If you’ve been following my work, you know I love matcha green tea. I’ve been drinking it daily since 2008 and here are the reasons why. Because matcha is the whole green leaf that has been pulverized into powder, Dr. Michael Greger considers drinking matcha as the consumption of leafy greens which he highly advocates. The more leafy greens, the better!
Recently I was contacted by The Flavor Project to sample their fruit flavored matcha teas. I love the pure taste of good matcha so was a bit hesitant, however after the CEO explained that theirs were organic teas with organic fruit & vanilla infusions, I was intrigued. I agreed to sample the Flavor Project matchas and share my experience.
I love the bright colorful packaging! And what a bounty. I was sent plain matcha, vanilla matcha, strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry matcha. These bags are unmarked as far as ounces, so I’m not certain if these are sample bags or the 2 oz. bag size offered for sale on their website. Only the plain matcha is marked “organic” however I was assured by the CEO that all the matcha is organic and the infusions are organic, but when the flavor is added to the matcha there are regulations preventing the package from being labeled organic.
On Monday I tried the raspberry matcha. My first reaction was that the matcha is not as green was what I’m used to. I love the bright emerald green of my Morning Matcha from Matcha Source. However raspberries are red so adding red to green understandably dulls the brilliance of the matcha.
Below in the sifter on the left is the Flavor Project Raging Raspberry Matcha and in the tin is the Morning Matcha by Matcha Source. See the color difference? What a nice flavor! I think the Flavor Project matchas are PERFECT for anyone who doesn’t love the natural matcha taste (which I’ve heard some people describe as fishy or seaweedy) but want the health benefits of matcha. This matcha is infused with natural raspberry essence. It is unsweetened and contains only the natural sugars contained in organic raspberries.
On Tuesday I had Flavor Project’s Bursting Blueberry Matcha which paired so deliciously with mango nice cream. The matcha is infused with natural blueberry essence. It is unsweetened and contains only the natural sugars inherent in organic blueberries.
On Wednesday I enjoyed Flavor Project’s Smiley Strawberry Matcha. The matcha is infused with natural strawberry essence. It is unsweetened and contains only the natural sugars found in organic strawberries. I drink matcha only with hot water…no added sugar or milk.
Then on Thursday I indulged in Flavor Project’s Vibin’ Vanilla Matcha. I think this was my favorite. I’m a sucker for all things vanilla. It is unsweetened with the only natural sugars coming from the organic Madagascar vanilla bean and flavored with natural organic vanilla.
Friday was the true test. How did Flavor Project’s organic plain matcha stack up to Matcha Source’s organic Morning Matcha?
You tell me. What do you see?
I think it’s pretty close in color but definitely different. The Flavor Project sells 2 oz. of organic plain matcha for $12.00. Their flavored matchas are $16.99 for a 2 oz. bag. Matcha Source sells 1 oz. organic Morning Matcha for $35.00. The Flavor Project is a more economical matcha choice comparing $24.00 to $35.00 for 2 ozs. of plain matcha. Matcha Source does not sell flavored matchas.
I know Morning Matcha is classic grade matcha. I’m not sure of The Flavor Project grade. Regardless I think The Flavor Project offers a lovely product that comes at a lower price point (a common complaint about higher grade matcha is the high price) and wonderfully flavored powdered green tea for people who are not as passionate about the plain matcha flavor as I am. I’m glad I was able to try these (thank you Flavor Project!) and can share my findings with you. I hope you order some fruity, vanilla, or plain matcha for yourself and experience the pleasure directly. If flavored matchas get more people drinking matcha for the health benefits, I’m all for it!
Additional Resources:
• Matcha Green Tea, Oh How I LOVE Thee!
• Starbucks Matcha is Not Real Matcha
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