Is Mercadona's matcha tea good? An honest review
Is Mercadona Matcha Tea Recommended? Is it cheap Matcha Tea?
Mercadona Matcha Tea is presented as an accessible option for green tea lovers. Let's look at some key aspects:
1. Consumer Reviews:
After analyzing various forums and social media where consumers share their experiences with Mercadona Matcha Tea from the Té Matcha Hacendado brand, we generally find very varied opinions. Some appreciate its value for money, while others mention that the quality could improve. What we can assure is that it is not Ceremonial Matcha Tea, but rather has a culinary grade.
Some customers are satisfied with the taste and texture, while others want a more authentic, higher quality matcha, since it is a matcha that cannot be consumed solely with water, but must be mixed with milk at least so that its taste is not so bitter.
2. Sensory Analysis:
Form, Color, and Taste of Mercadona Matcha:
Hacendado Matcha has a pale green color and a characteristic vegetal aroma. It also has many clumps, which are clear indicators that the grinding process it follows is industrial and inappropriate.
Taste: The taste in water starts with a quite bitter tone, more characteristic of low-quality matcha; it obviously does not reach the exquisiteness of ceremonial matcha. On the other hand, some users notice a slight bitterness. However, it is suitable for everyday preparations of cakes, matcha lattes, or matcha tea smoothies.
3. Price and Presentation Comparison:
Hacendado Matcha Tea is one of the cheapest options available, and that should give clues about its origin; Thailand is considered a strong candidate. Its product comes in a practical package, as it is presented in 1.5-gram individual sachets. It is ideal for those looking for an economical option.
4. Origin and Process:
Matcha tea originates from China, despite its tradition within the tea ceremony being Japanese. Hacendado Matcha is packaged in Spain, which, in no case will give us any clue as to its origin. However, due to its low cost and poor quality, and considering that the author of this text is an expert in the field, having completed a final degree project related to Matcha Tea, the possibility is considered that its origin is Thailand, and its process is fully industrialized. Despite this, we want to specify its traditional process:
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Matcha is obtained from "Sencha" tea leaves. It is then usually ground in granite mills, to be refined and subsequently commercialized as powder. Sencha tea leaves
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It should be stored at room temperature in a dry place protected from the sun, and usually has a shelf life of at least 1 year.
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Affordable Price: Customers consider that Hacendado Matcha Tea offers an acceptable quality-price ratio, although we can put our hand in the fire that none of these customers are Chinese or Japanese, since in that case their opinion would be very different. That said, being a Mercadona product, it is very accessible if you want to buy Matcha in Spain and have it instantly.
Matcha Zen: Superior Quality and Ceremonial Experience
Now, let's compare this with Matcha Zen, a brand that stands out for its exceptional quality:
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Matcha Quality: Matcha Zen is meticulously cultivated and processed. Its leaves are carefully selected and ground in granite mills, obtaining an ultra-fine powder. The result is a matcha with a smooth, sweet taste and no bitterness. When you drink it, you are consuming 100% of the tea leaf, which makes it a complete experience, in addition to absorbing all its properties and minerals: L-theanine, Catechins, Fiber, Vitamin C, Selenium, Chromium, Zinc, Magnesium, Chlorophyll.
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Varieties: Matcha Zen offers two main varieties:
- Matcha Zen Culinary: Ideal for cooking and baking. Its flavor is more bitter, but it blends well in recipes. It can also be used for matcha lattes, although purists use a ceremonial grade like ours.
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- Matcha Zen Ceremonial: Intended for the traditional tea ceremony, or to be consumed solely with water. It is more delicate, with a smooth and sweet taste. Its vibrant green color and fine texture make it perfect for special moments.
An important note about organic: Since matcha is ground and you drink the entire leaf, any cultivation residue goes… into your cup. Therefore, whenever possible, prioritize certified organic matcha. It's a simple way to minimize unwanted pesticides and keep what you truly want: L‑theanine, catechins, and that clear boost you're looking for PMC, 2020.
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Final Comparison:
- Quality: Matcha Zen Culinary already surpasses Hacendado Matcha Tea in quality, texture, and flavor, as well as in properties. Not to mention the difference between an organic ceremonial matcha and one that is not.
- Price: Although Matcha Zen is slightly more expensive, its quality justifies the investment.
- Quantity and Packaging: Both brands offer convenient presentations, with Mercadona Matcha offering 1.5g x 10 for a total of 150 grams, and Matcha Zen Culinary offering 100 grams, noted for its elegant packaging.
Why settle for less? Matcha Zen Culinary offers you a superior quality that you won't find in Mercadona matcha. With an authentic flavor and a traditional cultivation and grinding process. It's perfect for your gourmet recipes and moments of relaxation.
Don't settle for less. Choose the quality of Matcha Zen Culinary.
Try it and transform your matcha experience.
Ceremonial Matcha Tea 100g
★★★★★ (21)
Culinary Matcha Tea 100g
★★★★☆ (6)
Pack 2x Ceremonial + Spoon
★★★★★ (1)
The alternative: truly organic matcha, without going to the supermarket
If, after comparing, you are looking for a matcha with real organic certification and traceability of origin, our 1st harvest organic ceremonial matcha tea is first harvest and grade 1, stone-ground to 5-10 microns: no clumps, no sediment, no aggressive bitterness. You can see all formats —ceremonial, culinary, and packs with a spoon— in the organic matcha tea catalog, with free shipping to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands in 24-48 h.