Trend spotlight: matcha

What are the health benefits of matcha?

Matcha contains high levels of polyphenols and chlorophyll, which contribute to healthy brain function. It's also high in caffeine, with many reporting that switching from coffee to matcha improves their energy without the dreaded ‘caffeine slump’.

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Trying the trend: finding London's best matcha

Eating out: where to try the best matcha drinks

We’ve tried matcha specialty shops across London, and have highlighted three places to try matcha lattes, drinks and desserts.

Konveni Matcha Café

Konveni is a matcha specialty café with a mission ‘to introduce people to the true taste of matcha’. You can choose from three grades of matcha powder, ranging from the house blend; a rare, handpicked blend; and an intense blend – there's something for matcha beginners and enthusiasts alike. Konveni's passion for matcha shines through, and the drinks are made with expertise and care in the traditional fashion. The matcha lattes are excellent, but it also offers a wide array of specialty drinks. The strawberry, ube and sakura matcha lattes are delicious, with the added flavours offsetting some of matcha’s grassy notes. There are also excellent crêpe cakes and fabulous ube and matcha soft serve ice cream. @konvenimatcha

Tsujiri

Tsujiri offers a wide range of matcha drinks and desserts. The floats are very popular, with the strawberry matcha float being a favourite. The café also makes bubble tea, soft serve and matcha cheesecakes. A must-try is the cheese foam teas, which is a Taiwanese invention – it has a salty, savoury flavour that complements the sweet teas well. tsujiri.co.uk

Jenki

Jenki highlights the health benefits of drinking matcha, with the menu offering additions to complement that. The calming lavender and CBD is floral and sweet, and the immune-boosting ginger and turmeric is spiced and warming. It doesn't serve the most traditional matcha (the baristas use electric whisks instead of bamboo ones), but the drinks are delicious and have nourishment in mind. jenki.co.uk

Eating in: matcha recipes

If you've picked up a packet or tub of matcha (check out our tried and tested reviews of the best matcha to buy), it's time to put it to good use. Follow our recipe for the perfect iced matcha latte, then get creative with these bakes and sweet treats.

Salted matcha fudge

As it cuts into 60 squares, this recipe for salted matcha fudge is perfect for gifting or feeding a large crowd.

Matcha tiramisu

Sweet mascarpone cream and bitter matcha are a match made in heaven in Emiko's vibrant dessert. You'll only need five ingredients for this no-cook recipe.

Matcha white chocolate roulade

Check out this easy matcha white chocolate roulade from baker and former Great British Bake Off winner Edd Kimber. This light and creamy dessert is a great alternative to a classic swiss roll, and it's less than 350 calories per serving, too.

Spotted on social

Instagram – matcha and strawberry cream buns

These Italian-style buns are filled with macerated strawberries and pillowy matcha cream. The sweetness of the strawberries mellows the earthiness of the matcha. If you're not quite convinced by matcha yet, give these beauties a go. Try our recipe for lemon and elderflower maritozzi with pistachio and raspberry for our version.

TikTok – pink foam matcha latte

Pink matcha is having a moment on social media right now. An electric whisk will help you achieve the perfect cloud-like texture. The pretty pink foam is poured on top of matcha that's combined with ice and milk. Any powder with a naturally bright pink colour – for example, pink pitaya, which comes from dragonfruit – will fit the bill.

Pinterest – matcha chia pudding

Chia pudding is a nutritious way to start the day, with the added caffeine (and health) boost from matcha powder. On social media recently, we've seen other variations layered with homemade fruit compotes or topped with toasted seeds, granola and yogurt. The sky's the limit!