What Is Ceremonial Grade Matcha? A Japanese Perspective

“Ceremonial grade” is often understood to refer to the highest-quality matcha — typically made from first-harvest leaves and intended to be enjoyed on its own.

As matcha continues to grow in popularity around the world,
this term has become widely used.

However, in Japan, matcha is not officially classified using terms such as “ceremonial,” “culinary,” or “latte grade.”

Instead, quality is evaluated more holistically, based on factors such as:

• Harvest timing (first harvest leaves are typically more delicate)
• Cultivar (tea variety)
• Processing and blending
• The overall balance of flavour — including umami, bitterness, and aroma

For this reason, even high-quality matcha in Japan is rarely labeled in this way.

At the same time, as global demand for matcha has grown, many Japanese tea producers and traders have adopted terms like “ceremonial,” “culinary,” and “latte” when exporting.

These terms serve as a practical way to communicate differences in intended use and general quality to international customers.

Today, “ceremonial grade” has become a widely accepted guide — often referring to matcha that is suitable for traditional-style preparation and drinking on its own.

That said, it is not a strict standard, and matcha labeled as “ceremonial” can vary significantly in quality and taste.

At More More Matcha, a Japanese-owned brand, we use “ceremonial grade” as a general guide — while placing greater importance on what truly matters: how the matcha tastes.
Because “ceremonial grade” has become a widely recognised guide internationally, we also use this term on our packaging to help customers navigate matcha more easily.
At the same time, we believe that true quality goes beyond labels — and is best experienced through taste.

Our matcha is made exclusively from first-harvest leaves, carefully selected from JAS-certified organic farms.

It is chosen for one purpose: to be enjoyed straight — revealing a naturally smooth texture, gentle sweetness, and clean umami.

Rather than relying on labels alone, we focus on balance, drinkability, and quiet clarity in every cup.

If you’d like to experience this for yourself,
→ Discover our ceremonial grade matcha

 

Choosing High-Quality Matcha

In New Zealand, matcha is now widely available in supermarkets and health stores.

While some products are labeled as “ceremonial grade,” it’s worth taking a closer look at the details on the package.

In many cases, key information such as origin, harvest quality, and processing is not clearly indicated — and these factors can significantly affect both taste and overall experience.

Many matcha products found in everyday retail settings are blended or designed for versatility, rather than for clarity, balance, or refinement in the cup.

Truly refined matcha is rarely defined by labels alone — and even more rarely found on everyday shelves.

If you are looking to choose high-quality matcha, we recommend checking:

• Country of origin
• Whether it is made from first-harvest leaves
• The clarity of flavour, rather than intensity
• How the matcha is intended to be experienced
  

At More More Matcha, a Japanese-owned brand, we go beyond labeling.

Our matcha is made exclusively from first-harvest leaves, carefully selected from JAS-certified organic farms in Japan.

Each blend is chosen for its clarity, balance, and quiet depth — qualities that are often lost in more broadly positioned products.

言葉ではなく、味わいで伝わる品質を。

Now that you know what makes it special, are you ready to whisk your own? Check out our guide on [The Perfect M-Shaped Whisking Technique] to get the creamy dreamy foam every time.