You will see two words on matcha packs: ceremonial and culinary. They are not the same product at different prices, they are made for different uses.
Ceremonial matcha
Made to be drunk. It is bright green, smooth and less bitter, so it tastes good with just water or milk. This is the grade ZMatcha sells, from 40 g to 1 kg.
Culinary matcha
Made for cooking and baking. It is usually duller in colour and more bitter, which is fine inside a cake or cookies but harsh in a latte.
How to tell them apart
- Colour: vivid green versus olive or yellowish
- Taste: smooth and grassy versus sharp and bitter
- Use: drinks versus recipes
Which should you buy?
For lattes and drinks, choose ceremonial. If you are new to it, a combo with syrup makes the first cups easier, see the 40 g + syrup. Then learn the recipe in our iced matcha latte guide.