You have probably heard of green matcha, the bright green tea powder packed with antioxidants and health benefits. But have you come across its strikingly blue counterpart, known as blue matcha? This trendy ingredient — a vivid blue powder — has been popping up on social media in everything from smoothies to cocktails. While blue matcha doesn’t offer the exact same benefits as green matcha, this indigo-hued powder could lift your mood in other ways. So, is blue matcha a superdrink or just a passing health trend? Let’s break it down.What is Blue Matcha?Blue matcha comes from the flower of the butterfly pea plant. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Blue matcha is usually found in powdered form, but sometimes it’s sold as a tea to brew,” explains Romito. “It’s quite different from green matcha, but because it’s consumed in a similar way, that’s likely how it got the matcha name.” Blue matcha also offers a visual perk, making it a favorite in drinks and cocktails. “It’s a chameleon in a cup,” Romito says. “When its antioxidants mix with acidic ingredients like lemonade, it can shift from blue to purple or even pink.”Health Benefits of Blue MatchaWhile it’s fun to play with in drinks, blue matcha does have some potential health perks, Romito notes, according to the Cleveland Clinic:It’s caffeine-freeGreen matcha is loaded with caffeine, making it perfect for a morning boost. Blue matcha, however, has no caffeine. “This is ideal if you avoid caffeine or are sensitive to it,” Romito points out.It’s rich in anthocyaninsAnthocyanins are the pigments that give foods like cherries, pomegranates, eggplants, and red cabbage their deep blue or purple color. While research is ongoing, these antioxidants may help with:Lowering blood pressureReducing the risk of heart diseaseProtecting against neurological conditionsSlowing cancer growth“Blue matcha works like any other food with these antioxidants,” Romito emphasizes. “It doesn’t give you more benefits than eating blueberries or purple sweet potatoes. It’s best to include a variety of blue and purple foods in your diet.”Blue Matcha: Potential Risks or Side EffectsOverall, blue matcha appears safe for most people. Regarding allergies, registered dietitian Natalie Romito, RD, LD, advises that anyone allergic to flowers should start with small amounts to see how their body reacts. She also cautions against overdoing it.“Too much of anything isn’t good,” Romito says. “Stick to about one serving of blue matcha a day. If it causes nausea or digestive issues, your body might not tolerate it well. In that case, you can rely on other blue and purple foods to get the same antioxidants.”Adding blue matcha to coffee, tea, cocktails, and other foods can make them more visually appealing. While it does have some health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its potential.“If you enjoy blue matcha, that’s great,” Romito concludes. “But don’t replace other blue and purple foods with it. Keep eating blueberries, beets, and grapes. Blue matcha can be a fun addition, but it shouldn’t replace the nutritional value of other foods.”
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