In recent months, matcha has quickly gained traction, turning it into more than just a drink but a cultural symbol. From TikToks of “performative men” sipping it with feminist literature books in hand, to matcha-flavored products ranging from ice cream to fried chicken, the green drink’s popularity has skyrocketed. But with this hype has come division. 

   For some, matcha is a refreshing and comforting drink. Ngun Hlei Par swears by her go-to order from Starbucks, “a venti iced matcha latte with oat milk, 4 pumps of brown sugar syrup and strawberry cold foam.” Jillian Nolan, another matcha lover, says it depends on who makes the matcha, preferring local coffee shops over larger chains. For her, coffee and matcha are both enjoyable, but “a matcha day is like a rainy, mysterious day.”

   For others, matcha is anything but enjoyable. Dawt Bawi believes it, “tastes like the scent metal.” While Dawt Tial admits that she doesn’t like matcha at all, “I think it’s like performative…I think if you like matcha, you’re just trying to follow the trends.” If Tial were to be on a stranded island, she would consider drinking it, but Bawi didn’t even have to think before saying, “No, I hate it.” 

    Matcha is either passionately hated or loved. This thin line between love and hate may just be the reason why it continues to be a trend. It’s proven to not only be a drink but a conversation starter.