Alpro’s coconut-based Matcha drink
Alpro has launched what it claims is the UK’s first ready‑to‑drink matcha product made with a soya‑coconut base.
The 1L ambient product combines green tea matcha with a plant‑based base that can be foamed and drank either hot or cold.
Alpro Matcha is fortified with calcium, iodine and vitamins B9, D2 and B2, and is positioned for afternoon consumption where the brand says 80% of matcha occasions currently sit.
The move taps into the rapidly growing matcha space, with tea and RTD formats rising from 5% in 2023 to 12% in the first ten months of 2025. The drinks brand highlights particularly strong interest among consumers, with 72% of green-tea drinkers under 35 now opting for hot matcha beverages.
Tom Kerr, head of category management and commercial planning – plant based, Danone UK and Ireland said: “Matcha is growing at pace because it fits perfectly with today’s consumer habits and provides an on-trend alternative to traditional coffee, with a lower caffeine profile.
“Barista is one of the most dynamic areas for the category as consumers, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials who are driving demand for simple, quality, ready-to-pour formats at home. This launch underscores our confidence in its future – not just for matcha and Barista, but for the plant-based sector across the board.”
This launch follows a year of innovation for Alpro, with the introduction of its Alpro Kids range, limited‑edition Barista flavours, and parent company, Danone North Europe’s multi‑million‑pound investment in British oat sourcing.
The new Alpro Matcha drink which has an RSP of £2.75, is stocked in Sainsbury’s, with wider rollout planned across major retailers in the UK and Republic of Ireland by June.
PerfectTed lattes
PerfectTed has extended its ready‑to‑drink Matcha Latte range with two new flavours: Blueberry Matcha Latte and Original Matcha Latte.
The new additions follow positive performance of its Vanilla and Strawberry variants and the brand’s rapid expansion, with more than 35,000 store listings across 50 countries.
Both are oat-based drinks made with so-called ‘ceremonial grade’ matcha. Marketeers use this to distinguish its higher quality – although it’s worth noting there is no regulated definition.
One can offers 60mg of matcha caffeins, equivalent to a single espresso shot, and are sweetened with agave and contain no refined sugar, artificial sweeteners or synthetic caffeine.
Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed, said: “The response to our Strawberry and Vanilla Matcha Latte cans has been incredible – it proved there’s real demand for barista-quality matcha that fits into everyday life. Following that success, we’re excited to expand the range with Blueberry and Original Matcha Latte cans: two flavours our community has been asking for, and two that show how versatile matcha can be. Whether you want something bold and fruity or to keep it classic, these new launches make it even easier to grab matcha anywhere, anytime.”
The products initially launched exclusively in Whole Foods Market, with their rollout into Waitrose starting today (8 April 2026).
Lantern Matcha Soda
The matcha trend is also penetrating the US market, with drinks brand Lantern entering the category with a ‘shelf‑stable’ Matcha Soda.
This is positioned as a scalable, high‑velocity alternative to existing ready‑to‑drink matcha offerings and is made with ‘ceremonial‑grade’ Japanese matcha, organic cane sugar and natural flavours.
Lantern says the launch plugs the gap between rising global demand for matcha and limited retail availability of accessible, non‑dairy matcha drinks.
The range will roll out across two formats targeting different channels. A 187 ml glass Ramune bottle will focus on foodservice, cafés and specialty outlets, while a 250 ml can has been developed for grocery, convenience and mass retail.
Lantern says the dual‑format approach supports both brand building and scalability.
The soda is rolling onto select on-premise accounts and specialty retail partners’ shelves, with broader domestic and international expansion underway.
Forest Feast matcha nuts
Snacking brand Forest Feast has launched Matcha Chocolate Almonds, extending its range of sweet-coated fruit and nuts.
The almonds have been enrobed in white chocolate blended with PerfectTed matcha and packed in a 120g (RRP £3.95) and 40g packs (RRP £1.45).
“We are always on the lookout for opportunities to translate cultural trends into crave-worthy innovation. With matcha becoming one of the fastest-growing flavour trends, it felt like an exciting territory to explore and an opportunity to reach and excite younger consumers, particularly as data shows as many as 40% are replacing tea or coffee with the viral sensation,” commented Leona McCaugherty, head of marketing at Forest Feast.
The 120g format has launched in Sainsbury’s, with Boots to follow on 4 May. The 40g pack is now also stocked in Dunnes Stores ROI and will later become available in Tesco from 18 May.
