Matcha has evolved from a centuries-old Japanese tea tradition into a global phenomenon, celebrated for its health benefits, unique umami taste, and strong social media appeal.
No longer just a niche alternative to coffee, this vibrant green drink is making its way into cafés, kitchens, and even supermarket aisles worldwide. Matcha production in Japan more than doubled between 2010 and 2023, reaching 4,176 tonnes from 1,471 tonnes, with over half of this amount being exported as of 20233.
With Gen Z leading the trend, matcha is moving beyond the traditional tea bowl into smoothies, lattes, desserts, and functional ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages3.
As consumers move away from sugary sodas and artificial energy drinks, the demand is shifting toward clean-label options with added health benefits2, putting RTD matcha in the spotlight as one of the most versatile and exciting products for today’s beverage industry.
Why is Matcha Good for the Body?
Matcha is a nutrient-rich beverage, packed with antioxidants such as catechins (EGCG) that fight free radicals, strengthen immunity, and reduce inflammation2.
It also delivers essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall wellness5,making it more nutrient-dense than regular green tea since the whole leaf is consumed in powdered form.
What makes matcha unique is the balance of natural caffeine and L-theanine. Caffeine sharpens alertness while L-theanine calms the mind, working together to provide steady energy and sustained focus without the jitters or crashes often linked to coffee.
How to Make Matcha Better to Meet Consumer Demand?
As health-conscious consumers continue to look for beverages that offer more than just refreshment, the opportunity lies in enhancing pre-packaged matcha drinks with functional ingredients that address specific wellness needs.
By incorporating natural sweeteners, beauty-boosting elements, and digestive support, manufacturers can elevate matcha into a more versatile, future-ready drink. The functional ingredients that can be added to shelf-ready matcha beverages include:
Monk Fruit Extract
Monk fruit extract offers a clean, naturally sourced sweetness that is 15–20 times sweeter than sugar yet remains low in calories6. It provides a healthy, great-tasting alternative without compromising flavour, making it an ideal choice to balance the slightly bitter and gritty profile of matcha. This makes it especially suitable for ready-to-drink (RTD) matcha products seeking a natural and delicious sweetening solution.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen Peptides support skin, hair, and nail health, with collagen as the key functional component4. Collagen’s popularity has grown faster than other skin-health ingredients, appearing in supplements, foods, and beverage launches. Incorporating it into bottled or canned matcha or other functional beverages allows manufacturers to meet consumer demand for beauty-focused wellness solutions.
Inulin, Prebiotic Fibre
Inulin is a prebiotic fibre that supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Beyond gut function, it aids weight management, blood glucose regulation, bone health, mood, cognition, and immunity1. Incorporating inulin – particularly that sourced from chicory root fibre – into these on-the-go matcha drinks enhances digestive wellness while transforming them into a multi-benefit functional beverage.
Flavour Innovation Ideas for RTD Matcha
To stand out in the growing RTD matcha market, manufacturers can experiment with a variety of flavours and formats — whether in cans, bottles, or powdered mixes. Some options to consider include:
Sparkling Matcha – adding carbonation for a refreshing twist
Matcha Kombucha – combining the functional benefits of both drinks
Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte – seasonal or dessert-inspired flavours
Manufacturers can also explore dessert-inspired, fruity, or plant-based blends to appeal to different consumer segments and keep the product line exciting.
RTD beverages offer a versatile canvas for innovation. At DPO International, we work alongside partners such as BENEO, GELITA, and Monk Fruit Corp to bring functional ingredient solutions into RTD matcha beverages — creating products that not only support business goals but also deliver meaningful wellness and enjoyment to consumers.
