Greggs Enters the Matcha Market with Budget-Friendly Iced Drinks
Greggs has officially launched its first-ever range of matcha lattes, available in three distinct flavours, as the bakery chain aims to capitalise on the booming popularity of iced green tea beverages. With prices starting at just £3, these new offerings significantly undercut most high-street coffee shop competitors, presenting a compelling budget option for matcha enthusiasts.
A Trio of Affordable Iced Matcha Options
The new range, developed in partnership with PerfectTed matcha, includes an Iced Matcha Latte priced at £3, a Vanilla Iced Matcha Latte at £3.60, and a Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte also at £3.60. Each drink is crafted with semi-skimmed milk, a blend of syrup containing sugar and sweetener, and served over crushed ice. The nationwide rollout commenced on Thursday, February 5, making these beverages accessible across Greggs outlets.
Tasting the Simple Iced Matcha Latte
The foundational Iced Matcha Latte offers a straightforward introduction to the range. The matcha flavour is pronounced yet not overwhelming, with a notable absence of excessive sweetness that will appeal to those who prefer less sugary drinks. Its vibrant green hue signals quality matcha, while the crushed ice provides an authentic iced-coffee-shop texture, avoiding any watered-down impression. For purists who appreciate the earthy, grassy notes of matcha, this version serves as a reliable choice, though those desiring a more intense green-tea taste might consider requesting an extra matcha shot.
The Vanilla Iced Matcha Latte Stands Out
Among the three options, the Vanilla Iced Matcha Latte emerged as the clear favourite. Greggs has masterfully balanced the vanilla syrup with the matcha, ensuring the sweetness complements rather than overpowers the tea's natural earthiness. This drink delivers a smooth, treat-like experience while maintaining the integrity of a genuine matcha latte, avoiding any dessert-like heaviness. It ranks highly among comparable vanilla matcha offerings available on the market.
Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte: A Sweet, Seasonal Twist
The Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte combines matcha with strawberry and vanilla syrups, resulting in the most visually appealing and Instagram-ready option. It boasts a light, summery flavour profile and is the sweetest of the trio. While it may not surpass the vanilla version for some, it remains a solid choice for those inclined towards fruitier beverages. The syrup-to-matcha ratio is well-calibrated, allowing both flavours to shine through harmoniously.
Final Verdict: Surprising Value in a Competitive Market
The most striking aspect of Greggs' new matcha range is undoubtedly its pricing. At £3 to £3.60, these drinks are substantially cheaper than typical high-street matcha offerings, which often exceed £4.50. In a market where matcha is frequently positioned as a premium product, Greggs' decision to target the budget segment is both unusual and strategic. The classic version provides a refreshing, no-frills option, the vanilla stands out as the top pick, and the strawberry offers a sweeter, seasonal alternative. This launch appears to be a well-timed, savvy move by Greggs to attract a new audience while leveraging its reputation for affordability.
