Is Your Matcha Latte at Risk? Global Supplies Hit Record Low

If one is a fan of thick, earthy, creamy matcha lattes, they will have to brace themselves because throughout the world, the supply of matcha is running out, affecting a priori clients of the cafes and kitchens. 

The newspaper Nikkei Asia writes in the latest report that matcha production in Japan — the country considered the greatest supplier — has hit an unprecedented low in 2024 due to extreme weather, shrinking farmland, and a surge in demand, globally. The Kyoto and Kagoshima prefectures of Japan, which are known for superb matcha, have witnessed a 20% fall in the harvest this year. 

Matcha is prepared from young green tea leaves, which are steamed, dried, and ground into a bright green powder. Owing to its rich antioxidant properties, it provides an energy boost that is clean and calming due to L-theanine, an amino acid present within it, combined with natural caffeine. The ingredients of a classic matcha latte are:

1 tsp matcha powder

½ cup hot water

½ cup steamed milk (dairy or plant-based)

Sweetener (optional)
 

Food expert Dr. Yuki Tanaka, a Tokyo-based tea researcher, says: “We’re seeing a boom in global matcha demand — not just in drinks, but in desserts, skincare, and supplements. But supply can’t keep up, especially with fewer young farmers entering the trade.”

With prices already rising by 15–20% in global markets, your favorite matcha latte could soon become a luxury item. Some cafés are even offering limited matcha menus or switching to lower-grade powders.

So, if matcha is part of your daily ritual, now’s the time to sip and savor — and maybe stock up while you still can!