SWINDON, England — A reviewer at Costa Coffee’s Parade location in Swindon town centre called the chain’s new Hot Matcha Latte a letdown. The takeaway cup arrived looking like murky green soup straight from a Dickens tale. It carried a sharp grassy smell that carried straight through to the first sip.

Matcha powder, finely ground green tea leaves, mixes with milk or a substitute to form the base of these lattes. Costa rolled out the range early in 2026, offering a hot version alongside an Iced Matcha Latte and Strawberry Coconut Iced Matcha Latte. Prices start at £4.25 for the hot size the reviewer ordered.

“The Matcha doesn’t really have any creaminess — it is more like water in texture,” the reviewer wrote. A faint trace of milk failed to smooth out the bold, vegetal flavor. While pitched as a healthy coffee alternative, the drink fell short on appeal for this first-time matcha drinker.

Costa positions the lineup as customizable. A January 2025 report noted options for various milks and syrups. The Strawberry Coconut Iced Matcha Latte, for instance, promises creamy coconut paired with sweet strawberry sauce. The reviewer skipped that one, wary after the hot version’s performance.

Nishant Bhatia, Costa Coffee’s global food and beverage innovation director, touted the drinks last year. “January is about finding small moments of comfort and enjoyment, and that was front of mind when creating this menu — especially our new Matcha range,” Bhatia said. He described Costa’s matcha as a “feel-good ritual” with a smooth flavor, whether for newcomers or fans. The menu also features items like the Spanish Caramelo Latte and Onion Bhaji Wrap to lift spirits.

First-timers might cut the chain some slack. The reviewer had no prior matcha experience for comparison — no benchmarks from competitors like Starbucks or local tea shops. Plenty of customers swear by matcha’s earthy buzz and antioxidant punch. Still, this trial ended in regret over the £4.25 spend.

Costa stores across the UK stock the full matcha lineup now. Fans of green tea rituals may disagree. Skeptics, take note: the hot version prioritizes purity over indulgence.