Matcha, the vivid green tea powder long championed by TV presenter and former The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes, has become a high street staple. Now available at Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Caffè Nero, the drink offers various health benefits, with some studies suggesting it can help with weight loss, improve brain performance, and clear skin.
Not a quick-fix hack
Rochelle Humes has been a pioneer of the drink for years, even creating her own matcha brand, Cloudcha, in 2023 alongside Pilates teacher Bryony Deery. However, experts caution that matcha is not a shortcut in a cup. Its benefits are usually discussed alongside regular exercise and healthy eating habits, rather than as a standalone miracle.
Matcha comes from plant compounds called catechins, which are linked to protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. That is why it is often pitched as a general wellness booster with long-term health upsides, if consumed alongside a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.
Health benefits and studies
Some studies have also linked matcha to improved heart health and enhanced brain skills such as memory and attention. Researchers have even suggested it may support weight management when it is part of an active lifestyle. Studies suggest that drinking matcha before working out can enhance fat oxidation, the process your body uses to break down fat for energy during exercise.
Matcha contains antioxidants, specifically epigallocatechin gallate, which may slightly increase daily calorie burning and energy expenditure. It can also help support clearer skin because it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, though it is not a standalone cure for acne. Epigallocatechin gallate also helps soothe redness and calm irritated, acne-prone skin.
High street availability and taste
Thanks to its popularity on social media, big chains are now selling it on the high street. Stores like Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Caffè Nero commonly list matcha drinks, as do plenty of independent cafés. If you are not keen on the taste, some shops soften it with extra flavours and sweeteners, though purists prefer the plain version.
However, matcha contains caffeine, so it will not suit everyone. Anyone who is prone to anxiety or sleep problems is advised to check with a healthcare professional before making it a daily habit.
Rochelle's take on the drink
Although the This Morning presenter reportedly tends to make her own matcha at home, according to a Women's Health feature, people can try her take on the drink without having to buy all the ingredients. The mum-of-three appears to enjoy her drinks hot, but some cafe chains, like Starbucks, offer an iced alternative if that is what customers prefer.
The base is a matcha green tea latte (customers can ask for an iced or hot version). The milk is oat milk, with baristas swapping the default cow's milk. The sweetener is maple-flavoured drizzle, which is in stock for the autumn 2026 menu. The spice is cinnamon powder, which customers can ask to be shaken on top.
People say that matcha has a grassy, slightly bitter taste that can be a shock if you are used to sweet coffees. Blending it with oat milk, cinnamon, or a drizzle of syrup can make it sweeter. If you are trying it in a café, you may want to consider starting with a matcha latte rather than straight matcha for a softer flavour. Ask for less sweetener first, then adjust next time if you want it sweeter.
Avoid overloading the drink with too many add-ins, as this could wipe out some of the health benefits that people may be seeking from this vibrant drink.
