Why matcha is trending everywhere: From boosting heart health to weight loss, this over 800-yr-old tea "surprisingly beats" coffee, chai in many ways

Time of India

6 hours ago

Everywhere you look on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or TikTok, that vibrant green swirl is the new hot trend, matcha. This finely ground Japanese green tea powder has roots going back around 800 years, but today it's capturing hearts (and hashtags) across the globe. Once the centrepiece of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies,
matcha
is now a favourite of health enthusiasts and people looking for a coffee alternative. Its picture-perfect colour and creamy flavour make it ideal for lattes, smoothie bowls, and desserts, and it brings real health benefits to the table too. From London cafés to Mumbai kitchens, influencers and café menus are embracing matcha, and social media trends are following quickly.
Ancient Roots in Japanese Tea Culture
Long before it became an Instagram sensation, matcha was a sacred part of Japanese culture. It is believed that in the early 1200s, a Zen Buddhist monk named Eisai brought powdered green tea from China to Japan. Over time, it became central to chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, which celebrates mindfulness, hospitality, and the art of finding beauty in simplicity (wabi-sabi).
In these ceremonies, matcha is carefully whisked in a bowl and served with intention. In the 1500s, tea master Sen no Rikyu refined the preparation process, emphasising harmony and simplicity. Today, matcha drinkers still honour that legacy of calm and meditation. In short, when we enjoy a cup of matcha, we're also sipping a piece of Japan's rich cultural heritage.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Why Matcha Is So Good for You
Matcha's modern fame isn't just about its colour, it's about its health benefits too. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves and remove them, matcha is made by consuming the whole powdered leaf. That means you get more of the good stuff, like antioxidants.
As per science reports, one cup of matcha can contain nearly three times more catechins (a powerful group of antioxidants) than a cup of regular green tea. These help protect the body from damage by neutralising harmful free radicals. Matcha is also believed to support heart health, improve blood pressure, and reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol.
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On top of that, matcha is a smart energy booster. It contains caffeine, but also L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus. So instead of the jittery buzz you might get from coffee, matcha offers a smooth, sustained energy boost. Many people say it helps them stay alert without the crash or headaches that can follow a strong cup of coffee.
Matcha may also support metabolism and detoxification. It's rich in chlorophyll, which is known to help remove toxins from the body and support liver function. This combination of antioxidants, caffeine, and natural detox properties is why so many matcha lovers say it helps them feel energetic and refreshed throughout the day.
Matcha vs Other Morning Drinks
Compared to regular green tea, matcha generally wins when it comes to nutrients. Since you consume the entire leaf, it provides more antioxidants and vitamins than a simple tea infusion. In fact, studies suggest it may contain up to three times more of the key antioxidant catechins.
When compared to coffee, matcha's benefits are different. Coffee gives a strong caffeine jolt, but matcha provides a gentler lift that lasts longer. Many people say they feel more focused and balanced after drinking matcha, without the energy crash that can follow coffee. While matcha typically has less caffeine than a large coffee, it makes up for that with calming L-theanine and extra antioxidants, which coffee doesn't offer.
Because of this, many people now see matcha as a 'healthier alternative to coffee', with a more stable, clean energy boost and added wellness benefits.
Matcha Mania on Social Media
Matcha's bright green look and frothy texture make it a natural star on social media. On Instagram alone, the #matcha hashtag has millions of posts. The drink's photogenic appearance, whether in a stylish latte or a vibrant smoothie bowl, makes it irresistible to influencers and cafés alike.
Trendy cafés are now building entire menus around matcha. You'll find layered matcha lattes, colourful frappés, and iced blends that practically beg to be photographed.
Seasonal flavours like strawberry matcha or matcha vanilla blends often go viral, and global chains have added matcha to their drink offerings. Online communities have even formed around it, from 'matcha morning rituals' to 'matcha girls' sharing tips, reviews, and DIY recipes.
The craze isn't just limited to drinks. Matcha desserts, like green tea cookies, cakes, ice cream, and pancakes, are also exploding in popularity, especially as people recreate them for social media.
Matcha in the Kitchen: Recipes and Products
Matcha is incredibly versatile, which is part of its global appeal. The classic way to enjoy it is in a matcha latte, hot or cold, made with milk or milk alternatives. Matcha smoothies, banana blends, and iced cappuccinos are other easy favourites. Many also use matcha in recipes for energy balls, protein pancakes, and oatmeal.
In desserts, matcha adds both colour and flavour. Green tea cheesecake, cupcakes, matcha mochi, and even matcha tiramisu are popular across cafés and online recipe videos. Some adventurous types even mix matcha into mocktails or soda-based drinks for a refreshing twist.
When shopping for matcha, you'll usually see two main types: ceremonial and culinary grade. Ceremonial-grade matcha is the highest quality, made from the youngest leaves and known for its sweet, smooth taste. It's best enjoyed on its own or in traditional lattes. Culinary-grade matcha comes from older leaves, has a stronger and slightly bitter flavour, and is ideal for recipes, baking, or mixing with sweeteners.
There are also a growing number of matcha products in shops: ready-to-drink matcha lattes, sachets of instant matcha, matcha energy bars, chocolate, and even skincare items. Ceremonial matcha is ideal for purists, while culinary matcha is great for daily drinks and experimenting in the kitchen.
Inputs from agencies