Ready to Drink Matcha
Matcha lattes can be a healthy, antioxidant-rich beverage providing calm energy, but their health value depends heavily on added sugar and milk. The health benefits are highest in pure matcha. Many coffee shop matcha lattes are loaded with sugar, so we took a selection of trending ready-to-drink matcha options to compare the calorie vs sugar content - and were surprised to find the results were not quite what we expected.
Yusaki Matcha Yusaki is currently expanding its international distribution network and is working with partners across multiple markets to scale the brand globally. At this time, Yusaki Matcha is not yet available in Europe, however they will be coming to a store near you in the very near future. We tried both their Vanilla Coconut Milk, and Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte. Both drinks look more like yoghurt with the same consistency, and a very green color. I think we were expecting cream and pink yet, regardless of their appearance, both tasted really good. We kept them chilled before use, and drank them straight from the pot. Offering 51 kcal per 100ml with added sugar and sweeteners, these are gluten- and dairy-free with a matcha concentration of 0.8% and 5.5g sugar per 100ml.
Yusaki brings authentic Japanese matcha to you with the same care it receives at the farm. We source directly from generational farmers in Honyama, Shizuoka and protect freshness with cold storage and cold shipping to reduce oxidation and preserve color, aroma, and taste."
Mai Chai With three flavours available, we tried the Mai Latte Chai, and the Mai Matcha Chai. The Latte is a thick and creamy oat drink, similar to what we would expect when ordering a chai latte, but chilled. The Mai Matcha Latte offers a much cleaner feel with a refreshing light matcha flavour. Priced at £3.50 for a 250ml can, these are also gluten- and dairy-free but taste really creamy regardless due to the quality of oats used for the milk. With 4g of sugar per 100ml the Latte has 61 kcal. The Matcha offers 54 kcal with 4.9g sugar per 100ml and 0.5% ceremonial matcha. Both drinks have added sugar/sweeteners.
"Motivated by our love for chai, we set out on a journey to create Mai Chai. Our mission was to craft a chai tea latte that combines the sweet, comforting taste we love with the convenience of a ready-to-drink option. We hand sourced the finest ingredients, ensuring that every sip of Mai Chai captures the essence of traditional chai, emphasising the health benefits and sweet taste of our chai blend.
Kloudy Matcha Kloudy is clean, calm energy: ceremonial-grade matcha plus adaptogens*, nootropics*, and essential minerals & vitamins. It's water-based (zero dairy), no refined sugar, and 50 kcal or less per can. Containing 32mg of caffeine per 100ml, they are on target for an energy drink. Imagine your matcha latte without milk and sugar, and filled with natural goodness that supports your health. With 2.4g sugar and 17 kcal per 100ml, Kloudy are made for those who want the benefits of matcha without the added sweeteners and milk sugars.
When it comes to matcha having above 1g per 100ml liquid equates to a high strength and premium product. Below 0.5% the contents are more about flavour than function. So it's all about getting the balance right - and making your own informed choices, while still having the occasional treat. In all honesty, if I was given the choice between coconut water or matcha before last month, I would have declined both. But since being introduced to some very good brands over the last few weeks, I have found a new love for both.
*adaptogens are natural substances - mostly herbs, roots, and mushrooms
* nootropics include options like caffeine or L-theanine