An iced lavender matcha from Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe looks so perfect. Photo courtesy of junior Athena Sterios 

  Matcha tea is quickly becoming the new go-to drink and a healthy coffee replacement, as students seek a trend or a new lifestyle choice, coffee shops are thriving as matcha revenue brews. Sales of this new pick-me-up drink are booming, with the global market predicted to grow to almost 3 million by 2028.

  “I can’t imagine my mornings without it!” said senior Addi Woods, an avid coffee fanatic. 

  On campus, San Luis Obispo High School students are swapping their usual sugary coffee drink for the healthier green tea alternative. Matcha, packed with antioxidants, has a more focused energy boost, whereas the caffeine from coffee often causes jitters and leads to an energy crash. 

  For some, matcha started as a trend but has morphed into a daily necessity. 

  “I saw it as a trend at the start, but now that people are becoming reliant on it, it’s becoming a staple,” said junior Jimmy Byde.

  Despite its trend-driven rise in popularity, matcha’s appeal goes beyond social media traction. The natural ingredients and lower chemical content make it healthier compared to other energy drinks or coffee. 

  Junior Kinan Ramadan supports the popular green tea.

“It tastes better, has fewer chemicals, and you can drink it throughout the day without it staining your teeth,” said Ramadan.

  With its health benefits, nuanced taste, versatility, and well-liked caffeine boost, matcha is more than just a trend. Its popularity is undeniable, the new green tea is a movement, reshaping how many students begin and end their school day. 

Sources: health.harvard.edu