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.
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.
Good, affordable matcha
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…