.

Best Flavored Matcha: Bird & Blend Honey Bunny Matcha (£20, birdandblendtea.com)

This sweet, honey-flavored matcha is ideal for beginners or those who prefer a milder taste. Flavored with natural lacuma powder, it’s vegan-friendly and perfect for crafting creamy matcha lattes. Bird & Blend also offers creative options like tutti frutti matcha for those who enjoy experimenting with unique flavors.

Best Ready-to-Drink Matcha: Humanitea Matcha Oat Milk Green Tea Latte (£31.54, amazon.co.uk)

Perfect for busy Maltese lifestyles, this ready-to-drink matcha latte is made with oat milk and ethically sourced matcha. Each can is only 68 calories, making it a guilt-free treat for those on the go. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing boost on hot summer days, or pair it with a healthy snack from your favorite local café.

Best Mushroom Matcha: Dirtea Matcha (£48, dirteaworld.com)

For the ultimate wellness blend, Dirtea combines ceremonial-grade matcha with functional mushrooms like lion’s mane and tremella, along with coconut milk powder for a creamy texture. Packed with B vitamins, this blend supports brain health, energy, and skin vitality, making it a powerful addition to your daily routine.

Best Healthy Matcha Blend: Ancient & Brave Matcha (£36, ancientandbrave.com)

Ancient & Brave’s organic matcha powder is a dream for anyone looking to maximize their nutritional intake. This ceremonial-grade matcha is combined with collagen peptides, MCT oil, moringa, and lion’s mane mushroom to enhance focus, energy, and overall wellbeing. It’s a premium option for those serious about health.

Best Plain Matcha Powder: Jenki Matcha (£29, jenki.com)

A fantastic introduction to pure matcha, Jenki’s ceremonial-grade powder from Uji is perfect for newcomers. Available in resealable pouches or tins, its mellow flavor and smooth texture make it an easy choice for matcha beginners and connoisseurs alike. Pair it with local ingredients like Maltese honey or almond milk for a unique twist.

The Verdict

For an authentic matcha experience, JP’s Originals is the ultimate choice for its premium ceremonial-grade quality. If you’re looking to pack your matcha with added health benefits, Dirtea’s mushroom matcha or Reformed’s collagen-infused blend are standout options. For Malta’s bustling café scene and active lifestyles, Humanitea’s ready-to-drink matcha latte is a convenient solution to stay energized on the go. And for those with a sweet tooth, Bird & Blend’s flavored matcha is a delightful treat.

Whether you’re enjoying matcha at home or seeking it out at one of Malta’s growing number of health-conscious restaurants and cafés, this versatile superfood is the perfect addition to your daily routine. From improving focus to supporting longevity, matcha truly deserves its place in the spotlight for the wellness-minded.