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Matcha green tea has been steadily increasing in popularity. The powdered drink, originating in ancient China and commonly associated with Japan, has taken over coffee shops around the country.
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Matcha lattes can be pretty expensive. A medium iced matcha latte with additional flavor or non-dairy milk substitute can cost around $8 whether from Starbucks or a local café. The matcha powder itself ranges in prices from $30 – $50 depending on size.
For our “On a Budget” column, I went to Blackbird Books & Coffee in downtown Raleigh with a group of three friends, searching for a fun time under $25. The café and bookstore sells matcha lattes for $4.75 each. I was able to treat three co-workers, buying four matchas with additional flavoring and milk substitutes, totaling $24.41 including tax.
Two friends got blueberry flavoring, a feature on the cafe’s summer menu, added to their lattes. One friend got strawberry, which was all agreed to be the best flavor after some sips. I opted for honey, increasing the sweetness of the cold beverage. The additional flavored syrup was $0.25 and the almond or oat milk substitute was $0.70. Compared to nearby sellers, these prices are lower than most.
Littlefoot Matcha, also in downtown Raleigh, offers a 12-ounce iced matcha latte for $6, charging $1.50 for additional flavors such as mango, strawberry and vanilla. Dinoska Café in North Hills sell signature matcha concoctions with dragonfruit or chocolate for $7.50. The traditional matcha latte is $5.50 hot and $6.50 iced.
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The matcha flavor at Blackbird isn’t overpowering. Many first-time-triers dislike the earthy umami flavor that matcha is most known for. Blackbird’s subtle take on the green tea drink could convert even the pickiest of drinkers.
One of my friends who tagged along started this journey “indifferent” to matcha. He rated his matcha latte a 7.5 out of 10, expressing he liked how the normal earthy flavor didn’t compete with the sweetness of the blueberry.
After others tried the strawberry flavored matcha latte, it was easily determined that it was the best of what the group had ordered.
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