Running Low on Matcha? From Rose Lattes to Chagacinos, We’ve Got the Perfect Swaps

Matcha has become a social media sensation. The drink (which has long been a staple of Japanese tea ceremonies and is made with ground leaves of the Camellia sinesis plant) is hard to avoid on TikTok, for example, where creators post everything from strawberry matcha lattes to iced vanilla matcha to blueberry matcha—all bright, colorful, and perfectly aesthetically-pleasing.

In Japan, the matcha industry is booming—but the demand isn’t coming from locals. “Interest has rocketed,” Naoto Sakayori, who runs a tea culture museum in Uji (a town renowned for its tea), told The Guardian. “It’s all about matcha, matcha.”

A looming matcha shortage

However, this meteoric rise in Western demand comes with a cost. Growers are struggling to keep up, and while the Japanese government is considering subsidies to support the industry, there are growing fears of a global matcha shortage.

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Last fall, reports of a shortage led several Kyoto-based tea companies to “impose unprecedented purchase limits” on matcha, The Guardian states. Global demand has continued to increase, and while this year’s matcha harvest is expected to provide some relief, it will only be temporary, as the tea harvesting season has a short window, typically from the end of April to early June. 

What to drink if matcha runs out? 7 vegan recipes to try

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, matcha offers several health benefits. It delivers a caffeine kick similar to coffee and is rich in antioxidants. So, what should you reach for if matcha becomes harder to find?

We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a list of our favorite matcha alternatives—each one energizing, flavorful, and packed with health perks of its own.

Orchids + Sweet Tea

1 Dairy-Free Iced Mocha Latte With Coconut Whip

This dairy-free latte offers a rich blend of cold brew coffee and velvety homemade chocolate syrup, topped with airy coconut whipped cream. It’s a dessert-like treat with a caffeine kick—perfect for those who love a little indulgence in their daily pick-me-up. Plus, the cocoa in this drink is rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress.
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Eat the Rainbow

2 Dreamy Cherry Rose Vanilla Iced Latte

If you want your caffeine kick to look as good as a matcha latte, check out this pretty pink cherry rose iced latte recipe. It’s creamy and delicious, and it’s also good for you, too. Cherries are packed with anthocyanins, a health-boosting antioxidant that gives them their deep red color.
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3 Simple Vegan Morning Chagacino

Unlike the other recipes on this list, this morning drink doesn’t actually contain coffee. Instead, it’s made with chaga powder, a functional mushroom that is rich in beta-glucans, polyphenols, and melanin, all powerful antioxidants that support immune health and fight oxidative stress. Guarana powder adds natural caffeine to the drink, while maple syrup brings a tasty touch of sweetness.
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Riley Yahr

4Banana, Almond Butter, and Cold-Brew Smoothie

This smoothie might not look like matcha—but it’s a powerhouse replacement, especially if you’re after energy and antioxidants. Cold brew coffee delivers a caffeine boost, coconut water is packed with electrolytes, bananas are loaded with potassium, and cacao nibs, almond butter, and hemp seeds are all packed with health-boosting nutrients.
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5Cardamom Rose Chai Coconut Latte

This gorgeous coconut latte isn’t just Instagram-worthy—it’s packed with feel-good ingredients, too. Antioxidant-rich chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger pair perfectly with calming rose syrup and a touch of sweet maple. Completely caffeine-free, it’s an ideal pick for anyone looking to cut back on coffee without sacrificing flavor or ritual.
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So Vegan

6 Rich Tahini Coffee Shake With Dark Chocolate

This creamy indulgent shake blends bold espresso, rich dark chocolate, and nutty tahini for a flavor-packed start to your day. The tahini adds healthy fats and a subtle bitterness that balances out the sweetness, while dark chocolate brings antioxidants and depth of flavor.
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