It might be a rough time for matcha lovers if you’ve heard the news, but if you are unaware, Japan’s tea industry is experiencing a matcha shortage. This could be a In an effort to take the load off suppliers, and some wallets as prices rise with matcha scarcity, here are six fun drinks to make at home that might help scratch your matcha itch. Matcha is not gone forever, but while it’s taking a breather, it’s the perfect time to explore new recipes and tastes.
Why is there a matcha shortage?
The shortage can be traced back to the fall of 2024, according to CBS News, and is happening due to how fast matcha is flying off the shelves, how difficult it is to produce it, and the pressing threat of a 24 percent tariff on Japanese imports. Camellia sinensis, the plant matcha is made from, is harvested by hand a few times a year but usually in late spring. International matcha drinkers prefer the powder from the first flush harvest when it is at its highest grade. Initially, this grade was used historically for tea ceremonies which happened on special occasions, but with everyday matcha use among consumers, farmers are trying to balance preserving traditional matcha practices while also meeting modern global demand.
In an effort to take the load off suppliers, and some wallets as prices rise with matcha scarcity, here are six fun drinks to make at home that might help scratch your matcha itch. Matcha is not gone forever, but while it’s taking a breather, it’s the perfect time to explore new recipes and tastes.
1. Blueberry Latte
Let’s start off strong with a caffeinated drink to curve your matcha cravings. This latte has two scoops of espresso which you can tweak at your leisure if that is just too much caffeine. TikTok user @alwaysasiamarie makes her blueberry latte with a homemade blueberry syrup made with two cups of blueberries (fresh or frozen), lemon juice, water, vanilla extract, and any sweetener like honey or maple syrup. She brings the ingredients to a medium-low simmer in a pot for 10 minutes before transferring it to a pump top (or an empty Torani syrup bottle) to store in the refrigerator.
After she preps the syrup, it’s time to assemble the latte. In a cup with ice, she drizzles some homemade blueberry syrup, her milk of choice, espresso, and the optional topping of cold foam making for a sweet caffeinated drink.
2. Iced Strawberry Green Tea Lemonade
TikTok user Kamryn is known for her adventurous hacks and fun drinks. The summer would not be complete without a fruity drink in hand, and Kamryn’s Starbucks order of an iced green tea lemonade with strawberry puree inspired her to test out the new experiment and share the results with her followers. Her favorite summer drink features strawberry green tea cold brew bags that she steeped for 20 minutes, 2 pumps of strawberry syrup, lemonade, and ice. If you’re a fan of fruity and refreshing drinks, this one is a must-try.
3. Tyla’s Erewhon Smoothie
Bliss by Tyla is the new featured smoothie at the west coast store, and people have left their positive reviews in its wake. It features bright flavors of pineapple, mango and hibiscus tea, and is said to even taste like Skittles. Though the smoothie in-store is $22, the one you make at home does not have to be. TikTok user and former Erewhon employee @dont.chase.your.d spilled the tea with ingredients that could possibly recreate the trendy smoothie at half the price.
4. Blue Hawaiian Mocktail/Cocktail
Though this is not considered a to-go drink, it still can be a contender for impressing your company. TikTok user @healthylittlepeach shakes orange and pineapple juice, coconut water, cream of coconut, blue curacao syrup, and lemon-lime soda, then pours the mixture over crushed ice and tops it off with an orange slice. This mocktail can be leveled up to a cocktail with an alcohol of your choosing.
5. Raspberry Hibiscus Pineapple Tea
Another refreshing drink to add to your summer docket is this one. TikTok user @.dayswithabril creates fun fusion teas, some with helpful benefits for menstrual cramps, and affordable ingredients for all of her fanbase to enjoy. In this drink, she steeps hibiscus tea (which she doesn’t forget to rinse) and raspberry tea with a drizzle of agave. Then, over ice, she pours in the mixture, some pineapple juice and slices of lime. This drink could help elevate your tea game and experimenting.
6. Coconut milk + Olipop
Sonic might have helped to popularize the Dirty Dr. Pepper, but TikTok user Lauren shared her own spin on the concept with two new ingredients: coconut milk and Olipop. With the help of chopped strawberries, sweetened coconut milk, a Strawberry Vanilla Olipop, and some ice, you can have your own special edition drink at home.