5 cool Japanese drinks that aren’t matcha

Matcha may have become the poster child for wellness drinks, but it’s far from the only star in Japan’s beverage arsenal. In fact, the global matcha market was valued at a whopping USD 4.3 billion in 2023, and it’s expected to surge to USD 7.43 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.9%. This booming demand reflects a broader trend: rising health consciousness and growing consumer awareness about the benefits of traditional, plant-based drinks.

But as the matcha craze reaches its peak, a fresh wave of Japanese beverages is gaining momentum.

Sencha

Often overshadowed by its powdered cousin matcha, Sencha is Japan’s most commonly consumed green tea. Unlike matcha, which is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are stone-ground, sencha is brewed from whole sun-grown leaves. It has a fresh, grassy flavor with a delicate bitterness that balances its sweetness. Rich in catechins and antioxidants, sencha is known for boosting metabolism and enhancing focus—minus the jittery caffeine crash.