Matcha is having a moment. According to a report by Grand View Research, the market for the vibrant green tea powder was valued at around $4.3 billion in 2023, and it’s projected to soar to more than $7.4 billion by 2030. Demand is so strong in the US that Japanese matcha producers have been struggling to keep up.
So, why do people love matcha? For starters, it’s visually striking. Its bright green hue looks especially appealing when served over ice with milk. It also has a distinct grassy flavor that many find refreshing. And while it’s rich in caffeine, matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps promote calm and focus, offering a more balanced energy boost compared to coffee.
Another reason for its popularity? Versatility. Matcha pairs well with a wide range of flavors and ingredients, making it perfect for creative drinks. One of the most popular combinations right now: strawberry matcha.
What is strawberry matcha?
Matcha is made by finely grinding the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It has been consumed in Japan for centuries, traditionally prepared by whisking the powder into hot water with a stiff bamboo brush, known as a chasen.
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Strawberry matcha, a blend of strawberries and matcha, is a much more recent invention, driven by the growing popularity of matcha in the West. Surprisingly, it didn’t originate in Japan but in San Francisco, at the now-iconic café Boba Guys back in 2011. The drink has since become a staple on its menu, and the chain now boasts multiple locations across the US.
“It was a warm summer day in San Francisco, and we had a bunch of leftover purée from these incredible strawberries that we’d been playing with,” founders Andrew Chau and Bin Chen wrote in ‘The Boba Book.’ “It took a while for people to understand the combination of strawberries, matcha, and milk, but it soon became one of our top drinks. Now it’s beyond an icon.”
How to make strawberry matcha
Making strawberry matcha is similar to preparing a classic matcha latte, with just a few extra steps. It begins the same way: “Place the matcha powder in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of hot water. Whisk vigorously to make a paste. It should have the consistency of peanut butter,” explain Chau and Chen. Then, add the remaining hot water and continue whisking until the drink is smooth and free of clumps.
“Put the toppings, if using, in a large glass,” they add. “Pour in the strawberry purée. Add the ice and the milk. Then gently pour the matcha over the ice milk, aiming for the ice cubes to keep the layers cleanly separated.”
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If you’re making a hot matcha latte, the process is much the same, but with steamed milk and no ice cubes.
Shop strawberry matcha brands
Alternatively, you can buy pre-made matcha latte powder to make things even easier. Check out some of our top strawberry matcha picks below.
1 Ancient Roots Strawberry Matcha Mix
Ancient Roots’ Strawberry Matcha Mix blends strawberry and matcha powder to deliver a sweet, earthy drink without any additives or preservatives. Like most powders on this list, it’s versatile enough for iced matcha, smoothies, or even baking into your favorite sweet treats.
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2 Morning Made Strawberry Matcha Powder
Morning Made offers several unique and tasty matcha combinations, including cinnamon, vanilla, and, of course, strawberry. Accoridng to the brand, the latter creates “a berry-kissed latte that foams rosy-pink and tastes like summer.”
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Morning Made
3 Chamberlain Coffee Strawberry Matcha Latte
Emma Chamberlain’s iconic coffee brand is known for its unique matcha blends. Alongside flavors like Lavender and Pumpkin Spice, the Strawberry Matcha Latte is a must-try. The best part? It comes together in seconds.
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Chamberlain Coffee
4 Harmony Matcha Strawberry
Made with premium ceremonial grade matcha, Harmony Matcha’s strawberry powder is rich, fruity, sweet, and beautifully aromatic. It’s versatile enough to enjoy over ice or blended with steamed milk for a comforting latte. Whether iced or warm, it delivers a perfectly balanced matcha experience.
5 Mantra Matcha Strawberry Lemon Powder
Want to take your strawberry matcha to the next level? Mantra Matcha adds a splash of lemon, bringing a deliciously zesty and citrusy kick that perfectly complements the sweet, earthy notes of matcha and the fruity brightness of strawberry.
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Pop & Bottle
6Pop & Bottle Strawberry Matcha Almond Milk Latte
For a ready-to-drink strawberry matcha, reach for Pop & Bottle. Strawberry juice, almond milk, coconut nectar, and Himalayan pink salt are combined with premium, organic Japanese matcha for an easy, delicious morning brew.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
