You haven’t lived if you haven’t ordered a Matcha latte at your nearest coffee shop. The rise of alternative health drinks and teas (shout out to Kombucha and CBD-infused sparkling water) has put matcha firmly on the map, and everyone is having it.
Yet, despite its rise in popularity, it’s still a very polarising drink. Its vivid green, grassy colour (and smell, and flavour – but more on that below) isn’t a people-pleaser and the premium price tag may be off-putting to those simply looking to experiment.
Whether you’re a devoted matcha fan or still consider it an acquired taste, there’s no denying of its impressive health benefits, particularly on improving sleep, energy levels, and mood.
Its vivid green, grassy colour (and smell, and flavour – but more on that below) may not be a people-pleaser, but tea shops like Bird & Blend are changing this. With the UK’s first and largest collection of flavoured matcha, Bird & Blend has mastered the art of making this unique tea more accessible.
Here’s everything you need to know about matcha—what it really tastes like and some unique flavours you should definitely try.
What is matcha tea?
Matcha is a finely ground tea powder made from tencha, a type of green tea derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. While matcha and traditional green tea come from the same plant, matcha is unique in that it is made exclusively from shade-grown leaves.
This shading process, developed in Japan during the 16th century, increases chlorophyll and amino acid levels (particularly L-theanine) resulting in matcha’s vibrant green colour, rich umami flavour, and distinctive aroma.
Although powdered tea has been used in China since the Tang dynasty (7th–10th century), matcha as we know it today was refined in Japan, and it was served in traditional tea ceremonies (chanoyu). In recent years, this once-ceremonial tea has hit the shelves of grocery shops around the world.
The proven health benefits of matcha tea
Matcha contains an average of 30–70 mg of caffeine per 1 gram (about half a teaspoon) of powder. A typical matcha latte or cup of matcha tea (using 1–2 grams of matcha) contains 60–140 mg of caffeine, which is actually roughly the same or slightly more than a standard cup of coffee.
However, the key difference is in how the caffeine is absorbed. Because matcha has a high amino acid L-theanine content, it provides calm, sustained energy boost, removing the typical jitters or crashes that are commonly experienced after drinking coffee.
Thanks to its slow absorption and release, it gives you focused energy throughout the day. This also means you can drink matcha later in the day, unlike coffee, which you should avoid past early afternoon (however, if you are sensitive to caffeine- you should avoid drinking matcha late in the afternoon and evenings as well). Drinking matcha with or after food can help you avoid any potential slight nausea.
You can have matcha as a latte with hot frothy milk or as an iced beverage topped with oat milk and a shot of vanilla, for example. Regardless of the drink you’re making and how creative you want to get, it is recommended you use a half a teaspoon of matcha powder per person per drink.
What does matcha tea taste like?
Matcha has a rich, intense flavour that is different from any other tea. It can be described as:
- Grassy and earthy – The shade-growing process boosts chlorophyll, giving matcha not only its vibrant colour but a unique, earthy and fresh flavour.
- Umami-forward – Thanks to its high L-theanine content, matcha has a deep, savoury quality. Premium matcha often has a creamy, almost brothy taste.
- Slightly sweet – High-quality matcha has a natural sweetness. Lower-grade matcha, however, can taste more astringent.
- Smooth and creamy – When whisked properly, matcha has a velvety, creamy texture.
The best matcha tea flavours
If you find pure matcha too intense, you can always supplement it with flavourings, from the classic vanilla to ice cream (seriously!). These flavourings can mellow out the intense grassy notes while enhancing matcha’s natural sweetness.
You can Bird and Blend is one of the key hotspots for matcha in the UK, and with reason: their selection of flavoured matcha powders is truly second to none. If you happen to have the luck to live near one of its 25 locations, it’s worth passing by and trying one of them (you can buy a matcha latte in the shop before committing to a make-at-home matcha powder). Here are some of our top for inspiration picks:
Raspberry ripple matcha
If you love summer berries, you will fall head over heels for this flavouring. It’s refreshingly zingy with a hint of jam-like sweetness. Importantly, the actual raspberry flavour isn’t at all overpowering, so it doesn’t feel like you’re drinking a sickly fruit juice. We have tried it in a hot latte but it’s practically made for iced drinks on warm summer days (just you wait!). You can see it here.
Peaches & cream matcha
Those that enjoy dessert-inspired drinks will likely subscribe to this peaches and cream matcha (think peach clafoutis or a peach galette with a dollop of ice cream). The Bird & Blend team suggests combining it with oat milk, cinnamon and honey to create the perfect sweet treat. You can buy it here.
Ice cream matcha
This might just be the most popular flavour, judging by its countless five-star reviews. A true all-rounder, ice cream is a beloved treat for any occasion. Torn between a coffee and a scoop of ice cream? Can’t decide what to have first? An (iced) ice cream matcha might be your perfect solution. Buy it here.
Salted caramel matcha
From one indulgent flavour to another (turning up the sweet levels just a little), meet… the salted caramel matcha. This mix channels the rich, syrupy lattes from Starbucks and co (minus the sugar overload—sorry to break it to you), offering the same luxurious experience in a much healthier way. See it here.
Lemon matcha
We’re big fans of lemon here. Its zing and bitterness enhances pretty much any meal, but its in drinks where it really shines. You can make an iced matcha lemonade with it, or to turn into a matcha latte with some vanilla syrup for it to taste like a slice of lemon drizzle cake (Bird & Blend’s own suggestion).
You’ll also find a lot of matcha gift sets with the entire preparation kit (whisk and bowl) and additional matcha treats, both at Bird & Blend and other brands online. These can be perfect for a Mother’s Day gift or a treat in the name of self-love.
How do you prepare matcha tea?
Making matcha at home is different to preparing tea from tea leaves. It also requires some unique tools that have been used for hundreds of years in the Japanese tea ceremony, namely a small bowl and a bamboo whisk.
Ideally, you’d use a bamboo matcha whisk but you can also use a handheld whisk if you don’t want to invest in a bamboo one. To prepare the matcha, place ½ of a teaspoon (per person) of powder into your bowl, add a little bit of cold water, then a splash of freshly boiled water and whisk in a ‘W’ motion.
The whisk should be lightly touching the bottom of the bowl. After a minute or so, you should start to see some light, frothy bubbles at the point. This means your matcha is ready! You can then add this concentrate to your cup of choice and top up with hot or cold water or milk.