Matcha is supposed to be the epitome of healthy teas. People see the green hue of a matcha latte and assume it is good for you. There are claims that the finely ground green tea can boost metabolism, burn calories, calm the mind, relax the body, enhance the mood, prevent diseases and so on and so forth. Unfortunately, matcha can also taste a touch like grass at times and as someone who discovered matcha when I was just discovering tea, I was not quite ready to willingly drink something that seemed like it was produced by my lawn mower.
What did intrigue me was flavored matchas. Maybe it doesn’t possess all the same benefits as regular matcha due to the sugars and additives to capture the flavors but I don’t drink tea because of health claims so this didn’t bother me in the slightest. I was most concerned about flavor and this meant a whole new world of teas to try thanks to Matcha Outlet (which went by Red Leaf Tea when I discovered them). With options ranging from strawberries & cream to cheese pizza and everything in between, the selection is endless. Plus, you can customize the grade of tea you want and the level of flavoring used in your matcha.
Of the flavored matchas I have tried so far, Caramel Popcorn Matcha has to be one of utmost favorites. I use 1/2 a teaspoon in a cup of milk and mix them together in the frother. That small amount packs quite a punch, both in terms of caffeine and flavor. It actually tastes like liquid caramel popcorn, right down to the butteryness of the snack. Sweet caramel starts and ends the sip but it floats atop a distinctively popcorn flavor – buttery, slightly roasty, and just a hint of salt.
Each time I have it, I am always amazed at how accurate this is and how much it works as a matcha milk when it really shouldn’t (I mean popcorn and milk just seems like a weird combination to me). As far as flavored matchas go, this is one I recommend time and time again but if Caramel Popcorn isn’t your thing, I am sure Matcha Outlet has something for you. Some of my other favorites include French Butter Cookie, Bavarian Cream, Bananas & Cream, Strawberries & Cream, and Coconut.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: Matcha Outlet
Description
Caramel Popcorn Matcha has the natural flavors of pure Matcha and caramelized popcorn. Its flavor is enhanced with sweet caramel blend with corn kernels aroma in a very mild leafy notes. Its taste introduces a level of Matcha flavor that is perfect for any Matcha treat such as smoothies and lattes.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Blueberry Matcha Green Tea from Simpson & Vail. . . . .
I’ve had my eye on Simpson & Vail’s Blueberry Matcha Green Tea for a while. Guess what? We finally got our hands on it! YAY! It was well worth the wait, too!
Matcha, Blueberry Flavor, and Cane Sugar are the 3 ingredients in Blueberry Matcha Green Tea from Simpson & Vail. One of the most important things I need to mention in this review is that the use of the cane sugar is perfectly done. Many flavored matchas tend to over do it with the sugar or sweetener. Not Simpson & Vail! They used this cane sugar to accompany NOT overstep and it’s much appreciated!
The Blueberry flavor is nicely done, too! It’s a pleasing medium-strength blueberry flavor. The sugary-sweet blueberry taste is what lingers well after the last sip.
The Matcha base they use is top notch when it comes the the taste quality, too! I can’t wait to try the other flavored matchas S&V offers. Be on the look out for the Vanilla one, specifically!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: Simpson & Vail
Description
We’ve found these great flavored matcha blends that we’re excited to offer to you! Each blend combines high quality matcha powder with cane sugar and natural flavor to create a delicious taste sensation. Try in your recipes for sweets, lattes, smoothies, iced beverages and more. Available in 1 oz. silver zip-lock bags.
Wildly popular in Japan, the matcha blueberry blend is becoming a favorite choice at tea and coffee shops across the country!
Ingredients: Cane sugar, matcha, natural flavor
Brewing: Add 1 tbsp of Blueberry Matcha to 6-8oz of water or milk and mix using a blender or shaker.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
My Mornings With Matcha Muscle. . . .
Just about every day I make a matcha smoothie to enjoy on my hour long commute from my house to taking my kiddos to school to work. I’ve tried different variations of smoothie recipes. Some turn out pretty amazing and others not so much. I’ve found that having the right matcha really makes all the difference in the world.
The other day I finally stumbled upon the perfect recipe for me:
1 teaspoon of Matcha Muscle
3 tablespoons of yogurt
2 tablespoons of psyllium husk (for additional fiber)
2 tablespoons of CACafe Coconut Green Tea Powder
1/2 can of canned pears
Dash of Cream
Almond Milk
Sprinkled in Cinnamon and Ginger
Blend all ingredients with Ice and pour into your favorite traveling mug.
I am in no way a master at making matcha smoothies but this mix is heavenly! The smoothie is sweet with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and ginger. The Matcha Muscle adds the perfect base, adding in a rich smoothness and a hint of vegetal notes. I love how smooth the matcha is without any sort of bite and the fact there is added pea protein in the mix just makes me even more thrilled with this matcha.
Later in the day, I did try the Matcha Muscle by itself and I was just as impressed. Smooth, creamy, silky, without any sort of after bite. Just delicious.
Over the last few days, I’ve found that I just can’t get enough of this matcha and love how there isn’t that noticeable bitter aftertaste that can sometimes accompany this beverage. Works perfectly in smoothies and by itself. Next on the list is baking with it. I have a feeling I’ll be making some Matcha Shortbread Cookies very son.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green Tea
Where to Buy: Matcha Muscle
Description
Our original herbal blend of all-natural Japanese Matcha and 100% organic pea protein. When mixed with water it has a full bodied, creamy vegetal flavor with a lingering sweet finish. Each serving contains 10 grams of protein and a full dose of Matcha making it a perfect addition to any shake, smoothie, or cold pressed juice. Containing powerful amino acids and caffeine Matcha Muscle provides 3 to 4 hours of sustained energy without the familiar coffee crash.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Tea-Inspired Shamrock Shake using tea from Sportland Tea Co. . . . . .
This tea had been sitting in my to-be-reviewed pile for far too long, you guys. Every once in a while, I’d pass by, give it a sniff, smile at how yummy it smelled, then get distracted by something else and completely forget to brew it up (story of my life). Until the other day, I was struck by the siren song of March– the Shamrock Shake. You know exactly what I’m talking about. As soon as 3/1 rolls around, billboards are covered with larger-than-life pictures of delicious, neon green vanilla-mint-chemical-deliciousness, and it’s near impossible to resist them. That said, it’s been a looooong time since I’ve had (or even been able to have, silly food allergies) an actual Shamrock Shake– but that doesn’t stop me from trying to healthfully recreate them at home every year!
Enter Sportland’s Focus tea. It’s a mate/matcha blend, leaves covered in bright green powder and smelling of deliciously balanced vanilla and mint. As soon as I took a whiff of this one the other day, I knew it’d be a perfect balance to an updated “healthy” Shamrock-esque shake at home, and you guys. I was right. SO YUM. Want to sip along with me? Here’s what I did!
Tea-Inspired Shamrock Shake: 1 large handful of greens, about 1.5 cups (spinach is most neutral-tasting) 1 avocado 1.5 cups of overnight cold-brewed Sportland Tea Co. Focus blend 1 frozen banana or handful of ice cubes optional: scoop of vanilla protein powder or collagen powder 1 tsp or to taste of each: vanilla extract, peppermint extract or essential oil
Blend all ingredients in a blender until nice and smooth. Enjoy your health-ified Shamrock Shake!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green/Matcha Blend
Where to Buy: Sportland Tea Co
Description
Sportland Tea Co.’s focus blend is a stimulating mix of matcha green tea and yerba mate.
With mint and vanilla for a smooth and delicious flavor, this blend offers a naturally sweet option to those looking for a boost of caffeine. Get the laser focus you are looking for!
Health Benefits
- High in antioxidants
- Increases energy levels
- Boosts mental alertness
Key Ingredients
- Matcha
- Yerba mate
- Peppermint
- Vanilla
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Raspberry Matcha from Tea’s Me
There were a few days recently where winter temperatures let up and I was able to go out in the sun with fewer layers and coats. Sunny days like that really put you in the mind for spring. When the weather gets warmer, I trade in my hot morning cup of black tea for a refreshing cup of iced matcha green tea.
Matcha teas come in powdered form and can be used in milk for frothy lattes, in smoothies for a healthy boost, or whisked in a bowl for a traditional style. Raspberry matcha from Tea’s Me Company is pre-sweetened with cane sugar and real fruit flavors, and is the perfect matcha for desserts, lattes, and smoothies. Even with the included sugar, the tea is not too candy-like, and it stays true to form, truly tasting like fresh raspberries. There’s not much in the way of green, grassy matcha in this tea, the green tea stays in the background and lets the raspberry take the lead.
If you’re looking for a traditional matcha experience, this may be too sweet for you, but if you’re in the mood for something refreshing and berry-sweet, it will be a great tea to try. I drank this, shaken, with just iced water, but it could easily be made into a dessert with milk and raspberry syrup. Or this would add a sweet, fruity kick to a morning smoothie or shake. I’ve seen a lot of vanilla or chocolate flavored matchas, but raspberry is a bit harder to come by. It makes Raspberry Matcha from Tea’s Me Company a nice sunny-day treat!
