10/06/2025
Matcha Diaries Entry #2: Naoki Barista Blend 🍵
Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal taste and experience.
I’m honestly shocked by how good this is, especially considering the mixed reviews I’ve seen online about Naoki. When I first opened the pouch, the powder had a slight vegetal and grassy scent that made me a bit hesitant. But once I turned it into a latte, none of that came through in the taste. It was smooth, clean, and very solid as a regular matcha latte.
What surprised me even more is how it compares to other matcha powders with a similar lighter green color. Many with this kind of hue tend to be grassy and bitter, but this one has none of that. The flavor is well-balanced and mellow without being dull.
Even with using less powder, you can still get a rich drink, which makes it very cost-effective. I followed the brand’s recipe and 2 tsp yielded nearly 250ml of matcha, which is quite a generous serving. For a barista blend, I now understand why it’s a bestseller.
One thing to note: this blend doesn’t have much natural sweetness, so you may want to add a sweetener depending on your preference.
I truly didn’t expect much, but this might become my go-to daily matchas. Great for beginners or anyone who prefers a smoother, less intense matcha experience.
Also, the end photo does not do the color justice, it’s actually much greener and less yellow in person! ☺️