There’s a new digital trend of performative matcha drinkers that has people talking.
Some describe matcha as a soothing drink, as it is a type of tea made from the ground powder of green tea leaves. It’s usually known for its green color and large traces of caffeine. However, the internet is bringing commotion to a calming drink with the new performative matcha trend that describes the kind of person who often drinks matcha.
“[It’s] someone who shows it off, as they’re drinking it,” senior Mackenzie Hill said. “Like, they don’t just drink it because they enjoy the taste, but they drink it to show what kind of person they are; they may also match the drink with a more classy style.”
Senior Kayla Spoors sees the trend similarly.
“I think it’s a trend where people try to seem more superior than their peers,” Spoors said. “They try to look cooler and dress more professionally, and then [try to] just have more of a better vibe.”
As Hill and Spoors described, some on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok have posted with the green drink and have been labeled as a performative matcha drinker.
The performative matcha trend has even reached educators within FHN. Kreighton Tyler, a business teacher at North, is one of many who have faced performative matcha drinking jokes even though he started drinking matcha about two years ago.
“Yes, I’ve had it many times in class, and kids have made fun of me for it,” Tyler said. “But I feel like I’ve been drinking matcha before the trend.”
He still said some of his students poke jokes, calling out “matcha and quarter-zips” at the sight of his drink.
Although it’s clear some people only drink matcha to keep up with the trends, others are confident that they will continue their habits long after the trend because it’s simply their lifestyle.
