Latest news with #matcha
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hilarious moment Yorkshire grandmother tries matcha for the first time - and gives a very brutal assessment
This is the hilarious moment a grandmother tried matcha for the first time - and was less than impressed. Caroll from Yorkshire declared the drink a 'waste of b****y money' after being offered to try a sip from her granddaughter's iced beverage. Matcha - a form of powdered green tea whisked and mixed with milk to make a latte - has become Gen Z's drink of choice. The trendy health drink has become popular with teenagers and young adults after being promoted by social media influencers - to the extent that Japan has started to see shortages. In the video, posted on TikTok, Caroll immediately could not hide her disgust, going 'Oh, oh!' as she tried the disagreeable flavour. When her granddaughter, who was filming, said the drink wasn't 'bad', Caroll didn't hold back as she gave it a brutal assessment. 'It is bad, it's horrible,' she exclaimed, looking at the green drink beside her in disdain. 'And when you look at it, it looks as though somebody's puked in there. It's right weak!' 'I don't get you young'uns,' she added in the video caption. 'A proper diva wants a cuppa with six sugars, a good stir and a cig in me hand.' The video has gone viral on social media, racking up more than 700,000 views. And it appeared most people were in agreement, as one wrote: 'Matcha is disgusting.' A second added: 'Proof that hype distorts your tastebuds, that was a purely unbiased opinion.' 'Confirmed for me Matcha fans are basically gaslighting us into thinking it's nice,' commented a third, while another added: 'She's so real about matcha it's like dirt.' One person said: 'Her smacking her lips at the bitterness of the matcha has me cracking.' For another, the video brought back a fond memory, writing: 'Haven't had my Nan since I was 13 but this is exactly how she would react, just the east London version. thank you for the laugh.' The tea, made from the finely ground powder of green tea leaves specially grown in shade, has been loved by Japan in particular since the 12th century when Buddhist monks introduced the nation to it. Over the past decade, production has nearly tripled, with Japan producing 4,176 tonnes of matcha in 2023. Consumption of the antioxidant-rich green tea 'reached a record high last year', according to Fumi Ueki, the chief of one of Japan's largest tea companies. And soaring demand, largely driven by online trends, has prompted warning of further shortages this year. Major influencers like Sophie Habboo and Kourtney Kardashian have espoused the benefits of matcha. Matcha tea is made by combining fine matcha powder and hot water with a special matcha whisk, which is used to form a creamy foam that sits on the tea. Proponents say the tea can boost the brain's health, due to its high concentration of polyphenols, chlorophyll, caffeine and L-theanine. The demand largely comes from outside Japan - while matcha and leaf green-tea consumption has fallen inside the country, global sales are expected to nearly double from £2.2bn in 2023 to £3.9bn by 2028. In the past year alone, sales of matcha products have doubled in the UK. The arrival of the US cafe Blank Street to Britain's high streets in 2020 is thought to have led to a surge in the popularity here, with its range of matcha teas combined with other flavours such as blueberry and white chocolate. What are the health benefits of matcha? - Rich in protective polyphenols - Boosts brain health, function and alertness - May relieve stress - Can support healthy heart and lungs - May be good for bone health - Can aid weight management - Can balance blood glucose - May improve gut health The spike in demand has become such a problem that last year two of Japan's biggest tea companies, Ippodo and Marukyu Koyamaen, announced unprecedented purchase limits on matcha products. But mounting evidence suggests too much can trigger iron deficiency. Left untreated, this can raise the risk of severe infections as well as life-threatening heart failure. Iron, found in red meat and a variety of vegetables, is crucial for the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to the organs. It is also vital for a healthy immune system. Experts now say that drinking just one matcha tea a day could cause problems. Research suggests teenage girls, pregnant and post-menopausal women are at the highest risk of a matcha-related iron deficiency. 'People need to be aware of the potential risks of this drink,' says Dr Jeannine Baumgartner, an expert in nutrition and researcher at King's College London, who has studied matcha. 'There is a real danger of a deficiency, particularly for younger women who have higher iron needs. It has long been known that green tea can, in some cases, trigger an iron deficiency. This is because it contains high levels of tannins – a compound which gives tea its bitter flavour. Research shows that tannins attach to iron molecules in the digestive system and prevent them from being absorbed. A major review of over 150 studies in 2010 published by the Journal of Chinese Medicine found that consumption of more than three cups of regular green tea a day reduced iron absorption. However, it is believed that matcha has an even greater effect, as one cup has nearly seven times as many tannins as a similarly sized green tea. As well as the tannins, caffeine has also been shown to reduce iron absorption and, per gram, matcha can contain up to four times as much caffeine as coffee. Experts say this means that even one matcha a day could have health impacts. 'Matcha is much more problematic than green tea, as it is more concentrated so affects iron absorption even more,' says Prof Baumgartner. 'Even one cup, if it is poorly timed, either during or up to two hours after a meal, will affect your iron levels.' Iron deficiency is already a problem. Three per cent of men and 8 per cent of women in the UK have the iron deficiency condition anaemia, and it is on the rise. Symptoms include a yellowing of the skin, dizziness and depression. Last year there was a tenfold rise in the number of people hospitalised with iron deficiency, with nearly 200,000 being admitted. But there are steps that matcha drinkers can take to protect themselves against this complication. 'If you add milk or lemon juice, it can neutralise the tannins, which can help with iron absorption,' says Sarah Carolides, a London based nutritionist. 'It's also best to avoid using oat milk in your matcha latte as oats contain phytates, an acid which can also interfere with iron absorption.' Timing is key for those considering a cup of green tea. Prof Baumgartner recommends against drinking matcha within three hours before or after a meal. A 1983 study revealed a cup of green tea while eating a hamburger meal reduced iron consumption by 68 per cent. As drinking habits change experts are calling for the guidelines to doctors looking out for iron deficiency to be updated. 'Doctors and GPs are not aware of the link between drinks and iron absorption and that really needs to change,' says Prof Baumgartner.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Can the green tea wave topple the Middle East's coffee culture?
RIYADH: Once reserved for Japan's sacred tea ceremonies, matcha has become a global sensation, infusing everything from lattes and desserts to skincare routines. Now, it is entering the Middle East, where coffee has long held cultural and culinary dominance. Matcha's rise in the MENA region is driven by health-conscious millennials, social media-friendly cafe culture, and a booming fitness scene. With its high antioxidant content, clean caffeine boost, and vibrant green hue, it's quickly become a favorite among wellness enthusiasts. But can it compete with the deeply ingrained coffee rituals of the Arab world, where coffee and espresso are daily staples? The economic landscape: Aligning with Vision 2030 As part of its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is actively working to diversify its economy and reduce its long-standing reliance on oil revenues. Central to this transformation is the food and beverage sector, which has emerged as a key driver of economic growth. In 2022, the food and agriculture sector contributed approximately SR100 billion ($26.6 billion) to the Kingdom's gross domestic product, the highest on record. The government aims to attract $20 billion in investments into the food industry by 2035, focusing on enhancing food security and broader economic sustainability. Supporting this momentum is the 'Made in Saudi' initiative, launched in 2021 to boost domestic production and services. One of its core goals is to raise the non-oil sector's contribution to gross domestic product from 16 percent to 50 percent by 2030, making room for innovative products and emerging markets, including health-focused offerings like matcha. A growing opportunity: the regional matcha market This strategic shift aligns well with the rising demand for functional foods and beverages across the region. In the Middle East and Africa region, the matcha market is experiencing steady growth, signaling a strong opportunity for Saudi Arabia to enter a promising space. In 2023, the MEA matcha market generated approximately $86.1 million in revenue, and projections estimate it will grow to $110.7 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 3.6 percent. Notably, ceremonial grade matcha, the highest quality used in traditional preparation, is currently the top revenue-generating segment and is expected to see the fastest growth, underscoring the premium positioning of matcha and consumer interest in wellness-driven, culturally rich products. Matcha vs. coffee: A nutritional and cultural perspective To better understand matcha's potential in the Middle East, licensed Lebanese dietitian Reem Harb compared it to coffee in terms of health benefits, energy effects, and cultural fit. A shade-grown green tea consumed in powdered form, matcha boasts superior levels of phytochemicals like chlorophyll and quercetin, as well as antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate, compared to other green teas. However, its caffeine content sits between traditional green tea and coffee. Unlike coffee, matcha provides a gentler energy boost without a crash. 'This is due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that interacts with caffeine to improve cognitive function and energy levels,' Harb said in an interview with Arab News. Ceremonial matcha is often used for lattes or smoothies due to its perceived health benefits, but this reduces availability for traditional preparations. Simona Suzuki, president of the Global Japanese Tea Association The Middle East's coffee culture is deeply rooted in tradition, from Turkish coffee ceremonies to the social ritual of sharing Arabic coffee. With its earthy and slightly bitter taste, Matcha may initially clash with regional preferences for sweet, aromatic beverages. However, Harb believed matcha could complement traditional diets if introduced thoughtfully. 'Matcha lattes can be a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, especially when prepared without added syrups. Alternating between Arabic coffee and matcha could diversify beverage choices while preserving cultural experiences,' she suggested. From Kyoto to the MENA: Matcha's Global Surge While matcha's health benefits make it appealing, its journey from Japanese tea fields to Middle Eastern cafes hasn't been without challenges. Japan's matcha industry has seen production nearly triple since 2010, with exports soaring as global demand skyrockets. This surge in demand, however, has sparked concerns about shortages, prompting renowned Kyoto tea houses like Ippodo and Marukyu Koyamaen to impose purchase limits last year. Social media buzz and the rising demand for functional foods have turned matcha into a must-have trend that Middle Eastern cafes and startups are racing to meet. Speaking with Arab News, Simona Suzuki, president of the Global Japanese Tea Association, said: 'While matcha production in Japan is increasing, it remains relatively limited in scale ... Global demand has surged dramatically, leading to shortages in Japan.' The rapid growth has strained supply chains, and Suzuki noted it may take time for production to catch up. She also emphasized the importance of using matcha appropriately: 'Ceremonial matcha is often used for lattes or smoothies due to its perceived health benefits, but this reduces availability for traditional preparations.' In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, specialty cafes now offer matcha lattes alongside traditional karak chai, while local brands experiment with regional twists like matcha-infused dates or cardamom-dusted matcha desserts. Importing high-grade matcha, however, which relies on specific Japanese tea plant varieties like samidori and yabukita, is costly and logistically complex. Suzuki encouraged businesses to build direct relationships with producers: 'We strongly encourage visiting Japan to connect with tea growers and gain a deeper understanding of cultivation and processing.' In 2024, THE MATCHA TOKYO, a Japanese organic matcha brand, made its Gulf Cooperation Council debut with a beachside cafe in Dubai. The brand chose Dubai due to the strong presence of Emirati customers at its Tokyo outlets. Beyond Japan and the GCC, THE MATCHA TOKYO has expanded across Asia, with locations in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Bangkok, and Shanghai. Suzuki remained optimistic about the future of Japanese teas in the region, stating that while matcha is popular, the Global Japanese Tea Association is passionate about introducing the full spectrum of authentic Japanese teas, including sencha, gyokuro, hojicha, and wakocha, to the world. As Middle Eastern consumers increasingly prioritize wellness while staying rooted in tradition, matcha isn't replacing coffee, but it's carving out a lasting niche of its own.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Macca's releases cult item after Aussies duped by viral prank
McDonald's has confirmed it is trialling a new matcha range as demand for the green tea drink continues to soar in Australia - and this time, it's not a prank. The vibrant beverage, which originates from Kyoto, Japan, has gained the ultimate 'it girl' status symbol over the last few years. While the drink has been around for over 800 years, it became mainstream in 2015, and has continued to explode in popularity. Demand for the drink has become so high producers of the trendy tea have struggled to keep up, sparking a recent global shortage. However, it appears matcha stock has been replenished, as Macca's has recently decided to get in on the action, releasing three different drinks featuring the green stuff. For a limited time, Macca's has added its 'Matcha Range' to select restaurants across New South Wales and Victoria, offering a Matcha Latte, an Iced Matcha Latte and Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte to customers. Despite the fact the beverages, priced between $5.25 and $6.60, are only available to buy at a handful of Macca's stores, Aussies have already gone wild at the news. 'McDonald's Australia has released matcha lattes,' food blogger @ninafromsydney captioned a video she shared on TikTok. She then proceeds to show the menu at McDonald's Wynyard restaurant, which reads 'hurry' and explains the drinks are only available for a short time. 'On the sweeter side, but really good,' she concludes in the short clip. Reaction to her discovery came in thick and fast, with many desperate to know if it was 'true'. 'Can anyone confirm? I went to my local Macca's and wasn't on the menu there,' one asked. 'It's not on the McDonald's menu on the app,' another added. Others said several stores had it, prompting many to ask Macca's to bring it to their local restaurant. 'Why is it always Sydney and Melbourne that get all the good stuff,' one mused. 'Bring it to Perth,' pleaded another. As one said: 'Macca's, we all want matcha.' It comes after a video went viral on TikTok last year, showing three women 'taste testing' a new Strawberry Matcha from Macca's that later emerged to be false. Not everyone realised the video was a prank, with multiple people uploading videos about their disappointment after visiting a McDonald's drive-through and failing to find it. 'I literally believed our Maccas got the viral iced strawberry matcha. Pls don't repeat my dumb mistake lol lol. I felt so dumb,' one woman shared after.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
It's green, tastes grassy and is everywhere... what's the appeal of matcha?
It's as green as Kermit the Frog and has a unique taste that's grassy according to some. Glance at any trendy coffee shop or tea room menu around Nottingham and you'll see matcha in some incarnation. It's not new - it first started creeping into drinks in the UK around a decade ago. I remember sipping on a matcha latte years ago, wondering if it would ever catch on but now the slime-coloured beverage, which looks like it's been dredged from the River Trent, seems to have become an obsession especially with Gen Z thanks to social media trends and purported heath benefits. The global matcha market is currently valued at £1.8 billion and rather than a passing fad it's become a lifestyle staple. Google searches for "matcha near me" have skyrocketed by over 5,000% in the past year alone. READ MORE: Freddie Mercury's secret daughter says he 'adored and was devoted' to her in moving letter READ MORE: Nottingham GP added 'extremely vulnerable' patient on Facebook and 'pursued her for sex' So what is matcha? It's a vibrant Japanese green tea powder made from finely powdered dried tea leaves. Originating in China, it has been around for centuries and be traced back to the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century. A Buddhist monk is credited with bringing the seeds to Japan in the 1100s where it was turned into powered green tea. Considered to be the highest quality tea leaves in the country, it was used at tea ceremonies. Fast forward to 2025 and you'll find matcha used for much more than lattes. You can have it hot or cold. Look out for matcha frappuccinos, milkshakes, flavoured matcha teas, smoothies, lemonade and even cocktails. And chances are anyone who has ever eaten at one of Nottingham's most popular restaurants, Kushi-ya, has had matcha cheesecake for dessert. Matcha is Bird & Blend's fastest growing product range. The company says its a reflection of the growing demand for natural feel-good energy as coffee drinkers replace their morning caffeine boost with antioxidant rich matcha, which delivers lasting energy alongside the additional benefits of traditional green tea. The Nottingham tea shop is putting its own twist on the flavour for summer with an iced mint choc chip matcha latte and butterscotch matcha latte. Matcha enthusiasts can also experiment with a selection box of 12 with the goodness of the base ingredients and extra flavour such as gingernut, birthday cake, salted caramel, banana and peaches and cream. Joyce Maina, head of tea at Bird & Blend said: 'We've seen a continued rise in matcha's popularity over the past few years, driven by a growing interest in wellness, Japanese culture, mindful rituals and clean energy. At Bird & Blend Tea Co, we're passionate about making matcha fun and accessible and now have the largest range with pure, ceremonial grade and a wide variety of flavoured matcha in Europe. "We add tasty ingredients and sugar-free natural flavouring to our matcha to make it more accessible to first-time drinkers and to put a fun, modern twist on a traditional Japanese drink. Our newest flavours include Honey Bunny Matcha, Butterscotch Matcha and Tutti Frutti Matcha and are made with pure, ceremonial grade matcha to ensure a smooth, rich flavour that sets it apart from lower grades. "Making yourself a matcha invites you to slow down and savour the moment, and that's something we believe more people are craving today. It is also a great alternative to coffee, full of antioxidants and naturally caffeinated, it gives the drinker feel-good energy without the jitters."Coffee chain Caffè Nero has just launched it's first matcha range after "overwhelming" calls on social media. They said every detail, from the velvety vanilla infusion to the ceremonial-grade matcha, has been obsessively fine-tuned. If you've never tried it before the summery strawberry and vanilla iced matcha latte is a good starting point. Because it can be an acquired taste, the jammy kick of sweet strawberries tempers the earthy matcha taste. It's made with a ceremonial grade, single-origin PerfecTed matcha (reflected in the price of £4.60), now the number one matcha in the UK after the founders appeared on BBC's Dragon's Den. Popularity stems from the many reported health benefits. High in antioxidants, research shows that it could boost brain function and may help protect against heart disease. "This is the matcha worth waiting for," says Will Stratton-Morris, CEO of Caffè Nero UK. "We've seen the demand and taken our time to perfect it. "What we've created is something we're incredibly proud of – a matcha that stands out in both taste and quality. And judging by the sales just days after launch, it's clear our customers feel the same."
National Post
23-05-2025
- Health
- National Post
Canadian matcha brands for your morning cup of tea
Article content Article content About: Organic Traditions is a brand making superfood ingredients easily accessible to Canadians. All of its products are 100 per cent natural, gluten-free, plant-based and non-GMO, as well as ethically grown and sourced. As matcha is high in antioxidants and naturally occurring L-Theanine, it's the perfect addition to the brand's healthy assortment. Article content Article content Article content About: Unlike the other brands on this list, Montreal-based Elan has been offering both snacks and drink mixes made from 100 per cent organic, gluten-free and plant-based ingredients since 2010. The brand's matcha powder is sourced from the Japanese provinces of Shizuoka and Kagoshima. Article content Article content Article content Article content
