What is Matcha and How Popular is it in Thailand?

What is Matcha and How Popular is it in Thailand?

Matcha is finely ground green tea powder that originated in Japan. It is made by grinding specially grown and processed tea leaves. Matcha differs from traditional green tea because it involves consuming the whole leaf, thus offering a more concentrated source of nutrients. Due to its unique flavor and well-known health benefits, Matcha has become a popular ingredient in beverages, desserts, and even skincare products across the globe. Its rise in popularity is largely driven by the global trend toward healthy living and wellness.

Popularity of Matcha in Thailand

In Thailand, Matcha has rapidly grown in popularity, becoming a staple in the country's café culture. The refreshing taste of Matcha-based drinks fits perfectly with Thailand’s warm climate. Drinks such as Matcha Latte, Matcha Frappe, and Iced Matcha Green Tea are favorites at many cafés across the country. In addition to beverages, Matcha is also widely used in desserts like Matcha ice cream, Matcha cake, and Matcha cookies, further driving its popularity​

 

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Top Matcha Brands Used in Thai Cafés

Below is a list of the most commonly used Matcha brands in Thai cafés along with their consumer prices:

BrandTypeConsumer Price (USD)

Uji Matcha	Premium ceremonial	$20 - $30
Starbucks VIA Matcha	Instant preparation	$10 - $15
Matcha Extremist	Dessert-grade	$8 - $12
Ippodo Matcha	Ceremonial & beverage	$25 - $35
Fuku Matcha	Dessert & beverage	$15 - $25

These premium brands are used in various cafés for both beverages and desserts, showcasing the versatility and popularity of Matcha in Thailand's food and drink culture.

Health Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are known to boost the immune system, support weight management, and improve skin health. It contains 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers​

 

. This combination of health benefits and flavor has made Matcha a go-to ingredient in Thailand’s booming café culture.

Matcha Search Trends

According to Google Trends data, global interest in Matcha has steadily risen since 2020, particularly in countries such as Thailand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. As of 2023, searches for Matcha on Google Thailand average approximately 799,000 monthly searches, reflecting the increasing demand for Matcha-based products​

 

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