Would you like matcha with that? If you've ever dreamed of getting fast food (healthy fast food, that is) with a side of the cult fave anti-inflammatory green drink, welcome to the future.
Gone are the days of the powdered tea being relegated to the back aisles of your local health food store. Today, you can get your fix in almost everything (including lemonade, donuts, and yogurt bowls), and almost anywhere—including your friendly neighborhood Starbucks and, in some countries, in a McDonald's McFlurry!
Today, you can get your fix at your friendly neighborhood Starbucks and, in some countries, in a McDonald's McFlurry.
Health-wise, matcha has a leg up on your daily cold brew: Aside from helping clear some of that early morning fogginess and lack of energy, matcha is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to health benefits including reduced cholesterol and blood pressure. So it's not super-surprising that grab-and-go spots like the 'Bucks and Pret A Manger are stocking up on the green goods.
Here's how to get your matcha fix, to go—fast.
1. Starbucks
Is there anything more summery than lemonade? Maybe Starbucks' off-the-menu matcha-fueled version. And the coffee giant's take on the tea trend isn't just photogenic, it's also really, really good—with the creamy, earthy taste of matcha plus the tart-and-sweet refreshment of a ice-cold lemonade.
2. Pret A Manger
Since there's a Pret on almost every corner across the US, its iced matcha latte is as reliable as they come—made with the Panatea matcha and steamed Califa Farm almond milk. (You can also get it hot if that's your jam.)
3. Peet's Coffee
Peet’s five matcha offerings include the OG matcha green tea latte, plus iced, peppermint, and vanilla versions. If you're new to matcha, opt for the iced matcha green tea latte with peppermint: The mint cuts through and lightens the heavier, earthy matcha taste, making it a solid beginner-friendly choice.
4. Le Pain Quotidien
Come for the avocado toast, stay for the matcha latte, which is available at LPQ year-round. Plus, the fast-casual spot has seasonal edible offerings like matcha mini tarts and matcha muffins.
5. Whole Foods
After you stock up on organic produce, swing by the Whole Foods coffee bar, where you can get your hands on an Allegro Coffee matcha latte. (With the new Amazon-Whole Foods deal, will matcha lattes eventually be delivered by drone?!)
6. Bluestone Lane
Matcha green tea is basically the default or intro setting for matcha. Bluestone Lane's version of the drink is made with steamed almond milk and ceremonial-grade green tea powder, making it one of the easiest and healthiest ways to kick off your morning (or jump-start your afternoon). The Australian coffee shop has locations in New York City, Philadelphia, and the Hamptons, and will be coming soon to San Francisco.
7. Sweets By Chloe
Proof that you can have your babka and eat it too: Sweets By Chloe's take on the traditional Jewish dish is not only vegan, but is also packed full of matcha and chocolate. Talk about a match(a) made in heaven. (Couldn't resist.) This is exclusive to their NYC location, at least for now!
But before you go gaga for the green tea, here's how to know whether you're getting the good stuff. And is algae the next wellness beverage to watch? Here's what you need to know about the superfood with staying power.
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