The Matcha Gift Guide: Starter Sets, Grades and What to Buy

The best matcha gift depends on one thing: do they already own a whisk? If not, buy the set. Our Traditional Ceremonial Matcha Set has ceremonial matcha, bamboo whisk, ceramic bowl, whisk stand, sieve and spoon, everything needed to make matcha properly from day one. If they already whisk, buy a better grade of powder than the one they use.

Key takeaway: New to matcha: the complete set. Already whisking: Signature or Ritual ceremonial matcha, or hojicha for something new. Latte drinkers need latte-grade, not ceremonial. Under £20: a 100 g tin plus a bamboo whisk.

What do you need to make matcha at home?

Four things: matcha powder, a bamboo whisk (a chasen), a bowl wide enough to whisk in, and a small sieve to break up the clumps. A spoon that measures 1 g or 2 g helps. That is the whole kit, and it fits in a shoebox.

The whisk matters more than people expect. A fork does not aerate the matcha; a bamboo whisk with its hundred fine tines does. Even an electric frother is better than a spoon.

Is a matcha starter set a good gift?

For anyone who drinks matcha lattes in cafés and has not made one at home, yes. It is the difference between "I like matcha" and "I make matcha". Our Traditional Ceremonial Matcha Set comes with Zuma Classic Ceremonial Matcha and every tool, at £41.66. Comparable sets from tea retailers start around £50 and often come with a lower grade of powder.

Want a gift under £20 instead? Zuma Matcha 100 g (£7.55) plus a Matcha Craft bamboo whisk (£8.45) is a latte starter for £16. The electric whisk (£4.55) is the lazy alternative and froths chai and hot chocolate too.

Which matcha grade should I buy as a gift?

There are two jobs matcha does, and they need different grades.

• Latte grade is for milk. It is bolder and slightly more bitter, which is what you want when it is diluted with oat milk and a pump of vanilla. Zuma Matcha 100 g, £7.55.
• Ceremonial grade is for drinking with water, whisked, on its own. Smoother, sweeter, more umami. Zuma Classic Ceremonial at £13.85 is the step up; Signature (£23.99) and Ritual (£25.99) are the top of the range and the gift for someone who already takes matcha seriously.

If they only ever drink matcha lattes, ceremonial grade is wasted under milk. Buy latte grade and spend the difference on the whisk.

What do you buy someone who already has all the matcha kit?

A new powder. Three ideas, in rising order of adventure:

• A tasting pair. Signature and Ritual ceremonial, side by side, so they can taste the difference. About £50.
• Hojicha, £12.49. Roasted green tea, ground like matcha. Toasty, nutty, almost caramel, and low in caffeine, so it is the evening version. Read what is hojicha.
• Ube, £8.49. Purple yam latte powder. Vanilla and coconut on the nose, and the most photographed drink of the year. The whisk works for this too.

Which matcha gift for each budget?

• Under £20: Zuma Matcha 100 g plus bamboo whisk (£16), or Hojicha 100 g (£12.49).
• £20 to £50: the Traditional Ceremonial Matcha Set (£41.66), or Signature Ceremonial (£23.99).
• £50 to £150: the set plus Ritual Ceremonial (about £68), or the set with Hojicha and Ube (about £63). Both cross £60 for free UK delivery.

How do you make a matcha latte at home?

1. Sift 2 g (a heaped teaspoon) of matcha into the bowl.
2. Add 60 ml of hot water, just off the boil (about 80°C).
3. Whisk in a quick M or W motion until it is frothy with no lumps, about 20 seconds.
4. Pour over 200 ml of hot or cold milk. Sweeten if you like; a pump of vanilla syrup is the café way.

Frequently asked questions

Is ceremonial matcha worth it for lattes?

Usually not. Milk hides the qualities you pay for in ceremonial grade. Use latte grade for milk drinks and ceremonial grade for drinking straight.

How long does matcha keep?

Sealed, a year or more. Once opened, use within two to three months and keep it in the fridge in its tin, away from light. It is a gift that will not go off before New Year.

Is matcha vegan?

Yes. Every matcha, hojicha and ube powder here is plant-based; the latte is vegan if the milk is.

Do you sell a bigger size?

Yes, for the household that gets through it: Zuma Matcha 1 kg as ten 100 g pouches.