The rise of matcha tea

Matcha has become a familiar sight on café menus and social media feeds, but its growing presence is about more than appearance.

For many people, matcha reflects a shift in how they think about energy, health, and everyday habits.

The drink originated from 16th century Japan.

Johanna Shatipamba, a qualified barista, says matcha appeals to a wide range of people because of how gentle it is.

“It is a tea, but it does not hit the body the same way coffee does,” she says. “You can take it at any time of the day, and almost anyone can drink it.”

She says matcha’s versatility has also contributed to its popularity.

“People can drink it hot or cold, flavoured or plain. Some use it in smoothies, baking, or even cooking. It fits into different lifestyles.”

Shatipamba says first-time reactions are often hesitant.

“Many people do not like it at first. If you are not used to green tea, the taste can be surprising,” she says. For beginners, she recommends cold or flavoured matcha as a softer introduction.

Nutritionist Michelle Hiangoro says interest in matcha has grown as people become more aware of how caffeine affects their bodies.

“Matcha contains caffeine, but it is balanced with L-theanine,” she explains. “This combination provides steady energy without the sudden spikes and crashes that coffee can cause.”

She says matcha is rich in antioxidants, which support overall health.

“For people recovering from fatigue, stress, or physical changes, this can be helpful,” Michelle says.

However, she warns that moderation is still important, especially for breastfeeding mothers or people sensitive to caffeine.

Meanwhile, regular drinkers have their own reasons for choosing matcha.

Linda Kuhepo, a customer who drinks matcha regularly, says her journey with the drink began during a personal health challenge.

“I started drinking matcha while I was trying to lose weight,” she says. “I wanted something that would give me energy without making me feel restless or hungry all the time.”

Linda says matcha became part of her routine rather than a quick solution.

“It helped me stay consistent with my habits. I did not feel like I was forcing myself,” she says. Over time, she continued drinking matcha even after reaching her goal weight.

As matcha becomes more common, it appears to be moving away from being just a trend.

While some people first try it out of curiosity, many stay because it fits their bodies and lifestyles.

In this way, matcha represents a broader change in how people approach food and drink not just for taste, but for balance and well-being.

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