It was a breezy summer day in the middle of August, and my green matcha was having a moment. I looked around the whole Starbucks, and everyone had a Venti matcha in hand, sipping the grassy, earthy drink.
Matcha is a green tea powder, which is whisked into hot water to form a frothy drink. Matcha originated in China, but was deserted for a different kind of tea. The Japanese quickly heard about it and took it over, which was a huge success. Hot or cold, it can be enjoyed both ways. And it seems that in the first half of 2025, this drink has frothed in popularity. Hot and cold, enjoyed both ways. This drink is enjoyed by different people with a variety of different aesthetics.
Last year, this drink did not have the amount of attention it has today. Every year seems to have its popular drink that everyone talks about. In 2022 the craze was over the Iced Caramel Macchiato. In 2023, the spotlight shifted to the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. By 2024, the Lavender White Mocha Frappuccino stole the show. Now, in 2025, matcha has officially taken over. Unlike past trends, this green sensation isn’t just a passing popularity; it is here to stay, especially among the younger generations. “People aged 13-24 consume matcha at a rate 25% higher than the national average” according to Yutea.
One reason matcha has risen in popularity is not only how it tastes but how it looks. Its vibrant colors make great appearances in photos and videos. On social media, matcha isn’t just a drink; it’s a lifestyle, an aesthetic. Whether it’s the calming process of whisking it by hand, the satisfying swirl of milk mixing with matcha in a clear cup, or going into your favorite shop and getting that Venti Matcha, the drink fits that “clean girl” aesthetic that teens love.
Influencers and content creators have embraced the craze, too, showing off their favorite recipes and matcha morning rations, or ranking matcha from different cafes. This constant exposure keeps matcha at the front of every trend cycle. Beyond its looks, people say it makes them feel more calm and focused than coffee does, which adds to its appeal.
“I like to drink matcha when I am studying or when I am just relaxing and watching TV because it makes me feel relaxed and calm,” Amanda Forman (’27) said.
Amanda isn’t the only one sipping on the green goodness. Many teens in Tenafly High School are all about the matcha craze, as well. Walk through the hallways, and you’ll spot students holding their Venti matchas with straws poking out. For many, it has become part of their daily routine.
“I really enjoy waking up and getting matcha on my way to school,” Forman said. “I like the way matcha tastes and how it looks.”
Others mention how ordering a matcha has become something social, something to do with friends.
“ Every Friday, my friends and I go to Starbucks after school and we all get matcha. It’s like our thing now,” Mia Izhakiy (’27) said.
From TikTok trends to Tenafly hallways, matcha is definitely leaving its mark. It is more than a trend, it is a flavorful, feel-good drink that connects people. It is a symbol of the moment we are living in. A time where what we sip says something about who we are. Whether you’re drawn to it by the taste, the health benefits, or just the aesthetic appeal, matcha continues to bring people together. One thing is for sure, matcha is here to stay.
