Think Ceremonial Matcha Is Best? This New Research Might Surprise You
When it comes to matcha, “ceremonial grade” is often seen as the gold standard. But is it really the most nutritious? A recent 2025 scientific study says otherwise. Researchers from Southwestern University compared 10 commercially available matcha teas—five ceremonial and five culinary—and uncovered some surprising findings about antioxidant content, flavonoid levels, and catechins.
If you’re drinking matcha for health benefits, this is the science you need to know.
Key Findings from the Study
1. Culinary Matcha Has Higher Antioxidant Activity
- Measured using CUPRAC and ORAC assays, culinary matcha showed significantly greater antioxidant capacity than ceremonial matcha.
- CUPRAC values (which track reducing power of antioxidants) were 24% higher on average in culinary samples.
2. More Phenolics and Flavonoids in Culinary Matcha
- Culinary matcha contained:
- x1.3 times more total phenolic content (TPC)
- x2.5 times more flavonoids than ceremonial matcha
- Flavonoids contributed more substantially to the antioxidant activity in culinary matcha.
3. EGCG Levels: Culinary Slightly Higher, But Not Statistically Significant
- Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main antioxidant in matcha, was:
- 26.1 mg/g in culinary matcha
- 21.8 mg/g in ceremonial matcha
- While the average was higher in culinary products, the difference wasn’t statistically significant.
4. Ceremonial Matcha Is Richer in Caffeine and Chlorophyll
- Ceremonial matcha had ~45.7 mg/g caffeine, vs 31.4 mg/g in culinary
- Chlorophyll levels were also significantly higher in ceremonial matcha, contributing to its vibrant color and smooth flavor.
What This Means for Consumers
| Compound | Higher in | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant power | Culinary | May help reduce oxidative stress |
| Phenolics & flavonoids | Culinary | Linked to anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects |
| Caffeine | Ceremonial | Boosts focus and alertness |
| Chlorophyll | Ceremonial | May support detoxification and cardiovascular health |
So, while ceremonial matcha might win on flavor and aesthetics, culinary matcha may offer greater nutritional bang for your buck—especially when prepared traditionally (whisked into hot water, not steeped).
Price vs. Nutrition: Culinary Matcha is More Affordable
- Culinary matcha in the study cost an average of $0.31/g
- Ceremonial matcha cost nearly 3× more at $0.88/g
- For those consuming matcha primarily for its antioxidants and polyphenols, culinary matcha offers exceptional value.
Final Takeaway
Not all matcha is created equal—but not in the way most people think. According to peer-reviewed research, culinary matcha may actually provide stronger antioxidant effects than ceremonial matcha, making it a smart choice for health-focused consumers.
As always, quality and sourcing still matter. Look for culinary matcha made from clean, shade-grown tencha and processed with care.
Reference & Credit
White, H. M., Meyer, B. R., McCormack, J. D., Lawson, H. P., & Niemeyer, E. D. (2025). Comparison of culinary and ceremonial matcha green teas: Relationship between phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-025-03448-7
