Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Matcha Powder

Craving that matcha vibe but your pantry’s throwing you a curveball? No stress!

We’ve got the backdoor secrets for whipping up that green goodness, even when the real deal seems miles away.

Sure, matcha’s got its charm, but sometimes life calls for a pinch of creativity.

And hey, experimenting in the kitchen is half the fun, right?

Get ready to jazz up your drinks and desserts with these killer swaps.

Trust us, your tastebuds won’t know what hit ’em!

The 5 BEST Substitutes for Matcha Powder

If you’re looking to brew up a delicious cup of matcha but don’t have any matcha powder, then you’re in luck.

We’ve rounded up five great alternatives that will allow you to enjoy your drink just as much as if you had used the real stuff.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Substitute Ratio
Green Tea	Made from dried tea leaves, earthy flavor, contains caffeine	1:1
Yerba Mate	Herbal tea with a robust flavor, contains caffeine and antioxidants	1:1
Spirulina Powder	Blue-green algae rich in nutrients, earthy taste	1/2 to 1 teaspoon of spirulina per 1 teaspoon of matcha
Barley Grass Powder	Powdered young barley grass, mild taste, high in nutrients	1:1
Moringa Powder	Derived from the moringa tree, grassy flavor, loaded with nutrients	1:1

Now, let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Green Tea

Green tea has been around for centuries, making its mark as one of the most beloved beverages ever to exist.

Although its flavor is relatively subtle compared to other teas, there’s something so uplifting and serene about a good cup of green tea that cannot be denied.

It provides a healthy amount of caffeine without being over the-top, and for those looking for something even lighter, there are decaffeinated options readily available.

The texture of green tea varies depending on how you prepare it, but it is generally light and slightly crisp with underlying notes of sweetness.

It also pairs wonderfully with many different flavors that would otherwise be overwhelming – ginger, honey, or lemon make an extraordinary combination.

One unexpected surprise? Green tea can serve as a wonderful substitute for matcha powder when baking goods – just make sure to reduce the amount you use since it contains more liquid than powder.

2 – Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is quickly growing in popularity due to its high content of caffeine and several other nutritional benefits.

It’s a type of tea made by infusing dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant in hot water before consuming it.

Traditional yerba mate has a woody, grassy flavor without being overly bitter that goes well with honey or lemon for mild flavor variations.

Apart from its unique taste, yerba mate also offers an alternative to matcha powder for those looking for an energy boost.

To substitute yerba mate for matcha, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons per 8 ounces in hot water before consuming it, just like tea, and add honey or lemon if desired.

Yerba mate is the perfect way to get your daily dose of caffeine without loading up on sugar or chemicals, making it a refreshing beverage that’s great any time of day.

3 – Spirulina Powder

Spirulina powder has recently taken the health food world by storm.

It is a nutritional powerhouse, almost 70% protein, and high in healthy antioxidants, minerals, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), chlorophyll, and phycocyanin.

It imparts an earthy flavor to dishes without an overpowering taste, making it perfect for smoothies, juices, and salads.

It also has a distinct vibrant blue-green color that can be used to add drama to dishes like Buddha Bowls or oatmeal porridge.

The powder can easily be substituted for matcha powder in many recipes- simply add the same amount as you would have of matcha powder but double the amount of liquid used.

For busy people on the go, spirulina powder is an incredibly convenient way to get nutrients quickly.

4 – Barley Grass Powder

Barley Grass Powder has been gaining attention in the health and wellness community as of late.

It’s made from barley grass, an easily obtainable form of young barley shoots, by drying and grounding them into powder form.

Not to be confused with a dietary supplement, Barley Grass Powder is full of beneficial live enzymes that are believed to help with inflammation and digestion.

The powder has a distinct nutty taste and grainy texture that can certainly make it a nice addition to smoothies or used to top off your oatmeal.

For those who’d like to substitute it for matcha powder, try adding a spoonful over toast with nut butter and banana to get that same boost of energy you’re used to with matcha.

5 – Moringa Powder

Moringa powder has lately become a favorite among health fanatics thanks to its vast nutritional benefits.

The powder is made with the moringa oleifera plant, which originates in India and has long been used as an herbal medicine.

It has many health benefits, such as being rich in protein and dietary fiber, providing a boost of energy from vitamins B6 and iron, containing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and is loaded with antioxidants.

As for taste and texture, the powder is described as having a somewhat nutty flavor with notes of sweetness.

It can be easily substituted for matcha powder when making lattes or smoothies; simply add one teaspoon of Moringa powder per one tablespoon of matcha to the recipe.

Who knew you could get so much into one handy spoon?