Does Matcha Really Taste Like Grass?
Image Credit: Priscilla Lee
During the summer of 2024, matcha became a major trend and quickly turned into many people’s favorite drink. From iced matcha lattes to matcha-flavored desserts, it seemed like everyone was trying it–or at least posting about it. But as popular as it became, there were also people who wondered what all the hype was about. One of the most common complaints about matcha was that it tastes like grass. While matcha lovers describe it as earthy, smooth, and energizing, others find the flavor strange or too strong. So, does matcha really taste like grass, or is there more to it?
Lucy Pettit ’26 admitted she doesn’t know much about matcha, but has tried it in baked goods and ice cream. Despite the common belief that matcha tastes like grass, Pettit disagrees, saying, “It doesn’t taste like what I ate was grass in any way.” She described the flavor as “kind of like chalky,” and compared it to herbs mixed with milk; it’s “like herbs, with the volume turned down,” she noted. To her, matcha doesn’t have the bright flavor of something like mint or oregano, but rather a more subtle taste with hints of vanilla. While she wasn’t sure how it compares to regular green tea, she did wonder if people’s perception of matcha tasting grassy could be linked to genetics, “like how people say cilantro tastes like soap.” The color also plays a role, she added, because “it kind of looks like grass.”
Keziah Mbugua ’28, a fan of matcha, observed that matcha doesn’t “necessarily [taste like grass] on its own. It’s a little bit earthy when you drink it, but when you add stuff, it’s fine.” She compares the taste to “drinking tea, but murky.” She prefers it over regular green tea, which she describes as “more calm,” whereas matcha feels more like “hanging out with friends.” Mbugua also noted that the flavor can vary depending on the type and quality of the matcha, saying, “Definitely depends where you get it [because there’s] different grades of matcha.” She believes the bright green color of matcha plays a big role in how people perceive its flavor, admitting, “If it was brown, it would be dirt,” although she adds that the green color can be intimidating too. Ultimately, Mbugua believes that the taste is subjective and influenced by trends, saying, “It makes people feel like they’re being healthy, and it’s been trending.”
Gracie Underwood ’26, who drinks matcha almost everyday, shared a thoughtful perspective on its unique flavor. She admitted that “it’s debatable” whether or not matcha tastes like grass depending on the amount of sweetener and the matcha concentration. Like Mbugua, Underwood also described the taste as “very earthy,” and said it reminds her of how nurseries smell. Compared to regular green tea, which she said “tastes a little bit more like water,” she finds matcha to be heavier and creamier, especially with milk or milk alternatives. She noted that lower sweetener levels and a higher concentration of matcha often bring out the “grassier” taste. When it comes to color, Underwood pointed out that it definitely impacts how people perceive taste, though brighter green doesn’t always mean better, “especially if you buy … the instant stuff, [which] can have dye in it.” Overall, she sees the love-hate relationship with matcha as a mix of individual tastes and experiences.
Lastly, Mekaela Fuqua ’26, who doesn’t like matcha, said, “I [don’t] see the hype.” Describing the taste as “plain” and “like cold decaf coffee without the bitterness,” Fuqua explained that while she understands why others might enjoy it, it just isn’t for her. She compared the flavor to “a salad in juice form” and “eating lettuce plain.” Though she acknowledged matcha’s aesthetic appeal and how add-ins like ube or strawberry can enhance it, she emphasized that without sweeteners or flavors, “it doesn’t have much flavor.” Despite her personal distaste, she added, “I don’t hate anyone who does [like matcha]. I’m not a hater, I promise.”
In the end, whether matcha tastes like grass, herbs, salad, or something else entirely, it seems like it comes down to personal preference and how it’s prepared. From sweetened lattes to baked goods and bold, concentrated brews, the flavor of matcha can shift depending on how it’s made and who’s drinking it. For some, it’s an energizing daily ritual, while for others, it’s overrated and leaves a leafy aftertaste. But whether you love it, hate it, or are still on the fence, one thing’s for sure: matcha isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Or maybe it will, due to the current matcha shortage that is a product of increasing demand.