Cafés are running out of matcha — and your daily latte could be next

A global shortage of matcha tea is impacting cafés, leading to price increases, smaller sizes, and even removal of matcha drinks from menus. The shortage is due to weak harvests in Japan, high importing costs, and extreme heat damaging crops, among other factors. As demand for matcha rises, the supply struggles to keep up, causing disruptions in the availability of the popular green tea.

Café owners are navigating the shortage by exploring alternatives like hojicha and genmaicha lattes, raising prices gradually to cover rising costs, and prioritizing quality over quantity. The shortage may result in occasional outages and menu changes for matcha lovers, while coffee drinkers may experience price increases as well. Despite the challenges, the article emphasizes the importance of supporting local cafés, trying new options, and maintaining rituals during this time of fluctuation in the beverage industry.