“I heard you can buy matcha powder at Don Quijote — but which one should I choose?”
Don Quijote stocks a wide range of matcha powder, from budget-friendly options under ¥1,000 to premium ceremonial-grade products over ¥2,000. With so many choices, it can be hard to know what to look for.
This guide covers the types of matcha powder available at Don Quijote, price ranges, quality differences, and how to pick the right one for your needs.
📋 Contents
- Types of Matcha Powder at Don Quijote
- Price Range and Quality
- How to Choose
- Compared to Specialist Tea Shops
- Shopping Tips
- Summary
Types of Matcha Powder at Don Quijote
Matcha powder at Don Quijote falls into three main categories.
① Sweetened (For Lattes)
Pre-mixed with sugar and milk powder. Just add hot water or milk for an instant matcha latte.
- Price: ¥300–¥600
- Size: 100g–200g
- Use: Matcha lattes, smoothies
- Features: Sweet, easy to drink, beginner-friendly
Examples: JPRICE (Don Quijote’s private brand) matcha latte, various instant matcha latte mixes
② Unsweetened (For Baking and Cooking)
Pure matcha with no added sugar. Suitable for baking, cooking, and making your own drinks.
- Price: ¥500–¥1,500
- Size: 30g–100g
- Use: Baking, cooking, ice cream
- Features: Strong flavor, versatile
Examples: Culinary-grade matcha powder, cooking matcha
③ Ceremonial Grade (For Traditional Tea)
High-quality matcha intended for whisking and drinking on its own. Often labeled “Ceremony Grade” or “Organic.”
- Price: ¥2,000–¥3,000
- Size: 30g
- Use: Tea ceremony, drinking straight
- Features: Vibrant green color, rich umami, premium quality
Examples: Organic Matcha (Ceremony Grade), Uji Matcha (premium)
Price Range and Quality
At Don Quijote, price is a strong indicator of quality. Here’s a general breakdown.
| Price Range | Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ¥300–¥600 | Sweetened, milder flavor | Lattes, casual drinking |
| ¥500–¥1,500 | Unsweetened, culinary grade | Baking, cooking |
| ¥2,000–¥3,000 | Ceremonial grade, premium | Whisking and drinking straight |
Higher-priced matcha typically has a brighter green color, stronger umami, and less bitterness.
How to Choose
Match the matcha to your intended use. Here’s a quick checklist.
✓ Choose by Purpose
- Making matcha lattes → Sweetened type (¥300–¥600)
- Baking or cooking → Unsweetened type (¥500–¥1,500)
- Whisking and drinking → Ceremonial grade (¥2,000+)
✓ Check the Label
- “Ceremony Grade”: High-quality matcha suitable for traditional tea
- “Organic” or “有機JAS”: Certified organic
- “Culinary Grade”: Intended for baking and cooking
- Origin: “Uji Matcha” or “Shizuoka” indicates better quality
✓ Look at the Color
If you can see the powder (some tins have a window), check the color. Vibrant, bright green indicates higher quality. Yellowish or dull green suggests lower grade or older stock.
Compared to Specialist Tea Shops
Here’s how Don Quijote matcha compares to what you’d find at a specialist tea shop.
| Aspect | Don Quijote | Specialist Tea Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ¥300–¥3,000 | ¥2,000–¥10,000+ |
| Freshness | Varies by stock | Freshly ground, carefully stored |
| Umami | Varies widely | Strong umami, minimal bitterness |
| Color | Light to deep green | Vibrant, rich green |
| Best For | Lattes, baking, everyday use | Tea ceremony, gifts, special occasions |
The premium matcha at Don Quijote (¥2,000+) is roughly equivalent to entry-level ceremonial grade from a specialist shop. It’s a good starting point if you want to try whisking matcha at home.
Shopping Tips
① Check the Expiry Date
Matcha loses flavor and color over time. Always check the expiry date and avoid anything close to expiring or past its best-before date.
② Store in the Fridge After Opening
Matcha is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture. Once opened, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Leaving it at room temperature will quickly degrade the color and flavor.
③ Watch for “Matcha-Flavored”
Products labeled “matcha-flavored” or “matcha taste” are not real matcha — they’re artificially flavored. Look for “100% matcha” or “matcha powder” on the label.
Summary
Here’s a quick recap on buying matcha powder at Don Quijote.
- Choose the type based on your purpose (sweetened, unsweetened, or ceremonial)
- Price reflects quality (¥2,000+ for ceremonial grade)
- Look for “Ceremony Grade” or “Organic” on the label
- Check the color — brighter green is better
- Always check the expiry date
- Store opened matcha in the fridge
For everyday use, Don Quijote matcha is perfectly adequate. The premium options around ¥2,000 are a solid choice if you want to try whisking your own matcha at home.
Pick the one that suits your budget and intended use, and enjoy exploring the world of matcha.
▶ Want to try a proper tea ceremony experience? Mobile Tea Ceremony Details
▶ Related article: Must-Try Matcha Products at Don Quijote
