David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Matcha Snack Foods: Trendy But Not Always Healthy
Berkley Wellness
June 19, 2018
Don’t assume that snacks and beverages that boast “matcha” in the name are healthful just because they contain this trendy ingredient. While matcha, a type of green tea made from the whole leaf, is rich in antioxidants and other potentially beneficial substances, it’s increasingly being added to high-calorie, high-sugar, and high-fat foods.
For instance, the grande (16 ounces) Matcha Lemonade at Starbucks has 7 teaspoons (27 grams) of sugar. Poky matcha biscuit sticks contain 340 calories, 14 grams of fat (12 saturated), and 24 grams of sugar per 2.5-ounce container. Matcha cookies and ice cream typically have at least as many calories and as much fat as those with other flavors. There is even matcha KitKat candy.
If you want the flavor and potential health benefits of matcha without nutrition pitfalls, stick with the tea itself, which is made by whisking the green powder in hot water—or add matcha powder to a healthy fruit or yogurt smoothie.
Also see Matcha, the New (Old) Green Tea.
Berkley Wellness
June 19, 2018
Don’t assume that snacks and beverages that boast “matcha” in the name are healthful just because they contain this trendy ingredient. While matcha, a type of green tea made from the whole leaf, is rich in antioxidants and other potentially beneficial substances, it’s increasingly being added to high-calorie, high-sugar, and high-fat foods.
For instance, the grande (16 ounces) Matcha Lemonade at Starbucks has 7 teaspoons (27 grams) of sugar. Poky matcha biscuit sticks contain 340 calories, 14 grams of fat (12 saturated), and 24 grams of sugar per 2.5-ounce container. Matcha cookies and ice cream typically have at least as many calories and as much fat as those with other flavors. There is even matcha KitKat candy.
If you want the flavor and potential health benefits of matcha without nutrition pitfalls, stick with the tea itself, which is made by whisking the green powder in hot water—or add matcha powder to a healthy fruit or yogurt smoothie.
Also see Matcha, the New (Old) Green Tea.
