This nutty green tea with a rich history has emerged as a challenger to coffee.
In the last few years, an herbal beverage known as matcha has taken America by storm. Gaining influence across social media, matcha’s influence reaches far and wide. The drink is associated with healthy lifestyles, has been added to many coffee shops’ menus, and has become a serious competitor to coffee as an energizing drink.
Matcha consists of a powder of finely ground green tea leaves. The powder is typically combined with hot water, whisked, and then added to milk. The drink can be served to one’s preference: hot, iced, with other sweeteners, etc.
Though it has just recently become widespread, matcha dates back centuries in East Asia. Matcha has Japanese origins, a sacred tradition introduced by the Chinese. With the introduction of technology, matcha and many other forms of tea have traveled across the world and been adopted into many other societies.
There are a variety of causes that contribute to matcha’s prosperity.
Globalization has aided the rise of matcha’s popularity. Multinational companies like Starbucks incorporated the tea into their menus and initiated widespread exposure of it across the chain of coffeehouses.
Ms. Scott, a frequent matcha consumer, explains, “I was introduced to matcha after buying a matcha frappuccino from Starbucks, and it was very sweet, however, it introduced me to the concept [nonetheless].”
Olivia Taffe ‘26 describes how she became aware of the phenomenon, “I saw a [package] of matcha [on display] at Trader Joe’s and decided to try it out because it seemed yummy,” She continues, “Ever since then, I [routinely] drink it.”
Additionally, society has become increasingly aware of health and wellness. The drink is an appealing alternative to coffee because of its nutrient-dense qualities. Coffee is known to have negative side effects on the human body if consumed frequently. On the other hand, matcha tea doesn’t carry these effects, having beneficial natural compounds.
Ms. Scott touches on this contrast: “My partner has noticed the difference between [matcha and coffee] because caffeine can cause anxiety, but theanine found in matcha [can soothe] nerves.” Theanine, formally known as L-Theanine, is an amino acid commonly found in green and black teas that can ease stress and anxiety, and even reduce insomnia.
Personally, my matcha consumption began due to its pleasant flavor when compared to coffee. After frequently purchasing the drink, I decided to transition, and have begun to make homemade matcha everyday.
Taffe agrees that, “Matcha has a more customizable flavor compared to the distinct coffee [taste] that lattes may have.” Matcha tea has a range of flavors based on its method of creation, whereas, on the other hand, coffee has a thin line between a bitter taste and an overbearing sweetness depending on the sweeteners and flavoring added.
Thus, Matcha has become associated with a productive, healthy lifestyle.Many have strived to recreate these routines by drinking it. In the world of beverages, matcha stands as a flavorful tribute to tradition and innovation, inviting us to savor its unique blend of heritage and modernity.
