Matcha’s rise at Carrollton: a blend of trend and health culture

For many years, coffee has been the go-to drink for students and professionals. However, recently, a new beverage is stealing the spotlight. Once known solely as a ceremonial Japanese tea, matcha has become a significant lifestyle trend, appearing in cafés across Miami like Pura Vida, HoneyVeil, and Starbucks. With its vibrant green color and its portrayal as a healthier alternative to coffee, matcha is more than just a drink–it’s a symbol of culture, wellness, and trendiness. 

The rising trend of matcha is particularly noticeable in the Carrollton community. In a recent survey of 142 Upper School students, 59.2% said they drink it regularly and another 18.3% said they drink it sometimes. Matcha is not a one-time aesthetic buy, but is now embedded in students’ everyday routines.

Also striking is how fresh this new wave of matcha is. 24.1% of students surveyed said that they started drinking it within the last three to six months, 17.5% within the past year, and 9.5% about a year ago.

Currently, the most popular places are Pura Vida, HoneyVeil, and Navi. Most students prefer matcha from these well-known places; however, some make it themselves or purchase it from local locations or smaller cafés like Emissary or a farmers’ market.

When asked why they drink matcha, most students cited taste (82.4%), followed by health benefits (37%), and aesthetic/social media influence (30.3%). Yet another 22.7% drink it for caffeine, noting that it makes them feel less jittery than coffee.

The idea that matcha is healthy and energizing is backed by research. According to The Tea Makers of London, “While coffee and matcha both have their own health benefits, matcha is better for you overall and has fewer potential side effects. It’s gentler on the body and is good for you in so many different ways.”

However, while matcha’s popularity is rising, coffee is not disappearing. Of the students who don’t drink matcha, 65.5% said they prefer coffee. 

And, while many students love matcha, there are those who just don’t like the taste (12.6%) or haven’t tried it (8.4%). Some said, “it tastes like grass,” or that they think it’s overrated and expensive. 

But these students are increasingly in the minority. Whether it’s a HoneyVeil iced matcha or a Starbucks pick-me-up before class, matcha has officially become the trendiest drink for Carrollton students.