Matcha Mamis: How Latina Founders Are Stirring Up the Green Tea Game
Let’s be real: if your morning matcha isn’t slaying as hard as your winged liner, what’s even the point?
Matcha has gone from niche to a must-have in the wellness world. However, lately, it’s not just influencers in beige sets frothing it up. A wave of Latina founders is entering the chat, and they’re making the matcha scene way more fun, way more fabulous, and a whole lot tastier. We’re talking collagen-packed lattes, ube drinks, and pop-up carts that play Bad Bunny while blending.
From cute carts in SoCal to aesthetically pleasing cafés in Texas, these jefas are giving matcha the makeover it desperately needs. And turning green tea into the new it-girl drink.
A Quick Sip of Backstory
Before we delve into the icons, let’s get one thing straight: matcha is not a new phenomenon. It’s been a staple in Japanese tea culture for centuries. But somewhere between the wellness boom and TikTok trends, it became the go-to drink of that girl who does Pilates at 6 a.m. and owns five Stanley cups.
Luckily, Latina-owned brands are adding their own flair, less gatekeepy, more glow-uppy. Think: real ingredients, fun flavors, and vibes that scream “main character” energy.
Drink Más Matcha, The Cool Cart You Wish Pulled Up to Your Office
If matcha were a person, Drink Más Matcha would be the chill girl who somehow always looks flawless and has the best playlist. Based in Southern California, this Latina-owned cart pops up across the IE, OC, and San Diego, serving ceremonial-grade drinks and zero attitude.
The drinks are energizing, earthy, and actually good for you. Yet, they don’t taste like lawn clippings, we promise. Founder Paloma created the brand to make this drink more fun, more accessible, and more likely to be found next to a DJ booth.
Más Drinks, For That Girl Who Has Supplements in Her Purse
If you’ve ever said “I’m tired pero like… cute tired,” this one’s for you. Más Drinks is basically your wellness fairy godmother in powder form. It combines ceremonial-grade matcha with collagen and mushrooms (not the edible kind, sorry) to support focus, skin health, and energy.
This is the kind you drink before a Zoom call, a hot girl walk, and maybe a situationship debrief with the group chat. It’s convenient, it’s chic, and it low-key makes you feel like Gwyneth if she grew up eating conchas.
Holy Matcha, San Diego’s Pink Paradise
You’ve definitely seen Holy Matcha on Instagram. It’s the millennial pink café where every drink, donut, and chair is aesthetic goals. Founded by Geraldine Ridaura, this café is basically what happens when matcha meets a glam squad.
It’s not just pretty, though. The product is the real deal. From iced lavender lattes to soft-serve, the menu is stacked and very “treat yourself” approved. You’ll want to sip, snack, and spend 45 minutes taking pics.
Mai Matcha – Where Matcha Meets Pan Dulce
If you’re ever in Laredo, TX, do yourself a favor and pull up to Mai Matcha. This café, founded by Mariela González, is serving ube drinks, concha matcha, and pan dulce so good it’ll make you text your abuela.
The vibe is nostalgic, the flavors are fun, and the drinks go down like childhood memories, but with a caffeinated kick. It’s the experience you didn’t know you needed until now. Also, it’s basically impossible to be in a bad mood here.
Final Sip: Matcha’s Having a Moment, and These Brands Are the Main Characters
Latina-owned matcha brands are showing up and showing out, with drinks that go hard on flavor and style. Whether you’re into wellness, aesthetics, or just need a caffeine upgrade that won’t send your heart into orbit, these matcha mavens have your back.
The era of bitter green powder and bland branding is over. We’re in our matcha era, and it’s giving: glam, glow, and buenas vibras only.
