What Is Matcha?

Q: Is matcha better for you than coffee?

Matcha provides a slower, more balanced energy release compared to coffee, without the crash, making it a popular alternative for sustained focus.

Benefits, Uses & Why Matcha Carts are Trending at Events in London

At Barista Hire London, we provide premium matcha bar services for events across London, the UK and internationally — from corporate activations and exhibitions to retail experiences and private events.

Over the past few years, matcha has evolved from a niche product into one of the most in-demand drinks we serve. Clients are no longer just looking for coffee; they’re looking for something more refined, more visual and more aligned with modern wellness trends.

👉 Explore our services:
Matcha Bar Hire London

Alongside our matcha services, we also deliver fully managed coffee activations through our sister brand:
👉 Coffee Cart Hire London

Together, these services allow us to create complete, premium drinks experiences tailored to modern events.

Frequently Asked Question

What is matcha powder?

Matcha powder is a finely ground green tea made from shade-grown tea leaves. Unlike regular tea, the whole leaf is consumed, making it richer in antioxidants, nutrients and flavour. This is why it’s widely used in premium services such as matcha bar hire in London.

Is matcha bitter and why?

High-quality matcha is not overly bitter. Bitterness usually comes from lower-grade matcha or incorrect preparation, such as using water that is too hot. Premium ceremonial matcha, like the one used in professional event setups, is naturally smooth, slightly sweet and well balanced.

What does matcha drink do for you?

Matcha provides a calm, sustained energy boost thanks to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine. It supports focus, reduces stress and delivers high levels of antioxidants.

Is matcha better for you than coffee?

Matcha and coffee offer different benefits. Matcha provides a slower, more balanced energy release without the crash, while coffee delivers a quicker boost. Many people prefer matcha for its smoother effect and added health benefits.

Is it good to drink matcha every day?

Yes, matcha can be enjoyed daily in moderation. It contains antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids that support overall wellbeing, making it a popular choice for a daily drink.

What Is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially cultivated green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries. Unlike standard green tea, where leaves are steeped and removed, matcha is consumed whole — meaning you absorb all of its nutrients, flavour and natural compounds.

This results in a drink that is both smooth and complex, with a distinctive earthy taste and vibrant green colour. Its unique profile is one of the key reasons it has become so popular across London, particularly in environments where presentation and quality matter.

How Matcha Is Made?

The process behind matcha is what gives it its depth and quality.

Tea plants are shaded weeks before harvest, increasing chlorophyll levels and boosting amino acids. This step is essential in developing the rich colour and smooth flavour matcha is known for. Only the youngest leaves are selected, then carefully dried and slowly stone-ground into a fine powder.

This traditional method preserves both the taste and the nutritional value, resulting in a product that feels intentional, refined and distinctly different from other teas.

The Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is widely associated with health and wellbeing, which adds another layer to its appeal.

It is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins such as EGCG, which are linked to supporting overall health. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting calm focus — something that sets matcha apart from more stimulating drinks.

Because the entire leaf is consumed, matcha provides a more concentrated source of nutrients compared to traditional green tea. This includes vitamins, minerals and compounds that support both mental clarity and physical wellbeing.

For a deeper look at how these trends are shaping the events industry, you can explore:
👉 Coffee & Matcha Trends 2026

Why Matcha Is Becoming So Popular at Events

Matcha’s rise in the events industry is not accidental — it reflects a broader shift toward experience-led hospitality.

When prepared fresh in front of guests, matcha naturally draws attention. The process of whisking, the colour, and the precision all contribute to a moment that feels considered and engaging. In retail environments and brand activations, this becomes especially powerful, as it encourages interaction and creates a natural focal point.

This is often enhanced when paired with a wider drinks setup, such as a coffee cart hire in London activation, allowing guests to choose between coffee and matcha while keeping the experience cohesive and premium.

Matcha Drinks at Events

n an event setting, matcha offers both versatility and visual appeal.

Guests are often introduced to matcha through lattes, which provide a smoother and more accessible flavour, while iced matcha drinks have become particularly popular during warmer months and high-energy activations. Plant-based options such as oat, almond and coconut milk allow the experience to feel inclusive without compromising on quality.

This flexibility is one of the reasons matcha works so well at events — it adapts easily while maintaining its identity.

Does Matcha Contain Caffeine?

Yes, matcha does contain caffeine, but it behaves very differently from coffee.

Instead of delivering a quick spike in energy, matcha provides a slower, more sustained release. This is due to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, which helps create a balanced sense of alertness without the crash.

In an event environment, this is particularly valuable, as it allows guests to stay energised while maintaining a calm and enjoyable experience.

Is Matcha Healthy?

Matcha is considered one of the most nutrient-dense drinks available, but its value goes beyond nutrition alone.

It represents a shift toward more conscious consumption — where quality, origin and preparation all play a role in how a product is perceived. For events and brand activations, this perception is incredibly powerful.

Offering matcha signals attention to detail, an understanding of trends, and a commitment to delivering something beyond the expected.

Coffee & Matcha — A Modern Event Combination

Increasingly, events are combining coffee and matcha to create a more complete and engaging drinks experience.

Coffee remains essential, but matcha introduces a new dimension — one that appeals to a broader audience and adds a contemporary edge. Together, they create balance between familiarity and innovation.

👉 Explore full setups here:
Mobile Coffee Bar Hire London
Coffee Cart Hire for Exhibitions

This combination allows events to deliver both high-quality coffee and trend-led alternatives without compromising on experience.

Where to Book Matcha Bar Hire in London

If you’re planning an event, exhibition or brand activation, matcha can completely transform how guests engage with your space.

At Barista Hire London, we provide fully managed matcha bar services designed to deliver both visual impact and operational efficiency — whether in retail, corporate or large-scale environments.

👉 Book your matcha bar:
Matcha Bar Hire London

👉 Contact our team here

Part of a Trusted Events Network

Barista Hire London is part of a wider group of premium event services, allowing us to deliver complete experiences across coffee, cocktails and brand activations.

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This network allows us to support everything from small private events to large-scale corporate activations across London and beyond.

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