Matcha has become a trending drink that continues to rise in popularity. Whether one’s love of the beverage is performative or not, there is no denying the great flavor within its contents. There are so many ways to consume matcha: in a tea bag with hot water, poured over milk (steamed or iced), in ice cream, baked into a fresh treat, powdered on top of a pastry — the list goes on! Some may have tried it once and negatively reported on its “earthy” and “grassy” taste, while others find it to be a delicious way to start their morning with caffeine or end their day with a little calmness and relaxation. However, amongst its popularity, the question still stands: How many of us really know what we are drinking? 

While the trendy “iced matcha latte” is made to be served with milk, the original drink comes from Japanese herbal leaves in the form of a hot tea. The process of extraction includes shading the leaves with bamboo to block sunlight, allowing the plants to work harder on photosynthesis to make up for the lost light. This process allows for the creation of more amino acids, giving the tea that unique and vibrant taste that is less bitter and more valued in quality.

Matcha is not only good for its flavor profiles, but it also comes with various health benefits. Some of these are antioxidants, which fight off harmful molecules within our bodies, or anti-inflammatory components, which eliminate swelling and stress. Another effect is its key ingredient: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This component can combat the development of cancer by suppressing tumor formations. The ingredients  of matcha such as polyphenols, the amino acid L-theanine, and the bioflavonoid rutin can fight against various illnesses and conditions — strengthening the tissue in the body, reducing harmful fats in our blood, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood pressure. Matcha has proven to have very beneficial effects on our physical health and mental well-being.

While this tea should be praised for its advantages, there are still some possible risks to be aware of. Studies have reported some simple side effects, such as insomnia and upset stomachs, and also link the tea with iron deficiencies and liver failure. These cases are rare and only occur due to excessive consumption; however, they are not to be totally ignored. Unfortunately, matcha’s direct impact is not fully known, as it lacks the longevity of research. One might also question its risk of containing microplastics. Often, a matcha latte is crafted hot and poured over ice into a plastic cup. The excessive heat of the drink coming in contact with a plastic causes thousands of microplastics to mix into the beverage you are drinking. While microplastics in one drink are not too concerning, they can build up over time and damage the body’s internal organs.

Another specification to be aware of when purchasing matcha is its quality. Some businesses tend to value profit over quality since matcha is already a highly valuable item. They tend to compensate for their products by purchasing lower grade supplies while watering down their flavor with excessive sugar. Many of the bigger corporations might use “culinary grade” supplies, meaning it is suitable for public consumption but not in its best or most natural form. By doing your research and finding local cafes or brands that use “ceremonial grade” supplies, you can get the “real” matcha experience with a fully enhanced flavor profile and all its benefits.

Overall, matcha has many core components that are important to know before you order. While some are to be cautious of, most are very beneficial, and anything can be good for you in moderation to boost your mood or just make you feel good. While this information shouldn’t defer one from choosing this drink, it should rather give them the awareness of knowing what exactly they are consuming. 

So next time you walk into a coffee shop and think to yourself, “A matcha sounds pretty good today,” you can drink it knowing with certainty what you are putting in your body

Cheers, Gauchos!

A version of this article appeared on p.11 of the October 23, 2025 edition of the Daily Nexus.