Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green (Matcha)
Where to Buy: Red Leaf Tea
Tea Description:
Sangria Matcha is the perfect answer for those adults looking for a fruity platter treat that has a dash of exotic Matcha and tastes of refreshing spices. This delectable treat is a perfect after hours drink that brings its well rounded charm into the palate. It can be taken with a fine assortment of many snacks and meals to add to their overall flavor and also make things more exciting. This fine treat is great for adults who love the tangy tasty combination of many fruits on their palates.
Learn more about this flavored matcha here.
Taster’s Review:
I’ve not consumed a lot of sangria in my time. As I’ve mentioned on other occasions, I don’t drink a lot of alcoholic beverages. But I am enjoying some of the alcoholic beverage inspired matcha blends from Red Leaf Tea, like this Sangria Flavored Matcha! This is really tasty.
This particular flavored matcha was crafted with the robust flavoring level and the classic grade of Matcha. I find the flavoring to be a little too robust for my personal preference, I think I would rather have this as a distinctive level of flavor and then perhaps with a higher grade of Matcha.
As it is, the flavor is sweet and fruity! I taste just a hint of a brandy-like note as well as a hint of wine … but mostly what I taste is a lot of fruit flavor. I notice citrus notes and sweet berries. The matcha is creamy and vegetative with buttery notes and I like the way this accents the fruit tones.
My SororiTea Sister, Azzrian, mentioned on Steepster that she likes this with sparkling water, and I think that this would be really amazing prepared that way. I prepared my sampling of this traditionally, using hot water and whisking in my chawan. The tea produced a nice froth, but I found that the froth disappeared pretty quickly. The prepared matcha was smooth, creamy and very fruity.
But I had to step away from my chawan before I finished the bowl, and by the time I returned to it, the matcha was cold. However, I was happy to see that the matcha was still incorporated in the water – it hadn’t settled to the bottom of the bowl.
I find that I like this even better cold than hot! This is really a refreshing cold drink! It’s almost “juice-like” with the fruit flavor, and the fruit notes really seem to POP when it cools off. A really pleasant flavored matcha!
Blueberry Green Iced Tea Powder from Stash Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green (Powdered)
Where to Buy: Stash Tea
Tea Description:
This unique powdered green tea is made from whole green tea leaves that have been ground into a fine powder. We then add natural blueberry flavor for a refreshing, juicy taste. Just add to cold or hot water and stir, no brewing needed!
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
So, a few evenings ago, I was in Chuck’s Produce and whenever I’m there, I check out their tea selections. I don’t always buy tea while I’m there, but they are one of the few “grocery” type stores that I trust to purchase tea. (I know that I’ve told the story about when I went to Wal-Mart and found a box of tea on the shelf that was a year past the expiration date? I was disgusted.)
Anyway … there was a display in the front of the store that included boxes of these “tea straws” or pixies that are powdered green tea that you just add to a bottle of water and give it a good, vigorous shake to enjoy a bottle of iced tea that isn’t overrun with sugar like you’d find in the ready to drink section. There were several flavors, but the one that grabbed my attention was this Blueberry Green Iced Tea Powder from Stash Tea.
One “straw” is enough for a 16.9 ounce bottle of water. Just tear open the pouch and pour in the green powder, then put the cap back on the bottle and shake it really good, making sure to break up any clumps. I might add that this particular tea powder mixes really easily, the few clumps that I found didn’t stay there for long … I shook the bottle for about 30 seconds and all the clumps were gone!
And this is really flavorful! The blueberry is very strong … and it overpowers the green tea a bit. I do still taste the fresh, vibrant notes of the sweet, grassy green tea, but, mostly, what I’m tasting is the sweet-tart notes of blueberry. The tartness really comes through at the end of the sip, and it lingers into the aftertaste, providing that berry ‘tingly’ sensation on the tongue long after the sip is gone.
I like this … I like that it’s not overly sweet. This is the one thing I really dislike about the ready to drink teas that are on the market … I dislike that they are so sweet that you can’t taste the tea … all you taste is sugar! UGH! What’s the point? With that much sugar, why not just crack open a can of soda, because what’s the difference, really? You aren’t tasting the tea … and I doubt you’re really getting a whole lot of health benefits of the tea leaf. Because this product is made from the whole leaf that has been ground into a fine powder … you’re getting those benefits … and even though I taste a lot of blueberry flavor and not so much green tea … I’m not tasting an overly sugared beverage and I like that.
OK … my rant is over. Ha!
Overall, I am very satisfied with this product. The price was right! (Just $1.99 at Chuck’s for a box of ten “pixie straws” of powdered green tea ready to take with you where ever you go.) The price is higher at Stash … so you might want to check the prices at your local Whole Foods or something first! But even at $3.49 … that’s a lot of refreshment for a under four bucks!
Cheesecake Flavored Black Tea Matcha from Red Leaf Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black (Matcha)
Where to Buy: Red Leaf Tea
Tea Description:
When the much loved cheesecake is combined with exotic Matcha, the resulting Cheesecake Matcha is unforgettable and very delicious. With its creamy and buttery undertones and a hint of Matcha spiciness, a Cheesecake Matcha treat can easily take its place among the everyday favorite snack choices. This versatile treat adapts to the palate and can sometimes taste salty or creamy or sour depending on who is enjoying it. This varied taste makes this delectable treat truly exceptional and very favored among those who prefer non sweet snacks in their refreshment alternatives.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I loved the classic grade of traditional green Matcha flavored with the Cheesecake flavoring from Red Leaf Tea (see my review of it here) … so, I was a little hesitant to order the black tea version of this flavor. I mean, I was a little worried that maybe this wouldn’t be a win and that could possibly ruin the cheesecake matcha experience for me.
But, I”m really glad I decided to try this Cheesecake Flavored Black Tea Matcha from Red Leaf Tea … because, you know what? I like this even BETTER than the green tea variety! The black tea is the perfect companion for the sweet, creamy, luscious cheesecake flavors!
Just like the green tea version – this is sweet and creamy tasting – but there is just … something about the black tea base allows the tangy cream cheese notes to come out even better. This tastes MORE like real cheesecake in liquid form to me than the green tea variety. I’m getting a more focused “cheesecake” flavor with the black tea base, and I even taste more of the buttery, graham cracker-like crust notes with this blend … perhaps it’s the rich, sweet tones of the black tea that helps bring these flavors forward.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I still have a lot of love for the classic green tea base for the cheesecake flavoring. Both are absolutely delightful. And if you liked the cheesecake green tea Matcha from Red Leaf Tea … you’ve got to try the black tea version … you’ll LOVE it. It’s so good!
Just … don’t drink it before bedtime, or you’ll find it difficult to sleep … because this really ENERGIZES!
Irish Cream Flavored Matcha from Red Leaf Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green (Matcha)
Where to Buy: Red Leaf Tea
Tea Description:
Irish Cream with its intoxicating mix of ingredients gets more exciting when combined with the oriental touch of Matcha. Irish cream Matcha is a perfect treat for adults who are looking for a sophisticated snack made up of adventurous ingredients. This unforgettable treat is perfect for after hours, over the weekend or for those special occasions when adults have gathered to bond and have fun. It’s interesting color and arresting taste makes Irish cream Matcha a firm favorite for many adults who want to expand their repertoire of personal entertainment.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Yummy! I prepared a latte for this tasting of Irish Cream Flavored Matcha from Red Leaf Tea, and it is absolutely divine! Sweet, creamy, and I can taste the hint of coffee as well as a whiskey note.
For this batch of flavored Matcha from Red Leaf Tea, I went with my usual specifications: the classic grade of Matcha and the distinctive level of flavoring, and again, the distinctive level is just perfect for my taste. (That happens more often than not!) There is a good balance between flavoring and the buttery, vegetative notes of Matcha.
And one thing that I notice here, and perhaps it is because the flavoring is representative of an alcoholic beverage, that I don’t notice that sort of “artificial” flavoring that I sometimes get from the flavoring that Red Leaf Tea uses. This just tastes like … Irish Cream liqueur and Matcha. But rather than feeling lightheaded after drinking an actual mixed cocktail with these two ingredients, I feel focused thanks to the invigorating powers of Matcha! (Although, now that I think about it, that could make for a very intriguing cocktail, indeed! I’m envisioning it served warm … something that will warm me up in the winter!)
To make my latte, I used 2% milk and heated it. As the milk was heating, I measured out several scoops of Irish Cream flavored Matcha into my sifter and sifted the matcha into my chawan. (Note: Red Leaf Tea does pre-sift their Matcha for all their customers, but, I still sift the Matcha more out of habit than anything else. I like to keep up the habit even when I’m about to enjoy a Matcha that I know has already been sifted, because I don’t want to fall out of the habit, you know?)
Once the milk was heated, I carefully poured it into my chawan and stirred it with a fork until everything was well-incorporated and I was sure that no clumps were stuck to the bottom of my chawan. I don’t typically use my chasen to whisk Matcha lattes because I don’t want the milk to possibly produce bacteria on my bamboo whisk. After I was sure the Matcha was all mixed into the milk, I took my hand-held frothing tool and whipped the Matcha to get a light froth on top. This didn’t froth up quite as much as I would have liked … I’m not sure if that’s because I used all milk rather than a milk and water combination.
Regardless, the latte was absolutely delicious … and it disappeared from my chawan almost instantly it tasted so good! I really, really like this flavor. If you’ve been hesitant to try Red Leaf Tea’s flavored Matcha … this one would be a great place to start. It’s really good!
Pesticide-Free Japanese Green Tea Powder Packets from Shi Zen
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Shi Zen
Tea Description:
Our green tea is grown on family farms located in small villages in the foothills of Mount Fuji. This remote Hyuga region of Shizuoka Prefecture enjoys the perfect combination of clean air, pure water, and fertile soil only found in this area of Japan.
Enjoy the taste and convenience of our pesticide-free green tea powder while taking a full advantage of its health benefits. When you brew green tea, you are drinking only 30 percent of its nutrients and throwing away the rest. With our green tea powder, all of its health benefits will be packed in your water bottle. Perfect for today’s busy but health conscious parents who are always on the go. On your way to the daycare, work, or yoga studio, just dissolve 2 sticks of our powered green tea in your 16-oz water bottle and take it with you. Along with all the benefits of regular green tea, it’ll also give you Vitamin E and dietary fiber you wouldn’t get from brewed green tea.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
The more I have of these green tea powder packets from Shi Zen … the more I like them. Today, I’m trying the Pesticide-Free Japanese Green Tea Powder Packets from Shi Zen. It’s deliciously sweet and invigorating to sip.
I start with a small bottle of water (16.9 ounces) and I open two packets of the powdered green tea. I pour one packet at a time, and give the bottle a good shake in between adding the packets, just to get the tea well incorporated and hopefully to avoid getting clumps of tea in my drink. And at first, I did get some clumps … but, after some vigorous shaking, the clumps dissolved and I’m left with a really delicious beverage for on the go.
The tea is really refreshing … I like this better than one of the bottled ready-to-drink teas that you can buy in a convenience store, because it’s not all sugar and corn syrup. I can taste the goodness of the green tea in this. I taste the grassy, vegetative tones and the sweet, lush flavor. It is sweet … there is absolutely no bitterness here. There is also virtually no astringency to this – that is to say, I can’t detect any astringency to this at all. It’s just smooth and easy to drink … whether you’re sipping or guzzling it down!
I like that this is pesticide-free. I like that this is pure green tea that’s been pulverized into a powder, and that once you’ve shaken it up … it stays incorporated. You don’t have to keep shaking in between sips. It’s a great way to stay hydrated on warm summer days like this one, and far tastier (and healthier!) than the RTD teas that you’ll find. This one gets two enthusiastic thumbs up from me!