Green, creamy, gently bitter – matcha bubble tea is, alongside brown sugar boba, the most popular milk tea version of all. In this guide you will learn what makes a good matcha powder, which quality grade you need for what, how to prepare a matcha latte with tapioca pearls at home, and where to buy matcha in Switzerland.
What is matcha – and what makes a good matcha powder?
Matcha is finely ground, shade-grown green tea from Japan. The tea plants are shaded for 3–4 weeks before harvest, which makes them produce more chlorophyll (the intense green colour) and more L-theanine. Unlike loose green tea, you drink the whole leaf – hence the intense colour, the full aroma and the natural caffeine kick.
You can recognise a good matcha powder by its bright green colour, its fine texture and a fresh, sweetly grassy scent. A brownish, dull powder is a sign of oxidation or inferior quality.
Matcha quality grades: what do you need for what?
Ceremonial grade (the highest quality)
The best matcha quality, traditionally drunk on its own – just matcha and hot water. Light green, very fine, slightly sweet, with hardly any bitterness. It needs no sugar.
Ideal for: traditional matcha tea, matcha latte without sugar
Price: high (approx. CHF 20–50 for 30 g)
Less suitable for: bubble tea and baking – too good and too expensive for that
Culinary grade (ideal for bubble tea)
More intense and slightly more bitter in flavour – exactly right once milk and sweetness come into play. It dissolves well in milk and water and is considerably cheaper than ceremonial grade. Strong enough to hold its own against milk and sugar.
Ideal for: matcha bubble tea, matcha latte, smoothies, baking
Price: medium (approx. CHF 10–20 for 100 g)
→ Culinary matcha in the powder category
Bubble tea matcha powder (a speciality product)
Matcha blends developed specifically for bubble tea – on the market these often already contain milk powder and are lightly sweetened. They dissolve particularly well, give the drink the perfect consistency and an intense green colour. The easiest option for beginners.
→ View matcha bubble tea powder
Making matcha bubble tea yourself – the basic recipe
- Cook the tapioca pearls for 2–3 minutes, let them stand for 2–3 minutes and then toss them in sugar syrup
- Stir 1–2 tsp of matcha powder smooth with a little hot water (max. 80°C) until you have a lump-free paste
- Fill a glass with ice cubes and the pearls, then pour cold milk or oat/soy milk over them
- Pour the matcha carefully on top – for that lovely layered effect – and enjoy it with an XXL straw from the bubble tea accessories
🎨 Pro tip: for the two-layer look (light green on top, dark pearls at the bottom) do not stir – just pour and drink straight away. If you like it creamier, put the matcha paste, 200 ml of milk, 1–2 tbsp of sugar syrup and plenty of ice into a sealable container and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
The easiest way to get started is our Bubble Tea Set Matcha Latte – 6 servings with everything you need, instructions included. You will find the complete step-by-step basics in the bubble tea beginner's handbook.
Which milk goes with matcha?
The classic: whole milk for the creamiest version. Best vegan options: oat milk (slightly sweet, froths well) or soy milk. If you prefer something lighter, use cold jasmine tea instead of milk – iced matcha tea with lychee popping boba is our insider tip for summer.
Where to buy matcha in Switzerland
In the supermarket (Migros, Coop, Manor) you will occasionally find matcha, but the quality and the choice are limited. Organic shops often stock ceremonial grade at high prices – unnecessarily expensive for bubble tea.
In our shop you will find matcha powder and other varieties in the powder category, plus a wide selection of tea:
- ✓ Optimised for bubble tea – speciality powder that dissolves perfectly in milk
- ✓ A broad selection – matcha, ube and more
- ✓ Free shipping from CHF 79 within Switzerland & Liechtenstein
- ✓ Fast delivery – 1–3 working days
Matcha: effects and ingredients
Matcha contains more caffeine than ordinary green tea – but thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid, that caffeine works more calmly and lasts longer. You are awake and focused without the typical coffee crash. That is why matcha is especially popular with students and people in creative work. Matcha is also one of the foods with the highest antioxidant levels.
Matcha can do even more: latte, ice cream, baking
- Matcha latte: 1 tsp of matcha + hot milk + sugar syrup if you like
- Matcha ice cream: stir it into a basic vanilla ice cream recipe
- Matcha cake or cookies: mix culinary grade straight into the dough
- Matcha smoothie: with banana, almond milk and honey
- Matcha bubble tea: as described above – our favourite
Frequently asked questions about matcha bubble tea
How much caffeine does matcha bubble tea contain?
One serving with 2 tsp of matcha contains around 60–70 mg of caffeine – similar to an espresso, but gentler and longer lasting thanks to L-theanine.
Why does my matcha go lumpy?
Water that is too hot, or not enough stirring. Mix matcha with water at a maximum of 80°C – ideally with a small whisk, or shaken vigorously in a sealable container.
Which matcha powder is suitable for bubble tea?
Culinary grade matcha or a special bubble tea matcha powder containing milk. It dissolves well in milk, tastes pleasantly mild and is cheaper than ceremonial grade.
Is matcha bubble tea vegan?
With plant-based milk, yes – matcha, tapioca pearls and fruit pearls are naturally vegan.