Matcha green tea powder is a specific variety of green tea leaves ground into a fine powder. When brewed it’s not strained or separated, it’s mixed into the liquid. Since you’re actually consuming the full leaf you’re gaining a much higher concentration of antioxidants and other components that provide the health benefits of green tea.
Matcha green tea powder is used to brew green tea but its also used to flavor and color foods like green tea ice cream and soba noodles. It’s also commonly used in a green tea latte — either iced or hot.