In recent years, matcha has crossed cultural boundaries to gain worldwide popularity. Its rise can be attributed to a combination of health-conscious consumers, the impact of social media, and creative culinary trends.
Only a few years ago, green tea was generally seen as a refreshment for health enthusiasts. However, the craze, which originated in Japan, has taken over cafes and restaurants around the UK, and we are now seeing more people than ever before consuming matcha drinks and treats on the streets.
If you don’t know what matcha is don’t worry, we have got you covered so you can seem like an expert when your customers ask you!
The finely ground powder made from tea leaves is extremely nutritious thanks to it being packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Because of this, it has been proven to improve the health of consumers by boosting metabolism, increasing attention span, relieving stress and strengthening of the immune system.
Moreover, it’s striking green colour is visually appealing and a standout, which is one of the reasons it is all over social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Over the past year, social discussions around matcha have grown by nearly 30%, with Instagram posts tagged with #matcha surpassing 5 million.
Despite originally trending due to its success in beverages, matcha has found its way into a variety of food concoctions due to its extreme versatility.
Millionaire shortbread, the classic sweet treat known for its layers of shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, continues to attract new twists and variations. Add matcha powder to the mixing bowl, to transform the shortbread into an eye-catching, attractive treat.
In recent years, bundt cakes have undergone a delightful evolution, with creative collaborations and inventive flavours making their way into bakeries worldwide. Whether you are creating large sharing cakes or tapping into the miniature snacking formats, by adding matcha to Plain Crème Cake Mix, you can create delicious cakes with vibrant interiors.
Madeleines, the classic French shell-shaped cakes, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity as they undergo intriguing transformations to cater to modern culinary trends. As consumers increasingly seek lighter and more indulgent treats, smaller sized pastries, such as mini madeleines, are becoming more desirable. Our 5th Avenue® White Icing works wonderfully with additional flavours, and as such, by adding matcha powder to icing when heating, and using a silicone mould, you can create these stunning matcha madeleines.
And matcha-flavoured desserts are becoming more popular. By combining with Macphie Crème Brûlée and white chocolate you can create a delicious tart which is a little different to the normal.
Don’t forget to promote your creations! After all the effort of bringing these treats to life, let your customers know about them. Social media, menu highlights, and word-of-mouth can go a long way in driving interest and sales.