Marlo's Matcha and PerfectTed Matcha Comparison
If you're exploring ceremonial grade matcha in the UK, chances are you've come across both Marlo's Matcha and PerfectTed. Both brands source their matcha from Japan's most renowned tea regions, but they take very different approaches to what matcha can be.
This article breaks down the similarities and differences between these two matcha brands, helping you choose the right one for your lifestyle and priorities.
We'll specifically compare our 753 Matcha and PerfectTed's Ceremonial Grade Matcha, the closest like-for-like products between the two brands.
Matcha Comparison
| Feature | Marlo's Matcha (753 Matcha) | PerfectTed (Ceremonial Grade Matcha) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Honyama mountain farm in Shizuoka | Uji, Japan |
| Grade | Ceremonial grade, single-origin | Ceremonial grade |
| Cultivars | Asahi, Okumidori, and Saemidori | Not publicly available |
| Flavor | Super smooth with deep umami, nuttiness, sweetness, and nori | Simple sweet umami flavor, no bitterness or grassy notes |
| Packaging | Artistic tins with info on cultivar, origin, terroir, and harvest timing | Multi-material pouches (plastic and metal) with limited product information |
| Brand | Design-driven brand born out of Tokyo, emphasizing matcha quality | UK brand emphasizing convenience and health benefits from Japan |
| Shipping | Available in the UK and Japan | Available in the UK, USA, UAE and Australia |
| Price | 30g metal tin priced at £28 | 30g pouch priced at £10.50 |
Marlo's Matcha
753 Matcha comes from the misty mountains of Honyama in Shizuoka, where dramatic temperature shifts between morning and evening create ideal conditions for tea cultivation. This terroir gives our matcha its distinctive depth and fragrance.
We use a proprietary blend of three cultivars: Asahi, Okumidori, and Saemidori. Each brings something different to the cup. Together, they create a smooth, layered profile with deep umami, gentle nuttiness, natural sweetness, and delicate nori undertones.
753 Matcha is shade-grown using a traditional two-stage process and stone-ground to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients. Because you're consuming the whole leaf rather than steeping it, you also get all the antioxidants, amino acids, and slow-release caffeine.
We're transparent about every detail. Our packaging includes information about cultivar, origin, terroir, and harvest timing because we believe you deserve to know the full story in your cup.
PerfectTed Matcha
PerfectTed's Ceremonial Grade Matcha is what most closely matches 753 Matcha in their product line. Sourced from Uji, another well-known tea region in Japan, their matcha is marketed as having a naturally sweet umami flavor without bitterness or grassy notes.
However, there's really no comparison when you look beyond the ceremonial grade label. While both are marketed as ceremonial grade, this term means different things to different producers. To truly understand matcha quality, you need to look at cultivars, processing and the vibrance of green.
PerfectTed doesn't publicly share information about which cultivars they use or their specific processing approach. Without this transparency, you can't fully assess what you're drinking.
Price is also a telling indicator. At £10.50 per 30g compared to 753 Matcha's £28 per 30g, PerfectTed's Ceremonial Grade Matcha won't give you the same depth of umami or smoothness you'd find in a higher quality matcha like 753.
PerfectTed also offers a flavored range including vanilla, blueberry, summer berry, and fresh mint matcha, plus ready-to-drink iced matcha lattes, matcha energy drinks, and matcha Nespresso pods. This lineup supports the idea that PerfectTed is designed for people who want convenient matcha daily, rather than enjoying all matcha has to offer.
Key Summary
Both Marlo's Matcha and PerfectTed sell ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from iconic tea-growing regions in Japan. However, they're aimed at very different audiences.
Choose Marlo's Matcha if you want high quality ceremonial grade matcha, an artful meditative matcha experience, and confidence in transparent sourcing. We're for people who see matcha as ritual, not just another hot drink to get you through the day.
Choose PerfectTed if you want more budget-friendly matcha, enjoy matcha with added flavors, or are looking to easily replace coffee with matcha Nespresso pods. They're for people who prioritize convenience and accessibility above all else.
