Reporter Lucy Marshall, who can’t resist a coffee shop trip, has reviewed the viral raspberry flavoured drink served at M&S Cafes to see if it lives up the hype online
The temperatures are warmer and the sunshine keeps making an appearance, which means many of us are swapping our hot beverages from something cool and refreshing. It is no secret that us Brits love our tea and coffee, but nowadays the trendy thing to do is to order a matcha. Not only is the drink aesthetically pleasing, it shows off how much of a ‘clean girl’ you really are; it is packed with health benefits.
I have to admit that I’m one of those people who can’t get enough of matcha – and when I am wearing green, you best believe I am getting one to purely match my vibe. But, I have to admit that pure matcha can taste a bit like grass (we all tried a strand of grass while playing as a kid, right?), but mixing it with your favourite milk and/or delicious, flavoured sugar syrup makes all the difference in making it more like a milkshake.
As someone who loves a cuppa, I have found it a great alternative that allows me to enjoy a lovely drink without getting a coffee.
Recently, fans of the green beverage have been going wild for M&S’ new matcha options. M&S cafes across the country offer an original Matcha Latte and a Vanilla Matcha Latte, both priced at £4, as well as the viral Raspberry and White Chocolate Matcha Latte.
The Iced Raspberry and White Chocolate Matcha Latte has been dubbed “worth the hype” by customers who are encouraging others to give it a go. This sweet and creamy matcha blend, infused with notes of raspberry and white chocolate, is priced at £4.25. Fans simply can’t resist it.
After spending far too long lounging and scrolling on TikTok watching people sip on these drinks, I had to see if the Raspberry and White Chocolate Matcha Latte was worth the hype.
I visited an M&S café in Leeds city centre recently to pick up the delight. Standing in the queue it appeared that I was the only one ordering this beverage as the regulars ordered their teas and coffees.
Presentation and making process
I watched the drink being made and was disappointed by the lack of freshness. The premade matcha was mixed with water and then kept in a container in the fridge.
Competitors like Blank Street – where there are queues down the street for their famous matcha drinks – make each drink fresh. So this drink was not fresh enough for me.
Firstly, I was the only one in the queue to order this drink, so surely they would have time to make it fresh in front of me.
And secondly, I wouldn’t want my espresso sitting there for hours before a coffee order, I would want it brewed in front of me.
Considering the price, along with the standard from competitors, I think this element needs to be change. It felt like the staff had not been properly trained in making matcha drinks so they just premade the ingredients for ease.
Nonetheless, the drink was made at a speedy pace, the staff member making it was lovely, and the drink looked fine presentation wise.
The colour of the drink looked good, although quite light in comparison to promotional pictures of the drink, so you may want to add an extra shot of matcha if you prefer it stronger.
Taste test
Now, time for the taste test. I gave it a good stir and took a big gulp as my mouth watered. The drink was lovely and creamy, and tasted much like an ice cream on a hot day with raspberry sauce on top.
While I drank it in the M&S café, I could imagine someone enjoying it in the garden on a hot day, with a paddling pool out and barbecue on. The delicious flavour left me excited to go back in for more.
I would say it is on the sweet side – so if that is not your thing, I would stick to the regular matcha. And as previously pointed out, the paler colour means the matcha taste is not super powerful.
However, those who want to enjoy the matcha benefits without the earthy green aftertaste, or try it for the first time, this could be perfection for you.
Final summary
I enjoyed the new M&S matcha drink, it is fun and fruity and reminds me of summer. However, I don’t think it compares to matchas I have tried at the likes of Starbucks, Black Sheep or Blank Street, which feel significantly higher quality.
The most disappointing detail was the beverage not being made to order. While it’s nice on a hot day, I would’t go to M&S specifically to get one.
However, I would pick one up if I visited the café. So it’s definitely worth a try if you are in the supermarket already!
Rating: 6/10.
