Teelixir Review: The Best Matcha with an Adaptogenic Twist - Benefits, Taste, and How I Make My Matcha Latte
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If you're a fan of superfoods or are looking for clever ways to boost your wellness, matcha has probably caught your attention. You’ve likely heard of the most common way people enjoy this vibrant green powder - in a matcha latte, which has gained significant popularity in the last few years for its health benefits and slow release caffeine that makes it an attractive coffee alternative. But what about combining matcha with adaptogenic mushrooms? Teelixir's Mushroom Matcha Latte is a unique twist on this classic Japanese beverage.
In this packed blog post, we’ll explore what matcha is, the different grades of matcha, the taste of matcha, how I make both a hot matcha latte and an iced matcha, the benefits of matcha, and how matcha compares to coffee in terms of caffeine content and health benefits.
What is Matcha?
Photo by Phuong Nguyen
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves that are specially grown and processed for this purpose. It is made by grinding whole tea leaves into a powder, unlike traditional green tea where the leaves are steeped and discarded. Matcha originated in Japan and is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies but has since become popular in the western world due to the health benefits it boasts.
🎪Fun Fact: Matcha is more vibrant in colour than green tea because it is grown in the shade for three weeks before harvest. This process increases the chlorophyll production in the plant, resulting in a greener appearance!
What Does Matcha Taste Like?
Matcha has an earthy flavour with a slightly delicate, sweet, and grassy undertone. ‘Grassy’ may not initially sound appealing, but think that classic green tea flavour with a punch - it’s stronger and more potent in Matcha. These flavours and their smooth and creamy richness will vary depending on the quality of the matcha powder.
What makes a quality Matcha powder?
There are three grades of matcha powder and each differs in quality, flavour and use:
⭐ Ceremonial Grade Matcha:
The highest quality matcha you can purchase
Made from only the young leaves of the green tea plant
Has the most vibrant green colour, sweetest taste, and smoothest texture out of all the grades
Is the grade used for Japanese tea ceremonies
⭐ Premium Grade Matcha:
Is a good substitute for ceremonial matcha
May have a slightly bitter taste and won’t be as sweet or smooth as ceremonial matcha
⭐ Culinary Grade Matcha:
The lowest grade of matcha
Is more bitter with a yellowish-green colour
Used for cooking and baking
Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is very high in antioxidants (substances that help decrease inflammation, cell damage and aid in preventing some diseases) including Epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) which has been studied for its powerful health benefits. It has also been shown to boost brain function by increasing attention, memory, and reaction time. Here and here are two studies if you’re interested in reading about this!
Teelixir’s Matcha Twist: The Adaptogen
Teelixir offers organic ceremonial grade matcha and a matcha latte powder with a unique twist: Teelixir’s Mushroom Matcha Latte contains Lion’s Mane mushroom, known for enhancing mental clarity and focus.
💡 Adaptogens are substances that help the body manage and regulate stress. Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane are one of these.
Teelixir have created this beverage that not only tastes great but also provides you with the benefits of two incredibly powerful superfoods. They are a company that is committed to sourcing certified organic and sustainable wild harvested ingredients.
Matcha vs. Coffee: Which Has More Caffeine?
A common question people often ask is: how does the caffeine content in matcha compare to coffee? While both beverages contain caffeine, their effects on the body differ significantly.
The Caffeine Content
Caffeine Content: 60-70mg of caffeine per serve (~2-3g)
Effect on the Body: Matcha naturally contains the amino acid L-theanine, which binds to the caffeine in matcha causing it to release slowly into the bloodstream, providing a more balanced, calm, and sustained energy boost without an energy crash or jitters.
⭐ Teelixir’s Mushroom Matcha Latte
Caffeine Content: 15mg of caffeine per serve (3g)
Effect on the Body: The same as ceremonial matcha (see above), however, Teelixir’s Mushroom Matcha Latte also contains 1500mg of Lion’s Mane mushroom per serve, which has added benefits for your cognitive health.
⭐ Coffee
Caffeine Content: 95mg of caffeine per serve (one standard cup of coffee which is ~240ml), although this varies depending on the type and brewing method (some types contain over 100mg of caffeine in one serving!)
Effect on the Body: Gives you a quick sharp energy boost that may be followed by a sudden energy crash, particularly if consumed in large amounts.
How I Make My Mushroom Matcha Latte
My favourite way to make a Mushrrom Matcha Latte is by using the steam wand on my coffee machine. I place 1 teaspoon of the Teelixir Mushroom Matcha Latte powder in a metal milk pitcher, dissolve as much of the matcha powder in the milk as I can with a spoon or a milk frother, and then use the coffee machine’s steam wand to heat the milk with the matcha powder in it which dissolves the remained of the powder. I then like to add 1 teaspoon of local honey to sweeten it up a little but you can definitely omit this!
Alternatively: You could use a sauce pan to heat the milk and a traditional bamboo matcha whisk or milk frother to dissolve the matcha powder.
❤️ I love an iced matcha latte in the summer! To make this, simply don’t warm the milk and add it cold with some ice - you’ll need a milk frother or whisk to break down the matcha properly and I recommend adding a small amount of hot water to the matcha first to dissolve it (like it is done traditionally) and any sweetner you choose then adding the cold milk.
Why Choose Teelixir Matcha?
Teelixir provides some of the highest-quality matcha available in Australia, including ceremonial-grade matcha and their unique Mushroom Matcha Latte. The company is committed to sourcing the cleanest and most potent organic herbal ingredients from around the world. They conduct extensive research on these ingredients before putting any product on their shelves, so you can be confident in the quality of the products you purchase from them.
Teelixir delivers an experience that goes beyond just a beverage - they provide superfoods that support your well-being and I love brands that focus on your wellness so I am happy to be a regular customer of theirs.
Final Thoughts
Matcha is more than just a trendy drink - it is a great way to boost your energy, focus, and overall health without the need to excessively consume coffee. With its vibrant green colour, rich flavor, and myriad benefits, matcha is a beverage that can elevate your daily routine. Whether you're looking for a warm, cozy matcha latte or a cool, refreshing iced matcha, Teelixir has you covered. Plus, with the added benefits of adaptogenic Lion’s Mane mushrooms, their Mushroom Matcha Latte takes things to the next level, helping you feel energized, focused, and balanced without the classic caffeine energy crash.
If you’re ready to experience the magic of matcha and discover the many ways it can improve your health, Teelixir’s Ceremonial Matcha and Mushroom Matcha Latte are a fantastic place to start. Check out their full range here.
*This article is not intended as medical advice. If you are pregnant or on medication, it is always a good idea to consult your medical healthcare professional if you are interested in consuming herbs, mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, or the like to ensure there are no contraindications.
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